A Washington commercial lease is an official contract describing the terms and conditions of renting a commercial property. The agreement is enforceable in a court of law once both the landlord and the renter have signed it. The agreement details the lease's duration, monthly payment, security deposit, right to renew, and parties' respective obligations.
Washington Commercial Lease Laws You Need To Know
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Security Deposit Laws
In Washington, there is no limit on the maximum amount of a security deposit. A security deposit must be returned within 14 days of the tenant vacating the space and a separate bank account for security deposits is required. A deposit should not be collected unless a written rental agreement is provided detailing the cleanliness and condition of the space, including floors, walls, countertops, carpeting, curtains, furniture, and appliances.
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Washington Rent and Fee Laws
The tenant has the authority to withhold the rent and inform the govt. authorities if the landlord fails to provide essential services, such as heat or water. A tenant also has the right to deduct rent if they must make repairs. However, if the repair needs professional handling, the tenant must provide the estimated cost to the landlord.
Breaking a Lease in Washington
A tenant is required to pay the full amount of their lease term, regardless of whether the tenant uses the premises or not. However, certain exceptions include:
- Stalking or domestic violence
- Unlawful harassment by the landlord or landlord's agent
- Military deployment
- Failure of the landlord to address a repair
- Safety and health concerns
Washington provides minimum legal protection for the parties, emphasizing the need for the parties to make sure the lease adequately protects them in unfavorable circumstances. If you need any help drafting your Washington Commercial lease, contact our expert attorneys at ContractsCounsel. Compare multiple free proposals from vetted lawyers and save 60% less than traditional law firms - start your job proposal here.
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Meet some of our Washington Commercial Lease Lawyers
Rosario A.
I'm a Washington-licensed lawyer specializing in trademark practice and with an extensive trademark education and academic background. I currently work with domestic and international businesses seeking trademark protection in the U.S. by conducting trademark searches, providing legal advice, submitting USPTO applications, and preparing responses to office actions. I'm passionate about trademark law and always looking forward to helping small and medium businesses promote their value by having a registered federal trademark. If you have questions or concerns about trademark/copyright/IP licensing and require legal advice, feel free to contact me and we can have a first chat.
Justin A.
I am an entrepreneurial lawyer in the Seattle area dedicated to helping clients build and plan for the future. I earned my law degree from the University of Chicago and worked in a top global law firm. But I found advising real people on legal issues far more rewarding. Reach out to discuss how we can work together!
John P.
Technology and property expert in complex discovery.
Jason P.
Jason is a self-starting, go-getting lawyer who takes a pragmatic approach to helping his clients. He co-founded Fortify Law because he was not satisfied with the traditional approach to providing legal services. He firmly believes that legal costs should be predictable, transparent and value-driven. Jason’s entrepreneurial mindset enables him to better understand his clients’ needs. His first taste of entrepreneurship came from an early age when he helped manage his family’s small free range cattle farm. Every morning, before school, he would deliver hay to a herd of 50 hungry cows. In addition, he was responsible for sweeping "the shop" at his parent's 40-employee HVAC business. Before becoming a lawyer, he clerked at the Lewis & Clark Small Business Legal Clinic where he handled a diverse range of legal issues including establishing new businesses, registering trademarks, and drafting contracts. He also spent time working with the in-house team at adidas® where, among other things, he reviewed and negotiated complex agreements and created training materials for employees. He also previously worked with Meriwether Group, a Portland-based business consulting firm focused on accelerating the growth of disruptive consumer brands and facilitating founder exits. These experiences have enabled Jason to not only understand the unique legal hurdles that can threaten a business, but also help position them for growth. Jason's practice focuses on Business and Intellectual Property Law, including: -Reviewing and negotiating contracts -Resolving internal corporate disputes -Creating employment and HR policies -Registering and protecting intellectual property -Forming new businesses and subsidiaries -Facilitating Business mergers, acquisitions, and exit strategies -Conducting international business transactions In his free time, Jason is an adventure junkie and gear-head. He especially enjoys backpacking, kayaking, and snowboarding. He is also a technology enthusiast, craft beer connoisseur, and avid soccer player.
