Free Washington Dc Commercial Lease Agreement

Step 1 of 30

Create your Commercial Lease Agreement
Type of Property being Leased:
- Office
- Building
- Retail Store
- Restaurant
- Industrial
- Warehouse
- Other

Customized Lease
Location of Property:
Different states have different rules and regulations.
Your Commercial Lease Agreement will be customized for .
Type of contract:
- Standard agreement
- Comprehensive agreement

Guarantor
Will a 3rd party guarantee the tenant’s financial obligation?
- Yes
- No
Type of Guarantee?
- Guarantor will sign the lease
- Guarantor will sign separate Personal Agreement
- Guarantor will sign a separate Indemnity Agreement (strongest)
Guarantor Details
Name:
Type:
Street Address:
City:
State:
ZIP code:
Phone #:
Fax #:

Permitted Use
The landlord agrees to rent the property to the tenant only for the following permitted use:
(e.g. restaurant, office, retail store, medical office, dental office, beauty salon,
insurance agency, etc.)
Will the tenant be protected from direct competition on the property (exclusive use)?
- Yes
- No

Parking
Will the tenant receive parking privileges?
- Do not specify
- Yes
- Yes, include description
- No
Parking Description:
(e.g. stall #323 and #324)
Will the tenant receive exclusive access to the parking area?
- Yes
- No
Is there a specific number of parking stalls?
- Yes
- No
Number of parking stalls:

Lease Term
Lease start date:
MM slash DD slash YYYY
The lease will:
- End on a set date.
- Have no set end date.
Date lease ends:
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Lease will renew:
- Monthly
- Yearly
Will the tenant be able to move in before the lease start date? (early possession)
- Yes
- No
Possession (occupancy) date:
MM slash DD slash YYYY

Rent Payment
What day of the week will rent be paid?
What day of the month will rent be paid?

(e.g. first, tenth)
When will the first rent payment be made?
What day of the year will rent be paid?
Specify a payment address?
- Yes
- No
Payment Address
Suite/Unit:
Address:
City/Town:
State:
Zip:

Rent Increase/ Late Payments
Do you want to include built-in rent increases?
- Yes
- No
Describe rent increases:
(e.g. First Year - $1000.00, Second Year - $1250.00, etc.)
Do you want to specify late payment charges?
- Yes
- No
Type of late payment charge:
- Fixed charge per late payment
- Fixed charge per day late
- % of Rent
- Other
Amount of late charge:
Amount of late charge:
Amount of late charge:
Please enter a number from 0 to 100.
Describe the late payment charge:
(e.g. $25.00 plus $2.50 for each day after the fifth day late)

Taxes
Will the tenant be responsible for paying any taxes resulting from their use of the property?
- Do not specify
- Yes
Will the tenant pay any taxes directly to the landlord?
- Do not specify
- Yes
Tenant is to pay which taxes directly to the landlord?
(e.g. sales and use taxes)
Those taxes are:
- Included in rent
- In addition to rent
Will the tenant pay any taxes directly to the government?
- Do not specify
- Yes
Tenant is to pay which taxes directly to the government?
(e.g. business licence fees, etc.)

Insurance Provisions
Would you like to customize the standard insurance clauses?
Landlord Insurance
- Standard clause
- Customize wording
- Do not include
Tenant Insurance
- Standard clause
- Customize wording
- Do not include
Revise Landlord Insurance Wording:
The Landlord will take out or cause to be taken out and keep or cause to be kept in full force and effect during the whole of the term: (a) extended fire and extended coverage insurance on the Building, except foundations, on a replacement cost basis, subject to such deductions and exceptions as the Landlord may determine; such insurance will be in a form or forms normally in use from time to time for buildings and improvements of a similar nature similarly situate, including, should the Landlord so elect, insurance to cover any loss of rental income which may be sustained by the Landlord; (b) boiler and machinery insurance of such boilers and pressure vessels as may be installed by, or under the exclusive control of, the Landlord in the Building (other than such boilers and pressure vessels to be insured by the Tenant hereunder); and (c) comprehensive general liability insurance against claims for bodily injury, including death and property damage in such form and subject to such deductions and exceptions as the Landlord may determine; provided that nothing in this clause will prevent the Landlord from providing or maintaining such lesser, additional or broader coverage as the Landlord may elect in its discretion.
Revise Tenant Insurance Wording:
The Tenant will, during the whole of the term and during such other time as the Tenant occupies the Premises, take out and maintain the following insurance, at the Tenant's sole expense, in such form as used by solvent insurance companies in the jurisdiction where the Premises are located: (a) Comprehensive general liability insurance against claims for bodily injury, including death, and property damage or loss arising out of the use or occupation of the Premises, or the Tenant's business on or about the Premises; such insurance to be in the joint name of the Tenant and the Landlord so as to indemnify and protect both the Tenant and the Landlord and to contain a 'cross liability' and 'severability of interest' clause so that the Landlord and the Tenant may be insured in the same manner and to the same extent as if individual policies had been issued to each, and will be for the amount of not less than $1,000,000.00 combined single limit or such other amount as may be reasonably required by the Landlord from time to time; such comprehensive general liability insurance will for the Tenant's benefit only include contractual liability insurance in a form and of a nature broad enough to insure the obligations imposed upon the Tenant under the terms of this Lease. (b) All risks insurance upon its merchandise, stock-in-trade, furniture, fixtures and improvements and upon all other property in the Premises owned by the Tenant or for which the Tenant is legally liable, and insurance upon all glass and plate glass in the Premises against breakage and damage from any cause, all in an amount equal to the full replacement value of such items, which amount in the event of a dispute will be determined by the decision of the Landlord. In the event the Tenant does not obtain such insurance, it is liable for the full costs of repair or replacement of such damage or breakage. (c) Boiler and machinery insurance on such boilers and pressure vessels as may be installed by, or under the exclusive control of, the Tenant in the Premises. (d) Owned automobile insurance with respect to all motor vehicles owned by the Tenant and operated in its business.
Minimum amount of required tenant insurance:

