If you’re producing, storing, fulfilling orders for or distributing goods, then you need an industrial commercial real estate lease for your operation. Ideally, you will operate in the space for a very long time, probably longer than any of the products you are manufacturing or distributing. It’s so important to have your commercial real estate leasing team in place, to identify and negotiate the best deal for you. You don’t want to walk away from money or your legal rights that you could have, if you’re smart about your industrial commercial lease negotiations!

Here’s a list of hot items to consider in your industrial commercial real estate lease. Just because you don’t get everything, you might be able to negotiate a tenant allowance (TI) to do things like deferred maintenance, abate hazardous materials, or bring the building up to code and outfit it specifically for your needs. Have these answers and your commercial real estate attorney will be prepared to secure the legal and financial protections you need!

Shipping and Receiving (Truck docks or rail)

  1. How much square footage is needed for the warehouse and how much for the office?
  2. How many truck level doors?
  3. Is a drive-in door needed each for shipping and/or receiving? What size?
  4. What are the bay sizes (column spacing)?
  5. What is the clear height?
  6. What is the turning radius?

Utilities- comfort for people and products

  1. What is the supplied HVAC capacity?
  2. What are the minimum and maximum temperature requirements?
  3. What type of heating/cooling is required, if any, in the warehouse?
  4. Does the building have any green technologies?
  5. How much power is supplied to the building in volts and amps?
  6. What is the lighting requirement in terms of foot candles required?
  7. What is the budget for lighting installation, on-going maintenance and electricity costs?
  8. What kind of sprinklers, building security, and life systems are required?

Floors- inside and outside, don’t forget the docks.

  1. Is there any special coating or sealant needed on the floor?
  2. What is the floor loading capacity?
  3. Is reinforced concrete required in the loading area?
  4. Is heavy-duty asphalt required at the truck docks?
  5. What is the optimal floor plate size?
  6. Does any equipment need to be recessed into the floor?

Special Equipment- is any necessary?

  1. Will specialized equipment or machinery be used?
  2. Is an overhead crane required?

The Building- what do you know about it?

  1. What is the deferred maintenance?
  2. What are the accessibility issues with the building?
  3. Who were previous tenants? Is there a possibility of hazardous materials?
  4. Are there any business hours or zoning requirements?

Partner smart and have your commercial real estate leasing team in place so nothing is left out of your deal!


Disclaimer:

This article does not create an attorney-client relationship. This article is for general education purposes only and is not legal advice. You should consult with a qualified attorney before you rely on this information.