A Washington commercial lease agreement is a binding contract for a tenant to lease retail, office, or industrial space. The agreement sets the responsibilities and rights for both landlords and tenants, as well as details about rent, deadlines, penalties, and other items.
The Washington law that governs commercial leases is Washington Code Chapter 62A.2A. Commercial leases are longer and more complicated than a residential lease, so consulting with a lawyer is advisable.
Writing Washington Commercial Lease Agreements
A Washington commercial lease agreement should generally have the following:
- Landlord’s name and contact information
- Property manager’s name and contact information (if any)
- Tenant’s name and contact information
- Description of the property
- Authorized use of the property
- Type of lease (gross, modified-gross, or triple-net)
- Term of the lease and the commencement date
- Lease renewal options
- 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 policy
- Permissible leasehold improvements allowed by the landlord
- Place for the signatures of all parties
- Miscellaneous terms specific to the lease
