Once you find the perfect property, you may be ready to sign on the dotted line. Before you do this, make sure you review the lease in great detail. From there, it’s always a good idea to ask the landlord a few key questions.
Here are some top questions to ask a landlord before signing a commercial lease:
— What is the lease term? While a year is common, this is not always what a landlord presents. Make sure you are comfortable with the lease term.
— What are the consequences of breaking the lease early? You don’t expect this to happen, but it could come into play at some point in the future, such as if your company needs more space to grow.
— Are utilities included? You need to know what you are responsible for paying and what the landlord will take care of. There should not be any gray area here.
— Who is responsible for repairs? This is typically left to the landlord, but you must make sure this is clear in the lease.
— When is rent due and what are the available payment methods? This will help you better plan for the future.
These are just a few of the many questions to ask a landlord before signing a lease. No matter what is on your mind, make sure you discuss the details with your landlord.
If you have any questions or concerns in the future, you can always go back to your lease to better understand your legal rights and the steps you need to take to find a solution.
Source: Esurance, “12 questions to ask a landlord before signing your lease,” accessed June 07, 2017