Landlord Improvements
Will the landlord be required to make any improvements to the property?
- Yes, specify now
- Yes, specify in an attached list
- No
Landlord Improvement
First Landlord Improvement
Describe the improvement in detail:
(e.g. Prior to the Tenant taking possession of the Property, the Landlord will install a standard interior door with a deadbolt at the rear entrance of the building.)
- Add another landlord improvement
Second Landlord Improvement
Describe the improvement in detail:
(e.g. Prior to the Tenant taking possession of the Property, the Landlord will install a standard interior door with a deadbolt at the rear entrance of the building.)
- Add another landlord improvement
Third Landlord Improvement
Describe the improvement in detail:
(e.g. Prior to the Tenant taking possession of the Property, the Landlord will install a standard interior door with a deadbolt at the rear entrance of the building.)
- Add another landlord improvement
Fourth Landlord Improvement
Describe the improvement in detail:
(e.g. Prior to the Tenant taking possession of the Property, the Landlord will install a standard interior door with a deadbolt at the rear entrance of the building.)
- Add another landlord improvement
Fifth Landlord Improvement Describe the improvement in detail: (e.g. Prior to the Tenant taking possession of the Property, the Landlord will install a standard interior door with a deadbolt at the rear entrance of the building.)
Fifth Landlord Improvement

Describe the improvement in detail:
(e.g. Prior to the Tenant taking possession of the Property, the Landlord will install a standard interior door with a deadbolt at the rear entrance of the building.)
- Add another landlord improvement
Sixth Landlord Improvement Describe the improvement in detail: (e.g. Prior to the Tenant taking possession of the Property, the Landlord will install a standard interior door with a deadbolt at the rear entrance of the building.)
Sixth Landlord Improvement

Describe the improvement in detail:
(e.g. Prior to the Tenant taking possession of the Property, the Landlord will install a standard interior door with a deadbolt at the rear entrance of the building.)

Personal Property Provided by Landlord
Will the landlord provide any movable property (chattels)?
- Do not specify
- Yes
- No
Chattel Details
First Chattel
Describe the movable property in detail:
(e.g. Whirlpool dishwasher serial #AV3444)
- Add another chattel
Second Chattel
Describe the movable property in detail:
(e.g. Whirlpool dishwasher serial #AV3444)
- Add another chattel
Third Chattel
Describe the movable property in detail:
(e.g. Whirlpool dishwasher serial #AV3444)
- Add another chattel
Fourth Chattel
Describe the movable property in detail:
(e.g. Whirlpool dishwasher serial #AV3444)
- Add another chattel
Fifth Chattel Describe the movable property in detail: (e.g. Whirlpool dishwasher serial #AV3444)
Fifth Chattel
Describe the movable property in detail:
(e.g. Whirlpool dishwasher serial #AV3444)
- Add another chattel
Sixth Chattel Describe the movable property in detail: (e.g. Whirlpool dishwasher serial #AV3444)
Sixth Chattel
Describe the movable property in detail:
(e.g. Whirlpool dishwasher serial #AV3444)

