October 6, 2025
Securing the right retail space is a major milestone for your business—but signing the lease is where the real work begins. A well-negotiated lease can offer cost savings, flexibility, and long-term security. A poorly negotiated lease? That can create financial strain and limit your options down the road.
Below, we’ve outlined essential tips and tactics to help you negotiate a lease that supports your goals—and protect your business from common pitfalls.
Before entering negotiations, it’s critical to know what kind of lease you’re dealing with. Each lease structure distributes operating costs differently, and knowing what you’re responsible for will help you budget and negotiate more effectively.
Choosing the right lease type for your business can significantly impact your operating costs and risk exposure—so it’s not a decision to make lightly.
Lease agreements often require multiple rounds of negotiation. Don’t rush the process. Give yourself and your team (or broker) enough time to evaluate every term thoroughly.
Longer leases often give you more leverage. If you’re confident in your location, a 5- or 10-year lease can help you negotiate better rent, improvement allowances, and stability.
Make a list of your must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. For example, is the landlord covering building maintenance a dealbreaker? Are you willing to compromise on signage if you get more favorable rent?
Ask for early termination clauses, subletting rights, or assignment flexibility. These terms can help protect you if your business grows, relocates, or pivots unexpectedly.
Retail tenants often need to modify the space before opening. Rather than pushing for a large tenant improvement allowance (TIA), consider negotiating for rent abatement to offset those upfront costs.
A seasoned broker who specializes in tenant representation can:
At RakowGroup, our brokers are deeply familiar with the New York and Connecticut commercial real estate market. We help tenants secure fair leases, avoid costly clauses, and move into retail spaces with confidence.
Research:
This intel strengthens your negotiation position and helps avoid unpleasant surprises.
Understanding what similar retail spaces are leasing for in your area is essential. This helps you benchmark your lease offer and avoid overpaying.
RakowGroup provides up-to-date market insights and comps to help you validate rent expectations and make informed decisions.
Whether you’re opening your first storefront or relocating your retail business, RakowGroup is here to guide you every step of the way—from property search to lease signing. With decades of experience and a client-first approach, our brokers help you negotiate terms that protect your business and support your success.
Contact us today to speak with a tenant representative who knows your market.
October 28, 2025
The past few years have reshaped the way businesses think about office space. Remote and hybrid work, changing workforce expectations, and fluctuating economic conditions have all prompted business owners to reevaluate their office leases. Whether your company has grown, downsized, or simply evolved, renegotiating your commercial lease can lead to better terms, lower costs, and […]
October 15, 2025
Finding the right commercial space is about more than location—it’s about securing the best possible terms for your business. That’s where tenant representation comes in. Whether you’re a growing startup, relocating an established company, or renegotiating an existing lease, working with a dedicated tenant representative gives you the advantage in an increasingly competitive market. What […]
October 12, 2025
Setting up your first office is an exciting milestone—but it also comes with big decisions that can impact your company’s productivity, budget, and future growth. Whether you’re a startup moving out of a home office or an established business seeking a new location, thoughtful office space planning is essential for long-term success. Below, we’ve combined […]
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