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Commercial leasing guide

Start here: commercial lease planning

A practical sequence for defining needs, budgeting, comparing offers, completing due diligence and documenting a lease decision.

Use this sequence to move from business requirements to a verified lease decision.

  1. Write the operational brief. Record use, staff, customers, equipment, hours, loading, parking, utilities, technology and growth needs.
  2. Set a total budget. Include recurring, one-time and end-of-term costs, not just base rent.
  3. Screen properties. Eliminate locations that do not fit the use, approvals, infrastructure or access requirements.
  4. Compare offers consistently. Use the same area, term, cost categories, escalation and incentive assumptions.
  5. Complete due diligence. Verify legal, physical, financial, environmental and operational facts before conditions expire.
  6. Negotiate and document. Align the letter of intent, lease, work letter, plans and side agreements.
  7. Plan opening and administration. Track permits, construction, insurance, possession, rent commencement, reconciliations and notice dates.

First calculator

Build a preliminary annual and monthly occupancy budget.

Estimate cost

First checklist

Organize the documents and inspections needed before commitment.

Open due diligence