Can a commercial lease be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures satisfy the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and are valid under UETA where adopted. Ensure signer intent, consent, attribution, and record retention. Note: certain formalities such as notarization or specific statutory exceptions may still require in-person acts.

What signatory authority is required?

A lease must be signed by a person with authority to bind the party. For corporations, an officer or authorized agent should sign and the document should state title. If authority is unclear, attach corporate resolution, power of attorney, or board consent to avoid enforceability challenges.

Is notarization required for a commercial lease?

Most commercial leases do not require notarization to be valid between parties. Notarization becomes necessary for recording leasehold interests, statutory acknowledgements, or when state law or lender requirements demand it. For remote notarization, follow state RON rules and recordkeeping.

How long must I keep the lease?

Retain the original signed lease for the full term plus a recommended minimum of three years; keep tax-related documents at least three years per IRC §6501(a). For healthcare premises involving PHI, follow 45 CFR §164.530(j) six-year retention rules.

Can I amend the lease after signing?

Yes. Amendments should be in writing, reference the original lease, specify changed terms, and be signed by parties with authority. Use clear effective dates and attach as exhibits. For electronic amendments, ensure ESIGN disclosure and retention satisfy legal requirements.

What if a party breaches the lease?

Document breaches with dated notices and follow cure and default procedures specified in the lease. Preserve audit trails, delivery receipts, and correspondence. Remedies may include cure opportunity, rent acceleration, damages, and eviction; consult counsel for jurisdictional remedies and statute-based notice periods.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Real estate
Commercial Lease Template

Commercial Lease Template

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

COMMERCIAL LEASE AGREEMENT

This Commercial Lease Agreement ("Lease") is made and entered into as of Effective Date: between Landlord Name: ("Landlord") and Tenant Name: ("Tenant"). Landlord and Tenant may be referred to collectively as the Parties.

1. PREMISES

Property Address Suite / Unit Parcel / APN Number Legal Description

2. TERM

Lease Term Commences on: and expires on: unless earlier terminated as provided herein. The Term shall be for the period stated above, subject to extension or early termination only as set forth in this Lease.

3. RENT & PAYMENT

Base Rent (per month) Payment Due Date

Rent shall be payable in lawful funds to Payable To: at Address for Payment:

Late Charge / Interest

4. SECURITY DEPOSIT

Security Deposit Amount

Security deposit shall be held as security for Tenant's performance of obligations and may be applied by Landlord to cure Tenant defaults, repair damage, or to satisfy unpaid charges. Tenant shall not apply the deposit as last month's rent without Landlord's written consent.

5. USE & COMPLIANCE

Permitted Use:

Tenant shall, at Tenant's sole cost, comply with all applicable laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations relating to Tenant's use of the Premises, including obtaining all required permits and licenses. Tenant shall not use the Premises for any unlawful or hazardous purpose.

6. UTILITIES & OPERATING EXPENSES

Tenant is responsible for payment of utilities (including electricity, gas, water, sewer, and telecommunications) serving the Premises unless otherwise agreed in writing. Landlord shall be responsible for structural repairs to the building except where damage is caused by Tenant's negligence or willful misconduct. Operating expenses to be paid by Tenant:

7. REPAIRS, ALTERATIONS & IMPROVEMENTS

Tenant shall maintain the Premises in good order and repair (ordinary wear and tear excepted). Tenant shall not make structural alterations or improvements without Landlord's prior written consent. Tenant Improvements (if any):

8. INSURANCE & INDEMNITY

Tenant shall, at Tenant's expense, maintain commercial general liability insurance with limits of not less than per occurrence and property insurance for Tenant improvements and personal property. Landlord shall maintain property insurance for the building structure. Tenant shall name Landlord as additional insured where required and provide certificate of insurance evidencing coverage prior to occupancy.

Tenant agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Landlord harmless from any claims arising from Tenant's use of the Premises, except to the extent caused by Landlord's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

9. ASSIGNMENT & SUBLETTING

Tenant shall not assign this Lease or sublet the Premises in whole or in part without Landlord's prior written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any attempted assignment or subletting without required consent shall be void and constitute a default.

10. CASUALTY & CONDEMNATION

If the Premises are damaged by fire or other casualty, Landlord shall promptly repair the damage unless the damage is so extensive as to make repair unreasonable. In the event of condemnation of all or a substantial part of the Premises, either party may terminate this Lease as provided by law, with any awards for the taking allocated as required by applicable law and this Lease.

11. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Tenant shall not cause or permit hazardous materials to be brought upon, stored, used, or disposed of on the Premises in violation of environmental laws. Tenant shall be liable for all costs, fines and remediation resulting from Tenant's breach of this obligation.

