Top Reasons to Consult an Attorney About Business Location

Why You Should Consult a Legal Expert

You've put countless hours into making your dream business become a reality. As you move towards finding a spot for your business and begin negotiating the terms of the lease, you are likely to run into questions along the way. Hiring a lawyer is an investment in your business's future. Here are eight important reasons why you'll want to speak to an attorney about your business location.

1. To Review a Lease. You've been able to negotiate with the landlord over provisions you want included in the your commercial lease. Nonetheless, you have this nagging feeling that you're forgetting something. Consult an attorney. An attorney should always review a lease prior to signing.
2. To Review a Purchase Agreement. An attorney should be consulted before a purchase contract is signed. The attorney can advise you about local codes, zoning regulations, assessments against the property, liens, and environmental concerns
3. To Draft Critical Lease Clauses. You've decided on the location and discussed with the landlord certain provisions that you want included in the lease. These provisions are very important to you. The landlord has tentatively agreed to add these provisions to the lease. The landlord has suggested that you write down what you want and he will have his attorney incorporate these provisions into the lease. You've never written anything like this before. You want to make sure that your needs are met and that there is no confusion over the meaning of these provisions. What should you do? Consult an attorney. The attorney can draft these clauses for you. The attorney can make sure that your wants and needs are met and that there is no confusion over the meaning of these provisions.
4. To Help You Decide Whether to Lease or Purchase. Rent or buy? An attorney can review the sales agreement and the lease agreement in light of your short- and long-term needs and financial situation, and eliminate some of the uncertainty of this important decision.
5. To Negotiate a Lease. Like any other contract, the terms of a lease are negotiable. You may be too close to the situation, however, to negotiate a lease that best serves your interests. An attorney can negotiate on your behalf.
6. To Research Zoning Laws. The attorney can research the zoning laws for you. You will then be sure that your business can locate in the area without running afoul of any zoning laws.
7. To Review a Real Estate Agent's Contract. You've spent several months searching for a location for your business. You've found a few sites that might work but would like to broaden your search. You think that a commercial real estate agent may have access to additional properties. You contact an agency and meet with the agent. You decide to sign on with the agency. The agent then hands you an exclusive representation agreement. You read the agreement but aren't sure of the restrictions contained in it. What should you do? Consult an attorney. The attorney will explain the agreement to you before you sign it. The attorney can make sure that any properties that you found on your own prior to engaging the services of the commercial real estate agency are not subject to the restrictions in the agreement.
8. To Ensure Compliance with the ADA. You've purchased an old building that needs some refurbishing. To save money, you decide that you and your brother will make the improvements. You know that the building must be accessible to disabled persons but you don't know what else must be done to the building to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). What should you do? Consult an attorney. The attorney can advise you of what is required under the ADA.

Next Steps

Now that you've decided to consult with an attorney, the next step is finding one that meets your needs. Contact a business and commercial law attorney in your area today.