Commercial leases contain numerous provisions that impact a tenant’s business, including those addressing damage and destruction. While these clauses may seem secondary during negotiations, recent natural disasters—such as wildfires in Oregon, Hawaii, and the West Coast—highlight their critical importance. When unforeseen events occur, well-negotiated lease provisions can provide clarity and protection for both landlords and
Leasing
California Expands Residential Tenant Protections to Certain Small Commercial Tenants
California has passed Senate Bill No. 1103, which extends specific protections traditionally reserved for residential tenants to “qualified commercial tenants.” Starting January 1, 2025, small businesses, nonprofits, and microenterprises that meet specific criteria will gain additional rights under the law, including limits on operating cost allocations and required notice periods for rent increases and…
New Limitations on Commercial Leases Within the City of Seattle
[1/2/2025 UPDATE] Since the date this article was originally posted, the City has issued the summary document, which can be found here.
On December 12, 2023, Seattle’s former City Council passed Ordinance 126982 in an effort to increase commercial rent affordability for small businesses. The Ordinance, returned unsigned by the Mayor, became law on…
Subleasing: A Real Estate Strategy in a Post-Pandemic Economy
Originally published by the Daily Journal of Commerce on March 5, 2024.
In the ever-evolving landscape of business, flexibility is paramount. The recent widespread adoption of remote work has led companies across the country to shed office space. As companies navigate changes in market dynamics, the ability to flexibly manage real estate assets becomes increasingly valuable.
Contract Drafting Tips for Rooftop Solar and Carport Solar Leases
Adding solar energy facilities to a rooftop or a parking lot can put developed land to even more productive use while creating value for a property via a new revenue stream—rent payments—or from the energy savings and environmental benefits realized by using the generated power on site. Though similar to typical commercial leases and to…
Commercial Lease Improvements
On December 13, 2019, I will be giving a presentation on construction-related topics arising from commercial lease improvements. The presentation is part of a two-day seminar on Advanced Commercial Real Estate Leases, co-chaired by my colleague, John A. Fandel, and hosted by Law Seminars International. Topic will include insurance coverage, mechanic’s liens, scheduling, indemnity, safety,…