Commercial property leases are much different than the ones that govern residential properties. A lease for a business is usually very detailed and comprehensive. Some of the terms in these have to do with the upkeep and maintenance of the property.
It’s imperative that all areas of a commercial property are kept in good condition. Any defects in the property can lead to significant injuries to employees or visitors to the business.
Because of the risk of lawsuits, those risks must be minimized through proper upkeep and maintenance. The question about who is responsible for repairs comes up when things need to be done. Determining responsibility may take a bit of work.
Where is the problem and what does the lease say?
Most commercial leases specify how repairs and maintenance are handled. In some cases, the tenants are responsible for these costs. If the repair is in a location that’s used solely by one tenant, the tenant may have to cover the entire cost. If the repair is in a location used by multiple tenants, they may have to share the cost. The exception to this is if the lease for the property requires the landlord to pay the full cost.
Because of the intricacies of commercial leases, it’s typically best to have them reviewed by someone familiar with this area of law. This can help each party to understand their rights and responsibilities, which is imperative for instances in which questions arise about who has to cover expenses that come up.