Looking to lease
Peace Region Commercial Tenant Guide
Start with what the business needs, then understand the complete cost, lease terms and property requirements.
Our approach
The advertised rent is only one part of a commercial lease. The right process connects the business use, location, complete occupancy cost, improvements, responsibilities and agreement.
Choose a chapter
Chapter 1
Define what the space must do.
Clarify use, customers, employees, hours, access, deliveries, equipment and future growth.
Work backward from occupancy, approvals, improvements, lease expiry and any required move.
Chapter 2
Understand more than the advertised base rent.
Estimate base rent, additional rent, utilities, insurance, maintenance, taxes and other tenant responsibilities.
Plan for deposits, improvements, permits, professional fees, equipment, signage and working capital.
Chapter 3
Create a practical search brief.
Define size, layout, parking, loading, power, ventilation, plumbing, ceiling height and accessibility.
Consider customers, employees, visibility, access, transportation, neighbouring uses and delivery routes.
Chapter 4
Compare the space and the agreement together.
Review current opportunities and compare total cost, condition, timing and business fit.
Identify improvements, services, restrictions, building operations and items requiring verification.
Chapter 5
Confirm the business can operate from the property.
Review zoning, parking, signage, development permits, occupancy and change-of-use requirements.
Confirm power, ventilation, plumbing, fire, accessibility and other business-specific requirements.
Chapter 6
Negotiate the complete lease structure.
Address rent, term, options, possession, deposits, incentives, improvements and operating costs.
Clarify repairs, maintenance, insurance, utilities, signage, assignment, renewal and restoration obligations.
Chapter 7
Verify the space and plan the work before opening.
Have the proposed lease and related documents reviewed by the appropriate lawyer and advisors.
Confirm pricing, approvals, landlord work, tenant work, contractors, access and realistic completion timing.
Chapter 8
Move from agreement into occupancy.
Coordinate insurance, deposits, guarantees, utilities, permits, documents and outstanding conditions.
Complete keys, inspections, improvements, signage, vendors and the practical move into the property.
Important information
Commercial leasing information is for general educational and planning purposes only. Lease terms, legal matters, taxes, municipal requirements, building condition, permits, improvements, operating costs and property-specific risks should be reviewed with the appropriate qualified professionals.
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