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Assignment of Lease

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ILLINOIS COMMERCIAL LEASE

This lease agreement is entered into on this the day of , 20 , by and between:

, (hereinafter called “LESSOR”), whether one or more,

and

, (hereinafter called “LESSEE”), whether one or more.

For valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, LESSOR and LESSEE do hereby covenant, contract and agree as follows:

1. PREMISES AND TERM: LESSOR hereby leases to LESSEE for the term commencing on the day of , 20 and ending on the day of , 20 , the “TERM” the following described premises in its present condition, located in County, Illinois:

LESSEE also has a right for the benefit of LESSEE, its employees, agents and invitees for access to and from the Leased Premises through the building and over property of LESSOR adjoining the Leased Premises, and to use those parts of the building designated by LESSOR for use by LESSEE, including but not limited to toilet rooms, elevators and unrestricted parking areas, if any.

2. RENEWAL: LESSEE and LESSOR may agree to extend or renew the lease, with any agreed modifications, in a separate, signed document.

3. RENT: The LESSEE covenants to pay to LESSOR as Rent the sum of Dollars ($ ) per month, in advance without demand on or before the first day of each month at the office of the LESSOR. The Rent for the month of , which is the first month of this lease shall be paid in the amount of Dollars ($ ), which amount is the prorated rent based upon the date this lease commences.

The LESSEE shall pay the Rent when due and payable, without any setoff, deduction or prior demand whatsoever. Any payment by LESSEE or acceptance by LESSOR of a lesser amount than shall be due from LESSEE to LESSOR shall be treated as payment on account.

4. LATE CHARGES: LESSEE shall pay a late charge in the amount of percent ( %) of the outstanding delinquent balance for any payment of the rent not made within days after the due date to cover the extra expense involved in handling late payments, but not more than dollars for any one month.

5. UTILITIES: LESSEE shall pay all charges for utilities for the PREMISES except for the following, which shall be paid by LESSOR:

6. CONDITION OF PREMISES; USE OF PREMISES: LESSOR agrees that LESSEE, upon paying the rent and on performing all terms of this lease, shall peaceably enjoy the Leased Premises during the term of this lease.

LESSEE acknowledges that LESSEE has examined and knows the condition of the Leased Premises, and has received the same in good order and repair, and agrees:

(a) To use these Leased Premises only for .

(b) To surrender the Leased Premises to LESSOR at the end of the Term or any renewal without the necessity of any notice from either LESSOR or LESSEE to terminate the same, and LESSEE hereby expressly waives all right to any notice which may be required under any laws now or hereafter enacted and in force.

(c) To surrender possession of these Leased Premises at the expiration of this lease without further notice to quit, in as good condition as reasonable use will permit.

(d) To keep the Premises in good condition and repair at LESSEE’s own expense, except repairs which are the duty of LESSOR.

(e) To perform, fully obey and comply with all ordinances, rules, regulations and laws of all public authorities, boards and officers relating to the use of the Premises.

(f) Not to make any occupancy of the Leased Premises contrary to law or contrary to any directions, rules, regulations, regulatory bodies, or officials having jurisdiction or which shall be injurious to any person or property.

(g) Not to permit any waste or nuisance.

(h) Not to use the Leased Premises for living quarters or residence.

LESSEE shall pay (a) for any expense, damage or repair occasioned by the stopping of waste pipes or overflow from bathtubs, closets, washbasins, basins or sinks, and (b) for any damage to window panes, window shades, curtain rods, wallpaper, furnishings, or any other damage to the interior of the Leased Premises.

Any signs placed upon or about such Leased Premises shall, upon the end of the Term of the lease or upon the earlier termination, be removed by LESSEE, and LESSEE shall repair any damage to the Leased Premises which shall be occasioned by reason of such removal.

At all times, LESSEE shall keep the sidewalks, if any, in front of or adjoining the Leased Premises clean and in a sightly and sanitary condition.

All repairs, except those specific repairs set forth below which are the responsibility of the LESSOR, shall be made by the LESSEE at its own expense. If the LESSOR pays for the same or any part thereof, LESSOR shall be reimbursed by LESSEE for such amount.

The LESSOR shall be responsible for making only the following repairs [check those that apply]:

sprinkler system

heating, ventilating or air-conditioning system serving the Premises if, and to the extent, installed by LESSOR

structural repairs to exterior walls, structural columns and structural floors which collectively enclose the Premises (excluding storefronts)

the roof over the Premises

Other:

Other:

Other:

LESSEE shall give LESSOR notice of the necessity for such repairs and that such repairs did not arise from nor were they caused by the negligence or willful acts of LESSEE, its agents, concessionaires, officers, employees, licensees, invitees, or contractors.

