Business Lease Checklist

After you've chosen a site and before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you are aware of all aspects of your new location. This checklist will help.

  • Is there sufficient electrical power?
  • Are there enough electrical outlets?
  • Are there enough parking spaces for customers and employees?
  • Is there sufficient lighting? Heating? Air conditioning?
  • Do you know how large a sign and what type you can erect?
  • Will your city’s building and zoning departments allow your business to operate in the facility?
  • Will the landlord allow the alterations that you deem necessary?
  • Must you pay for returning the building to its original condition when you move?
  • Is there any indication of roof leaks? (A heavy rain could damage goods.)
  • Is the cost of burglary insurance high in the area? (This varies tremendously.)
  • Can you secure the building at a low cost against the threat of burglary?
  • Will the health department approve your business at this location?
  • Will the fire department approve your business at this location?
  • Is your shipping area easily accessible to large trucks?
  • Have you included a written description of the property?
  • Have you attached drawings of the property to the lease document?
  • Do you have written guidelines for renewal terms?
  • Do you know when your lease payment begins?
  • Is your shipping area easily accessible to large trucks?
  • Have you bargained for one to three months free rent?
  • Do you know your date of possession?
  • Have you listed the owner’s responsibility for improvements?
  • Do you pay the taxes?
  • Do you pay the insurance?
  • Do you pay the maintenance fees?
  • Do you pay the utilities?
  • Do you pay the sewerage fees?
  • Have you asked your landlord for a cap of 5 percent on your rent increases?
  • Have you included penalty clauses in case the project is late and you are denied occupancy?
  • Have you retained the right to obtain your own bids for signage?
  • Can you leave if the center is never more than 70 percent leased?
  • Has a real estate attorney reviewed your contract?