PROBLEMS WE SOLVE

A Small Business Owner Would Like to Have a Lease Agreement Reviewed and Negotiated

You’re excited at the prospect of opening a storefront or production facility for your small business, but the lease agreement is older and contains provisions that you’re not completely comfortable with. What can you do?

First of all, if you’re unsure about anything in a commercial lease, don’t sign it. The terms and conditions of a commercial lease are an agreement between a landlord and a business, and changing or trying to break it later can be a lot more difficult than changing the lease on your apartment.

At the Florida Small Business Center, we represent small business owners during their lease agreement reviews and negotiations. Attorney Rich Sierra will explain your financial obligations within the contract and help you protect your rights as a tenant.

Florida Lease Agreements- an Overview

A valid commercial rental agreement in Florida must include certain information. This includes but may not be limited to:

The full legal names of the landlord and tenant. If one or both parties are a corporation or LLC, be sure to include that designation.
A description of the property being rented. This can help avoid future complications or confusion. If you’re renting the entire building, the lease will usually just state the address. If you’re renting office space, it should be described in more detail.
The rental amount: This is the amount you pay and the increments at which it is due. You should also clearly understand which costs are being passed on to you by the landlord (e.g. heat and water) and which ones are the landlord’s responsibility, such as repairs.
The date the lease agreement takes effect. This should correspond with the date you actually have access to the premises. The agreement should also clearly state the length of your lease.
A granting clause: This clause grants you the right to use the property as described in the lease.

Commercial leases also contain clauses relating to security deposits, improvements, alterations, maintenance, code compliance, options to renew, breaking the lease, and insurance. A lawyer can help you clarify and negotiate these terms when necessary.

To minimize risk, it is critical to consult a commercial leasing lawyer with experience negotiating the usually complex nuances of commercial lease agreements. The Florida Small Business Center has experience in all types of commercial lease transactions, from initial negotiations to renewals and terminations for business like the following:

Retail stores
Office spaces
Restaurants and bars
Dental and medical offices
Gyms and spas
Warehouses
Industrial facilities

Do You Need Assistance With a Commercial Lease Agreement?

At the Florida Small Business Center, Attorney Rich Sierra draws upon his extensive business law experience to assist small business owners with all aspects of negotiating and finalizing lease agreements. Careful and detail-oriented, he takes care of agreement review and negotiations in order to secure an optimal space for your business venture. To schedule a no-obligation consultation, call the Florida Small Business Center at 1-866-842-5202.