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Office Lease Agreement

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OFFICE LEASE AGREEMENT

THIS OFFICE LEASE AGREEMENT is made, entered into and executed this the day of , 20 , by and between hereinafter called "Lessor", and , hereinafter called "Lessee". Lessor and Lessee contract and agree as follows:

1. Lessor hereby leases unto Lessee the following premises:

2. The term of this lease shall be for a primary term of one year, commencing on , and expiring at midnight on , unless extended as provided for herein. Lessee may take possession of the leased property at any time after . At the end of the primary term this lease shall be automatically extended for one additional year unless within days prior to the expiration of the primary term Lessee gives Lessor written notice of its intent not to extend the term hereof, or Lessor gives Lessee like notice.

3. Lessee shall pay to Lessor, as base rental, the sum of Dollars ($ ) per month for each month of the primary term, in advance, on or before the day of each month during the term hereof, commencing . For the extended term the monthly rental shall increase by %. Lessee agrees to pay a late payment fee of five per cent (5%) of any sum due hereunder if said payment is made after the tenth of the month in which it is due.

4. The leased property shall be used solely for: No other use may be made of the leased property without the written consent of the Lessor.

5. The Lessor shall pay all ad valorem taxes assessed against the leased property. Lessee shall pay all personal property taxes duly assessed against Lessee's personal property located on the premises and shall also pay all privilege, excise and other taxes duly assessed. Lessee shall pay said taxes when due so as to prevent the assessment of any late fees or penalties.

6. Lessee shall pay for all electricity and heating utility charges for the leased property. Lessee shall be responsible for payment of all increases if any, in garbage collection fees or garbage container charges which are the result of Lessees occupancy of the leased premises. Lessor shall pay the present charges for garbage collection and garbage containers.

7. Lessor shall be responsible for all maintenance of the grounds and improvements on the leased property including but not limited to landscaping, roof, exterior doors and walls, windows, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical system associated with the premises. Lessee shall be responsible for maintenance of the interior of the leased property including walls, doors, floors, ceilings, light bulbs, florescent tubes and cabinets. If Lessee fails to perform necessary maintenance as provided for herein Lessor may perform said maintenance and bill Lessee the cost thereof plus a service charge of fifteen per cent (15%) as additional rental. Lessee agrees to return the leased property to Lessor at the expiration hereof in the same or similar condition as the present condition.

8. Lessor shall not be liable for any loss, injury, death or damage to persons or property which at any time may be suffered or sustained by Lessee or by any person who may be using or occupying or visiting the leased property or be in, on, or about the same. Lessee shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Lessor against all loss, injury, death, or damage.

9. Lessee has inspected the leased property and finds them to be in a safe, satisfactory, and acceptable condition. The Lessee accepts the leased property in its present condition, and without any representations on the part of Lessor or it's agents as to the present or future condition of said premises.

10. Lessee will keep the leased property in a clean and wholesome condition and will comply at all times with all lawful health and police regulations and will keep the leased property, and improvements thereon and the areas adjacent thereto in a safe, secure and attractive condition. Lessee shall not construct improvements or additions to the leased property without the written consent of Lessor. Any fixtures attached to the walls or floors of the leased premises shall remain the property of Lessor upon expiration hereof unless they can be removed by Lessee without damage to the leased premises.

11. Lessee will permit the Lessor, and/or it's agents or authorized representatives to enter upon the leased property at all times during reasonable business hours for the purpose of inspecting same.

12. If Lessee shall default in the payment of the rent, or any part thereof or any other sums due under the terms hereof, when due as herein provided, or in any of the other covenants, agreements, conditions or undertakings herein contained, and such default shall continue for ten days after notice thereof in writing to Lessee, or if (a) any proceeding under the bankruptcy act of the United States is begun by or against the Lessee, and an order of adjudication, or order approving the petition, be entered in such proceedings, or (b) a receiver or trustee is appointed for substantially all of the Lessee's business or assets, or (c) if Lessee shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or (d) if Lessee shall vacate or abandon the leased property, then, and in any such event, it shall be lawful for the Lessor, at it's election, to declare the term hereof ended and to re-enter the leased property, and to repossess and enjoy the leased property and any buildings and improvements situated thereon without such a re-entry and repossession working a forfeiture of the rents to be paid and the covenants to be performed by the Lessee during the full term of this agreement. If any default shall be made in any covenant, agreement, condition, or undertaking which cannot with due diligence be cured within a period of 10 days, and if notice thereof in writing shall have been given to the Lessee, and if the Lessee, prior to the expiration of 10 days from and after the giving of such notice, shall commence to satisfy the cause of such default and shall proceed diligently and with reasonable dispatch to take all steps and do all work required to cure such default, then the Lessor shall not have the right to declare said term ended by reason of such default; provided, however, that the curing of any default in such manner shall not be construed to limit or restrict the right of Lessor to declare the said term ended and enforce all of their rights and remedies hereunder for any other default not so cured. The foregoing provision for the termination of this lease for any default in any of its covenants shall not operate to exclude or suspend any other remedy of the Lessor for breach of any of said covenants, or for the recovery of said rent for the full term, and in the event of the termination or default in any of the terms of this lease as aforesaid, the Lessee covenants and agrees to indemnify and save harmless the Lessor from any loss arising from such default, termination and/or re-entry in pursuance thereof including the payment of Lessor's reasonable attorneys fees incurred in the enforcement of any of the terms hereof.

