Prospective franchisees understandably focus on the type of franchise they want to buy, one that hopefully aligns with their personal interests as well as offering opportunities for success. Many painstaking decisions must be made, and successful franchisees know that...

Leases
What is an estoppel certificate in a commercial lease, and why is it required?
An estoppel certificate is a statement signed by a tenant that a commercial lease agreement exists, that specific facts of the agreement are valid, that no defaults exist and that they agree to pay rent on a particular date to the landlord. In short, it outlines the...
10 key tenant considerations for retail business leases
The success of your franchised business depends upon many factors. Finding a preferred location is a crucial step for establishing a profitable enterprise. But negotiating a fair commercial lease with the help of an experienced lease attorney can protect your...
Tenant improvement allowances and what they cover
If you are searching for commercial real estate to lease for your business, you already likely know that the new space will need moderate or significant modifications to fit your company’s needs. While these construction costs can be intimidating, tenants have the...
Understanding percentage rent in a commercial lease
Entering into a commercial lease can be an exciting endeavor for you and your business. Signing a lease is the next step needed before opening your retail business. As you start looking at leases, one of your primary concerns is the rent you will be paying. However,...
What do landlords typically include in operating expenses?
Navigating a commercial lease always comes with challenges. Despite seeming to be boilerplate, most of the lease will be negotiable. One of the challenges with commercial lease terms comes with the additional rent that the landlord passes through to the tenants on a...
When the going gets tough: Can you quit a franchise?
The last year has been challenging for all types of business owners. Although franchisees have support from a larger organization, it can be troubling when there are no customers coming in the door. While many businesses are starting to pick up as the nation recovers...
Commercial leases: Life after the pandemic
For over a year, the economy has been reacting to a global pandemic. Governments ordered everyone to stay home, resulting in incredibly challenging times for businesses. Often the business operates under a commercial lease in which the landlord and tenant have both...

What is the significance of a personal guaranty in a lease?
A commercial lease can be an essential part of getting your business to the next level. Whether you are looking for your first brick-and-mortar location or you need to expand your footprint, leasing commercial property can help you develop your business. Often, a...

What happens during a commercial lease review?
Establishing a new location for your business is an exciting time, and many franchisees may feel tempted to sign a lease without fully understanding the details or without negotiating changes to the legal terms that can have a critical future impact on the business....