A lease agreement establishes the legal rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, whether the property is residential or commercial. The language used in the agreement can affect everything from rent obligations and maintenance responsibilities to dispute resolution and early termination. At Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace, we represent landlords, tenants, business owners, and property owners throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in drafting, reviewing, negotiating, enforcing, and litigating lease agreements. Whether you are entering into a new lease, renegotiating existing terms, or resolving a dispute, we help you make informed decisions that protect your business and property interests.
Why Choose Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace for Lease Agreement Matters?
Since 1933, we have represented businesses, property owners, landlords, and tenants throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania in commercial real estate and business law matters. We understand how lease agreements fit into broader business and real estate goals, and we help clients identify potential issues before they become costly disputes.
Clients choose our firm because we provide:
- More than 90 years of legal service to businesses and property owners in Western Pennsylvania
- Experience handling commercial real estate, business law, and contract matters
- Practical guidance tailored to your business and property goals
- Drafting, careful review, and negotiation of lease terms before you sign
- Representation in lease disputes, mediation, arbitration, and litigation when conflicts arise
- Ongoing legal counsel as your business, property portfolio, or leasing needs evolve
What Does a Commercial Lease Agreement Do?
A commercial lease agreement defines the legal relationship between a property owner and a business tenant. Unlike many residential leases, commercial leases are highly negotiable, allowing the parties to allocate financial responsibilities and define key business terms before the agreement is signed. Because commercial leases often remain in effect for many years, even seemingly minor provisions can have significant financial and operational consequences over time.
A carefully prepared lease commonly addresses:
- Rent and payment terms
- Lease duration and renewal options
- Maintenance and repair responsibilities
- Insurance requirements
- Tenant improvements and property alterations
- Assignment and subleasing rights
- Default and termination provisions
- Dispute resolution procedures
Every business has different operational needs. We help ensure your lease reflects those needs before you make a long-term commitment.
Which Type of Commercial Lease Is Right for Your Business?
The structure of a commercial lease determines how operating costs and financial responsibilities are divided between the landlord and tenant.
Common commercial lease structures include:
- Gross lease: The tenant pays a fixed rent while the landlord generally covers taxes, insurance, and common maintenance expenses.
- Net lease: The tenant pays rent plus certain operating expenses, such as taxes, insurance, or maintenance.
- Triple net (NNN) lease: The tenant pays rent, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs.
- Percentage lease: Often used for retail businesses, this lease combines base rent with a percentage of the tenant’s sales.
Understanding these differences before signing can help you evaluate the true cost of occupying a property.
Which Lease Terms Deserve the Closest Attention?
Several lease provisions deserve careful review because they can significantly affect your rights throughout the lease term.
Use Clause
A use clause defines how the property may be used. The language should be broad enough to accommodate your current operations while allowing flexibility if your business grows or changes.
Exclusivity Clause
Retail tenants often negotiate exclusivity provisions that prevent a landlord from leasing nearby space to a direct competitor. These clauses may help protect your market position within a shopping center or commercial development.
Assignment and Subleasing
Business circumstances change. If your company relocates, restructures, or sells its assets, assignment or sublease rights may become important. We review these provisions to determine when landlord approval is required and whether restrictions are reasonable.
Maintenance and Repair Obligations
Commercial leases frequently assign maintenance responsibilities to the tenant. We help clarify who is responsible for repairs, structural issues, building systems, and common areas to reduce future disputes.
What Does Pennsylvania Law Say About Lease Agreements?
Pennsylvania law establishes certain rights and obligations for landlords and tenants. For example, residential security deposits generally may not exceed two months’ rent during the first year of a lease and one month’s rent during subsequent years. After a tenant moves out, landlords generally have 30 days to return the security deposit or provide an itemized list of deductions.
Commercial leases are different. While residential leases are governed by statutory requirements, commercial leases are governed primarily by the terms negotiated by the parties. Those provisions often determine each party’s rights and remedies if a dispute arises, making careful drafting and review before signing an important part of protecting your interests.
How Can We Help With Lease Disputes?
Lease disputes commonly involve payment issues, maintenance responsibilities, property damage, defaults, lease interpretation, or early termination. We work to resolve these matters through negotiation, mediation, or arbitration whenever appropriate. If litigation becomes necessary, we represent landlords and tenants in protecting their contractual rights.
Protect Your Interests With Experienced Lease Agreement Counsel
Whether you need a lease drafted, reviewed, negotiated, or enforced, Jones, Gregg, Creehan & Gerace is ready to help. We work with landlords, tenants, business owners, and property owners throughout Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania to protect their interests at every stage of the leasing process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an attorney to review a lease before I sign it?
You are not legally required to have an attorney review a lease before signing. However, identifying unfavorable provisions before the agreement becomes binding can help you avoid unnecessary costs and disputes later.
Can a commercial lease be renewed or amended?
Yes. Landlords and tenants may agree to amend or renew a commercial lease during or at the end of the lease term. Any changes should be documented in writing and signed by both parties.
What happens if one party breaches a commercial lease?
The lease typically outlines the remedies available when a breach occurs. Depending on the agreement, those remedies may include notice requirements, opportunities to cure the default, monetary damages, or termination of the lease. The specific outcome depends on the lease language and applicable Pennsylvania law.