12. DISCLOSURES

Asbestos/Hazardous Building Materials Present: Yes No

Prior Structural Damage or Mold Remediation: Yes No

13. DEFAULT & REMEDIES

A Default occurs if Tenant fails to pay rent or otherwise breaches any term and fails to cure within the applicable notice and cure period. Upon Default, Landlord may pursue all remedies available under law and equity, including termination, recovery of unpaid rent, and damages. Tenant shall be responsible for Landlord's reasonable costs of collection, including attorneys' fees.

14. NOTICES

Landlord Notice Address Tenant Notice Address

Notices shall be in writing and delivered in accordance with this clause. A party may change its notice address by written notice to the other party.

15. SUBORDINATION & ESTOPPEL

This Lease shall be subordinate to any deed of trust or mortgage now or hereafter encumbering the Premises unless a lender's non-disturbance agreement is delivered to Tenant. Tenant shall execute reasonable estoppel certificates upon request by Landlord or Landlord's lender.

16. DEFAULT INTEREST, ATTORNEY'S FEES & COSTS

In addition to other remedies, Tenant shall pay interest on overdue amounts at the rate specified in this Lease and shall reimburse Landlord for reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in enforcing Landlord's rights under this Lease.

17. GOVERNING LAW & ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Lease shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which the Premises are located. This Lease, together with any written exhibits or amendments executed by the Parties, constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations and agreements.

18. MISCELLANEOUS

Waiver of any right by a Party must be in writing. If any provision of this Lease is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. Time is of the essence with respect to Tenant's obligations under this Lease.

19. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Each party represents and warrants that the individual signing on its behalf is authorized to enter into this Lease and bind the party to its terms.

Landlord Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Tenant Printed Name:

By:

Date:

What a Commercial Lease Template Is

The Commercial Lease Template is a standardized, legally framed contract used to lease nonresidential property such as offices, retail space, warehouses, or industrial facilities. It sets the rights and obligations of landlord and tenant, including rent amount and schedule, lease term, permitted use, maintenance and repair responsibilities, security deposit, insurance requirements, default and remedies, and renewal or termination options. Common attachments include a legal description, floor plan, and parking or signage exhibits. The template simplifies negotiation, ensures consistent clauses across transactions, and serves as the base document for state- or property-specific customizations.

Why a Standardized Commercial Lease Template Helps

A Commercial Lease Template streamlines drafting, reduces legal omissions, and provides consistent risk allocation for landlords and tenants. Using a template saves negotiation time, clarifies payment and maintenance obligations, and provides a clear framework for dispute resolution and compliance with applicable state real estate statutes.

Who Typically Uses the Commercial Lease Template

Owners, property managers, commercial brokers, and tenants use this template to prepare consistent lease documents and streamline negotiations.

Commercial landlords and property managers preparing leases for office, retail, or industrial tenants.
Tenants and business owners reviewing obligations, permitted use, and termination conditions before signing.
Commercial brokers and attorneys customizing clauses and adding state- or industry-specific exhibits.

Use the template early in deal discussions, circulate drafts to legal counsel, and document agreed changes in subsequent versions.

Core Sections to Include in the Commercial Lease Template

Core sections of a Commercial Lease Template establish payment terms, term length, permitted uses, maintenance obligations, insurance and indemnity, and remedies for default.

Rent

Specify base rent amount, payment schedule, rent escalation or CPI adjustments, late fee calculations, grace periods, and rent proration for partial months to avoid payment disputes.

Term

Define lease commencement and expiration dates, initial term length, options to renew with specific notice periods, and early termination conditions including penalties or buyout formulas.

Use

State permitted uses, restrictions on subleasing, signage rules, and compliance with zoning and building codes to prevent unauthorized activity and ensure liability coverage remains valid.

Repairs

Allocate maintenance and repair responsibilities between landlord and tenant, define response times for routine and emergency repairs, identify who pays for replacements, and set inspection and notice procedures.

Insurance

Specify required commercial liability insurance types and minimum limits, tenant vs landlord coverage obligations, additional insured endorsements, and proof of insurance delivery and renewal timelines.

Default

Define events constituting default, specific cure periods and notice requirements, equitable and legal remedies including acceleration and possession, and any liquidated damages, attorneys' fees, or indemnity obligations.

Required Information and Fields at a Glance

Tenant Name: Full legal entity name as on ID

Landlord Name: Full legal entity or owner name

Premises Description: Street address and square footage

Lease Term: Start and end dates in MM/DD/YYYY

Rent Details: Amount, schedule, escalation details

Security Deposit: Amount and refund conditions

Step-by-Step: Completing the Commercial Lease Template

Follow this step-by-step process to complete a Commercial Lease Template accurately and reduce negotiation cycles.

01

Gather Parties: Collect legal names, contacts, and entity types.
02

Set Terms: Enter rent, term, use, and renewal options.
03

Assign Obligations: Allocate repairs, utilities, and insurance duties.
04

Sign & Store: Execute signatures and retain originals securely.

