Why Every Business Owner Needs a Commercial Lease Review Before Signing in Los Angeles

By Alexander D. Mehdipour, Principal Attorney at Mehdipour Law, PC · Los Angeles, California
Last reviewed July 23, 2026

By Alex Mehdipour, Mehdipour Law, PC

Los Angeles Commercial Lease Attorney

Signing a commercial lease is one of the most important decisions a business owner will make. Whether you’re opening a restaurant in West Hollywood, expanding a medical practice in Beverly Hills, or securing office space in Century City, the lease can lock you into years of obligations that significantly impact your bottom line.

At Mehdipour Law, we have reviewed, drafted, and negotiated hundreds of commercial leases for tenants and landlords across Los Angeles. Here’s why a thorough professional review is essential—and what red flags to watch for.

Commercial Leases Are Not Like Residential Ones

California law provides far more protections for residential tenants than for commercial tenants. In a commercial lease, “freedom of contract” largely rules. This means landlords can (and often do) include one-sided provisions that shift almost all risk to you, the tenant.

Key areas that require close scrutiny:

Rent Structure & Increases: Is it triple net (NNN)? Are there caps on operating expense pass-throughs? Unexpected CAM (Common Area Maintenance) charges can add tens of thousands annually.
Personal Guarantees: Many landlords require owners to personally guarantee the lease. This can put your home and personal assets at risk.
Assignment & Subletting: Business plans change. Ensure you have reasonable rights to assign the lease or sublet without excessive landlord consent or profit-sharing clauses.
Maintenance & Repairs: Who is responsible for the roof, HVAC, plumbing, or structural issues? Ambiguous language here leads to expensive disputes.
Insurance & Indemnification: Are the insurance requirements realistic and cost-effective? Does the indemnity clause unfairly expose you to liability?
Default & Termination Rights: Look for strict notice provisions, cure periods, and landlord remedies that could allow eviction or accelerated rent with little warning.
Relocation & Expansion Rights: Will the landlord be able to move you to a less desirable space? Do you have options for expansion?
ADA Compliance & Alterations: In Los Angeles, this is critical. Who bears responsibility for accessibility upgrades?

Hidden Costs That Can Sink a Business

We often see tenants surprised by:

Un-capped property tax increases after a sale
Parking charges or validation requirements
Signage restrictions and associated fees
Exclusive use clauses that limit your business operations
Early termination penalties that are disproportionately high

A skilled attorney can negotiate caps, exclusions, and fairer terms before you sign.

Negotiation Power Exists—If You Use It

Many business owners review the lease themselves or rely solely on their broker. While brokers are helpful, they are not licensed attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. An experienced commercial lease lawyer can identify leverage points and often secure concessions that save far more than the legal fees.

We regularly help:

First-time franchisees and restaurant owners
Doctors and healthcare providers leasing medical offices
Retail and service businesses in high-demand LA neighborhoods
Landlords seeking balanced, enforceable leases

Flat-Fee Lease Review Options

At Mehdipour Law, we offer flat-fee pricing for many lease review and negotiation services so you know the exact cost upfront—no surprises. Whether it’s a quick review of a landlord’s proposed lease or full negotiation support, we tailor our approach to your needs and timeline.

Protect Your Business Before You Sign

Don’t wait until problems arise. A few hours of legal review upfront can prevent years of headaches and unnecessary expenses.

If you’re considering a new lease, renewing an existing one, or dealing with a lease dispute in the Los Angeles area, contact us today for a consultation.

Call 310-556-9692 or email Alex@mehdlaw.com to schedule your commercial lease review.

Mehdipour Law, PC serves clients throughout Los Angeles County, including Century City, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Calabasas, and beyond.

Thinking about signing or renewing a commercial lease? Mehdipour Law’s commercial lease review and negotiation service protects your business before you commit, and our business contract attorneys can help with the agreements around it. Call (310) 556-9692 for a free consultation.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

TALK TO A LOS ANGELES ATTORNEY

Tell us what is happening and we will get back to you. Your consultation is free, and we will tell you honestly whether we think you have a case worth pursuing.

