Reviewing, negotiating, and resolving commercial lease disputes for Toronto tenants, landlords, and business owners. Protect your space, your terms, and your investment.
· Reviewed by Jonathan Kleiman, J.D.
Commercial leases are not consumer-friendly documents. They are drafted by the landlord's lawyers to protect the landlord's interests. Unlike residential tenancies, commercial leases are not governed by the Residential Tenancies Act — meaning you have far fewer statutory protections.
The terms of the lease are the law of your tenancy. What you agree to is what you are bound by — for the entire term. A commercial lease lawyer reviews the lease, identifies unfavourable terms, and negotiates changes before you sign.
Jonathan reviews your proposed commercial lease and provides a clear, plain-language summary of the key terms, risks, and provisions that should be negotiated or removed.
After identifying unfavourable terms, Jonathan negotiates with the landlord or the landlord's lawyers on your behalf — pushing for better rent structures, tenant improvement allowances, assignment rights, renewal options, and removal of personal guarantees.
If your business needs change — expansion, downsizing, or relocation — Jonathan assists with assigning the lease to a new tenant or negotiating a sublease arrangement.
When your lease term is approaching expiry, Jonathan reviews the renewal terms and negotiates on your behalf to ensure you are not locked into unfavourable conditions for another term.
Jonathan drafts commercial leases, offers to lease, and lease amendments for landlords and property managers across Toronto.
When a tenant defaults — non-payment, breach of use restrictions, unauthorized subletting, or abandonment — Jonathan advises on enforcement options including demand letters, right of re-entry, and litigation.
Free 30-minute consultation. No fee, no obligation.
The cheapest commercial lease is not the one with the lowest rent — it is the one with the fewest surprises.
When disputes arise under a commercial lease, Jonathan represents both tenants and landlords in negotiation, demand letters, and litigation. Common disputes include:
Commercial lease disputes up to $50,000 can be resolved in the Ontario Small Claims Court. Larger disputes are handled in the Superior Court.
Whether you are signing a new lease, renewing an existing one, or dealing with a dispute — a commercial lease lawyer protects your interests before they become problems.
Call 416-554-1639 or book a free consultation.
Common questions about commercial leases in Ontario.
Yes. Commercial leases are drafted to protect the landlord. A lawyer identifies unfavourable terms and negotiates changes before you sign. The cost of a review is a fraction of the cost of a dispute.
Key provisions: rent structure (base + TMI), lease term and renewal options, permitted use, assignment and subletting rights, tenant improvement allowances, personal guarantees, demolition clauses, and termination provisions.
No. Commercial leases are governed by the lease terms and common law. Commercial tenants have fewer statutory protections than residential tenants — making the lease terms critical.
Under Ontario's Commercial Tenancies Act, a landlord may exercise re-entry if the tenant is in default. Unlike residential tenancies, no tribunal order is required.
Jonathan offers flat-fee commercial lease review and negotiation. The fee is quoted before work begins, and the initial 30-minute consultation is free.
Don't sign until a lawyer has reviewed the terms. Flat-fee lease review and negotiation. Free 30-minute consultation.