Comprehensive Guide to Commercial Leasing in Tennessee
Commercial leasing plays a central role in business operations for property owners and tenants across Tennessee. Whether you are negotiating your first lease, handling renewal terms, or addressing disputes, careful legal review and strategic negotiation help preserve financial value and operational flexibility. Jay Johnson Law Firm focuses on commercial leasing matters statewide, providing guidance on lease drafting, negotiation, due diligence, regulatory compliance, and enforcement. Our approach emphasizes clear contract language, risk allocation, and alignment of lease terms with long-term business objectives to reduce surprises and support sustainable outcomes.
A well-drafted commercial lease clarifies responsibilities for rent, maintenance, insurance, and improvements while limiting potential liability for both landlords and tenants. Legal counsel can identify ambiguous provisions, propose changes that reflect business priorities, and advise on statutory obligations under Tennessee law. Addressing these matters during the drafting and negotiation stages prevents costly disputes later and helps both parties plan financially. For businesses and property owners, a proactive legal approach supports predictable cash flow, operational continuity, and protection of real property value throughout the lease term.
Why Commercial Leasing Legal Services Matter
Engaging legal services for commercial leasing reduces uncertainty by clarifying rights, obligations, and remedies in the lease document. Counsel helps negotiate rent structures, maintenance obligations, insurance requirements, indemnities, default remedies, and termination clauses so the lease reflects practical business needs. Legal review can also identify zoning or permitting obstacles and suggest contractual contingencies to address them. By allocating risk and defining performance standards clearly, legal involvement preserves asset value, minimizes litigation exposure, and supports long-term business planning for landlords and tenants alike.
About Jay Johnson Law Firm and Our Commercial Leasing Practice
Jay Johnson Law Firm represents landlords, tenants, investors, and businesses across Tennessee in commercial leasing transactions and disputes. The firm has handled lease negotiations, complex amendments, transactional closings, and courtroom matters involving retail, office, industrial, and mixed-use properties. We draw on local market knowledge and a practical approach to drafting lease provisions that reflect business realities while protecting legal interests. Our goal is straightforward: provide clear communication, timely responses, and legal solutions that help clients move transactions forward with confidence and fewer surprises.
Understanding Commercial Leasing Services
Commercial leasing services encompass the full lifecycle of a lease transaction, from initial negotiation through execution and post-closing administration. Typical services include drafting and reviewing lease documents, negotiating terms with the other party, conducting due diligence such as title and zoning review, advising on code and regulatory compliance, and resolving disputes that arise during the term. Counsel focuses on core provisions like rent structure, maintenance responsibilities, insurance, indemnities, tenant improvements, assignment rights, and remedies for default, tailoring recommendations to the client’s operational and financial priorities.
Whether representing a landlord or tenant, a careful legal review looks beyond boilerplate language to identify provisions that shift significant financial or operational risk. For tenants, attention often centers on permitted uses, build-out responsibilities, and assignment flexibility. For landlords, priorities include income protection, clear maintenance standards, and enforceable remedies. In every case, the attorney coordinates with brokers, contractors, and lenders as needed, integrates approvals and contingencies into lease terms, and documents agreements to reduce ambiguity and support enforceability under Tennessee law.
What Commercial Leasing Law Covers
Commercial leasing law governs contracts for the use of nonresidential property and blends principles of contract law, property law, and regulatory compliance. It defines the rights and duties related to rent payment, permitted use, maintenance and repairs, alterations and improvements, subleasing and assignment, insurance and indemnity obligations, and remedies for breach. Practitioners interpret lease provisions in light of statutory requirements, local code, and established legal principles while negotiating contract terms that allocate risk and provide economic predictability for the parties involved.
Key Lease Elements and Typical Legal Processes
Important lease components include the lease term and renewal options, rent and escalation clauses, security deposits, allocation of operating expenses, tenant improvement allowances, subletting and assignment rules, insurance coverage, indemnification language, and default remedies. The legal process begins with negotiation and drafting, moves through execution and closing, and continues with post-execution management such as enforcement, amendments, and renewals. Throughout, legal counsel seeks precise definitions and allocation mechanisms that avoid disputes and allow the lease to function as intended throughout its lifecycle.
