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Commercial leases in Texas give tenants fewer protections than residential leases, so read every clause. Have a Texas real estate attorney review anything you're unsure about.
Money
- Base rent per square foot per year, and annual increases (often 3%)
- NNN or operating expense estimate, and whether there's a cap on increases
- Security deposit and any personal guarantee
- Free rent or tenant improvement allowance
- Utilities: separately metered?
The space
- Is your use allowed under zoning, deed restrictions and the lease?
- Certificate of occupancy requirements in your city
- Power capacity (amps, three-phase), HVAC in the warehouse, and restrooms
- Door sizes, clear height, floor load and parking
- Outside storage and signage rights
- Who maintains the roof, HVAC, and parking lot
Terms
- Lease length and renewal options
- Right to sublease or assign if you outgrow it
- Expansion rights into neighboring bays
- Insurance requirements
- Restoration obligations when you move out
Before move-in
- Photograph the space's condition
- Confirm keys, access codes and alarm
- Set up utilities and internet (check fiber availability early in rural areas)