A tenant should always perform his or her due diligence in gathering the facts on any material defects seen or unseen in a building they plan to lease. The facts may not be disclosed by the owner’s broker or by the owner.
The concealment of material facts may cause further serious damage to the property that the tenant may inherit after signing a lease. A business owner investigating property for future decades of residency should have his/her broker inquire to the broker or the owner regarding unforeseen material facts. Simply ask, if there are any possible material defects that may cause the company concerns in the future.
Zoning or deed restrictions may prevent the tenants’ use or future use of the property. As a result, the prospective tenant should always research the history of the property’s zoning laws. The restrictions could eventually cause government authorities to order a cease and desist of the business.
The landlord may not be aware of any deed restrictions on the property. Consequently, a new title report can always be obtained from the title company. In addition, a tenant planning on making changes to the property must always consult the city planning and zoning department.
Environmental discovery on the property is recommended to confirm the premises are not contaminated. A restaurant or food manufacturing plant should especially research environmental cleanup history. A visit to the planning department could uncover permits for the remediation of any environmental condition. It is advised to get a phase I environmental test prior to signing a lease for food or restaurant use.
The landlord may have for example cleaned up mold or asbestos from the property years earlier. However, he or she may have forgotten the cleanup and did not disclose the information unintentionally. Another example may be a toxic spill in the parking lot that occurred many years earlier and was not disclosed.
Neighboring businesses that may cause problems for the tenant should always be disclosed before signing a lease. The nuisance neighbor may not bother the prospective tenant; nevertheless, disclosure is imperative. A medical group may be affected by a loud and disruptive neighbor while a Dog kennel wouldn’t even notice it. In addition, a neighbor who abuses parking spaces that may decrease the prospective new tenants parking requirements represented in their lease must always be disclosed.
It is crucial for a potential long term tenant to know if the owner is intending to sell the property or hold on to it for a long time. A new tenant should always fight for a limitation of real estate taxes or Proposition 13 protection before signing a lease. The sale of the property will always trigger a new valuation of the property. An increase in real estate taxes due to the sale of the property may cost the tenant thousands of dollars which was never anticipated.
There are several more disclosures that may need to be considered. The tenant should always do their homework prior to signing a lease and moving into the property. The landlord may be ethical and has no intention of deceiving the tenant; however, the tenant should do his or her due diligence to prevent costly litigation in the future.
Segal Commercial is supplying a checklist below your company can use before signing a lease.
Checklist for Commercial Leases
Lease Provisions
- Identify premises
- Terms
- Options
- Assignment-Sublet
- Defaults and Remedies
Retail Stores – In Shopping Center
- Set Out Easements
- Specify Square Footage
- Identify Common Areas
- Identify Store Location by Number & Location
Retail Stores – In Building
- Customer Parking
- Signs
Office Space
- Parking
- Square Footage
- HVAC –Hours of Operation
- Restrictions As to Signage
Combination Office and Warehouse
- Access
- Loading Docks
- Square Footage of Each Area
Use
A. Retail Space
Restrict to One Use
Operating Agreement – Continuous Occupancy
B. Office Space
Restrict Use, Noise, Traffic to Office
Tenant Considerations
- zoning – Use Restrictions
- Adequate Utilities
- Right to Use Parking Area
- Does Rent Commence before Occupancy?
- Allowance for Tenant Improvements
- Environmental Matters
- Expansion Rights
Options
1. To Renew or Extend Lease
a. Definite As to Term and Amount
2. Option to Lease Additional Space
Designate Space
Time Option May Be Exercised
Definite Time
Rent Per Square Foot
Landlord’s Obligations
Free Standing Structure
Structural Repairs but Exclude
a. Doors
b. Docks
c. Skylights
d. Windows
Multi-tenant building
- Structural Repairs
- Painting after Certain Period
- Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC systems
Obligation of Tenants
Maintain Leased Premises
Compliance with Laws
Repairs
a. Non-Structural Repairs
b. If Landlord Fails, May Tenant Do Them?
c. If Landlord Makes Repairs, Tenant Billed Comply with Building Regulations
Assignment
If Silent Tenant May Assign
Consent to Assignment by Landlord
a. Not to Be Unreasonably Withheld
b. In Landlord’s Sole Discretion
Subletting
- Consent of Landlord
- All or Part of Premises
- Right to Terminate Lease
- Right to Get Portion of Increased Rent from Subtenant
- Right of Landlord to Get Rent From Subtenant
Insurance
Who Maintains Insurance?
