During lease negotiations, understanding each other’s needs is essential. For example, sometimes tenants prefer shorter leases due to concerns about business growth. Landlords can offer solutions like the right to relocate to available space in other properties in the owners portfolio. Thus, the landlord keeps a tenant that has shown increased financial strength and credit, and the tenant can gain comfort in that their business growth will not be hindered by their real estate. Also, clear discussions about responsibilities like air conditioning maintenance can prevent future misunderstandings.

When faced with concerns about who maintains the HVAC system it is often helpful for both parties to know the condition of the HVAC at start of the lease and understand when the landlord will step into taking over the responsibility. This is often different based on the type of property i.e.. Retail vs. office and the nature of the system.

Ultimately, understanding at the onset, the lease terms that are most important to the landlord and those that may be modified helps mold a successful lease negotiation.