I'd Rather See the Movie

Ever tried reading an office lease? They’re dense, legal mazes—100+ pages of fine print packed with “notwithstandings” and “provided howevers.” They’re not just hard to read—they’re designed that way. Landlord attorneys often insert confusing “gotcha” language that can lead to costly oversights if you’re not careful.

Why are they so one-sided? Because landlords (and their lenders) draft them to protect their interests—not yours. These documents aren’t carved in stone—they’re negotiable. But what you get often depends on market conditions and the skill of your negotiators, including the attorney and the broker.

Many brokers disappear after negotiating the business terms. But real value lies in guiding the lease through every clause, from LOI to execution. So before hiring a broker, ask how they handle lease negotiations. Do they read leases? Do they comment? If not—you’re on your own in the fine print.