In previous columns I have stressed using qualified professionals to protect your interests. Time and again, individuals are caught unaware of the implications certain clauses have in documents they have signed. One document commonly found in the practice of commercial real estate is a lease. Leases are complex documents. Most are written to protect the landlord against anticipated issues of contention.
Some leases are more favorable to the landlord than others.
In almost all cases, most terms and conditions contained in a lease document are negotiable. The time for negotiations and review is before a document is signed. Often clauses that later may impact a business or individual could have been excised during negotiations without conflict. Timing is important. There is less likelihood of a clause being modified or removed when it has an economic impact on the landlord.