Tenant Improvements
Will the tenant be allowed to make improvements to the property?
- Do not specify
- Yes, with the landlord's written consent
- Yes, specify permitted improvements
Tenant Improvement
First Tenant Improvement
Describe the permitted improvement in detail:
(e.g. The Tenant may replace the flooring in the kitchen provided the Tenant obtains the Landlord's prior consent as to materials to be used.)
- Add another tenant improvement
Second Tenant Improvement
Describe the permitted improvement in detail:
(e.g. The Tenant may replace the flooring in the kitchen provided the Tenant obtains the Landlord's prior consent as to materials to be used.)
- Add another tenant improvements
Third Tenant Improvement
Describe the permitted improvement in detail:
(e.g. The Tenant may replace the flooring in the kitchen provided the Tenant obtains the Landlord's prior consent as to materials to be used.)
- Add another tenant improvements
Fourth Tenant Improvement
Describe the permitted improvement in detail:
(e.g. The Tenant may replace the flooring in the kitchen provided the Tenant obtains the Landlord's prior consent as to materials to be used.)
- Add another tenant improvements
Fifth Tenant Improvement Describe the permitted improvement in detail: (e.g. The Tenant may replace the flooring in the kitchen provided the Tenant obtains the Landlord's prior consent as to materials to be used.)
Fifth Tenant Improvement
Describe the permitted improvement in detail:
(e.g. The Tenant may replace the flooring in the kitchen provided the Tenant obtains the Landlord's prior consent as to materials to be used.)
- Add another tenant improvements
Sixth Tenant Improvement Describe the permitted improvement in detail: (e.g. The Tenant may replace the flooring in the kitchen provided the Tenant obtains the Landlord's prior consent as to materials to be used.)
Sixth Tenant Improvement
Describe the permitted improvement in detail:
(e.g. The Tenant may replace the flooring in the kitchen provided the Tenant obtains the Landlord's prior consent as to materials to be used.)

Movable Property Provided by Tenant
Will the tenant provide any movable property (chattels)?
- Do not specify
- Yes
- No
Chattel Details
First Chattel
Describe the movable property in detail:
(e.g. Whirlpool dishwasher serial #AV3444.)
- Add another chattel
Second Chattel
Describe the movable property in detail:
(e.g. Whirlpool dishwasher serial #AV3444.)
- Add another chattel
Third Chattel
Describe the movable property in detail:
(e.g. Whirlpool dishwasher serial #AV3444.)
- Add another chattel
Fourth Chattel
Describe the movable property in detail:
(e.g. Whirlpool dishwasher serial #AV3444.)
- Add another chattel
Fifth Chattel Describe the movable property in detail: (e.g. Whirlpool dishwasher serial #AV3444.)
Fifth Chattel
Describe the movable property in detail:
(e.g. Whirlpool dishwasher serial #AV3444.)
- Add another chattel
Sixth Chattel Describe the movable property in detail: (e.g. Whirlpool dishwasher serial #AV3444.)
Sixth Chattel
Describe the movable property in detail:
(e.g. Whirlpool dishwasher serial #AV3444.)

Signing Incentives
Will the tenant receive a signing bonus?
- No
- Yes, free rent for a limited period
- Yes, specify customized terms
The tenant will receive
month(s) of free base rent.
Describe the signing bonus:
(e.g. $500 improvement allowance for paintings)

Additional Clauses (Optional)
You can add additional clauses if there are some information, details, terms or
restrictions that the lease doesn't have but you wish to include. In most leases, this
is not necessary.
- Add a clause
Additional Clause
First Additional Clause
Additional Clause
- Add another clause
Second Additional Clause
- Add another clause
Third Additional Clause
- Add another clause
Fourth Additional Clause
- Add another clause
Fifth Additional Clause
- Add another clause
Sixth Additional Clause
- Add another clause
Seventh Additional Clause
- Add another clause
Eighth Additional Clause

Required Notice before Evicting Tenant
How many days written notice is the landlord required to give
before evicting the tenant for the following breaches:
Failure to pay rent when due:

days
Any other lease breaches:

days

Lease Renewal
Will the tenant have the option to renew the lease?
- No option specified
- Yes, same terms except rent renews at market rates
- Yes, same terms
- Yes, revise standard clause
Revise the following to suit your needs:
Upon giving written notice no later than 120 days before the expiration of the term of this Lease, the Tenant may renew this Lease for an additional term. All terms of the renewed lease will be the same except for any signing incentives/inducements and this renewal clause.

Signing Details
Agreement to be signed?
- Today
- This Month
- Unsure
- Specify Date
MM slash DD slash YYYY

Skip this step for now

Understanding The Commercial Lease Agreement in Washington DC

Are you thinking of expanding your business to meet the huge demand from your online and offline orders? Perhaps you should get a bigger space, or open a new branch within or out of the city. And if these are your options, then you need to understand leases. The commercial lease agreement in Washington DC (District of Columbia) is legally binding, and after you sign it, you cannot go back on your word without parting with some money. This document has the set of default rights and obligations of the lessor and the lessee of the commercial property. Though it generally set out to be fair, a standard Washington DC commercial lease agreement may favor the landlord. If you don’t review the lease, you may easily end up paying more than you should, creating an environment that is unfavorable for the growth of your business.

