What Did We Miss in the Work Letter? Project Experts Weigh In
Experienced project professionals share the overlooked requirements that can become expensive after the lease is signed. Originally published May 2015. Updated October 2026 with current…
lease negotiation
Your Broker Found the Space. Who Is Leading the Project?
The broker may lead the real estate transaction. That doesn’t automatically make the broker responsible for determining whether the space works—or for delivering what happens…
Before You Lease Industrial Space, Test Whether the Building Can Support the Operation
The rent, location and square footage may work. Power, loading, floor capacity, HVAC, zoning and site logistics determine whether the business can. Originally published November…
Navigating Common Area (CAM) Expenses
By Bryan Mashian, Esq., Contributing Columnist When negotiating a lease in a multi-tenant project, such as a shopping center, office building or industrial park, the…
Tenant Improvements vs. Landlord’s Work Letter
The tenant improvement allowance tells you how much money may be available. The work letter tells you what actually gets built, by whom, and under…
The Rent Is Negotiated. What Did Everyone Else Skip?
Some of the most expensive lease provisions aren’t the ones that dominate the negotiation. They determine what the tenant pays, what it can change, what…
Negotiating the Tenant Improvement Allowance
by Coy Davidson, Contributing Columnist Get as much as you can, and maintain control of the build-out process A key component of any lease…
Before You Negotiate Directly With the Landlord, Know What You’re Giving Up
The landlord negotiates leases as part of the business. Most tenants do it only occasionally. That difference in information and experience can affect the deal….
Your New Space Isn’t Ready. What Happens to the Old Lease?
When a relocation schedule extends beyond the existing lease expiration, a project delay can create significant lease exposure. Originally published July 2012. Updated October 2026…
Choosing a Commercial Real Estate Law Firm
Consider that you wouldn’t purchase a commercial property before thoroughly researching it, your search for commercial real estate law firm should be one of careful…
How Will Electricity Be Charged Under Your Office Lease?
Direct metering, submetering and rent inclusion can look like utility details. They can materially affect lease economics and operating costs. Originally published September 2011. Updated…
Controlling the Construction of Tenant Improvements in Office Leases: A Tenant’s Perspective – Part 3 of 3
Continued from Part 1 and Part 2 V. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS in a tenant build work letter In a tenant-controlled construction project, it is critical that…
Controlling the Construction of Tenant Improvements in Office Leases: A Tenant’s Perspective – Part 2 of 3
Continued from Part 1 III. FUNDAMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS A. Landlord’s Motives Typically, both the tenant and the landlord will seek to control the expenditure of the tenant…
Controlling the Construction of Tenant Improvements in Office Leases: A Tenant’s Perspective – Part 1 of 3
I. OVERVIEWThe tenant work letter, is an agreement that is entered into concurrently with the execution of a lease and sets forth the terms upon…
There Is No “Standard” Commercial Lease
The rent may get most of the attention. The provisions governing operating costs, construction, capital obligations, restoration and future flexibility can determine what the deal…