ClausePrepGet the report

Commercial lease · free guide

Commercial lease red flags

Red flags are not always deal killers. They are items that need a price, a cap, or a rewrite before you sign.

If a landlord will not discuss any of these, that is its own signal.

Get the questions, documents, and negotiation points for this situation. The complete report costs $29. Apply PREP100 at checkout for a $0 launch order.

Start my lease checklist
Empty retail space with lease folder and keys on the counter
Before ClausePrep

Before ClausePrep

The broker is friendly and fast. Rent looks fine. You feel behind, like everyone else already knows the game.

After ClausePrep

After ClausePrep

You can price total occupancy cost, name the traps (CAM, guarantee, HVAC), and negotiate without apologizing for asking.

High-cost red flags

  • Unlimited personal guarantee with no burn-off path.
  • CAM with no history and no controllable cost cap.
  • Tenant pays major capital items (HVAC, roof) with no age disclosure.
  • Assignment forbidden or consent fully discretionary with no standard.
  • Holdover rent at 150%+ with no grace for good-faith holdover.

Economic red flags

Percentage rent on top of high base without clear definitions of gross sales.

Free rent that disappears if you open late for reasons outside your control.

Control red flags

Relocation clauses that let the landlord move you for token compensation.

Continuous operation clauses that force unprofitable hours.

Free sample for this situation

Sample questions and state notes free. The full checklist, scripts, leverage, timeline, and printable export unlock after you see the sample works for you.

Free sample

A few details

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3

Commercial lease · Step 1 of 3

Answer each step, then continue. Tap Edit on a prior answer to change it.

Get the Full ClausePrep Report

Already clear on this situation? Unlock the complete playbook — full checklist, documents, scripts, leverage, timeline, state extras, and printable export.

Choose your full report.

One situation, eight parts of preparation, printable export. $29.00 USD before your coupon.

Used for this checkout; not retained on our server. Your report opens here; no email delivery or marketing subscription. Privacy policy

Launch offer: enter PREP100 at the next step for 100% off. No card needed.

Questions

01

Are landlord-friendly forms always unfair?

They start landlord-friendly. Many terms move if you have alternatives and ask early.

02

What if I already signed a LOI?

LOIs are often non-binding on most terms, but they set expectations. Still review the full lease carefully.

Educational content only. ClausePrep is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. For material decisions, consult a licensed professional in your jurisdiction.