James M.
Reproductive law attorney focused on reviewing surrogacy contracts and sperm/egg/embryo donation contracts.
October 21, 2021
Reuben O.
As an entrepreneur at heart, I enjoy working with business owners and executives on a variety of corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate financing, corporate governance, public and private securities offerings, privacy regulation and early-stage corporate matters including formation. As a lawyer and business professional, I understand the value of providing personal service and focused legal answers to clients navigating a rapidly changing regulatory environment. Whether in Aerospace, Consumer Goods, or Technology, I find great success in work collaboratively with clients to strategical structure their business or implementing strategic growth-oriented financing opportunities.
February 9, 2022
Amy P.
Amy has served as outside general counsel and litigator to established businesses throughout western Washington since 2010. Her passion and focus is providing the best possible representation for clients in the construction, transportation and hospitality industries.
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Browse Lawyers NowReal Estate
Commercial Lease
Florida
What's the parking situation in a commercial lease?
I am currently in the process of signing a commercial lease for a retail store and I need to know the parking situation that is included in the lease. I have read through the lease and I'm not sure if the parking is included or if I have to arrange it myself. I need to know if I will be able to provide adequate parking for my customers and employees.
Diane D.
The only way to answer this question is to have an attorney read the lease.
Commercial Real Estate
Commercial Lease
Massachusetts
Can the tenant sublease the property to another business?
I am a business owner and I am looking to rent a commercial space for my business. I am considering signing a commercial lease with the landlord, but I am concerned about my ability to sublease the property to another business. I am trying to determine whether this is an option that is available to me and what the implications would be.
Joseph M.
In Massachusetts, a commercial tenant can sublet or even fully assign the unit to a third party - UNLESS there is a specific prohibition in the current lease. However, even if there is such a prohibition, it might still be worth speaking to the landlord about since it might be mutually beneficial.
Contracts
Commercial Lease
New York
What's the entire agreement clause in a commercial lease?
I am a small business owner who recently signed a commercial lease for my business premises. I am concerned about the “entire agreement” clause in the lease, as I am not sure what it covers and what the implications are for me and my business. I am looking for clarification on the clause and any potential risks associated with it.
Matthew S.
This is a contractual provision which aims to prevent the party relying on it from being liable for any statements or representations (including pre-contractual representations) except as expressly set out in the agreement. It generally precludes the introduction of parol evidence or evidences of other agreements that are not in writing.
Landlord
Commercial Lease
Ohio
Can the rent be increased during the lease term?
I am an entrepreneur who is looking to rent a commercial space for my business. I recently found a space that fits my needs and the landlord is offering a lease agreement. I am wondering if the rent can be increased during the lease term, as this could have a significant impact on my business. I understand that the lease agreement may contain provisions that allow for rent increases, but I would like to confirm this before signing the agreement.
Jeffrey K.
The lease agreement should specifically provide when and in what amount any rent increases would occur. Usually on a lease with a five year term, rent would increase yearly. If you have a build out credit, you may have free rent for a term if you pay for the build out. If it is a net lease, meaning you pay rent and, either taxes, insurance and/or common area maintenance, you would have a base rent plus the other fees that could increase during the initial lease term usually yearly, but it could be more than one time a year if the costs of these items increase. The rent would also likely increase yearly. If the lease is a gross lease, you will have one monthly rental payment that would increase (most likely) yearly.
Commercial Real Estate
Commercial Lease
Maryland
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.
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.
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ContractsCounsel User
Review Commercial Lease, Offer Suggestions to protect, & Amend/Update If Needed
Location: Georgia
Turnaround: A week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Commercial Lease
Page Count: 3
Number of Bids: 2
Bid Range: $300 - $1,000
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Commercial Lease Review
Location: Wisconsin
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Contract Review
Doc Type: Commercial Lease
Page Count: 6
Number of Bids: 7
Bid Range: $400 - $645
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