7. FIXTURES AND TRADE FIXTURES. LESSEE shall make no changes, improvements, alterations, or additions to the Leased Premises unless such changes, improvements, alterations, or additions are first approved in writing by LESSOR, are not in violation of restrictions placed thereon by the investor financing the construction of the building, and will not materially alter the character of such premises and will not substantially lessen the value of the Leased Premises.

LESSOR may not unreasonably withhold approval, and if there is a dispute as to reasonableness, it shall be determined by arbitration.

All improvements made by LESSEE to the Premises which are so attached to the Premises that they cannot be removed without material injury to the Premises, shall become the property of LESSOR upon installation.

Not later than the last day of the Term, LESSEE shall, at LESSEE's expense, remove all of LESSEE's personal property and those improvements made by LESSEE which have not become the property of LESSOR, including trade fixtures, cabinetwork, movable paneling, partitions, and the like; repair all injury done by or in connection with the installation or removal of such property and improvements; and surrender the Premises in as good condition as they were at the beginning of the Term, reasonable wear, and damage by fire, the elements, casualty, or other cause not due to the misuse or neglect by LESSEE or LESSEE's agents, employees, visitors, or licensees, excepted.

All property of LESSEE remaining on the Premises after the last day of the Term of this lease shall be conclusively deemed abandoned and may be removed by LESSOR, and LESSEE shall reimburse LESSOR for the cost of such removal.

8. SECURITY DEPOSIT: The LESSEE, contemporaneously with the first Rent installment, agrees to deposit with the LESSOR Dollars ($ ) which sum shall be held by the LESSOR as security for the full faith and performance by LESSEE of all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this lease by LESSEE.

The security deposit shall be held, applied to damages or rent and returned to LESSEE all in accordance with the laws of the state where the Leased Premises are located and in force at the time of execution of this lease.

9. LESSOR’S LIEN: As additional security, LESSEE acknowledges, to the extent allowed by applicable law, the LESSOR’S right to hold and sell with due legal notice all property on or to be brought on the Premises in order to satisfy unpaid Rent, expenses, and utilities.

10. DEFAULT: Each of the following shall be deemed an Event of Default:

a. Default in the payment of Rent or other payments hereunder.

b. Default in the performance or observance of any covenant or condition of this lease by the LESSEE to be performed or observed.

c. Abandonment of the premises by LESSEE.

d. The filing or execution or occurrence of bankruptcy or insolvency events as described in the lease.

11. NOTICE OF DEFAULT. Notice of such event of default must be in writing and must either be hand delivered, mailed to the other party by U.S. Certified Mail, return receipt requested, or if unable to provide notice by these methods, if notice is from LESSOR to LESSEE by posting the notice on the front door of the Leased Premises.

Such written notice shall set forth the nature of the alleged default and shall designate the specific paragraph(s) therein which relate to the alleged act of default.

Such notice shall also contain a reasonably understandable description of the action to be taken or performed by the other party in order to cure the alleged default and the date by which the default must be remedied, which date can be not less than ten (10) business days from the date of mailing the notice of default.

If LESSEE fails to pay rent when due, LESSOR may serve a Notice of Default upon the LESSEE, requiring payment of rent in full within five (5) days from service of the Notice, or surrender of the premises.

12. TERMINATION. Upon occurrence of any Event of Default, and after proper notice of default has been given, LESSOR may, at its option, in addition to any other remedy or right given hereunder or by law, give notice to LESSEE that this lease shall terminate upon the date specified in the notice, which date shall not be earlier than days after mailing or delivery of such notice.

13. ACCELERATION. LESSEE expressly agrees and understands that upon LESSOR’S termination of this Lease, the entire remaining balance of unpaid Rent for the remaining term of this Lease shall ACCELERATE.

14. REPOSSESSION. Upon termination of this lease as provided herein, or pursuant to statute, or by summary proceedings or otherwise, the LESSOR may enter forthwith, without further demand or notice to LESSEE, and resume possession of the Leased Premises.

15. DEFAULT BY LESSOR. In the event of any default by LESSOR, LESSEE, before exercising any rights that it may have at law to cancel this lease, must first send notice by registered or certified mail, or hand delivery, to LESSOR, and shall have offered LESSOR ( ) days in which to correct and cure the default or commence a good faith effort to cure such default.

