Short Story Series: Commercial Lease Agreements, Why You Need a Leasing Lawyer

Karunn Shahani

Principal Lawyer and Managing Director

Some business owners spend months planning their new premises.
The location. The fit-out. The signage. The vibe.
Then the lease lands in their inbox and they don't give a second thought to signing it.

The Lease: Your Business Rulebook

That lease is the document that will govern how you operate your business for the next 3, 5, maybe 10 years. It's the rulebook.

Common Commercial Lease Clauses to Watch For

There are clauses that appear in almost every commercial lease, which can catch you off guard if you sign without understanding what they actually mean in practice:

  • Rent reviews tied to market conditions

  • Outgoings clauses that shift costs to you

  • Make-good obligations that cost thousands at exit

  • Restrictions on assignment if you want to sell the business

  • Demolition clauses that end your lease early

Landlords know these clauses well. They negotiate them into every lease.

How a Leasing Lawyer Protects Your Interests

A good leasing lawyer will push back on the clauses that expose you, negotiate better terms before you're locked in, and make sure you actually understand what you're committing to.

When a problem arises after signing your lease, it's too late to wish you'd looked closer.

Or to wish you had chosen a better lawyer.

Get Legal Advice Before You Sign

If you're taking on a new commercial lease, get proper advice before you sign.

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