Questions to Ask When Leasing a Commercial Space
Navigate commercial leasing with strategic questions that help you understand lease terms, responsibilities, and costs while ensuring you make informed decisions about your business space.
1What's the total cost of the lease including rent, utilities, and additional fees?
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What's the total cost of the lease including rent, utilities, and additional fees?
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Why this works
Reveals the complete financial picture while helping you understand all costs associated with the lease and budget accordingly.
2What's the lease term and what are the renewal options?
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What's the lease term and what are the renewal options?
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Why this works
Shows the commitment length while revealing the lease duration and your options for extending or ending the lease.
3What's included in the rent and what are additional charges?
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What's included in the rent and what are additional charges?
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Why this works
Demonstrates what's covered while revealing what services and amenities are included in the base rent versus additional charges.
4What's the landlord's approach to maintenance and repairs?
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What's the landlord's approach to maintenance and repairs?
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Why this works
Shows their maintenance philosophy while revealing who is responsible for various types of maintenance and repairs.
5What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of tenants and businesses?
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What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of tenants and businesses?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their tenant relations while revealing how they work with various types of businesses and tenant needs.
6What's the landlord's approach to handling different types of lease modifications and changes?
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What's the landlord's approach to handling different types of lease modifications and changes?
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Why this works
Shows their flexibility while revealing how they handle lease changes and modifications as your business grows.
7What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of insurance and liability?
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What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of insurance and liability?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their risk management while revealing their insurance requirements and liability coverage.
8What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of zoning and permits?
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What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of zoning and permits?
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Why this works
Shows their compliance awareness while revealing how they handle zoning requirements and permit issues.
9What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of security and safety?
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What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of security and safety?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their safety focus while revealing their security measures and safety protocols.
10What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of parking and accessibility?
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What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of parking and accessibility?
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Why this works
Shows their accessibility awareness while revealing their parking arrangements and accessibility features.
11What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of signage and branding?
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What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of signage and branding?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their branding support while revealing their policies on signage and business branding.
12What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of utilities and services?
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What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of utilities and services?
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Why this works
Shows their service management while revealing how they handle utilities and building services.
13What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of construction and improvements?
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What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of construction and improvements?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their improvement support while revealing their policies on tenant improvements and construction.
14What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of subleasing and assignment?
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What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of subleasing and assignment?
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Why this works
Shows their flexibility while revealing their policies on subleasing and lease assignment.
15What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of disputes and conflicts?
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What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of disputes and conflicts?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their conflict resolution while revealing how they handle disputes and maintain tenant relationships.
16What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of market conditions and changes?
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What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of market conditions and changes?
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Why this works
Shows their market awareness while revealing how they handle market changes and economic fluctuations.
17What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of environmental and sustainability?
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What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of environmental and sustainability?
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Why this works
Demonstrates their environmental awareness while revealing their approach to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
18What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of technology and connectivity?
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What's the landlord's approach to working with different types of technology and connectivity?
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Why this works
Shows their tech support while revealing their approach to technology infrastructure and connectivity.
19What's the most important thing for tenants to know about this lease?
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What's the most important thing for tenants to know about this lease?
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Why this works
Provides key guidance while revealing what they consider most critical for tenants to understand about the lease and their responsibilities.
20What's the landlord's vision for the property and how do they plan to maintain it?
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What's the landlord's vision for the property and how do they plan to maintain it?
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Why this works
Shows their long-term thinking while revealing their plans for property maintenance and development.
Mastering Commercial Leasing
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Understand All Costs
Ask about all costs including rent, utilities, fees, and additional charges. This helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Assess Lease Terms
Ask about lease duration, renewal options, and termination clauses. This helps you understand your commitment and flexibility.
Evaluate Landlord Relationship
Ask about their approach to tenant relations and maintenance. This helps you understand what kind of landlord-tenant relationship to expect.
Question Sequences
The Cost Explorer
The Relationship Builder
Common Pitfalls
Don't Focus Only on Rent
While rent is important, also ask about utilities, maintenance, and additional fees. These costs can significantly impact your total occupancy cost.
Avoid Generic Questions
Don't ask questions that don't reveal their specific approach and policies. Ask about their unique methods and strategies.
Don't Ignore the Long-term
Consider the long-term implications of the lease. Ask about renewal options, termination clauses, and how the lease will work as your business grows.