Before You Sign!        

• Engage a professional to represent your interests.

• Research average rents in the area to ensure you are not paying too much.

• Make sure you have at least the last 2 years of financials (personal and business tax returns), a business plan, and a personal financial report for the landlord. The better the financials the better the deal!

• Find out how long the space has been vacant your negotiating position will be better if the space has been vacant for a while.

• Consider the length of the lease – balance lower rents that come with a longer lease against a long-term commitment.

• Determine requirements: location, size and use, services and amenities.

• Start your search early – there can be long-term consequences if you sign a lease in desperation.

• View multiple properties. Do not limit yourself to the first one you see.

• Ask if taxes, utilities and maintenance are part of the quoted lease amount or if they are separate.

• Explore whether tenant improvement money is available to help with the build out. 

• Ask for free rent while you are building the space or until you take possession. 

• Check the current master plan for the area.

• Check the use and occupancy certificate with the Department of

• Permitting Services to see what is on file and whether it matches your intended use.

• Start planning for signage early in the process – consult with your landlord and the Department of Permitting Services.  

• Schedule a  preliminary design consultation with the Department of Permitting Services to review your plans.

​ Restaurant Specific Considerations

• Consider vacant restaurant space that might save you money by just upgrading the space rather than building it from scratch. 
• Find out if the space is vented and, if not, can it be vented?
• Make sure there’s access for deliveries and parking for customers.
• See if there is a grease trap in place or if you need to have one installed.