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Brown Borkowski & Morrow
  • Home
  • Firm Overview
    • Why Hire Us?
  • Our Team
    • Attorneys
      • Susan Leigh Brown
      • Thomas J. Borkowski, Jr.
      • Matthew N. Morrow
      • David James Eagles
      • Mary A. Mahoney
      • Sara Gorman Rajan
    • Support Staff
  • Practice Areas
    • Business & Corporate Law
    • Business Property Tax Appeals
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    • Estate Planning
    • Probate & Estate Administration
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A GREAT LEGAL TEAM TO GUIDE YOU

Key commercial lease clauses Michigan business owners must know

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 6, 2025 | Real Estate Law |

Leasing commercial space is an important step for your business. Before signing, make sure you fully understand what you are agreeing to. A commercial lease is a contract that can affect your establishment for years. The terms can increase costs, limit your options or cause legal problems. This is why you need to carefully review and understand all terms of your lease before moving forward.

Why your lease deserves careful attention

A commercial lease determines how much you will pay, what you can do with the space and what happens if problems arise. If you do not review the details or assume everything is standard, you may end up with a deal that harms your business. Reviewing the lease can help you protect your business and avoid surprises.

Key clauses you should never ignore

Some lease provisions carry significant risks and ignoring them can cause costly problems. Pay attention to these important clauses:

 

  • Rent increases: Many leases require yearly rent increases based on a fixed percentage or inflation. Know the amount and timing of these increases.
  • Repairs and maintenance: Some leases require tenants to cover building repairs, including major systems such as heating, cooling, and the roof. Responsibilities should be clearly defined.
  • Use and competition: Your lease may restrict the type of business you can operate. You may request an exclusivity clause to prevent competitors from operating in the same building.
  • Personal guarantees: Signing a personal guarantee can put your assets at risk. Whenever possible, try to limit or remove this obligation.

 

Each clause can lead to costs or legal issues. Many landlords are willing to negotiate these terms.

 

Why reviewing a commercial lease matters

Commercial leases offer more flexibility than residential ones but have fewer legal protections for tenants. Unlike residential agreements, commercial leases are often tailored to the property and negotiated terms. This means the landlord may include terms that heavily favor their interests. This makes it important to review your lease before signing. 

 

In Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties, lease terms vary based on property, location, and landlord. A local attorney can help you understand typical terms and identify unusual provisions.

 

Why legal review matters

You wouldn’t sign a business contract without knowing the risks; a lease is no different. Consulting a lawyer can help you manage complex lease terms and protect your business interests before you sign. An attorney can also guide you in understanding the terms of the lease, find potential loopholes and negotiate changes that protect you.

Make your lease work for you

A commercial lease is a contract that affects your business’s success and financial stability. Reviewing all terms carefully, understanding your obligations and seeking legal advice can protect you from risks and unexpected costs. Before signing, confirm if your lease supports your business goals and protects your interests.

No will? What parents should know about their children’s future

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 4, 2025 | Estate Planning

If something happens to you tomorrow, will your children be in good hands? Estate planning may sound like a lot of work, but more than anything, it is an act of love and responsibility. It is about protecting your children’s future, ensuring their best interests long...

Probate vs. non-probate assets: What is the difference?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jun 2, 2025 | Estate Planning

When someone passes away in Michigan and there is no will in place, their representative settles their estate according to probate laws. An essential part of that process is understanding the difference between probate and non-probate assets. Knowing what does and...

What is Michigan’s law on tenant rights and eviction?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | May 20, 2025 | Real Estate Law

If you're a tenant in Michigan, understanding your rights is essential. Tenant rights laws are designed to protect you from unfair treatment and ensure that landlords uphold their responsibilities. In Michigan, there are rules that govern the landlord-tenant...

What is a special needs trust?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | May 16, 2025 | Estate Planning

A special needs trust helps ensure that your loved one with disabilities receives the support they need while protecting their eligibility for government benefits. These trusts are specifically designed to preserve access to programs like Medicaid or Supplemental...

How is business debt handled during a divorce?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Mar 21, 2025 | Family Law

Going through a divorce is challenging, especially when you own a business. Business debt can complicate the process, and understanding how you’ll handle it can make a difference in your settlement. If your business has debts, it’s important to know how those...

How can companies prevent IP theft in the digital world?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Mar 7, 2025 | Business & Corporate Law

Businesses use intellectual property (IP) to stay ahead of competitors. IP includes copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. These protect creative work, brand names, inventions, and private business information. In today’s digital world, it is easier than...

How does the bundle of rights affect property ownership?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Feb 20, 2025 | Real Estate Law

Property ownership includes more than just having a physical structure or land. The "bundle of rights" is a legal concept that explains the different rights attached to real estate ownership. These rights allow owners to use, transfer, and control their property in...

How does Michigan law address parental relocation?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Feb 6, 2025 | Family Law

Parental relocation can be a challenging issue after a divorce or custody order. Michigan law has specific rules to ensure that moving does not negatively affect the child’s relationship with both parents. If you share custody and want to move, you must follow legal...

What should seniors know about Medicaid’s look-back period?

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jan 23, 2025 | Elder Law

Understanding Medicaid’s look-back period plays a critical role in planning for long-term care. This policy directly affects eligibility for financial assistance with nursing home expenses. Proper planning avoids costly mistakes and ensures access to necessary care....

Securing your business’s future: Why experienced legal guidance is essential

On Behalf of Brown Borkowski & Morrow | Jan 16, 2025 | Business & Corporate Law

Starting a business is an exciting venture full of potential and opportunity. However, behind the thrill of innovation and growth lies a web of legal considerations that can significantly impact success. From choosing the right business structure to drafting strong...

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Recent Posts

  • Key commercial lease clauses Michigan business owners must know
  • No will? What parents should know about their children’s future
  • Probate vs. non-probate assets: What is the difference?
  • What is Michigan’s law on tenant rights and eviction?
  • What is a special needs trust?

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Brown Borkowski & Morrow
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Farmington Hills, MI 48331

Ph: 888-757-1681

Farmington Hills Law Office
Brown Borkowski & Morrow
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248-987-4040
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