Commercial Landlord Tenant Law for Repairs

by Rupert Madison
(Phoenix, AZ)

While I have been a residential property manager since 1997, I only had my first taste of commercial landlord tenant law this year. My property management firm landed a contract for managing a new shopping mall and I was tasked as the supervising manager.

While there are many similarities between residential and commercial rental property law, you will still find startling differences. One such difference is the how commercial tenants are responsible when it comes to property repairs and maintenance.

The commercial landlord tenant law does vary from area to area but you should be pleasantly surprised when it comes to your repair duties as a commercial landlord. In general a commercial landlord is only responsible for structural repairs (floors, walls, roofing) and utilities (electricity, water).

Your poor commercial tenant is responsible for fixing almost everything else. When anything is faulty or broken, a commercial tenant has to inform you and HE has to make the repairs. Whether it's a leaky air con or loose electrical wiring, you won't be held liable for any losses incurred by the tenant.

Of course, commercial rental agreements are highly open to negotiations so your duties as a commercial landlord may be heavier if you give in your tenant's request and demands.