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Lease Drafting

There are hundreds of residential and commercial lease forms on the internet, most of which are unnecessarily long and filled with archaic legal jargon. A lease written in concise, plain English is more effective because when reasonable parties understand the contract, they are less likely to argue over what it means.

The attorneys at Lieser Skaff understand that the parties reading the contract are the landlord and the tenant, not other lawyers or the court. So we define esoteric lease terminology using everyday words in short, crisp sentences. And because we are cost-conscious real estate attorneys, we incorporate boilerplate language, but only where it actually applies to help achieve our client’s objectives. The end result is a clear, streamlined, tailor-made lease agreement to which the landlord and the tenant can easily reference.

Consult the Tampa Lease Drafting Attorneys at Lieser Skaff

Leases do not get the attention they deserve, considering the amount of money involved and the fact that the lease will govern the relationship between the lessor and the lessee for a fairly long time. Whether you are a commercial or residential landlord or a prospective tenant operating a small business, our real estate attorneys will draft a lease that thoroughly covers all aspects of the contractual relationship and furthers your business goals. We can also help you negotiate the terms of a commercial lease or analyze a previously drafted commercial or residential lease to make sure your business interests are protected.

Blog Posts About Lease Drafting

Florida Makes Lease Closings Easier with New Signature Witness Laws

Florida House Bill 469, effective July 1, 2020, simplifies lease execution by removing the witness requirement for residential and commercial leases over one year. In combination with electronic signatures, the change allows for quicker and more efficient lease execution, allowing for earlier start dates for landlords and tenants.
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Fair Housing: Are You Up to Date on Criminal Background Checks?

Since 2016, landlords must follow HUD's Criminal Background Guidance when evaluating criminal background checks on applicants. The guidelines require an individualized assessment of applicants with criminal histories, considering factors like severity, time elapsed, and rehabilitation. Arrests without convictions cannot be used, and discrimination is prohibited. Failing to comply can trigger violations, lengthy investigations, and severe penalties.
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Starting a New Business? Plan for Success by Hiring an Attorney

Entrepreneurs often use DIY legal forms, risking costly mistakes. Working with an experienced Tampa business attorney ensures proper legal structure, regulatory compliance, effective contracts, and protection for intellectual property and trade secrets. An attorney can also assist with negotiations, annual filings, mergers and acquisitions to safeguard your business from costly mistakes.
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How Florida Landlords Should Handle a Deceased Tenant’s Personal Property

When a tenant dies, Florida law restricts landlords from granting access to the rental unit or removing personal property without a court-appointed personal representative or proper lease provisions. Landlords must wait 60 days and follow Chapter 715 procedures unless the lease includes specific language allowing for quicker disposal of belongings.
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Preventing Commercial Landlord Liability for Tenant Improvements

Commercial landlords can face construction lien liability for tenant improvements if tenants hire contractors and fail to pay them. To avoid this, landlords should include lien prohibition clauses in lease agreements, record the lease and a notice, promptly respond to lien-related demands, and require contractor indemnity agreements.
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