Before You Sign, Ask These 3 Questions
Essential Questions for Your Commercial Lease Attorney
As a business owner, you already have plenty on your plate, and using a microscope to understand the full details of your commercial lease agreement might not be feasible. You need a real estate attorney to help you fully understand your contract. Before you seal the deal, there are three questions you need to ask your lawyer to make sure you’re protected later on. What are all of the costs I might encounter? The rental fee may not be the only expense involved. When you ask your attorney about the contract’s complete list of payments, you may learn that you’re also responsible for CAM fees, maintenance costs, and a personal guarantee. When you know these fees, you can negotiate for more reasonable terms. CAM fees, also known as commercial area maintenance, cover any operating and maintenance costs of the property’s common areas. This might include hallways, stairwells, elevators, and parking lots or structures. Standard maintenance fees might also be their own expense included in your contract. Maintenance fees may include repairing roofing, walls, and shared systems like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.
Meanwhile, a personal guarantee is an agreement that you will be personally responsible for paying your rent if your business cannot afford it. If your commercial lease agreement includes this, you can negotiate for limitations and the period you’re liable for. What terms and stipulations should I include? If you can maintain your side of the contract, you must ensure that your landlord will, too. Your attorney can help you create terms and stipulations to keep your landlord accountable, as this isn’t an unsaid guarantee. Are the permitted uses appropriate for my needs? While you might think your business can operate on this property, your agreement might state otherwise. Be sure to have your attorney explain the details of the allowed uses and if your business complies. If not, you can negotiate terms or take your business elsewhere. When you work with a qualified real estate attorney, you have the best opportunity to fully understand the costs involved and negotiate for terms that meet your needs and preferences. Call 718-698-2200 so our experienced team can find the right lawyer for you.
SUDOKU
MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
BELL PEPPER SANDWICH Inspired by TheSpruceEats.com
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 1 medium bell pepper, any color • 2–3 tbsp cream cheese • 1 tsp whole-grain mustard • 2 oz ham (or other deli meat), thinly sliced • 1 1/2 oz Swiss cheese, thinly sliced • 1/2 small cucumber, cut into 6–8 thin slices • 2 tbsp guacamole or a few slices of avocado • Dash of salt and pepper
1. On a cutting board, remove the stem of the bell pepper with a sharp knife. Cut the pepper in half lengthwise and remove the ribs and seeds. 2. Lay the pepper halves on the cutting board and spread cream cheese inside each half. Spread whole-grain mustard on top of the cream cheese.
3. Layer your deli meat, cheese,
cucumbers, and guacamole on each bell pepper half. Add a dash of salt and pepper, then combine both halves and serve!
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