UNDERSTANDING COMMERCIAL LEASE LANGUAGE PART 3 - DEFINING REASONABLE WEAR AND TEAR
Ryan Hartsell, SIOR, MRE
Office & Industrial Real Estate Solutions for Business Owners | Strategic Tenant & Buyer Representation
What is the “reasonable wear and tear” condition of a premises?
It is important to understand your landlord’s definition of this term when signing a new lease or renewal. This can prevent unexpected costs and stress when it’s time to move. A landlord wants to preserve as much cash as possible when a tenant vacates. Finding a replacement tenant and preparing the space can be a significant cost. If a landlord can pass those costs on, he or she probably will. That can mean that “reasonable wear and tear condition” includes at least a portion of the landlord’s costs to prep for an incoming tenant.
“Reasonable wear and tear” is a matter of opinion.
A tenant can save money, frustration, and potential legal issues when they leave by outlining and agreeing what the specific expectations are in the lease. In some cases, a tenant will receive a landlord improvement allowance upon taking occupancy. That doesn’t mean they are obligated to reimburse those costs when they move or cover those same costs for the next tenant. This is especially true if a tenant has occupied a space for a significant period of time.
Companies can be so focused on what is entailed to move into a new space that considerations about vacating it are overlooked.
A landlord should certainly have recourse when it comes to property damage. It is essential to Agree on what is considered damage and what is normal wear and tear. It is to everyone’s benefit to ensure there is a fair balance and that all parties agree about the defined terms.
Any questions?
Contact Ryan at [email protected] or (713) 840-8528.
Ryan J. Hartsell, SIOR, MRE, Principal, and Managing Partner of Oxford Partners LLC, is the architect of a highly successful career in the commercial real estate industry. He is recognized by his clients for his attentiveness, market knowledge, and negotiation prowess. He holds a master’s degree in commercial real estate and a bachelor’s degree in finance. As a third generation Houstonian and Principal of Oxford Partners, he has a unique appreciation for the business owners’ challenges by way of his own personal experience, which translates into better representation and empathy for his clients. Contact Ryan to discuss your commercial real estate needs.
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