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Connecticut Commercial Real Estate

Connecticut Commercial Lease Agreement

Professional business property lease template with CAM charges, percentage rent, and CT commercial compliance

Connecticut Commercial Lease Features

CAM Charges

Common area maintenance calculations and tenant share formulas

Percentage Rent

Base rent plus percentage of gross sales for retail spaces

Rent Escalation

Annual increases, CPI adjustments, and market rate reviews

TI Allowance

Tenant improvement budgets and build-out specifications

Types of Commercial Leases in Connecticut

Choose the right lease structure for your business property

Retail Lease

For storefronts, shopping centers, and retail spaces

  • Percentage rent clauses
  • Co-tenancy requirements
  • Exclusive use provisions
  • Signage and storefront rights
  • Hours of operation
Create Retail Lease

Office Lease

For professional offices and corporate spaces

  • Parking allocation
  • After-hours access
  • Utilities and services
  • Subletting rights
  • Building amenities
Create Office Lease

Industrial Lease

For warehouses, manufacturing, and distribution

  • Loading dock access
  • Power requirements
  • Environmental compliance
  • 24/7 operations
  • Equipment installation
Create Industrial Lease

Understanding CAM Charges in Connecticut

Common Area Maintenance fees typically include:

30-40% Property Management
20-25% Utilities & HVAC
15-20% Landscaping & Snow
10-15% Security & Lighting
5-10% Insurance & Taxes

Connecticut Commercial Lease Laws

Important regulations for business property leases in CT

Commercial Eviction

Connecticut requires 3-day notice for rent default and 30-day notice for lease violations. Commercial tenants have fewer protections than residential tenants.

Personal Guarantees

Landlords in CT can require personal guarantees from business owners, making them personally liable for lease obligations.

Security Deposits

No statutory limit on commercial security deposits in Connecticut. Typically 1-3 months' rent plus first and last month.

Commercial Lease Negotiation Tips for Connecticut

🎯 Free Rent Period

Negotiate 1-3 months free rent for build-out and move-in. Longer leases typically get more concessions.

📈 Cap Annual Increases

Limit rent increases to 3-5% annually or tie to CPI with a cap. Avoid open-ended escalation clauses.

🔄 Assignment Rights

Retain the right to assign or sublet with reasonable landlord consent. Critical for business flexibility.

🚪 Exit Clauses

Include early termination options, co-tenancy clauses, or performance-based outs for protection.

💰 TI Allowance

Request $20-50 per square foot for tenant improvements, depending on property type and condition.

🛡️ Limit Guarantees

Negotiate "good guy" guarantees that end when you vacate, not for the entire lease term.

Commercial Properties We Cover in Connecticut

Retail Stores
Office Buildings
Warehouses
Restaurants
Medical Offices
Shopping Centers
Industrial Parks
Mixed-Use

Commercial Lease FAQs for Connecticut

Common questions about business property leases in CT

A Connecticut commercial lease includes base rent, CAM charges (common area maintenance), property taxes, insurance requirements, permitted use clauses, signage rights, parking allocation, and business hours. It must comply with CT commercial real estate laws and local zoning regulations.

CAM (Common Area Maintenance) charges in Connecticut cover shared expenses like parking lot maintenance, landscaping, security, utilities for common areas, and property management fees. These are typically calculated based on the tenant's proportionate share of the building.

Yes, commercial leases in Connecticut are highly negotiable. Key negotiation points include base rent, annual increases, CAM charges, tenant improvements (TI), free rent periods, renewal options, and assignment/subletting rights. Unlike residential leases, commercial terms are not regulated by CT tenant protection laws.

Commercial lease terms in Connecticut typically range from 3-10 years, with 5 years being common for retail and office spaces. Longer terms often come with better rates and more tenant improvements. Month-to-month commercial leases are rare but available for short-term needs.

Connecticut commercial tenants typically need general liability insurance ($1-2 million), property insurance for tenant improvements and inventory, and business interruption insurance. Landlords may also require the tenant to be named as additional insured on the policy.

Professional Business Property Lease for Connecticut

Create Your Commercial Lease Agreement Now

CT Compliant
CAM Charges Included
Customizable Terms
Start Commercial Lease

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Legal Disclaimer

This tool provides general lease templates and is not a substitute for legal advice. The information provided is for informational purposes only.

For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction.


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