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Commercial Lease Contract

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COMMERCIAL LEASE CONTRACT - TRIPLE NET

THIS LEASE is made as of , 200 , between ("Landlord"), with an address of , and ("Tenant"), with an address of , who hereby agree as follows:

1. PREMISES.

Subject to the covenants and conditions of this Lease, Landlord leases to Tenant, and Tenant leases from Landlord, the premises (the "Premises") commonly known and numbered as in the City of , County of , State of , consisting of sq ft, and further described on Exhibit A attached hereto, together with the right of ingress and egress and the non-exclusive use of common areas, as described in Exhibit B attached hereto.

2. USE OF PREMISES.

The Premises shall be used only as (collectively, the "Permitted Use").

3. TERM.

The Term of this Lease (the "Term") is for years and months, commencing on the and ending on the .

4. RENT PAYMENTS.

Tenant shall pay to Landlord $ as rent in monthly installment over the Term of this Lease. The first monthly rent installment of $ shall be paid at the execution of this Lease and all subsequent monthly rent installments shall be due as follows:

Month From
Month To
Monthly $
Annual $

Each monthly installment is due payable in advance without notice or demand at Landlord's above stated address, or at any other place Landlord designates in writing.

5. SECURITY DEPOSIT.

Concurrently with execution of this Lease, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord $ as security for the performance by Tenant of every covenant and condition of this Lease (the "Security Deposit").

6. POSSESSION.

Possession shall be on , 20 , unless otherwise provided in Exhibit C, Landlord Work Addendum, attached hereto.

7. PROPERTY INSURANCE.

Tenant shall obtain and pay for fire and extended coverage casualty insurance and loss of rent coverage as required by the Lease.

8. INDEMNITY AND LIABILITY INSURANCE (Tenant).

Tenant shall maintain comprehensive general liability insurance with single limit coverage of not less than $ for injury to or $ death of persons and $ for property damage.

9. INDEMNITY AND LIABILITY INSURANCE (Landlord).

Landlord shall maintain comprehensive general liability insurance with single limit coverage of not less than $ for injury to or $ death of persons and $ for property damage.

10. TAXES.

Tenant shall pay real estate taxes and assessments attributable to the Premises during the term of this Lease.

11. OPERATING EXPENSES.

Tenant agrees to pay one hundred percent (100%) of any and all Operating Expenses as defined in the Lease.

12. MULTIPLE TENANCY BUILDING/COMPLEX.

Tenant occupies % ("Proportionate Share") of the floor space in the Building/Complex for which the Premises are a part ( sq.ft./ sq.ft. = %), and is estimated to be $ in year one.

a. Landlord may elect to provide certain maintenance and services; Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for its Proportionate Share of said maintenance services.

b. Landlord shall furnish a written statement showing operating costs and Tenant's obligation. Additional rent shall be estimated annually.

c. Tenant agrees to conduct its business in a lawful and non-objectionable manner.

13. ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING.

Tenant shall not assign, transfer, encumber, sublease, or allow possession without prior written consent of Landlord.

14. SIGNS AND ADVERTISEMENTS.

Tenant shall not place any signs, billboards or advertisements upon the Premises without prior written consent of Landlord.

15. CONDITION OF PREMISES.

Tenant acknowledges inspection and acceptance of the Premises, subject to exhibits and lease terms.

16. LANDLORD'S RIGHT OF ENTRY.

Landlord or Landlord's agent may enter at reasonable hours for inspection, showing, or necessary work.

17. DAMAGE BY CASUALTY.

If the Premises are damaged or destroyed by fire or casualty, termination and repair rights apply as stated in the Lease.

18. PERSONAL PROPERTY.

Landlord shall not be liable for loss or damage to Tenant's merchandise, fixtures, improvements or personal property.

19. ALTERATIONS.

Tenant shall not make material or structural alterations without Landlord's prior written consent.

20. UTILITIES AND SERVICES.

Tenant shall furnish and pay for electricity, gas, water, fuel, trash removal, telephone, internet, T-1 and other utilities unless otherwise provided.

21. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS.

Tenant shall comply with all applicable laws, orders, ordinances and public requirements affecting the Premises or its use.

22. FIXTURES.

All buildings, improvements and non-trade fixtures installed on the Premises shall belong to Landlord unless otherwise provided.

23. TAXES ON LEASEHOLD.

Tenant shall pay all taxes assessed against leasehold interests or personal property placed on the Premises by Tenant.

24. EMINENT DOMAIN.

This Lease sets out the parties' rights if the Premises are taken in whole or in part by eminent domain.

25. WAIVER OF SUBROGATION.

Each party releases the other from certain fire or casualty-related property damage claims, as stated in the Lease.

26. DEFAULT AND REMEDIES.

If Tenant defaults, Landlord may exercise remedies including re-entry, reletting, recovery of damages, and attorney's fees.

Late charge: % of any payment due hereunder which remains unpaid on the tenth day after due date.