    
 
 
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   Jennis Coats 
 September 9, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing experience with Alex. We were in a last minute contractual bind and needed additional protection, as the docs we started to receive were very complex and lengthy. Alex was super responsive and extremely quick. He simplified item, that we didn’t understand, to make sense to us. And he provided amazing advice. Our deal moved forward, with countless protections added to our side. We feel very grateful for this and highly recommend him. Thanks so much Alex!
  
 
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   Saeed kohanfarsi 
 September 9, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. He is very easy to talk to and he explains everything simple and clear.
  
 
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   Jris Donnely 
 August 5, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Alex has been a huge help as we work through a difficult tenant situation. He has gone above and beyond and has treated the issue with the same care and attention he would give his own. His guidance has been incredibly valuable, and he is always willing to answer questions, whether they are directly related to the case or not. Working with Alex feels like having a trusted legal advisor on call. He is responsive, dedicated, and focused on actually moving things forward. He is not the kind of attorney who just runs up the bill without getting results. We truly appreciate everything he has done and highly recommend him.
  
 
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   Ryan Ucker 
 July 31, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with my attorney was the best decision I could’ve made. He took the time to explain everything, kept me updated without me ever having to chase information, and genuinely cared about getting me the best possible result. What could’ve been overwhelming ended up feeling straightforward because of how well he handled my case. I’m extremely grateful for his help and would absolutely recommend him.
  
 
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 July 14, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Alex to anyone looking for an experienced and dedicated attorney. From the beginning, he was responsive, available whenever I had questions, and kept me informed throughout my mold case. He explained everything clearly and made sure I understood each step of the process. What impressed me the most was how efficiently he handled my case. I have never had a lawsuit settled this fast. Alex's knowledge, professionalism, and attention to detail helped achieve a successful outcome much sooner than I expected. If you're looking for an attorney who is skilled, communicative, and truly committed to getting results for his clients, I would highly recommend Alex.
  
 
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   Lis Dye 
 June 30, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Alex was nothing but kind, patient and incredibly thoughtful and hardworking through this whole process. I thought my claim had no legs, and he reached out months later and was able to settle! Could not recommend enough!
  
 
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   Nhi Nguyen 
 June 30, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When I first reached out in December 2025, I had never hired an attorney before. I've always tried to handle things on my own, but after months of dealing with an HOA that was unresponsive to the ongoing health concerns, I realized I needed someone who could advocate for me. My home had become unlivable due to serious issues, including mold growth and water shutoffs, yet after emailing my HOA and property managers over and over - nothing was resolved. From the moment I spoke with Alex, I finally felt like some of the emotional burden was being lifted. Throughout my case, he was responsive, knowledgeable, and patient, taking the time to explain the process and answer my questions. He helped me pursue accountability and achieve a resolution after an incredibly stressful experience. I'm grateful he was willing to take on my case and guide me through my first experience working with an attorney. If you're looking for someone who genuinely advocates for his clients, I highly recommend him and his firm. Thank you Alex! I really appreciate you for the support and care you provided.
  
 
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   Richard Landeros 
 June 8, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Alex Menhdipour is transparent and forthcoming as they come. He was able to articulate things to help me and my family understand. He’s knowledgeable, agile, dedicated and efficient. Me and my family highly recommend Alex Mehdipour
  
 
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 June 4, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Alex was absolutely a honor to work with and the way he has taken care of my family during our process was only extraordinary. Alex took the case when no one else would and got us an handsome settlement I would suggest him to anyone walking this earth.
  
 
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 May 21, 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From my initial call, Alex was so calming and reassuring, he made me feel confident that my situation was valid and that we would be able to successfully reach a settlement that worked for me. He has  great communication and is very professional, literally everything I could ask for in a lawyer to represent me in my habitability case.