Key Terms and Leasing Glossary
Understanding common leasing terms helps parties evaluate risk and make informed negotiation decisions. Clear definitions in the lease prevent costly misunderstandings about expense allocations, repair obligations, permitted uses, and calculation methods for pass-through costs. Below are definitions of frequently encountered terms in commercial leases, described in plain language so landlords and tenants can identify provisions that most affect financial exposure and operational flexibility.
Gross Lease
A gross lease is an arrangement where the landlord covers most or all operating expenses—such as property taxes, insurance, and some maintenance—while the tenant pays a fixed base rent. The landlord manages and budgets for common costs, which can make tenant budgeting simpler. Variations of gross leases may shift certain expenses to tenants or include escalation clauses to adjust rent for increased operating costs, so the specific allocation should be stated clearly in the lease to avoid disputes over which party bears particular charges.
Common Area Maintenance (CAM)
Common Area Maintenance, or CAM, refers to charges allocated to tenants for the upkeep of shared spaces in multi-tenant properties, such as parking, landscaping, and corridors. CAM charges are typically prorated based on rentable square footage and should be defined precisely in the lease. Tenants should look for caps, exclusions, reconciliation procedures, and audit rights so they can verify charges and dispute inaccuracies. Clear CAM definitions reduce the risk of unexpected operating cost increases during the lease term.
Net Lease (Single, Double, Triple)
A net lease requires the tenant to pay a portion or all of the property’s operating expenses in addition to base rent. Single net leases typically allocate property taxes to the tenant; double net adds insurance responsibilities; and triple net leases (NNN) require the tenant to cover taxes, insurance, and maintenance. These arrangements shift more variable costs to the tenant and affect total occupancy costs, so tenants often negotiate caps, audit rights, and clear calculation methods to limit exposure to unexpected expense increases.
Letter of Intent (LOI)
A Letter of Intent (LOI) is a preliminary, usually nonbinding document that outlines the basic business terms of a lease—such as rent, term, tenant improvements, and key conditions—so the parties can agree on major points before preparing the detailed lease. Although often nonbinding, LOIs can establish negotiation priorities, timelines, and exclusivity periods, and they should be drafted carefully to avoid inadvertently creating binding obligations. Clear LOI language helps streamline subsequent drafting and reduces misunderstandings during negotiation.
Comparing Limited and Comprehensive Legal Approaches
Clients can select limited-scope services like targeted lease review or full-service representation covering negotiation, due diligence, and post-closing management. The right approach depends on transaction complexity, financial stakes, time constraints, and long-term business goals. Limited reviews offer cost savings and focused advice for routine leases, while comprehensive representation provides broader protection in larger or more complicated matters. Choosing the appropriate level of involvement requires evaluating the lease terms, the parties’ experience, and potential regulatory or construction issues that could affect the transaction.
When a Limited Review or Targeted Service Makes Sense:
Standard or Low-Risk Leases
A limited-scope review can be suitable for short-term or low-value leases with standard provisions where the primary goal is to identify major concerns and propose targeted edits. When both parties are familiar with the transaction and terms are broadly agreed, a focused review offers practical protections without the cost of full representation. The attorney concentrates on high-impact provisions and delivers recommendations to reduce risk while allowing the parties to proceed efficiently, making this approach a good fit for routine renewals or simple space leases.
Experienced Parties Negotiating Fair Terms
If both landlord and tenant are experienced and commercial terms are largely agreed, a limited engagement can streamline the process by concentrating on drafting or refining specific clauses. This approach helps address identified legal issues quickly, draft narrow amendments, or prepare a clean lease for execution. For clients that value lower upfront costs and faster turnaround, a targeted review paired with clear communication about risk allocation often provides sufficient protection while preserving flexibility and speed in closing the transaction.
When Comprehensive Representation Is Advisable:
Complex or High-Value Transactions
Comprehensive service becomes important for large leases, long-term commitments, or transactions with significant tenant improvement obligations because these matters involve substantial financial exposure and operational planning. Full representation includes thorough due diligence, detailed drafting of protections such as indemnities and termination rights, coordination with lenders and contractors, and strategic negotiation to safeguard long-term interests. When the financial stakes are high, a more involved legal role helps align the contract with broader investment and operational goals while anticipating future contingencies.