16. RELETTING AFTER TERMINATION. Upon termination of this lease in any manner above provided, LESSOR shall use reasonable efforts to relet the Premises.

17. DAMAGES. Upon termination of this lease in any manner above provided, or by summary proceedings or otherwise, LESSEE shall pay to LESSOR without demand or notice the following:

(a) All Rent and other payments accrued to the date of such termination and a proportionate part of the rent otherwise payable for the month in which such termination occurs.

(b) All future Rent and other payments to be due under the terms of this lease to the extent Landlord has not been able to offset same by reletting the Premises within 30 days of termination.

(c) The costs of making all repairs, alterations and improvements required to be made by LESSOR hereunder, and of performing all covenants of LESSEE relating to the condition of the Premises during the Term and upon expiration or sooner termination of this lease.

(d) The attorneys’ fees and other costs.

18. EXCLUSIVITY OF LESSOR’S REMEDIES: The receipt of Rent after default, or after judgment or after execution, shall not deprive the LESSOR of other actions against the LESSEE for possession or for Rent or for damages, and all such remedies are non-exclusive and can be exercised concurrently or separately as LESSOR desires.

19. LESSOR NOT LIABLE FOR INJURY OR DAMAGE TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY: The LESSOR shall not be liable for any injury or damage to any person or to any property at any time on said Premises or building from any cause whatever that may at any time exist from the use or condition of the Premises or building from any cause, during the Term or any renewal of this lease.

20. TAXES: Property taxes on the Leased Premises shall be responsibility of LESSOR. Taxes on the personal property of Lessee shall be the responsibility of LESSEE. All other taxes shall be the responsibility of the party incurring same.

21. RIGHT OF RE-ENTRY. LESSOR shall have the right, by itself or agent or with others, to enter the Premises at reasonable hours to examine or exhibit the premises, or to make such repairs and alterations as shall be deemed necessary for the safety and preservation of the building.

22. HOLDOVER. If LESSEE shall holdover after the expiration of the Term hereof, with the consent of LESSOR, express or implied, such tenancy shall be from month to month only, and not a renewal hereof.

23. NATURE OF RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PARTIES. The sole relationship between the parties created by this agreement is that of LESSOR and LESSEE. Nothing contained in this lease shall be deemed, held, or construed as creating a joint venture or partnership between the parties.

24. RIGHT OF LESSOR TO PAY OBLIGATIONS OF LESSEE TO OTHERS. If LESSEE shall fail or refuse to pay any sums due to be paid by it under the provisions of this lease, or fail or refuse to maintain the Leased Premises or any part thereof as herein provided, then, and in such event, LESSOR, after 10 days notice in writing by LESSOR to LESSEE, shall have the right to pay any such sum or sums due to be paid by LESSEE and to do and perform any work necessary to the proper maintenance of the Leased Premises.

25. MECHANICS AND OTHER LIENS IMPOSED BY LESSEE. LESSEE shall keep the Leased Premises and the improvements at all times during the term free of mechanics and materialmen’s liens and other liens of like nature.

26. CONDEMNATION CLAUSE: In the event that all or a part of the Premises is taken by eminent domain or conveyed in lieu of eminent domain, if the Leased Premises cannot reasonably be used by LESSEE for their intended purpose, then this lease will terminate effective as of the date that the condemning authority shall take possession of the same.

27. FIRE CLAUSE: The LESSEE agrees to notify LESSOR of any damages to the Leased Premises by fire or other hazard and also of any dangerous or hazardous condition within the Leased Premises immediately upon the occurrence of such fire or other hazard or discovery of such condition.

28. WAIVER OF NONPERFORMANCE: Failure of the LESSOR to exercise any of its rights under this lease upon nonperformance by the LESSEE of any condition, covenant or provision herein contained shall not be considered a waiver.

29. PAROL EVIDENCE CLAUSE: This instrument constitutes the final, fully integrated expression of the agreement between the LESSOR and the LESSEE, and it cannot be modified or amended in any way except in writing signed by the LESSOR and LESSEE.

30. SUBORDINATION: This lease is subordinate to the lien of all present or future mortgages that affect the Leased Premises and to all renewals, modifications, replacements and extensions of this lease.

