Wondering how to negotiate a Commercial Lease? 

This blog covers a crucial piece of advice for social entrepreneurs getting ready to sign a commercial lease: feel free to not accept the first offer your landlord presents to you.

When reviewing commercial leases, I have seen over and over again landlords trying to shift major property responsibilities onto the tenant. For example, a landlord might include a clause stating that you, the tenant, are responsible for the HVAC system. A lot of times, the HVAC really should be the landlord’s responsibility, not yours.

It is up to you to push back and say, “No, I think this should be your responsibility.” I just saw a lease the other day where the landlord expected the tenant to be responsible for the doors, the windows, and the plumbing. To me, all of that is part of the main building. You have every right to tell the landlord that they need to be responsible for the structure and core systems of their own property.

A lease is a negotiation, and the first draft is rarely written in your best interest. Do not be afraid to push back, advocate for your business, and ensure the landlord covers the maintenance of the main building.