A West Virginia commercial lease agreement is a binding contract for a tenant to lease retail, office, or industrial space. The agreement defines the responsibilities and rights for both landlords and tenants, as well as informs about rent, deadlines, penalties, and other items.
The West Virginia law that governs landlord-tenant relationships is West Virginia Chapter 37, Article 6. Commercial leases are longer and more complicated than a residential lease, so consulting with a lawyer is recommended.
Writing West Virginia Commercial Lease Agreements
A West Virginia 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
- Description of the lease property
- Authorized use of the lease 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 allowed by the landlord
- Place for the signatures of all parties
- Miscellaneous terms specific to the lease
