Signing a commercial lease is one of the biggest decisions a veterinary practice will make, whether you’re starting your first clinic, relocating, or expanding to a second location. The lease agreement governs your rights as a tenant, outlines your financial obligations, and affects your ability to grow or exit the business in the future.
At Mahan Law, we provide comprehensive lease review services tailored to the needs of veterinary professionals. With industry-specific insight and a deep understanding of commercial leasing, we help ensure your lease terms support your business, not hinder it.
Why Veterinary Practices Need a Lease Review
Veterinary clinics face unique challenges when it comes to commercial space. You’re not just leasing a storefront—you need adequate parking, space for equipment, compliant ventilation and waste systems, and the ability to perform medical procedures. If your lease doesn’t reflect these operational realities, your business could face unexpected restrictions, added costs, or even compliance issues.
Unfortunately, many landlords use one-size-fits-all leases that don’t account for the specific needs of a veterinary clinic. Without a careful review, you could end up agreeing to terms that are unfavorable or even unworkable.
What We Look for During a Lease Review
A lease is a legally binding contract that defines your responsibilities and rights for the duration of your tenancy. At Mahan Law, we conduct a thorough review of every clause, with a focus on the terms most relevant to veterinary practices. These include:
Use of Premises
The lease should clearly permit the operation of a veterinary clinic, including medical treatment, imaging, boarding, and on-site surgeries if applicable. Ambiguous use clauses can lead to future conflicts with landlords or neighboring tenants.
Tenant Improvements and Build-Outs
Most clinics require build-outs to accommodate specialized equipment and treatment areas. We make sure your lease includes:
- Clear rights to make alterations
- Landlord approval processes
- Responsibilities for costs and construction
- Ownership of improvements upon lease termination
Rent, Increases, and Additional Charges
Beyond base rent, we examine:
- Annual rent escalation clauses
- Common area maintenance (CAM) charges
- Utilities and insurance obligations
- Hidden or surprise fees that could impact your budget
We also help you evaluate whether the total cost aligns with your practice’s financial model.
Maintenance and Repairs
Veterinary clinics have unique wear-and-tear requirements. We help define who is responsible for:
- HVAC systems
- Plumbing and electrical work
- Roof and structural repairs
- Interior maintenance
Vague language in this section can leave tenants with unexpected responsibilities.
Exclusivity and Competition
To protect your market share, we ensure your lease contains an exclusivity clause preventing the landlord from renting to another veterinary practice in the same complex.
We also evaluate surrounding tenant restrictions and zoning laws to ensure that competing uses won’t squeeze out your clinics.
Lease Termination and Exit Strategies
Life happens—partners leave, businesses relocate, or markets shift. Your lease should include:
- Clear terms for early termination
- Options to sublet or assign the lease if you sell your practice
- Reasonable notice periods and penalties
Planning ahead can save you from financial and legal stress down the road.
How Mahan Law Helps
We offer veterinary professionals a legal partner who understands both commercial leases and the veterinary business model. Our lease review services include:
- Detailed analysis of your lease agreement
- Identification of potential risks or unfair terms
- Guidance on how specific clauses impact your clinic
- Recommendations for negotiation points
- Support during landlord negotiations
- Coordination with your broker or contractor (if applicable)
Whether you’re leasing from a large commercial developer or a private landlord, we advocate for terms that reflect your operational needs and growth plans.
When to Seek a Lease Review
The best time to review a lease is before you sign it, but we can also help with:
- Lease renewals or renegotiations
- Reviewing amendments or addenda
- Subleasing or expanding into additional units
- Evaluating lease terms before buying a practice
If you’re already operating under a lease, we can assess your current agreement to identify areas of concern or opportunities for improvement.
Build Your Practice on a Strong Foundation
Your lease is more than a rental agreement—it’s the framework for your practice’s stability and success. By taking the time to review your lease with a legal professional who understands veterinary operations, you can avoid surprises, protect your investment, and position your clinic for growth.
At Mahan Law, we help veterinary professionals make informed decisions about their real estate. Contact us today and let us review your lease, clarify your obligations, and help you negotiate terms that make business sense.