Female emPOWERED: Winning in Business & Life

Episode 257: How To Negotiate a Commercial Lease

Christa Gurka, MSPT, NCPT- Health and Fitness Business Strategist

Welcome back to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! In today’s episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mark Napolitano, an experienced commercial real estate landlord, to dive into the ins and outs of negotiating effective commercial leases. This episode is packed with valuable insights for small business owners, especially in the fitness and wellness industries, who are navigating the complex world of leasing space for their business.

Here’s what we covered in today’s episode:

Key Discussion Points:

  • Lease Types: We discuss the differences between gross and triple net leases and the unique responsibilities of each party in these agreements.
  • Market Research: Learn why understanding local market conditions is crucial for setting realistic expectations and negotiating better terms.
  • Negotiating Key Terms: From CAM (common area maintenance) caps to responsibilities for repairs and maintenance, Mark shares what you should focus on during negotiations.
  • Personal Guarantees: We dive into the risks involved with personal guarantees and how tenants can protect themselves.
  • Building Relationships: Discover the importance of maintaining a positive, proactive relationship with your landlord—especially when financial challenges arise.
  • Lease Renewals & Changes: Get prepared for lease renewals and potential changes when the building is sold.

Need help with your next lease negotiation? Download the Commercial Lease Negotiation Checklist for Small Businesses to ensure you’re prepared to secure the best possible terms for your business.

 Be sure to grab the Negotiating A Commercial Lease Checklist here.

Thank you for tuning in to another episode of the Female EmPOWERED Podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow business owners in your network. Until next time, keep empowering yourself and your business!

Interested in being a guest on a future episode? Reach out to me at Christa@pilatesinthegrove.com!