One issue that can lead to contention between commercial property owners and their tenants is who has to pay for maintenance. If the property begins to break down and maintenance is expensive, the tenant may say that they believed the owner would keep that property in...
Commercial Real Estate
Could Boston incentives make office conversions worthwhile?
You own an aging downtown office building, but half the floors sit empty and the math stopped working years ago. Turning it into apartments has likely crossed your mind, especially now that Boston and Massachusetts offer incentives to ease that leap. Whether they move...
What belongs in a Massachusetts commercial purchase agreement?
A commercial purchase agreement sets the closing requirements, your right to leave the deal and what happens to your deposit. In Massachusetts, an accepted offer may become enforceable before you sign a purchase and sale agreement, or P&S, if it includes the main...
How does a variance affect commercial real estate?
A variance may be granted to property owners who need to use their property in a way that would otherwise be prohibited by local zoning regulations. It gives those property owners the legal authority to deviate from the regulations in a specific way. Most properties...
What to do if my commercial tenant stops paying rent
As a commercial property owner in Boston, a tenant missing a rent payment can instantly disrupt your finances and operations. Commercial tenancies in Massachusetts are heavily contract-driven, meaning your first line of defense is always the document you signed....
3 ways landlords can protect themselves from tenant bankruptcy
Even the most reliable tenants can face financial trouble. If a commercial tenant files for bankruptcy, it can affect your cash flow and interrupt your property activities. Knowing how to guard your business can help you reduce risk while following federal bankruptcy...
What to know before signing a commercial lease in Boston
Renting space for a business is one of the biggest financial commitments a company can make. In Boston, where commercial rents remain among the highest in the country, the terms locked into a lease can shape a business's finances for years. Unlike residential...
What are the legal implications of co-working space leases in MA?
Co-working spaces have reshaped how businesses use commercial property across Massachusetts. These flexible arrangements can reduce costs and offer convenience, but they also raise legal issues you should understand before signing an agreement. A shared workspace...
How do green building standards affect commercial lease terms?
More businesses want eco-friendly buildings that save money and match their values. Because of this, green building standards are changing how landlords and tenants write commercial leases. These rules can shape who pays for upgrades, how costs are shared, and what...
Can my landlord raise my rent anytime?
Your rent is likely the biggest bill you pay, and every dollar added to that sum comes directly out of your business's profit margin. A sudden, unscheduled rent increase is often an immediate concern to the long-term viability of the enterprise. Can a landlord truly...