27. WAIVER.

Rights and remedies are cumulative and no waiver shall be deemed continuing unless expressly stated in writing.

28. TOXIC OR HAZARDOUS MATERIALS.

Tenant shall not store, use or dispose of toxic or hazardous materials without prior written consent and shall comply with all applicable laws.

29. REAL ESTATE COMMISSION.

Landlord's Broker: Commission: %

Tenant's Broker: Commission: ( %)

30. NOTICES.

Any notice hereunder shall be sufficient if sent by certified mail to Tenant at the Premises and to Landlord where rent is payable.

31. SUBORDINATION OF LEASE TO MORTGAGES.

This Lease shall be subject and subordinate at all times to existing and future mortgages, subject to nondisturbance provisions as stated in the Lease.

32. SUCCESSORS.

The provisions, covenants and conditions of this Lease shall bind and inure to the benefit of the parties and their successors and assigns.

33. QUIET POSSESSION.

Tenant shall peaceably and quietly have, hold and enjoy the Premises for the Term if Tenant complies with the Lease.

34. BANKRUPTCY.

No interest created hereby shall pass to a trustee, receiver, assignee or similar party during the Term or any renewal thereof.

35. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.

This Lease contains the entire agreement between the parties and may be modified only by a writing signed by Landlord and Tenant.

36. ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES.

Tenant shall execute and deliver estoppel certificates upon request as described in the Lease.

37. ADDENDA AND EXHIBITS:

Commercial Agency & Brokerage Disclosure Addendum (MO only)

Exhibit A: Description of Premises

Exhibit B: Description of Common Areas

Exhibit C: Landlord Work Exhibit

Exhibit D: Landlord Maintenance Obligation

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, said parties hereunto subscribed their names. Executed in originals.

LANDLORD

By:

Title:

Date: Time:

TENANT

By:

Title:

Date: Time:

Approved by Legal Counsel of the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS® for exclusive use by its REALTOR® members. No warranty is made or implied as to the legal validity or adequacy of this Contract, or that it complies in every respect with the law or that its use is appropriate for all situations. Local law, customs and practices, and differing circumstances in each transaction may dictate that amendments to this Contract be made. Copyright January 2010.

Commercial Triple Net Lease 2010

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What a Commercial Lease Contract Is and why it matters

A Commercial Lease Contract is a legally binding agreement that sets the terms for renting commercial property between a landlord (lessor) and a tenant (lessee). It defines the leased premises, lease term, permitted uses, rent and payment schedule, maintenance responsibilities, insurance requirements, default remedies, and provisions for assignment and subletting. The contract can be short-term or long-term, include exhibits such as floor plans and operating expense schedules, and often addresses tenant improvements, indemnities, and dispute resolution. Clear drafting reduces ambiguity and limits future disputes.

Why a clear Commercial Lease Contract protects both parties

A properly drafted commercial lease clarifies financial obligations, allocates risks, preserves remedies for default, and documents rights such as quiet enjoyment and repair obligations. It supports enforceability in court and simplifies property management and accounting for tenants and landlords.

Why a clear Commercial Lease Contract protects both parties

Who typically completes and signs commercial leases

In practice, multiple stakeholders review the lease before signing; centralizing version control and execution reduces negotiation friction.

  • Commercial landlords and property managers preparing lease offers and draft agreements for tenants.
  • Tenants and tenant representatives (CFOs, real estate directors) reviewing financial terms and operating expense clauses.
  • Attorneys and brokers negotiating clauses such as indemnity, assignment, and leasehold improvements.

Typical signers and their roles

Landlord / Property Manager

A landlord signs to grant possession and accept rent under contractual conditions. The signer should have authority to bind the ownership entity and confirm property condition and permitted uses.

Tenant / Authorized Officer

A tenant signs to accept rent, term, and obligations. If the tenant is an entity, the signer should be an officer or have written authorization to bind the business.

Security and compliance essentials for lease records

Encryption: AES-256 at rest
Transport Security: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit
Audit Trail: Timestamped signing history
Access Controls: Role-based permissions
Compliance: ESIGN and UETA compliant
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II available

Key risks and consequences of a flawed lease

Eviction risk: Loss of possession
Monetary damages: Back rent and fees
Tax exposure: Incorrect reporting
Voidability: Unenforceable clauses
Litigation costs: Attorney fees
Data breach: Exposure of tenant information

Common mistakes when preparing a commercial lease

  • Using vague rent definitions or indexing clauses that lead to disputes over calculation and timing.
  • Failing to specify permitted uses and hours of operation, which can trigger violations or insurance gaps.
  • Omitting responsibility for repairs and maintenance, causing overlapping claims between parties.
  • Neglecting to confirm the signer's authority when the party is a corporation or LLC, risking unenforceability.

Step-by-step: completing a Commercial Lease Contract

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, review, and execute a commercial lease with clarity and legal protection.

