Maryland Commercial Lease: Types, Key Terms To Know, Costs

Reviewed for legal accuracy by Forest Hamilton JD

Quick Facts — Commercial Lease Lawyers (Maryland)

A Maryland commercial lease agreement is a contract between a landlord and a business tenant regarding the renting of a commercial property. A commercial agreement is generally used for leasing retail, industrial, restaurant, or office space in Maryland detailing the terms and conditions of the lease, regarding the lease term, security deposit, rent amount, subleasing, and exclusivity. The agreement becomes a legally binding contract that is enforceable in a court of law once signed by both parties.

There are three major types of commercial lease agreements:

  1. Gross Lease – The lessee pays a single fixed payment to the landlord, including the utility costs associated with the property.
  2. Modified Gross Lease – The lessee pays for the basic rent at the beginning of the lease as well as a proportionate share of costs like property taxes, insurance premiums, and maintenance expenses during the lease tenure.
  3. Triple Net Lease (NNN) – The lessee promises to pay all the expenses of the property, including real estate taxes, building insurance, and maintenance in addition to the cost of rent and utilities.
Meet some lawyers on our platform

Alton H.

32 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Dolan W.

886 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Darryl S.

278 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

Heather B.

57 projects on CC
CC verified
View Profile

What is Included in a Maryland Commercial Lease?

Signing a commercial lease in Maryland is not only compulsory but also helps in protecting yourself. A Maryland commercial lease states,

  • The rights of ownership of the property. Thus, no one else can claim the property.
  • The parts of the property like parking space that come under the commercial property.
  • The duration during which the contract must be abided by is mentioned.
  • The laws pertaining to operating a food business and the food items that are banned or illegal. The agreement must also disclose if the property was used for any illegal business earlier.

Key Terms Related to Maryland Commercial Lease

  • Property Owner- The person who is legally the bearer of the property.
  • Contract Duration - The time period for which the contract is applicable.

If you are looking for expert guidance or a lawyer for your Maryland commercial lease, or any other legal proceedings, check out the services offered by ContractsCounsel. Compare multiple free proposals from vetted lawyers and save 60% less than traditional law firms - start your job proposal here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I hire a lawyer to draft a commercial lease in Maryland?
How much does it cost to hire a lawyer to review a commercial lease in Maryland?

See Commercial Lease by State

See Real Commercial Lease Projects

Pennsylvania Lease Review Review
  • Pennsylvania
  • 3 lawyer bids
  • $450 - $850
View Details
New Jersey Restaurant lease review Review
  • New Jersey
  • 2 lawyer bids
  • $1,000 - $1,200
View Details
Georgia review of business property leasing agreement Review
  • Georgia
  • 5 lawyer bids
  • $750 - $1,650
View Details
Texas Real Estate Lease Review Review
  • Texas
  • 4 lawyer bids
  • $700 - $1,250
View Details
Arizona Commercial Lease Review Review
  • Arizona
  • 5 lawyer bids
  • $500 - $1,250
View Details
Arizona Commercial Lease Drafting Drafting
  • Arizona
  • 5 lawyer bids
  • $650 - $1,850
View Details

See all Commercial Lease projects in Maryland


ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.


Need help with a Commercial Lease?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 19,287 reviews

Meet some of our Maryland Commercial Lease Lawyers

Michael T. on ContractsCounsel
View Michael
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
June 13, 2022

Michael T.

Lawyer
Free Consultation
Fairfax, Virginia
36 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MD DC, VA
College of William and Mary

I have been in practice since 1990 and practice in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. I am an experienced litigator and look forward to resolving your legal questions as efficiently as possible.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Easy to work with. Great communication. Helped steer us in the right direction to make sure we filed the right document for our needs."

Thomas G. on ContractsCounsel
View Thomas
5.0 (2)
Member Since:
January 27, 2023

Thomas G.

Real Estate Attorney
Free Consultation
Chevy Chase, MD
24 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MD DC
University of Maryland School of Law

https://www.tgravelylaw.com/

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Thomas was great to work with. He was easy to communicate with and helped ensure I got a fair contract for my commercial lease. I highly recommend Thomas to anyone."