Regulatory, Zoning, or Construction Complexity
When zoning, permitting, environmental issues, or historic property requirements affect the planned use, comprehensive counsel integrates legal solutions into the lease and transaction structure. This includes reviewing municipal regulations, contingency language for approvals, and coordination with architects, contractors, and local officials. Addressing these matters early reduces the risk of delayed occupancy or costly modifications and can preserve negotiation leverage by tying landlord obligations to timely regulatory approvals and necessary permits.
Benefits of a Comprehensive Legal Approach
A full-service legal approach offers strategic negotiation, coordinated due diligence, and tailored lease drafting that reduce long-term costs and uncertainty. By identifying and allocating risk clearly within lease provisions, comprehensive representation provides predictable financial obligations and contractual remedies. That clarity supports better budgeting and fewer disputes and helps protect property values and operational continuity during the lease term and at renewal or transfer events.
Comprehensive counsel also provides continuity across subsequent transactions and renewals, ensures consistent interpretation of core provisions, and preserves negotiation leverage for future disputes or modifications. Attention to detail in drafting indemnities, insurance, CAM definitions, and default remedies often prevents disputes from arising and simplifies resolution when issues occur. This preventive approach protects both landlords’ investment returns and tenants’ ability to operate with reasonable cost predictability.
Risk Reduction and Predictability
By clarifying obligations and remedies in the lease, a comprehensive approach minimizes surprises and gives both parties predictable financial commitments. Precise definitions, caps on pass-through expenses, and thorough indemnity language reduce disputes and provide a clearer path to resolution if disagreements occur. For tenants, predictable operating costs support operational planning. For landlords, clear remedies and enforcement language protect income streams and help preserve property value over time.
Value Preservation and Negotiation Leverage
Thorough negotiation and precise drafting preserve the economic interests of property owners and tenants by protecting against hidden liabilities and aligning contractual terms with business goals. Detailed lease language also creates leverage in future disputes and renewals, making it easier to enforce rights or renegotiate terms under favorable conditions. This focus on long-term value helps ensure the lease supports both immediate occupancy needs and future investment objectives.
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Practical Tips for Commercial Leasing
Start with a Clear Business Plan
Begin negotiations by defining intended use, projected revenue, desired lease term, and the scope of tenant improvements. A clear business plan helps prioritize concessions and identify which lease provisions are most important to your operations and financial model. Bringing these objectives to the negotiation table early allows your legal representative to focus on clauses that protect your interests and streamline decision-making during the drafting process, ultimately saving time and reducing the need for costly revisions after the lease has been signed.
Pay Close Attention to Expense Allocations
Document Tenant Improvement Responsibilities
Clarify who funds, manages, and owns tenant improvements and include construction timelines, payment milestones, and acceptance criteria in the lease. Stipulate permit responsibilities, warranty arrangements, and procedures for handling change orders. Well-drafted tenant improvement provisions reduce disputes with contractors and the landlord and ensure a smoother build-out process. Clear documentation also protects both parties if occupancy is delayed or additional approvals are required before operations can begin.
Reasons to Consider Legal Counsel for Your Lease
Significant lease transactions, complex tenant improvements, assignment or sublease negotiations, nonpayment or default disputes, and regulatory or zoning issues are common situations where legal involvement can protect your business. Counsel can negotiate favorable terms, draft protective provisions, coordinate due diligence, and advise on remedies if disputes arise. Having a legal professional involved early can prevent costly mistakes and help structure the lease to support long-term operational and financial goals for both landlords and tenants.
Legal involvement also helps expedite transactions by preparing clear LOIs, coordinating with lenders and contractors, and anticipating regulatory hurdles. Attorneys review title and zoning issues, identify potential encumbrances, and draft contingency language to address delays or denials of approvals. Whether you need a focused review or full-service representation, thoughtful legal planning provides predictability, reduces negotiation uncertainty, and protects investments over the lease term and beyond.
Common Situations That Require a Commercial Leasing Attorney
Clients often retain leasing counsel for major transactions such as negotiating large or long-term leases, handling significant tenant improvements that require phased construction and permits, resolving defaults or eviction matters, addressing complex CAM allocations, and navigating zoning or licensing challenges that affect permitted uses. These matters typically involve coordination among multiple stakeholders and can have material financial consequences, making careful legal planning and documentation essential to protecting business interests and achieving a practical outcome.
