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Protecting You and Your Property
If you own and lease out real estate in Central Florida, you are probably aware of the importance of a lease agreement. Leases are contracts that a property owner and tenant sign, acknowledging the terms and stipulations that both parties agree to when forming an agreement to rent out the property in question.
A legal lease agreement protects both the tenant and the property owner. Leases should cover the term of the lease. No lease agreement runs indefinitely, so the landlord and tenant agree on a term for the lease. When the two parties sign, they agree to be held liable if they breach the duties outlined in the contract. A legally valid lease is crucial because invalid leases may not hold up if you need to take legal action against the other person.
When you are ready to lease out residential or commercial property, your priority should be to contact a lease agreement lawyer in Central Florida. Your attorney can review your residential or commercial leases to verify everything is in place according to Florida business law. A real estate lawyer can also offer legal representation in case of a dispute. Your attorney will also help minimize your risk with commercial transactions and real estate deals.
With the hard work and effort you’ve put into preparing your property for lease, you need lease agreements that give you the protection and peace of mind you deserve. Our business law firm has helped countless clients achieve financial success through adequate residential and commercial leases. We will apply that knowledge and experience to get you the desired results in your case. Call 850-888-8992 to speak with our legal team and schedule an initial consultation at your convenience.
What Do Lease Agreements Do?
The lease agreement is a crucial part of renting a space, whether a home, apartment, office, or other commercial space. Without the lease, a tenant could destroy your property, not pay rent, and leave without any legal repercussions. Lease agreements have certain aspects that specify your expectations and describe your duties as a landlord.
Residential leases, for example, should establish the rent rate, whether it will be paid weekly, monthly, or yearly, and the expected form of the payment, such as checks, online payments, or in-person payments. This should also be where any late fee penalties are described. Your lease agreements may explain how to handle broken appliances and other fixtures. The lease agreement should also describe the length of the lease and whether the person can renew on a month-to-month basis. Lease agreements also inform the tenants of what they are responsible for regarding utilities, maintenance, deposits, and fees.
Leasing agreements should be able to answer any legal questions either party has about the property, the expectations of both landlord and tenant, and the terms of the agreement. Lease agreements should not be vague. For help creating legally sound lease agreements in Central Florida, reach out to our legal practice immediately. We can also review your current leases to ensure your documents are valid and to avoid potential legal issues.
What Is the Difference Between Commercial and Residential Leases?
The main difference between commercial and residential leases is the identity of the entities signing the documents. Both leases take place between a tenant and a landlord. However, commercial leases involve a company renting a space to operate their business, while residential leases involve someone living in a home or apartment.
Some other minor differences between the two lease forms can make a big difference for you as the landlord. For example, commercial leases may include clauses that specify how the space will be used. The commercial lease may also indicate what type of business is permitted to operate in the unit and at what times. Residential leases, on the other hand, presume that the home is for living and not for a business.
Another difference between commercial and residential leases relates to the rights of the tenant. While residential leases protect the tenant in many ways, commercial leases may not have these clauses. One example has to do with maintenance and repairs. Commercial tenants are often responsible for maintaining the property, including repairing property damage. Residential tenants usually notify the landlord if something in the unit is broken and are not permitted to make most repairs.
Understanding your responsibilities as a landlord is crucial for a positive rental experience for you and your tenants. Landlord/tenant laws in Florida regulate much of the lease agreement process. You can learn more about your legal rights and duties by speaking with our talented legal team. Call today to schedule an appointment with our law group to learn how Florida business law may impact your residential and commercial leases.
How Do Commercial Lease Agreements Work?
Commercial lease agreements are contracts between commercial landlords and other businesses to rent out office space or other business property. These lease agreements are similar to residential leases, with necessary term limits for the property, expected maintenance, rent rate, who is responsible for utilities, and any expected deposits and fees. However, there are some differences between them.
Commercial lease agreements sometimes have common area fees, fees that cover the cleanliness and maintenance of shared spaces between the multiple businesses that may use those spaces, like public bathrooms. A commercial lease agreement should also stipulate the permitted uses of the commercial property. This outlines what the tenant may and may not do in the leased space.
Commercial leases can also have an “exclusive use” clause. This clause covers a single building that may have many businesses within it. Perhaps a tenant wants to open a deli in this building, but they want it included in their lease that they would be the only deli allowed to open in that building. Tenants may want an exclusive use clause included in their contract in an effort to limit competition moving into the same property.
Commercial leasing can have other requirements included in the agreement, such as required insurance to cover the business interests and property, expectations for exterior appearance, and any penalties that may be incurred if the lease is broken. Reach out to our lease agreement attorney right away for help crafting and perfecting these essential legal documents.
What Are Some of the Main Aspects of Residential Lease Agreements?