  • 01
    Draft: Populate parties, premises, and term accurately.
  • 02
    Negotiate: Exchange marked drafts and agree on key clauses.
  • 03
    Review: Legal and financial review for compliance.
  • 04
    Execute: Obtain authorized signatures and retain originals.

How execution and distribution typically flow

A clear execution workflow reduces delays and ensures each party receives an identical signed copy.

  • Prepare: Assemble final PDF with exhibits attached.
  • Assign fields: Place signature, date, and initial fields.
  • Authenticate: Choose signer authentication level.
  • Distribute: Send executed copies to all parties.

Essential clauses to include in a professional lease

A comprehensive commercial lease contains specific clauses that allocate risk, define financial terms, and set operational limits; include the following to reduce ambiguity and protect both parties.

Premises Description

A precise legal description and address, plus suite numbers and square footage, avoids disputes about boundaries and usable area and supports accurate tax and insurance records.

Term and Renewal

Define the lease start and end dates, options to renew, notice windows, and any holdover rent consequences so both parties understand lease longevity and extension mechanics.

Rent and Escalation

State base rent, due dates, acceptable payment methods, late fees, and escalation formulas (CPI, fixed steps) to ensure predictable cash flow and enforceable collection remedies.

Maintenance and Repairs

Allocate responsibilities for structural items, HVAC, common areas, and day-to-day repairs; specify standards and timelines for performance to limit maintenance disputes.

Insurance and Indemnity

Specify required insurance types and limits, named insureds, and indemnity obligations to protect parties against third-party claims and property damage.

Assignment and Sublease

Set conditions for assignment, consent thresholds, financial guarantees, and continued liability for original tenant to control succession and risk.

Practical drafting tips for fewer disputes

Adopt these practical practices when preparing a commercial lease to reduce ambiguity, speed negotiation, and support enforceability.

Use clear numeric definitions and examples
Spell out rent calculations, provide sample computations for escalations, and avoid subjective terms such as 'reasonable' without definition. Clear numerics prevent costly disagreement during enforcement.
Attach key exhibits as part of the agreement
Include floor plans, operating expense schedules, and tenant improvement scopes as exhibits incorporated by reference to prevent later disputes about scope or deliverables.
Require proof of authority for entity signers
Ask for corporate resolutions or power of attorney showing signatory authority; this step reduces the risk of a signature being challenged as unauthorized.
Preserve version history during negotiation
Track edits and maintain a final executed PDF with an audit trail; a documented negotiation record streamlines legal review and supports dispute resolution.

Key milestones from negotiation to occupancy

Track these sequential milestones so parties meet obligations and avoid delay between agreement and possession.

01

Offer and Acceptance

Proposal issued and counteroffers resolved before drafting the final lease.

02

Final Execution

All authorized signatures obtained and original documents exchanged.

03

Pre-Occupancy Conditions

Tenant improvements completed and inspections passed prior to move-in.

04

Commencement of Rent

Rent start date begins per clause, sometimes upon delivery of possession.

Common timing and notice deadlines to calendar

Several time-sensitive obligations in commercial leases require calendar management to preserve rights and avoid penalties.

Rent Payment Due Dates:

Monthly or other schedule; late fee triggers typically after a short grace period.

Security Deposit Accounting:

Return and notice requirements vary by state; calendar for inspection and refund.

Renewal Notice Window:

Tenant must give notice per clause—commonly 60–180 days prior to term end.

Repair and Cure Periods:

Notice and cure timelines for defaults set out in the lease to preserve remedies.

Termination Notice Requirements:

Early termination clauses require specified advance notice to exercise options.

Typical online signing workflow settings

Configure the digital signing workflow to match your approval order and authentication needs before sending the lease for signature.

Field Configuration
Document Format PDF (preferred) or DOCX accepted
Signature Order Role-based sequential or parallel
Authentication Email link, SMS code, or stronger
Retention Policy Store executed PDF for seven years

Technical considerations for eSigning and distribution

Ensure the chosen platform records an audit trail and preserves a tamper-evident signed PDF for secure storage and compliance.

  • File formats: PDF and DOCX support
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or KBA options

Real-world examples of online lease execution

Organizations across real estate and enterprise use eSignature workflows to close leases while maintaining compliance and record integrity.

Martin Properties

Martin Properties moved leasing online to speed execution and reduce travel for signers.

  • They used mobile signing during property closings for remote tenants.
  • "I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently."

Xerox (NetSuite Integration)

Xerox integrated eSignature into ERP workflows for consistent document formats and audit logs.

  • Integration automated routing from NetSuite to legal and finance approvers.
  • "airSlate SignNow provides us with the flexibility needed to get the right signatures on the right documents, in the right formats, based on our integration with NetSuite."

Comparing eSignature vendor pricing and features

This comparison shows starting price and common feature availability across providers; signNow appears first by design to facilitate vendor selection.

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 trial No No No No
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No envelope cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Frequently asked questions about Commercial Lease Contracts

Answers to common legal and practical questions about signing, enforcing, and managing commercial leases.


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