13. Lessor shall maintain hazard insurance on the leased property but Lessee shall be responsible for maintaining hazard insurance on any personal property of Lessee located within the leased property. Lessor shall not be liable for any losses suffered to Lessee's property, except to the extent such losses are occasioned by the gross negligence or intentional acts of Lessor, its agents or employees.

14. In the event all or a portion of the leased property is damaged or destroyed by fire or other casualty or taken by eminent domain, to the extent that Lessee is unable to conduct its reasonable and ordinary business operations, Lessor shall have the option to terminate the lease or restore the leased property to its former condition as soon as practical, during which time the rental shall be abated from the date of such damage until the leased property is restored. All insurance proceeds and eminent domain damages, compensation or award shall be the property of Lessor.

15. Time is of the essence in the performance of all duties obligations, and responsibilities under the terms of this lease.

16. Lessee covenants, understands, and agrees that it is liable under the terms of this lease, and hereby agrees to perform all of the covenants and undertakings herein contained to be kept. This lease may not be assigned nor the leased property subleased without the written consent of Lessor.

17. All notices given pursuant to the terms of this lease and under applicable law, shall be deemed given and received five (5) days after mailing postage prepaid, certified mail, return receipt requested to the following addresses:

IF TO LESSOR

IF TO LESSEE

18. SPECIAL PROVISIONS:

* * *

WITNESS the signatures of the parties, this the day of , 20

LESSOR:

By:

LESSEE:

By:

Enter text✕

What an Office Lease Agreement Covers

An Office Lease Agreement is a legally binding contract that sets the terms for renting commercial office space between a landlord (lessor) and a tenant (lessee). It defines rent, term length, permitted uses, maintenance and repair obligations, security deposit handling, assignment and subletting restrictions, insurance requirements, and default or termination procedures. The agreement allocates risk, specifies who pays utilities and taxes where applicable, and often includes exhibits for floor plans, permitted alterations, and signage. Properly completed, it provides clear expectations and an enforceable record of the parties' rights and duties.

Why a Written Office Lease Protects Both Parties

A written Office Lease Agreement reduces ambiguity about rent, term, and responsibilities, creates enforceable remedies for breach, and preserves evidence of consent for future disputes; electronic execution is valid under ESIGN (15 U.S.C. §7001) and UETA when statutory exceptions do not apply.

Why a Written Office Lease Protects Both Parties

Who Typically Prepares and Signs an Office Lease

Each signer should have authority to bind their organization; when in doubt confirm corporate signatory authority and include any necessary board resolutions or agent consents.

  • Commercial landlords and property managers who need enforceable rent and maintenance terms.
  • Small business tenants who require clear occupancy, improvement, and termination provisions.
  • Legal counsel and real estate brokers assisting with negotiation and compliance.

Step-by-Step: Completing and Executing the Office Lease

Follow these sequential steps to prepare, review, and finalize an enforceable lease including electronic execution where allowed.

  • 01
    Draft: Assemble standard clauses and attach exhibits such as floor plans and tenant improvement allowances.
  • 02
    Review: Have legal counsel and the tenant confirm indemnities, insurance, and use restrictions.
  • 03
    Negotiate: Track changes and agreed concessions; update the term, rent, and renewal options accordingly.
  • 04
    Execute: Collect authorized signatures and dates; use an eSignature platform that meets ESIGN/UETA requirements.

Essential Clauses Every Office Lease Should Include

A professional Office Lease Agreement organizes obligations and remedies into clear clauses so parties understand day-to-day operations, financial terms, and exit rules.

Term

Defines start and end dates, any renewal options, and early termination conditions to avoid implied month-to-month holdovers.

Rent and Payment

Specifies base rent, escalation clauses, late fees, payment method, and whether utilities or common area maintenance charges apply.

Use and Exclusivity

Limits permitted business activities and states whether tenant has exclusivity to prevent competing uses on the property.

Repairs and Alterations

Allocates responsibility for maintenance, repairs, tenant improvements, and owner approval for alterations.

Insurance and Indemnity

Requires specific insurance types and limits, and allocates liability through indemnity provisions and waivers.

