Question 1

How much does a lawyer charge for a lease agreement?

Accepted Answer

In Philadelphia, a commercial lease attorney typically charges $500–$2,500 to review and negotiate a commercial lease, depending on the lease length, complexity, and how much negotiation is required. Drafting a new commercial lease from scratch ranges from $1,500–$5,000. For a straightforward retail or office lease review with standard terms, many commercial real estate attorneys offer flat-fee arrangements. The cost of a commercial lease attorney is almost always less than the cost of signing a lease with unfavorable terms — a poorly negotiated lease can cost tens of thousands over a multi-year term.

Question 2

What are red flags in a commercial lease agreement?

Accepted Answer

The most significant red flags in a Philadelphia commercial lease include personal guarantee clauses that make you personally liable for the full lease term if your business fails, triple net (NNN) provisions that pass all building expenses to the tenant without a cap, automatic renewal clauses that lock you into another term without notice, landlord termination rights that allow the landlord to end the lease with minimal notice, and assignment restrictions that prevent you from selling your business or subletting the space. A commercial lease attorney reviews every clause and negotiates protections before you sign.

Question 3

What is the best excuse to break a commercial lease?

Accepted Answer

In Pennsylvania, breaking a commercial lease without liability requires a legally recognized basis — not just a business reason. Valid grounds include landlord breach of the lease (failure to maintain the premises, constructive eviction, or interference with your business operations), a force majeure clause triggered by a qualifying event, mutual agreement with the landlord, or a specific early termination clause negotiated into the lease. Simply wanting to close or relocate your business is not a legal defense. A commercial lease attorney reviews your lease for exit options and negotiates early termination terms with the landlord.

Question 4

Can you sue a commercial landlord?

Accepted Answer

Yes — commercial tenants in Philadelphia can sue a landlord for breach of the lease, failure to maintain the premises, wrongful eviction, interference with business operations, or misrepresentation about the property. Commercial lease disputes are handled in Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Unlike residential tenants, commercial tenants have fewer statutory protections and rely primarily on the lease terms themselves, which is why having a commercial lease attorney review the lease before signing is critical. A well-drafted lease creates clear remedies when the landlord fails to perform.

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