Commercial Leases

Let us handle your Commercial Lease

We draft and negotiate commercial leases for landlords and tenants throughout the United States. The work includes letters of intent, term sheets, and lease agents for retail, office, medical, light industrial, and mixed-use space. We focus on the economics and the risk: base rent and escalations, operating-expense allocations, build-out and delivery standards, use and exclusivity, assignment and subletting, insurance and indemnity, maintenance and repair issues, defaults and remedies, and end-of-term surrender. We coordinate SNDAs and estoppels with lenders and title, and we run a disciplined process so possession and rent commencement occur on schedule.

Our Commercial Lease Services

Commercial Lease Agreements

Bliss Law PLC represents both landlords and tenants in drafting and negotiating commercial lease agreements throughout Michigan. Whether you’re leasing retail space, an office suite, or an industrial building, we help structure leases that reflect your priorities and avoid costly surprises later.

Legal Services Include:

  • Draft and negotiate commercial leases for office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use spaces.

  • Identify and resolve risks in lease terms before signing.

  • Ensure compliance with Michigan law and local requirements.

Lease Negotiation & Structuring

We work closely with clients to develop lease structures that make business sense and stand up to legal scrutiny. From base rent to CAM formulas and renewal terms, we help you understand the fine print and secure favorable outcomes.

Legal Services Include:

  • Structure leases that balance business goals and legal protection.

  • Negotiate key financial terms, including rent, CAM, and escalations.

  • Advise on renewal options, exclusivity clauses, and exit terms.

Build-Out & Tenant Improvement Provisions

Construction-related provisions can make or break a lease. We help allocate responsibilities clearly, avoid disputes, and ensure the build-out process aligns with both your lease timeline and your budget.

Legal Services Include:

  • Allocate construction responsibilities between landlord and tenant.

  • Define scope, cost-sharing, and deadlines for build-outs.

  • Coordinate terms with construction contracts and permit schedules.

Assignment & Subletting Rights

Whether you’re looking to transfer a lease or protect against unwanted subtenants, Bliss Law helps draft clear terms that balance flexibility with control.

Legal Services Include:

  • Draft and review assignment and subletting clauses.

  • Protect against unwanted transfers and maintain control of space.

  • Advise on approval rights, continuing liability, and release language.

Default & Remedies Provisions

We make sure lease defaults are handled with clarity. We draft and review default clauses so you’re not left guessing about notice periods, cure rights, or damages when problems arise.

Legal Services Include:

  • Draft clear default definitions and cure periods.

  • Protect client interests in rent defaults, abandonment, and breaches.

  • Enforce or defend against claims for damages and legal remedies.

Renewals, Extensions & Termination Rights

We help businesses stay agile by negotiating renewal options, early termination clauses, and exit strategies that are fair and enforceable under applicable law.

Legal Services Include:

  • Negotiate fair and flexible renewal and extension options.

  • Draft early termination provisions tied to business milestones.

  • Advise on notice timing and enforceability under Michigan law.

Personal Guarantees & Security Deposits

Bliss Law advises clients on structuring guarantees and deposits that reduce risk without overreaching. We draft protections for landlords while minimizing exposure for tenants.

Legal Services Include:

  • Draft guaranty agreements that align with deal structure.

  • Advise on reasonable deposit amounts and legal holding requirements.

  • Structure letters of credit or alternative security arrangements.

Compliance with Zoning & Use Restrictions

Leases must reflect what’s actually allowed on the property. We help clients navigate zoning laws, use restrictions, and local permitting requirements so business operations can proceed without interruption.

Legal Services Include:

  • Review zoning classifications and special use permit needs.

  • Advise on use restrictions, conditional approvals, and variances.

  • Ensure lease terms align with local regulations and recorded covenants.

Triple Net (NNN) & Modified Gross Leases

We help clients understand the financial responsibilities tied to each lease type. Whether it’s taxes, insurance, or maintenance, we clarify the obligations and negotiate equitable terms.

Legal Services Include:

  • Explain the financial impact of lease structure options.

  • Allocate responsibility for taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

  • Clarify tenant vs. landlord obligations in shared spaces.

Exclusive Use & Non-Compete Clauses

Protecting your business from direct competition in the same development can be critical. We negotiate exclusivity and non-compete provisions that support your long-term success.

Legal Services Include:

  • Draft provisions to prevent direct competition in shared developments.

  • Review existing leases for conflicts or enforcement concerns.

  • Protect tenant market share within shopping centers or complexes.

Lease Amendments & Modifications

  • Draft amendments for changes in rent, term, or square footage.

  • Ensure modifications are enforceable and properly executed.

  • Align lease changes with business transitions or market shifts.

Legal Services Include:

  • Properly drafted land contracts with price, rate, amortization, balloon terms.
  • Escrow instructions for taxes and insurance, default and cure language.
  • Forfeiture vs foreclosure strategy and timelines.

Landlord-Tenant Disputes (Commercial)

When disputes arise, Bliss Law acts swiftly to enforce lease terms or protect your rights. We handle everything from missed rent to lease violations and formal eviction proceedings.

Legal Services Include:

  • Represent clients in commercial eviction cases.

  • Enforce or defend against claims for unpaid rent or damages.

  • Negotiate settlements to resolve disputes efficiently.

Subordination, Non-Disturbance & Attornment (SNDA) Agreements

We prepare SNDA agreements that align with financing requirements while protecting tenants’ rights in the event of foreclosure or sale.

Legal Services Include:

  • Draft SNDA agreements for lender and tenant approval.

  • Protect tenant occupancy rights during financing or foreclosure.

  • Coordinate SNDA terms with existing lease provisions.

Due Diligence for Lease Agreements

Before buying or selling a leased commercial property, we review all lease documents to assess risks, rent rolls, and obligations that could affect your transaction.

Legal Services Include:

  • Review existing leases during property acquisitions or sales.

  • Identify lease risks, renewal obligations, and rent escalations.

  • Provide clear summaries for buyers, sellers, or lenders.

Environmental Provisions in Leases

We draft environmental clauses that assign responsibilities clearly—protecting clients from liability related to hazardous materials or site conditions.

Legal Services Include:

  • Allocate responsibility for hazardous substances and cleanup.

  • Draft indemnity clauses and environmental compliance language.

  • Address EGLE regulations and site-specific concerns.

Need Help with your Commercial Leases?

Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, Bliss Law PLC can help you understand your lease, protect your rights, and avoid costly mistakes. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.