Where to File, Send, and Maintain the Executed Lease

Routing and submission depend on transaction type; most commercial leases are retained by parties and not recorded, but related instruments may require filing.

Owners: Landlord keeps original signed lease for records.
Tenants: Tenant retains a signed copy and payment records.
County Recorder: Only record deeds or leasehold interests when required.
Lenders: Provide executed lease for loan file or UCC.

How to Configure an Online Lease Workflow

Configure an online workflow to collect party details, attach exhibits, route approvals, and capture secure eSignatures for the lease.

Template Field and Online Configuration Settings	Online setting or action to perform
Signature Field Placement and Authentication	Require email or SMS code authentication for signers.
Conditional Clauses and Visibility Rules	Show renewal options only if tenant selects option.
Exhibit Upload and Attachment Controls	Attach floor plans and insurance certificates as PDF exhibits.
Automated Reminders and Escalations for key dates	Schedule rent due and renewal notice reminders via email.

Platform Capabilities to Check Before eSigning

Ensure your eSignature platform supports required authentication, document formats, integrations, and compliance features for commercial lease execution.

Supported Formats: PDF, DOCX, and fillable forms accepted.
Authentication Options: Email, SMS, and two-factor available.
Integrations: Connects to CRM, accounting, and storage.

Critical Dates to Track in the Lease

Key dates in a commercial lease include effective date, rent commencement, security deposit due date, notice windows, and renewal or termination deadlines.

Effective Date and Commencement Clause:

Lease begins on this date; triggers obligations.

Rent Commencement and Grace Periods:

Start date for rent and any grace period for late payments.

Security Deposit and Refund Terms:

Due at signing or specified date; state law limits may apply.

Renewal Notice Requirements and Deadlines:

Tenant must provide written notice within specified window to renew or decline.

Early Termination and Cure Periods:

Identify termination triggers, required notices, and cure opportunities before eviction.

Common Preparation Pitfalls to Avoid

Using a generic template without state-specific modifications can omit mandatory disclosures, incorrect statutory deadlines, or local occupancy rules leading to enforcement issues.
Failing to clearly allocate maintenance and repair responsibilities often causes disputes over routine repairs, capital improvements, and reimbursement for contractor work.
Not defining default cures, notice methods, and landlord remedies may delay remedies and increase litigation costs for both parties.
Neglecting to confirm signer authority for corporate tenants risks later claims that the lease is void or unenforceable against the entity.

Consequences of Incorrect or Incomplete Leases

Monetary Liability: Rent acceleration, damages

Eviction Risk: Lease termination and eviction

Statutory Penalties: Late fee caps, state fines

Tax Consequences: Incorrect reporting or deductions

Loss of Security: Forfeiture for breaches

Unenforceable Terms: Illegal or vague clauses

Pricing and Feature Comparison for Common eSignature Vendors

Compare baseline pricing and core features for eSignature vendors commonly used to execute Commercial Lease Templates.

	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	Yes, 7-day free trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Bulk Send	Yes (Business Premium)	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies	Varies	Varies

Frequently Asked Questions About the Commercial Lease Template

Answers to common legal, execution, and recordkeeping questions about the Commercial Lease Template and electronic execution.

Need help? Contact support

Can a commercial lease be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures satisfy the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and are valid under UETA where adopted. Ensure signer intent, consent, attribution, and record retention. Note: certain formalities such as notarization or specific statutory exceptions may still require in-person acts.
What signatory authority is required?
A lease must be signed by a person with authority to bind the party. For corporations, an officer or authorized agent should sign and the document should state title. If authority is unclear, attach corporate resolution, power of attorney, or board consent to avoid enforceability challenges.
Is notarization required for a commercial lease?
Most commercial leases do not require notarization to be valid between parties. Notarization becomes necessary for recording leasehold interests, statutory acknowledgements, or when state law or lender requirements demand it. For remote notarization, follow state RON rules and recordkeeping.
How long must I keep the lease?
Retain the original signed lease for the full term plus a recommended minimum of three years; keep tax-related documents at least three years per IRC §6501(a). For healthcare premises involving PHI, follow 45 CFR §164.530(j) six-year retention rules.
Can I amend the lease after signing?
Yes. Amendments should be in writing, reference the original lease, specify changed terms, and be signed by parties with authority. Use clear effective dates and attach as exhibits. For electronic amendments, ensure ESIGN disclosure and retention satisfy legal requirements.
What if a party breaches the lease?
Document breaches with dated notices and follow cure and default procedures specified in the lease. Preserve audit trails, delivery receipts, and correspondence. Remedies may include cure opportunity, rent acceleration, damages, and eviction; consult counsel for jurisdictional remedies and statute-based notice periods.

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