Recent Answers to Commercial Lease Law Questions

Michelle M.

Answered Jan 26, 2025

The answer to your question is contained in the lease. All rights and obligations of parties to a commercial lease are controlled by and provided for within the lease. If your lease provides for early termination by the landlord, then the landlord can exercise that option. If it doesn't provide for early termination and you are in compliance with the lease, then they can't terminate early (at least not without your consent). You should retain a local attorney who can review the lease and provide advice concerning your specific situation. Best of luck!

MICHAEL B.

Answered Jun 2, 2023

A commercial lease agreement sets out the parameters of the space to be leased, including a description of the premises, an allocation of responsibilities for janitorial services, electrical services, tenant improvements, insurance requirements, payment of rent and payment of common area expenses, parking for employees and visitors, telephone and telecommunication services and many other issues.

Michael C.

Answered Jun 1, 2023

The notice requirements for terminating a commercial lease in Maryland are going to vary depending on the specific terms of your lease agreement. Please read and refer to your lease. If your lease is month to month, then it's likely you'll have to provide at least 30 days notice. If your lease is for a longer term (6 to 12 months), it's likely you'll have to provide at least 90 days notice, and may need to pay damages for breach of the lease agreement.

Michael C.

Answered Jun 1, 2023

Standard commercial lease template includes language about the nature and extent of modifications tenants can make to a property. In this instance, there's no legal or regulatory exception that is going to protect you from a restriction in the lease. Your best bet is to negotiate directly with the landlord for a modification to the lease terms.

N'kia N.

Answered May 30, 2023

In a North Carolina commercial lease agreement, it is common for the landlord to be responsible for major maintenance and repairs (including structural issues) and the tenant to be responsible for minor maintenance and repairs (including general wear and tear). However, the landlord and the tenant may agree to alternative arrangements in the written lease. The best way to more fully understand your specific maintenance and repair responsibilities under a specific lease agreement is to have an attorney review the agreement and discuss it with you. Good luck!

Gagandeep K.

Answered May 24, 2023

A property description in a commercial lease has to sufficiently identify the extent and boundaries of the property being leased. For example, it can be described by a map reference or by metes and bounds, or include a description such as "that certain building on the south-westerly corner of California and Larkin Streets." The commercial lease will include defined terms such as "Building," "Property," and "Premises". The defined terms define/describe the "Property" on which the "Building" is located which has the "Premises"/"Space" that is being leased. A sample definition of is Property Description in a Commercial Lease: ""Property" means the real property on which the Building is located together with the Building and all appurtenant fixtures and personal property of Landlord used in the operation of the Building and/or the Property, and any other improvements now existing or hereafter constructed thereon[, including the parking lot, walkways, and landscaped ground as depicted on the site plan attached hereto as Exhibit [LETTER]]."