Residential lease agreements involve a tenant who will be living in the unit, which may be a house, apartment, condominium, or room. Having a lease agreement in place protects you from tenants who cause property damage or refuse to pay their rent. With valid lease agreements, you can take legal action against individuals who do not fulfill their duties. Solid lease agreements also offer protection and peace of mind for tenants regarding the treatment by their landlord.
Residential lease agreements must include certain details to be effective. For example, the residential lease agreement specifies the amount of rent and how often rent is to be paid. You should also name a date when you want the rent paid each month. You can also decide how long the lease should last. Six-month, one-year, and month-to-month lease terms are all common terms for a residential lease. You and the tenant can determine whether the lease can change to a month-to-month lease once the terms have expired.
Some other important factors in a solid residential lease agreement include:
- Whether pets are permitted and pet fees, if any
- Whether smoking is permitted
- What appliances are included in the rent
- What late fees apply and when they come into force
- Who is responsible for repairs
- Under what circumstances the landlord is permitted to enter without permission
- Any utilities that are included with the rent
- Whether the unit comes with furnishings
Having powerful residential lease agreements can make all the difference in your rental business. Call our experienced attorney for help creating rental agreements that meet your needs and protect you. We can also help with other aspects of business law, including commercial leases. Call now to schedule your initial consultation.
What Risks Are Involved When Renting Residential and Commercial Property?
Investing in real estate can be incredibly lucrative and rewarding. However, this type of business can also be risky. With the time, effort, and money you’ve put into your real estate business, you should understand the potential risks and protect yourself as much as possible. With the proper legal counsel and documentation, you can minimize the risks you take when leasing commercial or residential properties.
Some risks you take when leasing properties in Florida include:
- Tenants that cause property damage
- Tenants not paying rent on time
- Tenants refusing to pay rent completely
- Destruction from natural causes, such as flooding or fires
- Insect and rodent infestation
- Real estate market fluctuations
- Poor property locations
- Early termination of the lease, leaving the unit vacant
- Legal disputes regarding landlord/tenant agreements
No property owner wants problems to happen with their units, but many issues are unavoidable. The best thing you can do is to protect yourself in whatever areas you can. This means having adequate lease agreements that allow you to take action when another party harms you. Our law group has helped in countless cases of complex commercial litigation, debt settlement, and personal injury in Florida real estate business law. Reach out right away to learn how we can help you.
What Makes Your Law Firm Unique?
Hiring a lawyer to help with your real estate matters is a great first step. However, you don’t want just any lawyer representing you. At Lankford Law Firm, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to provide you with answers and confidence as you lease your property. You can trust our real estate lawyer for excellent legal counsel regarding your legal rights and duties as a landlord.
We are also unique because we care deeply about each client. Our attorney goes out of her way to meet clients at their convenience, including at their place of work. We’ll listen carefully to your questions and concerns to address each aspect of your real estate business, including business formation, commercial transactions, lease agreements, and contracts.
If you are considering leasing residential or commercial real estate, please get the care and representation you need. We’ll give you the best chance of success possible by protecting you legally. Call our law office to schedule your initial case review.
What Other Legal Cases Does Your Firm Handle?
One reason to hire Lankford Law Firm is because of the wide variety of services we handle. We practice law beyond commercial leases and back up each recommendation and service with extensive skill and experience. We help small business owners properly structure their companies to ensure a future of success. We are also ready to help current owners improve their businesses by revising and replacing contracts to give them adequate legal protection. We are well-versed in employment law and can offer excellent representation in a legal dispute.
Some examples of legal cases our real estate attorney handles include:
- Commercial real estate sales and leases
- Residential real estate sales and leases
- Business formation
- Operating agreements
- Acting as registered agent
- Drafting and reviewing contracts
- Eviction process
- Employee performance management
- Business planning
- Trademark services
- Support for federal government contractors
If you have a question about how state or federal law governs your business interests and actions, please call our law group right away. We’ll meet with you to discuss your legal rights and protect you in any of the above practice areas or more. We can ensure that your business has a strong foundation so you can enjoy the success you’ve always dreamed of. Call today!
Should You Hire Our Commercial and Residential Lease Agreements Lawyer in Central Florida?
Many landlords don’t recognize the importance of lease agreements in their business. However, these crucial legal documents can make or break a company’s cash flow. Having good lease agreements can keep tenants happy, which improves your reputation and chance of success.
The first job of a commercial real estate and residential real estate lawyer is to help landlords draft watertight lease agreements that protect both the tenant and the landlord. A lease agreement must be able to withstand scrutiny in court. Any error, out-of-date clause, or illegal statement can entirely unravel the protections a lease offers the landlord.
Lankford Law Firm is an experienced Orlando commercial lease lawyer who can help you draft your leases, protect your property, and keep you informed.
Contact Lankford Law Firm today at 850-888-8992 to discuss the elements of your case!