New Jersey Commercial Lease Lawyer

Commercial Lease Attorney Serving New Jersey

Commercial leases in New Jersey govern some of the most significant financial commitments a business will make. Whether you are leasing retail space in a Bergen County shopping center, office space in a Jersey City high-rise, industrial warehouse along the Turnpike corridor, or restaurant space in a downtown district, the terms of your lease will affect your operating costs, expansion options, and exit flexibility for years. New Jersey commercial lease law differs from New York in important ways, and tenants and landlords both benefit from counsel who understands the state's specific regulatory framework.

Unlike residential leases, commercial leases in New Jersey are largely unregulated. There is no statutory protection for commercial tenants comparable to what residential tenants receive under the Anti-Eviction Act. The lease is the governing document, and whatever terms you agree to are generally enforceable. This makes pre-signing legal review essential. Every clause covering rent escalation, maintenance obligations, assignment and subletting rights, default and cure provisions, and personal guaranty terms should be evaluated before you commit.

At Agarunov Law Firm, P.C., we represent commercial tenants and landlords throughout New Jersey. Our Englewood office at 285 Grand Avenue serves Bergen County and North Jersey directly, and our Manhattan office at 30 Broad Street provides access for clients on both sides of the Hudson. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your commercial lease matter.

Our New Jersey Commercial Lease Legal Services

Commercial Lease Review and Negotiation

We review every provision of the proposed lease to identify terms that expose our client to unnecessary risk. For tenants, we negotiate rent escalation caps, clearly defined maintenance and repair obligations, options to renew or expand, assignment and subletting rights, co-tenancy clauses (for retail), and limitations on personal guaranty exposure. For landlords, we draft leases that protect property value, ensure consistent rent collection, and provide appropriate remedies for tenant default.

Retail and Restaurant Lease Negotiation in NJ

Retail and restaurant tenants in New Jersey face specific lease considerations that office tenants do not. Percentage rent clauses, exclusive use provisions, co-tenancy requirements, common area maintenance (CAM) charge allocation, signage rights, and hours-of-operation mandates all require careful negotiation. Restaurant tenants must also address build-out requirements, grease trap and exhaust ventilation specifications, and liquor license transferability as part of the lease discussion. We have experience negotiating these provisions in shopping centers, mixed-use developments, and standalone retail locations across the state.

Office Lease Representation

New Jersey's office market spans Class A towers in Jersey City and Newark, suburban office parks in Bergen, Morris, and Middlesex counties, and flex spaces in growing markets along the Route 17 and Route 4 corridors. We negotiate office leases covering base rent and escalation schedules, tenant improvement allowances, operating expense pass-throughs, expansion and contraction options, early termination rights, and subletting provisions. Our goal is to ensure the lease supports your business operations without locking you into terms that limit future flexibility.

Industrial and Warehouse Lease Review

New Jersey is one of the most active industrial real estate markets in the country, with warehouse and distribution space in high demand along the Turnpike, I-78, and I-287 corridors. Industrial leases involve considerations around loading dock specifications, clear heights, permitted uses, environmental compliance obligations, and maintenance responsibility for parking lots, roofs, and structural systems. We review triple-net lease structures common in industrial settings to ensure our clients understand their total occupancy cost.

Lease Renewal and Amendment

When your lease term is approaching expiration, we negotiate renewal terms or amendments that reflect current market conditions. This includes reviewing whether the renewal rent is at fair market value, renegotiating escalation structures, updating permitted use provisions, and addressing any deferred maintenance or capital improvement obligations. Starting renewal negotiations well before the lease expiration date gives you leverage and alternatives.

Landlord Representation for NJ Commercial Properties

We represent New Jersey landlords in drafting and negotiating leases for office, retail, industrial, and mixed-use properties. Our landlord-side work includes preparing standard lease forms, negotiating tenant-requested modifications, reviewing tenant financial qualifications, and structuring personal guaranty and security deposit provisions. We also advise on lease enforcement, default notices, and the legal process for addressing tenant breaches under New Jersey law.

What You Should Know About Commercial Leasing in New Jersey

New Jersey's commercial lease market operates without the tenant protections that apply to residential leases. The lease itself is the primary governing document, and courts generally enforce the terms as written. This means that provisions you overlook or accept without negotiation can have significant financial consequences over a five, ten, or fifteen-year term. Key areas where New Jersey practice differs from New York include the treatment of security deposits (New Jersey requires landlords to hold commercial security deposits in interest-bearing accounts under certain conditions), the enforceability of acceleration clauses, and the landlord's duty to mitigate damages after a tenant default. Businesses relocating from New York should not assume that lease customs carry across state lines.

Why New Jersey Commercial Tenants and Landlords Choose Agarunov Law Firm

• Dual-state licensing: admitted in both New Jersey and New York, essential for businesses operating in both states
• Englewood office: our Bergen County location at 285 Grand Avenue provides direct access for North Jersey clients
• Direct attorney access: your lease negotiation is handled personally by a licensed attorney
• Tenant and landlord experience: we understand both sides of commercial lease transactions
• Responsive communication: same-day responses to all calls and emails