Solid Leases. Stable Income. Protected Rights.
A lease is more than a monthly bill; it’s a long-term liability. Whether you are a landlord protecting your asset or a business owner securing your location, we ensure the fine print works in your favor.
The "Standard Lease" Trap
In Texas, many landlords and tenants make the mistake of relying on “standard” internet templates.
- For Landlords: A generic lease may fail to comply with the strict Texas Property Code, leaving you unable to evict a non-paying tenant or liable for expensive penalties.
- For Tenants: A “standard” commercial lease often hides massive costs—like replacing the HVAC unit or paying unrestricted administrative fees—that can crush your business profitability.
At Saffold Law, we draft and review leases with a litigator’s eye. We know exactly where disputes arise, so we write contracts that prevent them.
Commercial Leasing Services (Office, Retail, Industrial)
Commercial leases are complex financial instruments. We represent both Landlords and Tenants in negotiating:
1. Triple Net (NNN) vs. Gross Leases
We clarify exactly who pays for what. In a NNN lease, the tenant pays taxes, insurance, and maintenance. We audit these clauses to ensure “Operating Expenses” are defined fairly and capped so rent doesn’t skyrocket unexpectedly.
2. Tenant Improvement (TI) Allowances
If you are leasing a shell space, you need money to build it out. We negotiate TI packages to ensure the landlord covers a fair share of construction costs and that you own your fixtures when you leave.
3. Use Clauses & Exclusivity
- Landlords: We ensure tenants don’t conduct businesses that devalue the property or annoy neighbors.
- Tenants: We negotiate “Exclusivity Clauses” so the landlord can’t lease the space next door to your direct competitor.
4. Assignment & Subletting
What happens if you sell your business? We ensure you have the right to assign the lease to a new owner without the landlord holding you hostage.
Residential Leasing Services
We protect property owners and renters in the housing market.
1. For Landlords (Asset Protection)
Texas law is strict about security deposits, repairs, and evictions. We draft Custom Leases and Addendums that:
- Clearly define “wear and tear” vs. damages.
- Establish strict rules for pets, guests, and noise.
- Comply with Title 8 of the Texas Property Code to protect you from treble damage lawsuits.
2. For Tenants (Rights Protection)
Before you rent a luxury home or condo, we review the lease to ensure:
- You aren’t responsible for pre-existing damages.
- The landlord’s entry rights are limited to protect your privacy.
- You have a clear exit strategy (early termination options) if your job moves you.
What We Fight For
Clarity is King.
Most lease lawsuits happen because the contract was vague. We fight for:
- HVAC & Roof Responsibility: Defining exactly who pays when the air conditioner breaks (a huge expense in Texas).
- Renewal Options: Giving tenants the right to stay at a pre-negotiated rate, protecting them from rent spikes.
- Indemnity & Liability: Limiting your personal liability if someone gets hurt on the premises.
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How We Build Your Strategy
1. The Audit
Send us the proposed lease. We highlight the “red flags”—clauses that are unusual, unfair, or dangerous.
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2. The Redline
We don’t just tell you what’s wrong; we fix it. We provide a “redlined” version of the contract with our proposed changes to send back to the other side.
3. The Execution
We help you finalize the document, ensuring all exhibits (floor plans, rules, guaranties) are attached and legally binding.
Sign with Confidence.
A 5-year lease is a 5-year commitment. Make sure you know exactly what you are signing up for. Contact Saffold Law for a professional lease review.