Leasing a Commercial Property

Leasing a Commercial Property

I have years of experience in the commercial and residential real estate industries. I founded North Development Ltd. to facilitate residential and commercial projects in and around the greater Chicago area.

I have years of experience in the commercial and residential real estate industries.  I founded North Development Ltd. to facilitate residential and commercial projects in and around the greater Chicago area. The year 2004 marked one of my commercial property investments with the acquisition of over 31 Fannie May candy stores.

Leasing a Commercial Property

Leasing a house differs from leasing a commercial property in several ways, all of which are delineated in the property lease. One common misunderstanding is that commercial lessees are protected by the same laws designed to protect consumers renting residential properties. This is not the case. Most commercial leases do not account for a tenant,s privacy, nor do they establish limits on security deposits.

Residential leases often follow standard models. However, the owners of commercial property often do not base commercial leases on standard forms but rather draft each agreement according to the needs of the property owner and prospective tenant. Owners and tenants should agree on a precise amount for the security deposit and exact conditions for its return in order to avoid confusion and contention later. Also, it is a good idea to clarify the exact space being rented. For example, a property may include a bathroom on the premises, but the bathroom may fall outside the property lines or belong to another tenant leasing an adjoining space.

About the Author

Calvin D. Boender
Calvin D. Boender


Calvin D. Boender was raised in the Dutch Christian Reformed area of Highland, Indiana. After high school, he attended Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, for three years and thereafter graduated from Grand Valley State College, Allendale, Michigan, in December, 1978, with a bachelor's degree with honors in political science. For the past 35 years, he has focused his attention on real estate by successfully investing in and redeveloping residential, commercial and industrial properties. He has now turned his quick mind and strong business acumen to developing Renew Biomass into a market leader. Cal has been a major contributor to various philanthropic causes and non-profit organizations addressing the needs of children and less-fortunate individuals. He resides in the suburbs of Chicago with his wife and two dogs, where he enjoys reading and biking.

Recent Blogs

Chicago developer Calvin Boender transforms former disco into upscale retail space

Chicago developer Calvin Boender transforms former disco into upscale retail space

The Chicago developer Calvin Boender transformed the former disco at 940 N. Rush St with over $2.5 million dollars in renovations, converting the iconic dance venue into 6,000 square feet of upscale retail space, reflecting a shift towards boutique shopping and capitalizing on the foot traffic generated by the nearby Bloomingdale's.

First office rehab comes to booming DePaul area

First office rehab comes to booming DePaul area

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