Negotiating Major Leases or Renewals
Large or long-term leases with significant financial impact warrant detailed review and negotiation to protect future cash flows and operational rights. Attorneys help structure rent escalations, renewal options, tenant improvement allowances, and termination clauses so the lease supports the client’s long-term plan. This attention to detail reduces the risk of unfavorable terms that could limit future flexibility or impose unexpected burdens during the life of the lease.
Resolving Defaults or Disputes
When rent is unpaid or lease obligations are breached, counsel assists with notice and cure procedures, negotiating workouts, pursuing eviction or damages where necessary, and advising on defending claims. Tennessee statutory requirements and court procedures often dictate specific steps for enforcement, and legal guidance helps ensure remedies are pursued in a manner that preserves rights while minimizing unnecessary litigation costs.
Handling Complex Tenant Improvements
Projects that require substantial build-outs, permitting, phased occupancy, or coordination among landlords, tenants, and contractors benefit from legal oversight. Attorneys coordinate lease provisions with construction contracts, clarify payment and maintenance responsibilities, and include performance standards and acceptance criteria to reduce disputes. Proper contractual alignment between the lease and construction documents protects financial investments and project timelines.
Tennessee Commercial Leasing Attorney
We’re available to assist landlords and tenants throughout Tennessee with lease negotiations, dispute resolution, and transaction management. Jay Johnson Law Firm provides practical leasing counsel tailored to business goals, whether you need a focused review or comprehensive representation. Contact us to discuss your lease matters, coordinate due diligence, and plan a negotiation strategy that addresses financial priorities and legal requirements across the transaction.
Why Hire Jay Johnson Law Firm for Commercial Leasing
Jay Johnson Law Firm combines local Tennessee market knowledge with an emphasis on practical, commercially driven solutions to lease negotiation and dispute resolution. The firm focuses on drafting clear lease terms that align with clients’ business plans, negotiating with counterparties to achieve favorable outcomes, and coordinating with lenders, brokers, and contractors to facilitate smooth transactions. We prioritize timely communication and realistic strategies that move matters forward without unnecessary delay.
For landlords, our approach protects income streams and ensures enforceable remedies for default while preserving property value. For tenants, we seek lease language that provides operational flexibility, fair expense allocations, and protections for tenant improvements. Whether you require a limited review or ongoing representation, the firm adapts services to match transaction size and complexity and works to balance cost-effectiveness with legal protections that matter to your business.
From an initial Letter of Intent through lease drafting, execution, and post-closing support, Jay Johnson Law Firm assists clients across the full lease lifecycle. We prepare concise, practical documents, coordinate due diligence tasks like title and zoning review, and provide guidance on regulatory issues. Our goal is to help clients close transactions efficiently while minimizing legal risk and preserving long-term operational and financial interests.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Lease
Our Legal Process for Commercial Leasing
We follow a structured process: initial consultation to understand objectives, document review and due diligence to uncover legal and regulatory issues, negotiation and drafting to translate deal terms into precise contract language, closing to finalize execution and coordinate logistics, and ongoing support for compliance, amendments, dispute resolution, and renewals. This approach ensures each stage is documented and communicates responsibilities clearly so clients can make informed business decisions and maintain predictable obligations throughout the lease.
Step 1 — Initial Consultation and Strategy
The initial consultation focuses on understanding business objectives, reviewing relevant documents, and recommending a strategy that balances commercial goals with legal protections. During this stage we identify objectives and risks, assess timing and negotiation priorities, and define the scope of representation—whether limited review or full negotiation—so the client knows what to expect and how the legal role will support transaction goals.
Identify Objectives and Risks
We evaluate intended use, financial terms, timing, and potential regulatory hurdles to prioritize negotiation points and uncover hidden liabilities such as title encumbrances or zoning restrictions. This assessment guides which clauses require the most attention and informs negotiation strategy, helping the client focus on commercial terms that matter most to long-term operations and cash flow.
Define Scope of Representation
We agree on whether the engagement will be a focused lease review, drafting of specific clauses, or full transaction management including negotiations, due diligence, and post-closing support. Defining scope early establishes fee expectations, communication protocols, and timelines, which helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps the transaction on track.
Step 2 — Due Diligence and Drafting
During due diligence we review title records, zoning and code requirements, existing leases, and any municipal or regulatory constraints. The drafting phase converts negotiated terms into precise lease provisions covering rent, CAM, maintenance, insurance, default remedies, tenant improvements, and assignment rights. Thorough drafting and review reduce ambiguity and establish clear standards for performance and remedies.
