A Pennsylvania commercial lease agreement is a binding contract for a tenant to lease industrial, retail, or office space. The agreement sets the duties and rights for both landlords and tenants, as well as details about rent, deadlines, penalties, and other items.
The Pennsylvania law that governs commercial leases is Pennsylvania Code Title 13, Chapter 2A1, General Provisions 2A104. Commercial leases are typically longer and more complicated than a residential lease, so advising with an attorney is recommended.
Pennsylvania Commercial Landlord-Tenant Law
One unique aspect of Pennsylvania commercial landlord-tenant law is confession of judgment. Under Pennsylvania law, a confession of judgment allows for the landlord to get an expedited judgment against the tenant. This could be having the tenant evicted or to obtain unpaid rent without having to pay or wait for a prolonged court decision.
Writing Pennsylvania Commercial Lease Agreements
A Pennsylvania commercial lease agreement should generally contain the following:
- Landlord’s name and contact information
- Property manager’s name and contact information (if any)
- Tenant’s name and contact information
- Property address
- Authorized use of the property
- Type of lease (gross, modified-gross, or triple-net)
- Term of the lease and the commencement date
- Option to renew the lease (if any)
- Rent and landlord’s profit participation in operations (if any)
- Penalty for late/non-payment of rent (including eviction process)
- Designation of the responsible parties for certain expenses and utilities
- Security deposit and refund policy
- Permissible leasehold improvements
- Landlord and tenant contact information and form for legal service
- Place for the signatures of all parties
- Miscellaneous terms specific to the lease