O.T. W. on ContractsCounsel
View O.T.
5.0 (1)
Member Since:
March 8, 2023

O.T. W.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Washington, DC
11 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MD NY
Texas Southern University - Thurgood Marshall School of Law

Hi, my name is O.T. and I own The Walker Collective, a law firm that caters to the contractual, intellectual property, and business formation needs of creative entrepreneurs and small business owners. I am licensed to practice in Maryland and New York.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"O.T was very personable, knowledgable, and resourceful. Would definitely use her again!"

Sara S. on ContractsCounsel
View Sara
4.9 (154)
Member Since:
July 14, 2023

Sara S.

Attorney
Free Consultation
Washington, District of Columbia
6 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MD DC, PA
American University Washington College of Law

With over eleven years of intellectual property experience, I’m happy to work on your contract problem. I am very diligent and enjoy meeting tight deadlines. Drafting memoranda, business transactional documents, termination notices, demand letters, licenses and letter agreements are all in my wheelhouse! Working in a variety of fields, from construction to pharmaceutical, I enjoy resolving any disputes that come across my desk. I will prioritize your project, big or small. Please be ready and prepared with all relevant documentation so we can get started as soon as you click HIRE! Hourly rate projects will be billed hourly in accordance with the timesheet. Flat rate projects will be billed in segments. Choosing an hourly or flat rate is up to you. Absolutely no refunds.

Recent  ContractsCounsel Client  Review:
5.0

"Sara was very helpful with the matter and we will work with her again."

Christopher M. on ContractsCounsel
View Christopher
Member Since:
May 22, 2023

Christopher M.

Owner of The McKenna Law Group, LLC
Free Consultation
Frederick, Maryland
23 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MD VA
University of Richmond, TC Williams School of Law

Skilled and experienced business attorney with vast experience in a wide array of commercial contracts. Strong emphasis on the lodging and hospitality practice field, including real estate acquisition and disposition, management agreements, franchise agreements, design & construction contracting and finance.

John W. on ContractsCounsel
View John
Member Since:
July 23, 2023

John W.

Strategic Business Partner
Free Consultation
Brookline, MA
40 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MD DC, VA
Georgetown University Law Center

I am a business lawyer with 30+ years of experience, with a specialization in the life sciences industry. I have been general counsel at 5 different companies - both large and growing, as well as small and emerging. I have built legal teams and have extensive experience with Boards of Directors.

John A. on ContractsCounsel
View John
Member Since:
July 24, 2023

John A.

Managing Attorney
Free Consultation
Baltimore, Maryland
14 Yrs Experience
Licensed in MD
Loyola University New Orleans College of Law

John Arthur-Mensah is a highly skilled attorney with extensive expertise in drafting contracts, information law, international law, insurance defense, and complex civil litigation. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a keen eye for detail and a strong ability to craft well-structured, comprehensive legal agreements. John's track record includes successfully managing the entire contract drafting process, from initial negotiation to final execution. His proficiency in legal research and documentation enables him to ensure that contracts comply with applicable laws and regulations. With a strategic approach and persuasive communication skills, John excels in negotiating contract terms and providing valuable counsel on contractual matters. Admitted to the Maryland Bar and the United States District Court in Maryland, he is well-equipped to handle a diverse range of legal challenges, making him a valuable asset in contract drafting and beyond.

Find the best lawyer for your project

Browse Lawyers Now

Lawyer Reviews for Maryland Commercial Lease Projects

Review Commercial Lease for a Boutique Fitness Studio

4.7

"I had a relatively quick and satisfactory experience with Zachary to review a commercial lease. I would recommend him to other projects."

Maryland
Review
Commercial Lease
ContractsCounsel User

Commercial Lease Review

5.0

"very responsive , rapid turnaround and helpful insights . most importantly best price I found by a mile"

Florida
Review
Commercial Lease
ContractsCounsel User

Commercial Lease Review – Small Business Tenant (Washington)

5.0

"Thank you!"

Washington
Review
Commercial Lease
ContractsCounsel User

Review Commercial Lease

5.0

"Zachary was prompt, clear, and helpful in reviewing our commercial lease agreement and providing redlines. Would be happy to work with him again."

Washington
Review
Commercial Lease
ContractsCounsel User

Review Florida Self Storage Lease and Lien Procedures with Redlines

5.0

"Amazing to work with, answered all my follow-up questions without hesitation. Highly recommend Michael."

