What is a Choice of Law Provision in a Commercial Lease and Why is it Important?
When reviewing a commercial lease, the choice of law provision—also known as a governing law clause—is a common element that deserves attention. This clause identifies which jurisdiction’s laws will apply to the interpretation and enforcement of the lease. For...
What Happens to Commercial Real Estate Leases When a Property Is Sold?
In Massachusetts, commercial real estate transactions often raise an important question for both landlords and tenants: What happens to an existing commercial lease when a property is sold? The short answer is that the lease typically remains in effect, and the new...
Why Are Landlord and Tenant Indemnity Obligations Different in a Commercial Lease?
Indemnity provisions are an important component of commercial lease agreements, defining the extent to which each party is responsible for damages, claims, and liabilities arising from incidents related to the leased property. In essence, an indemnity provision is a...
What is a Security Deposit Burn Down in a Commercial Lease?
In commercial real estate leasing, security deposits serve as a critical risk mitigation tool for landlords. Unlike residential leases, where security deposits are often limited by law, commercial landlords have significant discretion in setting the amount and...
Negotiating the definition of “Gross Sales” for Purposes of Calculating Percentage Rent in a Retail Lease
Negotiating the definition of sales, often referred to as "gross sales," is an important consideration for retail tenants who are subject to percentage rent provisions. Percentage rent is a form of additional rent calculated based on a percentage of the tenant's...
A Tenant’s Guide to Estoppel Certificates
When a landlord requests an estoppel certificate, commercial tenants should approach the document with caution and understanding. While an estoppel certificate is not intended to modify a lease, it can significantly impact a tenant's future rights and claims. This...
An Introduction to Operating Expenses in Commercial Leases
Introduction Operating expenses (OpEx) in a commercial lease can significantly impact a tenant’s total cost of occupancy. While base rent is typically a fixed expense, OpEx is often variable, unpredictable, and largely outside the tenant’s direct control....
A Guide to Negotiating a Permitted Use Clause in a Commercial Lease
A permitted use clause in a commercial lease defines and limits the type of business a tenant can operate within a leased premises. This clause serves as a critical point of negotiation between landlords and tenants, with significant implications for tenant mix,...
Tips for a Commercial Landlords Dealing with Abandoned Tenant Property in Massachusetts
Commercial landlords in Massachusetts may occasionally find themselves dealing with property left behind by tenants who have vacated their premises, either voluntarily or through eviction. While it may seem straightforward to remove and dispose of these belongings,...
What is the Significance of Signing a Commercial Lease ‘Under Seal’ in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts law contains certain legal traditions that may be unfamiliar to individuals and businesses from other states. One such unique aspect is the concept of signing a document "under seal" - whether or not a physical seal is actually used. While the use of...