Understanding the elements of a commercial lease agreement in the District of Columbia is also important because the commercial property lease agreements or the business lease agreements are different from the residential leases. Residential leases get more consumer protection than the commercial leases because the lawmakers assume that the parties to commercial contracts are more knowledgeable, and the can hire the big guns to protect their interests. On the upside, the commercial leases can be negotiated.

So, which are the essential and negotiable elements of the commercial lease?

Lease Term

Your lease may be fixed term or periodic. With a fixed term lease, the lease termination date is known from the lease commencement date. The terms of the lease do not change during the length of the lease except when provided for in the lease. The rent will also remain unchanged unless it's provided for in the lease.

The periodic lease, on the other hand, lacks a lease termination date but either party can terminate the lease by issuing a lease termination notice. The advantage of this lease is that it may be renewed periodically.

Also under lease terms are short-term and long-term leases. Whether you choose the short-term or the long-term lease is a matter of necessity. A short-term lease is necessary for a small business or a startup because of uncertainties. You may not have many concessions with the short-term lease but, it’s cheaper than breaking a long-term lease. To make a short-term lease work, you may negotiate with the landlord to have the option to renew that lease. The long-term lease, on the other hand, works well with established businesses, and you may negotiate fair concessions like tenant improvement allowance or free rent periods.

Rent Payments

Like all other states, the rent payable for commercial spaces in the District of Columbia will differ depending on the type of lease selected.

The gross lease is the kind of lease that lets tenants pays a fixed rental charge, often the base rent only.

Net leases allow tenants to pay the base rent in addition to most or all the commercial property expenses. The main expenses are CAM, property taxes, and the insurance premiums. The triple net lease, a lease preferred by most landlords create a situation where the landlord pays the base rent and these three expenses.

Modified Gross lease: this is a hybrid of the gross and the net lease. It a fair deal that lets a tenant pay the base rent and only a portion of the net property expenses.

Percentage lease: with this lease, a tenant pays the base rent in addition to a percentage of their gross income.

Permitted Uses of The Property

Do not sign the commercial lease before you confirm that the landlord permits running of that line of business. Check all the specific uses of the property according to the city’s zoning as well as the needs of the landlord. If your unique business idea can promote the property, negotiate with the landlord.

Specifications of The Space

The lease will come with a section for the specifications or the description of the property. Don’t take the realtor’s word for it. You need to confirm the dimensions of the space to ensure that it is right for your business.

Security Deposit

Even though the amount charged in security deposit for commercial property in DC is not specific, you should negotiate a fairer deal and also ensure that the refund terms are fair.

Tenant Improvement

Often an area of contention. Ask if the landlord offers an allowance for tenant improvement. If you are taking a long-term lease, you will easily negotiate a higher allowance.

Other elements to review:

ADA compliance: make sure that the lease names the party responsible for improvements necessary for ADA compliance. The terms should be fair.

Subleases and assignment: can you sublease the property and assign all the leasehold rights to a third party?

Are you looking for help with business leases in the Washington District of Columbia? Get started with our easily downloadable and free commercial lease agreement forms today.

Step 1 of 30

Create your Commercial Lease Agreement

Customized Lease

Landlord Details

Landlord

First Landlord

Second Landlord

Third Landlord

Fourth Landlord

Tenant Details

Tenant

First Tenant

Second Tenant

Third Tenant

Fourth Tenant

Guarantor

Guarantor Details

Leased Property

Property Location

Permitted Use

Parking

Lease Term

Rent Details

per month

per week

every 3 months

per year

Rent Payment

Payment Address

Rent Increase/ Late Payments

Utilities and Other Expenses

Who is responsible for paying the following utilities?

Maintenance

Maintenance that the tenant is to perform or pay for:

Operating Costs

Who is responsible for paying the following operating costs for the property?

Property or Use Taxes

Taxes

Deposit Details

Insurance

Who is responsible for obtaining and paying for the following insurance?

Insurance Provisions

Would you like to customize the standard insurance clauses?

Landlord Improvements

Landlord Improvement

First Landlord Improvement

Second Landlord Improvement

Third Landlord Improvement

Fourth Landlord Improvement

Fifth Landlord Improvement

Sixth Landlord Improvement

Personal Property Provided by Landlord

Chattel Details

First Chattel

Second Chattel

Third Chattel

Fourth Chattel

Fifth Chattel

Sixth Chattel

Tenant Improvements

Tenant Improvement

First Tenant Improvement

Second Tenant Improvement

Third Tenant Improvement

Fourth Tenant Improvement

Fifth Tenant Improvement

Sixth Tenant Improvement

Movable Property Provided by Tenant

Chattel Details

First Chattel

Second Chattel

Third Chattel

Fourth Chattel

Fifth Chattel

Sixth Chattel

Signing Incentives

Customize Standard Clauses

Additional Clauses (Optional)

Required Notice before Evicting Tenant

Lease Renewal