Review Title and Zoning
We verify property ownership, check for easements or encumbrances, and confirm permitted uses under local Tennessee zoning and building codes. Identifying title issues or zoning restrictions early prevents surprises at closing and allows the parties to incorporate contingencies or negotiate remedies if approvals are delayed or denied.
Draft Clear Lease Language
Precise lease drafting addresses rent structure, CAM charges, maintenance obligations, default and remedy provisions, insurance requirements, and tenant improvement responsibilities. Clear definitions and detailed calculation methods for pass-through expenses and reconciliations reduce disputes and help both parties understand their financial obligations throughout the term.
Step 3 — Negotiation, Execution, and Ongoing Support
We negotiate on your behalf to achieve agreed terms, oversee execution of lease documents, and provide post-closing support for compliance, modifications, dispute resolution, and renewals. This stage ensures the finalized lease is enforceable, coordinates closing logistics, and establishes procedures for ongoing management and enforcement of lease obligations as circumstances change.
Negotiate and Close
We handle counterpart negotiations, finalize documentation, and coordinate closing steps so the lease reflects the agreed terms and is legally enforceable. Our role includes communicating with opposing counsel, brokers, and lenders, and ensuring that execution formalities, such as signatures and attachments, are properly completed to avoid later challenges.
Post-Execution Management
After execution we assist with compliance, periodic reconciliations for CAM charges, amendments for tenant improvements or transfers, and enforcement of remedies if disputes arise. Ongoing legal support helps protect long-term interests, facilitates renewals or transfers, and provides a consistent point of contact when contractual questions or operational interactions occur during the lease term.
Frequently Asked Questions — Commercial Leasing
What should I look for in a commercial lease before signing?
Look for clear provisions covering rent amounts, rent escalation methods, lease term and renewal options, expense allocations, maintenance and repair responsibilities, insurance and indemnity obligations, termination rights, and remedies for breach. Pay particular attention to definitions and caps on pass-through expenses to avoid unanticipated costs. Clarify responsibilities related to tenant improvements, permit acquisition, and the condition in which premises must be returned at the end of the lease.Having an attorney review the lease helps identify ambiguous language and propose edits that align with your business plan and Tennessee law. A legal review can also suggest protective clauses such as audit rights for CAM, clear mechanics for calculating operating expenses, and contingencies tied to regulatory approvals or title issues, which all reduce the risk of future disputes.
How long does negotiation of a commercial lease usually take?
Negotiation timelines vary depending on transaction complexity, number of open issues, and responsiveness of the parties. Simple renewals or standard leases with few negotiable points can be resolved in a few weeks, while complex deals involving tenant improvements, zoning approvals, lender requirements, or multiple parties can take several months. Starting with a clear LOI and defined priorities can speed negotiations by narrowing the focus to key commercial terms.Engaging counsel early helps anticipate common sticking points and prepares draft language in advance, which often reduces back-and-forth and shortens the overall timeline. Coordination with brokers, contractors, and municipal officials also affects timing, so proactive planning and clear deadlines in the LOI or purchase timeline are useful strategies to keep the process moving.
Can I assign or sublease my commercial space?
Assignment and subletting depend on the lease language and landlord consent provisions. Many leases require landlord approval, sometimes conditioned on reasonable standards, while others prohibit assignments or permit them only under specific conditions such as assumption of obligations or provision of additional security. Tenants often negotiate for flexible assignment and subletting language to preserve business adaptability, subject to the landlord’s commercially reasonable consent.An attorney can draft or negotiate assignment provisions that balance the tenant’s need for operational flexibility with the landlord’s interest in qualified occupants and continued covenant performance. Provisions can include notice requirements, standards for consent, indemnity obligations for assignees, and procedures for rent sharing or security adjustments that protect both parties’ interests.
What is a triple net (NNN) lease and how does it affect total cost?
A triple net (NNN) lease requires the tenant to pay base rent plus property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. For landlords, this structure provides more predictable net income because tenants absorb many variable expenses. For tenants, NNN leases increase exposure to fluctuations in property taxes and maintenance costs, so careful negotiation is necessary to address caps, exclusions, and audit rights.Tenants should request detailed definitions of what expenses are included in CAM or NNN recoveries, how costs are allocated, and reconciliation procedures. Negotiating cost caps, exclusions for certain capital expenditures, and annual reconciliations with supporting invoices helps limit unexpected increases and provides transparency into expense calculations.
Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs under different lease types?
Maintenance responsibilities vary by lease type and specific contractual language. In gross leases landlords typically handle most operating expenses and maintenance, while in net leases tenants assume responsibility for taxes, insurance, and maintenance to varying degrees. Leases should specify which party is responsible for structural repairs, HVAC, roof, exterior elements, and interior finish upkeep to avoid disputes over who performs or pays for repairs.Precise standards for maintenance, notice and cure periods for defaults, and procedures for handling emergency repairs reduce friction during the term. Tenants often seek caps on capital expense pass-throughs or landlord responsibility for structural elements, while landlords aim to limit tenant liability for structural failures and require tenants to maintain certain insurance levels to cover potential damage or liability.
What remedies are available if a tenant defaults on the lease?
If a tenant defaults, leases usually provide notice and cure periods, the right to terminate or accelerate rent, and remedies such as eviction, damages, or lien rights where available. Tennessee statutes and local procedures may impose specific requirements for eviction or repossession, and failure to follow prescribed steps can affect enforcement rights. Legal counsel helps determine the appropriate remedy and ensures compliance with statutory procedures to protect the landlord’s rights.Alternatively, parties can pursue negotiated workouts, repayment plans, or lease modifications to avoid costly litigation. Attorneys assist in assessing the costs and benefits of litigation versus negotiation, drafting settlement agreements, and documenting any agreed changes to the lease to avoid future disputes and preserve enforceability under Tennessee contract law.
Is legal review necessary for small or straightforward leases?
Yes. Even small or routine leases benefit from legal review because an attorney can spot ambiguous clauses that allocate significant financial or operational risk. Limited-scope reviews are cost-effective for simpler transactions and focus on identifying major issues, recommending edits to protect core interests, and advising on negotiation priorities that matter to your business plan.A focused legal review can prevent costly mistakes and clarify responsibilities related to maintenance, CAM charges, insurance, and termination rights. For tenants, this may result in more favorable rent escalation terms or clearer assignment rights; for landlords, it can mean clearer enforcement mechanisms and reduced exposure to tenant noncompliance.
How are CAM charges calculated and disputed?
CAM charges are typically allocated among tenants based on a pro rata share of rentable square footage and should be defined precisely in the lease. The lease should state what items are includable in CAM, how adjustments are calculated, the period for reconciliations, and whether caps or exclusions apply. Tenants should negotiate audit rights and documentation requirements to verify charges and challenge inaccuracies.Including a reconciliation and audit process in the lease gives tenants a mechanism to verify CAM expenses and dispute questionable charges. Landlords should maintain transparent records and consistent calculation methods to minimize disagreements and simplify annual reconciliations, which ultimately reduces tenant disputes and preserves landlord-tenant relations.
Can leases be modified after execution?
Leases can be modified after execution, but changes should be documented in a written amendment signed by both parties to be enforceable. Common reasons for amendments include tenant improvements, rent adjustments, assignment approvals, or extensions. Oral modifications or informal agreements risk future disputes, so documenting any changes preserves legal rights and avoids ambiguity regarding responsibilities and timelines.When negotiating amendments, parties should clarify effective dates, payment adjustments, and updated responsibilities. Attorneys prepare and review amendments to ensure consistency with the original lease, avoid conflicts between terms, and preserve enforceability under Tennessee contract law, including proper signature and attachment of exhibits where needed.
How does zoning affect commercial lease use and occupancy?
Zoning and permitting determine permissible uses of a property and can impose conditions that affect tenant operations, build-out requirements, and occupancy approvals. Noncompliance with zoning ordinances or building codes can prevent occupancy or require costly modifications before a business can open. Title and zoning due diligence identifies such constraints early, allowing parties to negotiate contingencies or allocate responsibility for obtaining necessary approvals.During due diligence we review municipal regulations, required permits, and any necessary variances, and we incorporate contingencies in the lease to protect clients if approvals are delayed or denied. Addressing zoning issues prior to execution reduces the risk of costly delays and helps align lease obligations with what is legally permissible at the property.