31. INSURANCE: LESSEE shall, during the entire term of the lease keep in full force and effect a policy of public liability insurance with respect to the property and the business operated by LESSEE in the property and which the limits of general liability shall be in the amount of Dollars ($ ) combined single limit, naming LESSOR as additional insured.

LESSOR shall during the term hereof, at it's sole expense, provide and keep in force insurance on the building against loss or damage by fire and extended coverage, in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the full insurable value.

32. NOTICES. All notices and communications concerning this lease shall be mailed to the parties at the following addresses:

LESSOR

LESSEE

33. SALE BY LESSOR. In the event of a sale or conveyance by LESSOR of all or part of the Leased Premises, the same shall operate to release LESSOR from any future liability upon any of the covenants or conditions, express or implied, herein contained in favor of LESSEE.

34. COURT ACTION, ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS. If, upon failure of either party to comply with any of the covenants, conditions, rules or regulations of and in this lease, and suit should be brought for damages on account, or to enforce the payment of Rent herein stipulated, or to recover possession of the Premises or to enforce any provision hereof, the losing party agrees to pay to the prevailing party reasonable costs and expenses incurred in prosecuting these suits.

35. ASSIGNMENTS AND SUB-LEASE: The LESSEE hereby agrees not to assign this lease voluntarily or involuntarily, nor to sub-lease the Premises or any part of the Leased Premises, without the written consent of the LESSOR, under penalty of instant forfeiture of this lease.

36. INTERPRETATION. Whenever any word is used in this agreement in the masculine gender, it shall also be construed as being used in the feminine and neuter genders, and singular usage shall include the plural and vice versa, all as the context shall require.

37. MODIFICATION. Any modification or amendment of this agreement shall be in writing and shall be executed by all parties.

38. SEVERABILITY CLAUSE: If any term, covenant, condition, or provision of this lease is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remainder of the provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

39. LAW TO APPLY: This lease shall be construed under and in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois.

40. ADDENDUMS. The following addendums are attached to this lease and shall be initialed by the parties. Check all that apply or check none:

Option to Purchase

Arbitration Agreement

Other:

None

41. OTHER PROVISIONS:

All documents such as schedules, exhibits and like documents are incorporated herein and shall initialed by all parties. If LESSEE is a corporation, each person executing this lease represents and warrants that he is duly authorized to execute and deliver this lease on behalf of the corporation. Those persons further represent that the terms of this lease are binding upon the corporation.

In Witness Whereof, the undersigned LESSOR and LESSEE execute this lease to be effective as of the day and date first above written.

LESSEE(s)

Signature:

Signature:

LESSOR(s)

Signature:

Signature:

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What an Assignment of Lease Is and when it applies

An Assignment of Lease is a written agreement that transfers a tenant's contractual rights and obligations under an existing lease to a new tenant (assignee). It typically records the effective date, identifies the original tenant (assignor), assignee, landlord, and the premises, and states any landlord consent or conditions. Assignments can be partial or complete and may preserve or shift liability depending on landlord approval and the assignment language. Use a clear, dated assignment to avoid disputes about rent obligations, security deposits, or lease term interpretation.

Why a clear Assignment of Lease matters

A precise Assignment of Lease protects parties by documenting the transfer of rights and responsibilities, clarifying who pays rent and who may be liable for lease breaches. Proper form and signatures reduce disputes and support enforceability under electronic signature laws such as the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96).

Why a clear Assignment of Lease matters

Typical users and parties involved

Tenants, assignees, landlords, property managers, and counsel commonly use an Assignment of Lease to document a tenant change without terminating the original lease.

  • Commercial landlords and property managers who need a written record of transfer and any consent conditions.
  • Outgoing tenants (assignors) transferring occupancy and contractual duties to a new tenant.
  • Incoming tenants (assignees) accepting obligations and verifying lease terms and start date.

Each party should confirm signatory authority and any lease clause requiring landlord consent, and retain executed copies for the lease file.

Core sections to include in a professional Assignment of Lease

A complete assignment addresses identity, lease reference, rights transferred, liabilities retained, effective date, and landlord consent. Clear clauses reduce ambiguity and support enforceability.

Parties

Full legal names and entity types for assignor, assignee, and landlord; include business d/b/a names if applicable.

Lease Reference

Cite the original lease date, parties, property address, and any amendment numbers to uniquely identify the contract being assigned.

Scope of Transfer

Specify whether the assignment is full or partial, which rights transfer, and any reserved rights retained by the assignor.

