Commercial Leasing

Practice Contacts

Commercial Leasing

Commercial leases are anything but standard documents. Taft’s real estate attorneys are adept at understanding and negotiating the provisions that should specifically be contained in commercial leases to uniquely suit our clients’ needs.

We provide experienced legal counsel at the onset of a lease, working with tenants, landlords and/or developers on clause details typically addressed in commercial leases, including:

The lease term, including its duration and renewal options
Accurate description of the leased premises space, including common areas and construction particulars
Computations for rent and allowable escalations
Additional costs expected for insurance coverage, property taxes, and maintenance-related items
Specifications for projected build outs and improvements, as set forth in alterations clauses
Allowable signage types and placement
Maintenance and premise repairs
Assignment and subletting of properties
Use and exclusives clauses

Access Issues

Attorneys also address access issues to ensure that clients and their customers have suitable access to their leased property. We consider shared areas, such as conference rooms, storage rooms, and parking. Reciprocal easement agreements (“REAs”) are utilized to establish the legal right to use shared areas between two or more property owners. REAs are used by private owners of adjoining land or businesses that share an area, such as a large parking lot for a shopping plaza.

Our attorneys are also aware of the requirements set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) with stipulations for businesses that are open to the public or that employ more than 15 people to have premises that are accessible to disabled people. We ensure that agreement is reached and documented in the lease as to whether the landlord or tenant will pay for any needed modifications, such as adding a ramp or widening doorways to accommodate wheelchairs.

Related Practices

Notable Matters

Assisted in the acquisition, development, financing, and leasing of shopping centers in the Midwest
Represented a healthcare network in the leasing of a large amount of replacement space at multiple locations due to its headquarter relocation