5 Mistakes to Avoid When Leasing Commercial Property
Leasing commercial space isn’t like renting an apartment—it’s a whole different animal. With longer terms, more square footage, and far more money at stake, one wrong move can lock you into a situation that drains your time, budget, and patience.
Whether you’re opening your first storefront, relocating your office, or expanding your footprint, the goal isn’t just to sign a lease—it’s to make a smart, strategic decision that supports your business for years to come.
And that starts by avoiding the most common traps.
Skipping the Fine Print
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many tenants skim a lease without fully understanding what they’re signing. Clauses around maintenance, rent escalations, CAM (common area maintenance) fees, and termination options can bury big surprises.
Don’t just read the lease—interpret it. Better yet, bring in a professional who can spot red flags you might not even think to look for.
Choosing the Wrong Location for Your Business
Just because a space is beautiful or brand-new doesn’t mean it fits your model. Are your clients going to find you there? Is there enough foot traffic, or too much? What’s the parking like? Is the zoning aligned with what you do?
Real estate isn’t just about the building. It’s about the ecosystem it lives in.
Key things to consider beyond square footage:
- Visibility and signage options
- Proximity to your target market
- Accessibility for staff and customers
- Nearby businesses (complementary or competitive?)
- Local ordinances and zoning restrictions
Underestimating Future Growth
What fits today may feel cramped in 18 months. If your business is scaling, consider whether the space allows for expansion, or if you’ll be breaking the lease early and starting the search all over again.
A good lease should breathe with your business, not box it in.
Going It Alone
Commercial real estate has its own language, pace, and players. Trying to navigate it solo, without a seasoned broker, is like sailing unfamiliar waters without a compass.
At Macy Newman, we bring deep market insight, negotiation experience, and a pulse on opportunities that aren’t even listed yet. You don’t just get a property—you get an advocate.
Focusing Only on Price
Yes, rent matters. But it’s not the whole story. Hidden costs, inflexible terms, landlord responsibilities (or lack thereof)—these can turn a “deal” into a drain.
Instead of chasing the cheapest space, focus on the one that delivers the most value, stability, and alignment with your long-term goals. Because in commercial leasing, the real cost isn’t just what you pay—it’s what you didn’t know to ask. And the best deals? They start with the right questions.