Florida
Review
Commercial Lease
ContractsCounsel User

Commercial Real Estate

Commercial Lease

Maryland

Asked on Apr 27, 2023

What are the notice requirements for terminating the lease?

I am a business owner who recently signed a commercial lease for a property. I am looking to terminate the lease but am unsure of the notice requirements I must adhere to in order to do so. I would like to know what the notice requirements are for terminating the lease so that I can ensure I do not breach the terms of the lease.

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.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Real Estate

Commercial Lease

Florida

Asked on Apr 13, 2023

How long is a typical commercial lease agreement?

I am a small business owner looking to expand my operations, and I am considering leasing a commercial space. I understand that commercial lease agreements vary in length, but I am unsure how long the typical agreement is. I would like to know this information so I can better plan for my business needs and budget.

Moss S.

Answered Apr 28, 2023

The term of a commercial lease typically is no less than 3 years, and could be either 5 or 10 years. Both the Landlord and Tenant usually like long term leases.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Litigation

Commercial Lease

Texas

Asked on Apr 14, 2023

What's the survival clause in a commercial lease?

I am looking to enter into a commercial lease for my new business. I am unfamiliar with the terms of a commercial lease, and am particularly interested in understanding the survival clause. This clause is important to me because I want to make sure I am fully aware of my rights and responsibilities as a tenant. I need to know what is expected of me should the lease be terminated prematurely.

Curt L.

Answered Apr 28, 2023

A survival clause is fairly standard in a lease. It extends the effectiveness of certain provisions, such as party representations, warranties, promises, and covenants beyond the expiration or termination of the lease, but not beyond the legally prescribed statute of limitations. For example, If you make a fraudulent representation in a 1-year lease, the other party to the lease who is damaged by your fraud could still sue you for that fraud even after the end of the 1-year lease.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Commercial Real Estate

Commercial Lease

North Carolina

Asked on Apr 26, 2023

How is the rent determined in a commercial lease agreement?

I am a small business owner looking to rent a space for my business. I am currently in negotiations with the landlord of a commercial property and we are discussing the terms of the lease agreement. We have reached a point where we need to discuss the rent and how it will be determined. I need to understand more about how rent is determined in commercial leases so that I can negotiate a fair and reasonable agreement.

N'kia N.

Answered May 19, 2023

In North Carolina, commercial rent is commonly calculated as a set dollar amount per square foot. This dollar amount is usually based on factors like location, age, condition, accessibility, and amenities. However, there is no requirement for rent to be determined this way. Unlike a residential lease agreement, the terms of a commercial lease agreement can be almost anything that the parties mutually agree to. As a word of caution, in North Carolina, commercial tenants do not have the same degree of legal protections as residential tenants. For just one example, a tenant who wishes to terminate a commercial lease early may be responsible for the entire remainder of the rent unless the lease agreement says otherwise.

Read 1 attorney answer>

Real Estate

Commercial Lease

California

Asked on Apr 21, 2023

What's the property description in a commercial lease?

I am a small business owner who is looking to lease a property for my business. I am currently reviewing a commercial lease and am trying to understand what is included in the property description in the lease. I am hoping to gain more clarity on what the property description entails and how it affects my business.

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]]."

Read 1 attorney answer>
See more legal questions…

Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.

View Trustpilot Review

Need help with a Commercial Lease?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 19,287 reviews
Real Estate lawyers by top cities
See All Maryland Real Estate Lawyers
Maryland Commercial Lease lawyers by city
See All Commercial Lease Lawyers

ContractsCounsel User

Recent Project:
Commercial Lease Teview
Location: Louisiana
Turnaround: Over a week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Commercial Lease
Page Count: 35
Number of Bids: 3
Bid Range: $995 - $1,200

ContractsCounsel User

Recent Project:
commercial lease for landlord
Location: California
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Commercial Lease
Page Count: 30
Number of Bids: 5
Bid Range: $650 - $1,499

Need help with a Commercial Lease?

Create a free project posting
Clients Rate Lawyers 4.9 Stars
based on 19,287 reviews

Want to speak to someone?

Get in touch below and we will schedule a time to connect!

Request a call

Find lawyers and attorneys by city