Default and Remedies

Describes events of default, cure periods, landlord remedies (including eviction), and any liquidated damages.

Required Information to Complete the Lease

Party Names: Full legal names
Contact Information: Street address and phone
Premises ID: Suite and square footage
Payment Details: Bank or remittance info
Insurance Limits: Policy types and limits
Signatory Authority: Title and signing capacity

How to Configure an Online Signing Workflow

Set field types, assignment order, and authentication requirements to match the transaction risk and regulatory needs.

Field Configuration
Signature Field Required; signer-assigned
Initials Field Optional; per-page placement
Date Field Auto-populate MM/DD/YYYY
Attachment Field Accept tenant exhibits

Digital Signing and Distribution Options

Ensure the chosen platform preserves an audit trail, supports required integrations, and stores signed copies securely for retention obligations.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX, HTML, Excel
  • Integrations: Salesforce, NetSuite, Google Workspace
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or KBA options

Typical Online Lease Signing Flow

A concise workflow from document preparation to final archiving reduces errors and shortens time to occupancy.

  • Upload: Add the lease and its exhibits to the signing platform.
  • Place Fields: Drop signature, date, and initial fields where required.
  • Send: Email signers or generate a secure signing link.
  • Complete: Collect signatures and download certificate of completion.

Key Dates and Notice Deadlines to Track

Track and calendarize critical dates to avoid forfeiture of rights, late fees, or unintentional renewals.

Rent Payment Date:

Monthly due date and grace period for late fee calculation.

Security Deposit Return:

State-specific deadline for returning deposit after lease termination.

Renewal Notice Deadline:

Required notice period to exercise or decline renewal options.

Default Cure Period:

Time allowed to remedy breaches before landlord remedies apply.

Possession Date:

Date tenant can lawfully occupy the premises.

Milestone Timeline from Negotiation to Occupancy

Track these sequential stages to align landlord, tenant, and vendor tasks through handover.

01

Negotiation and Offer

Agree basic terms and proposed lease structure.

02

Drafting and Review

Prepare the formal lease and obtain legal review.

03

Execution

Collect signed documents and confirm payments required at signing.

04

Handover and Move-In

Deliver keys, condition report, and any tenant improvement schedules.

Common Preparation and Execution Mistakes

  • Using informal names instead of the legal entity on signature lines, which can invalidate remedy against the correct party.
  • Leaving rent escalation, operating expense passthroughs, or CAM definitions vague and open to dispute later.
  • Failing to attach or reference exhibits such as floor plans or TI allowances causes uncertainty about obligations and scope.
  • Not confirming who has authority to sign for corporate tenants or landlords, which can delay enforcement.

Consequences of an Incorrect or Incomplete Lease

Enforceability Risk: Ambiguous terms may be unenforceable
Financial Exposure: Uncapped liabilities increase landlord or tenant costs
Eviction Proceedings: Default can lead to legal removal actions
Deposit Disputes: Improper handling can create statutory penalties
Regulatory Fines: Violation of local codes or disclosure laws
Tax Treatment: Incorrect accounting may trigger IRS review

How an Office Lease Differs from Related Documents

Compare common alternatives to identify which document fits your needs: a full lease, a sublease or a license to occupy.

Criteria Office Lease Sublease Agreement
Parties landlord & tenant tenant & subtenant
Duration fixed term subterm of master lease
Consent Requirement usually required often requires landlord approval
Transferability restricted typically more restricted

eSignature Platform Pricing and Feature Snapshot

Compare common vendor starting prices and basic capabilities relevant to executing Office Lease Agreements electronically. signNow appears first per comparison rules.

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 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

Real-World Examples of Executed Office Leases

These compact case arcs show how different organizations use digital execution and tailored clauses for office lease transactions.

Martin Properties — Local Brokerage

Martin Properties needed remote signing for multiple small leases due to off-site owners.

  • Quick eSignature routing reduced turnaround.
  • "I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security," said Tim Martin, Founder, describing faster closings and fewer in-person meetings.

Fertility Centers of Illinois — Healthcare Tenant

A medical tenant required HIPAA-aware lease addenda and secure record handling.

  • Negotiated specific privacy and access terms.
  • John Butler, Founder, noted the platform allowed secure signature capture and storage while preserving audit trails required for compliance.

Representative Signers and Their Roles

Property Manager

City-based property manager who executes leases on behalf of multiple owners; typically signs as an agent and must retain evidence of authority from each owner to avoid enforcement challenges.

Tenant Representative

Small business owner or authorized corporate officer who signs for the tenant entity; should provide proof of signature authority and ensure entity name matches tax records.

Frequently Asked Questions About Office Lease Agreements

Answers to common execution, enforceability, and amendment questions when preparing or eSigning an Office Lease Agreement.


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