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50 Questions Business Owners Ask Before Leasing Commercial Space


Every business owner walks into a space search with the same questions. We’ve answered fifty of them, grouped by where you are in the process. Each link jumps straight to the answer.

Starting your search

  1. How do I start looking for commercial space for my business?
  2. How much commercial space do I need?
  3. How much should I budget for commercial rent?
  4. How long does it take to find and lease commercial space?
  5. Do I need a commercial real estate agent to lease space?
  6. How much does a tenant rep broker cost?
  7. What’s the difference between a tenant rep and the listing agent?

Understanding the numbers

  1. How is commercial rent quoted in California?
  2. What’s the difference between NNN, gross, and modified gross leases?
  3. What are CAM charges and how are they calculated?
  4. What’s the difference between rentable and usable square feet?
  5. What is total occupancy cost?
  6. How much is a security deposit on a commercial lease?
  7. How much does commercial rent go up each year?
  8. What upfront costs should I expect before opening in a new space?

Evaluating a space

  1. Where do I find commercial space for lease?
  2. What should I look for when touring commercial space?
  3. How do I know if a space is zoned for my business?
  4. What is a second-generation space and why does it matter?
  5. How do I find out if there’s enough parking for my business?
  6. What does ‘as-is’ mean in a commercial lease?
  7. What is a CASp inspection and why does it matter in California?
  8. Should I lease or buy commercial property for my business?

Negotiating the lease

  1. Is a commercial lease negotiable?
  2. What is a letter of intent (LOI) for a commercial lease?
  3. What is a tenant improvement (TI) allowance and how much can I get?
  4. Can I get free rent on a commercial lease?
  5. How long should my commercial lease term be?
  6. What are renewal options in a commercial lease?
  7. Do I have to sign a personal guarantee on a commercial lease?
  8. What is an exclusive use clause?
  9. Can I sublease or assign my commercial lease?
  10. Who pays for HVAC and roof repairs in a commercial lease?
  11. What is a relocation clause in a commercial lease?
  12. What happens if my business fails or I need to leave early?

Protections and approval

  1. What is SB 1103 and does it protect my business?
  2. Should I have an attorney review my commercial lease?
  3. What financial documents will a landlord ask for?
  4. Can I lease commercial space as a new business with no history?

Requirements by industry

  1. What should restaurant owners look for when leasing commercial space?
  2. What should retail businesses look for in a commercial lease?
  3. What do medical and dental practices need in a commercial space?
  4. What should professional office tenants look for in a lease?
  5. What should I look for in industrial or warehouse space?
  6. What should gyms and fitness studios look for in commercial space?
  7. What do salons, spas, and personal service businesses need in a space?
  8. What are the requirements for childcare or education space in California?
  9. What should auto repair and auto service businesses look for?
  10. What should event venues and hospitality businesses look for?
  11. What should churches and nonprofits look for when leasing space?

Want the deep dive on California’s newest tenant law? Read SB 1103 Explained.

Don’t Do This Alone.
Tell us what you are looking for and we will go find it, price out what it really costs per month, and negotiate the deal with you. The best time to call is before you tour, but there is no wrong time to ask a question.

Or call (805) 203-6365  | 472 E Santa Clara Street, Ventura, CA

 







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