8. Repairs and maintenance
Generally the tenant is responsible for maintaining the interior and the landlord for the exterior of the premises. You will also be expected to return the premises at the end of the lease in the same condition they were in when you first occupied them, fair wear and tear excepted.
But you could also end up signing a ‘triple net’ lease where the tenant is responsible for all maintenance, repairs and upkeep, as if the tenant is the Landlord. So, before you sign make sure you understand the extent of your obligations.
9. Warranties and exclusion of liability
In most standard commercial leases the landlord will give very few warranties and will contract out of all liability, even negligence or damage caused by the landlord’s breach of obligations.
Therefore, make sure your lease agreement holds the landlord responsible at least for gross misconduct, wilful misconduct or losses caused as a result of the landlord’s breach.
10. Redevelopment
Include a clause that protects you should the landlord decide to redevelop the leased property as this could result in considerable cost and inconvenience to you.
Negotiate compromises such as the landlord contributing towards relocation costs to temporary or alternative premises while the property is being developed.