Liability and Indemnity

State whether the assignee assumes future obligations and whether the assignor remains secondarily liable for pre- or post-assignment defaults.

Landlord Consent

Include landlord consent signature or a clause confirming that consent is given subject to stated conditions to avoid later disputes.

Execution Details

Effective date, signature blocks, notary or witness space if required, and delivery instructions for recording or notice.

Step-by-step: completing an Assignment of Lease

Follow these sequential steps to prepare and finalize an assignment while minimizing legal and operational risk.

  • 01
    Review Lease: Check assignment clause and consent requirements before drafting.
  • 02
    Draft Assignment: Reference the lease and state transfer scope clearly.
  • 03
    Obtain Consent: Get landlord approval in writing if lease requires it.
  • 04
    Execute and Deliver: Sign, notarize if needed, and send copies to all parties.

How the assignment process typically flows

Assignments often follow a standard workflow from review through execution and distribution; adjust steps to fit lease requirements and state rules.

  • Initiate: Assignor notifies landlord and potential assignee.
  • Draft: Prepare assignment referencing lease and conditions.
  • Consent & Sign: Obtain landlord consent, collect signatures, notarize if required.
  • Record & Deliver: Record where necessary and distribute executed copies.

Digital workflow settings to streamline assignments

Configure an eSignature workflow to ensure required fields, authentication, and delivery order are enforced automatically.

Field Configuration
Signature Order Set assignor, landlord, then assignee sequentially
Required Fields Make names, effective date, and capacity required
Authentication Use email + SMS code or KBA for higher assurance
Delivery Copies Auto-send final PDF to all parties and property file

Technical considerations for eSigning and delivery

Ensure your eSigning platform supports authentication, audit trails, and export formats needed for legal and recordkeeping requirements.

  • File Types: PDF and DOCX support for editable templates and locked final documents
  • Integrations: Connectors for cloud storage and property management systems
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or conditional KBA for signer identity verification

Confirm the platform can produce a tamper-evident signed PDF with an audit trail, and that it meets any compliance requirements relevant to your industry or jurisdiction.

Security and compliance considerations for electronic assignments

In-transit Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3
Data at Rest: AES-256
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II
Healthcare Compliance: HIPAA (BAA required)
Regulatory Support: 21 CFR Part 11 available
Legal Frameworks: ESIGN and UETA compliance

Consequences of incorrect or incomplete assignments

Unenforceable Transfer: Potential creditor or landlord challenge
Continued Liability: Assignor may remain liable for rent or damages
Recording Issues: Failure to record can harm priority or notice
Tax Consequences: Incorrect reporting can trigger IRS inquiries
I-9/Employment: Employment record errors may incur DHS fines
Notary Errors: Improper notarization can void acknowledgements

Common pitfalls to avoid

  • Using inconsistent names for parties across documents, which creates ambiguity about who holds rights and liabilities under the lease.
  • Failing to obtain landlord consent when the lease requires it, often resulting in a breach and potential eviction remedies.
  • Omitting the precise lease reference (date and amendment numbers), which can leave the assigned obligations unclear in multi-amendment leases.
  • Neglecting to deliver executed copies promptly to the landlord, assignee, and property manager, causing operational confusion and billing errors.

Timing and practical deadlines to observe

Observe lease-specific notice and consent timelines and complete execution and delivery promptly to avoid default triggers or rent allocation disputes.

Consent Deadline:

Follow the landlord's response period stated in the lease

Effective Date Entry:

Record the effective date in MM/DD/YYYY format

Execution Turnaround:

Deliver signed copy within 5 business days to parties

Recording Timeframe:

Record assignment promptly where local practice requires public notice

Tax Reporting:

Update payee records as required for lease income reporting

Key milestones from draft to recorded assignment

Milestone sequence highlights major checkpoints and decision points for a complete assignment process.

01

Draft Prepared

Prepare assignment referencing the lease and any amendments

02

Consent Secured

Obtain landlord signature or written approval if the lease requires it

03

Signatures Completed

All parties sign; notarize where required

04

Record & Distribute

Record if necessary and send executed copies to all stakeholders

eSignature vendor comparison for executing an Assignment of Lease

Compare entry-level pricing and key capabilities relevant to lease assignment workflows. signNow is listed first per vendor comparison conventions.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently asked questions about Assignment of Lease execution

Answers to common issues when preparing, signing, and storing an Assignment of Lease, including eSignature and notarization concerns.


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