A restaurant lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant, specifically tailored for leasing a commercial property intended to be used as a restaurant. This agreement outlines the terms and conditions of the lease, including the duration, rent amount, responsibilities of both parties and specific requirements related to operating a restaurant.
When to Use
If you own a commercial property that you plan to lease to a tenant who will run a restaurant or are looking to lease a commercial property from a landlord for use as a restaurant.
How to Rent a Restaurant
Step 1 – Identify the Ideal Location
- Demographics: Analyze the population, age, income levels, and dining habits of the area.
- Foot Traffic: Ensure the location has high foot traffic, especially during meal times.
- Accessibility: Consider parking availability and ease of access for both customers and suppliers.
Step 2 – Conduct a Site Analysis
- Condition of the Premises: Inspect the kitchen facilities, dining areas, restrooms, and storage spaces. Look for any necessary repairs or upgrades.
- Compliance with Codes: Ensure the space complies with local health, safety, and fire codes. This may require consulting with a professional.
When drafting your Restaurant Business Plan, it’s crucial to integrate insights from your site analysis to align operational and financial planning.
Step 3 – Negotiate Lease Terms
- Length of Lease: Decide on a lease term that balances stability with flexibility. Short-term leases offer flexibility but may lead to higher costs if the business succeeds.
- Rent Escalations: Understand how and when rent increases will occur. Negotiate a cap on annual increases.
- Tenant Improvements: Discuss who will pay for necessary improvements and how they will be completed.
Step 4 – Understand Additional Costs
- Common Area Maintenance (CAM): Costs associated with maintaining shared spaces in a commercial building.
- Utilities: Determine responsibility for utilities like water, electricity, and gas.
- Insurance: Ensure you have adequate property and liability insurance, often required by the landlord.
Step 5 – Secure Necessary Permits and Licenses
- Food Facility Health Permit: Required to ensure your kitchen meets health and sanitation standards.
- Liquor License: Necessary if you plan to serve alcohol.
- Food Service License: Need to safely handle, prepare, sell, and serve food.
- Business License: A general license to operate your business legally.
Step 6 – Plan for Build-Outs
- Design and Layout: Plan the restaurant’s layout, including the kitchen, dining area, and storage. Consider hiring a professional designer.
- Construction and Renovation: Work with contractors to ensure the build-out meets your specifications and local regulations. Before the renovation, the landlord would have to approve the build-out.
Step 7 – Review the Lease Agreement
- Legal Consultation: Have an attorney review the lease agreement to ensure it is fair and protects your interests.
- Exit Clauses: Understand the conditions under which you can terminate the lease early.
Step 8 – Finalize the Deal
- Sign the Lease: Once all terms are agreed upon, sign the lease and keep a copy for your records.
- Move In and Set Up: Begin setting up your restaurant space, installing equipment, and arranging furnishings.
Regulatory Agencies
For local laws, contact your regional health department for assistance; they can provide a step-by-step guide for your city’s requirements. Various regulatory agencies oversee broader restaurant rules:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Oversees employees’ health and safety regulations.
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS): Oversees the commercial supply of meat, poultry, and processed egg products.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Ensures the safety of foods (other than meat, poultry, and eggs) and provides food service codes and regulations for each state.
Essential Sections in Restaurant Leases
Rent and Rent Structure
- Base Rent: Determine the base rent and any percentage rent based on gross sales.
- Rent Escalations: Outline how rent increases will be calculated and implemented.
Use Clause
- Permitted Use: Clearly define the specific use of the property, ensuring it aligns with your business model.
- Exclusive Use: Negotiate for exclusive use rights to prevent the landlord from leasing adjacent spaces to direct competitors.
Improvements and Alterations
- Tenant Improvements: Specify what improvements are allowed and who bears the cost.
- Approval Process: Detail the approval process for any alterations or renovations.
Maintenance and Repairs
- Landlord Responsibilities: Outline the landlord’s obligations for maintaining the building structure and common areas.
- Tenant Responsibilities: Define the tenant’s duties for upkeep and repair of the leased premises.
Utilities and Operating Expenses
- Utility Costs: Clarify who is responsible for utility payments and any related charges.
- CAM Charges: Describe the method for calculating and allocating common area maintenance expenses.
Insurance
- Required Coverage: List the types of insurance both the landlord and tenant must carry.
- Additional Insured: May specify that the landlord can be named as an additional insured on the tenant’s policies. (Optional)
Default and Termination
- Default Provisions: Define what constitutes a default and the remedies available to either party.
- Termination Rights: Detail the conditions under which either party can terminate the lease early.
Dispute Resolution
- Mediation and Arbitration: Include clauses addressing how disputes are to be resolved, either litigation, mediation, or arbitration.
Subletting and Assignment
- Subletting: State whether subletting is permitted and any conditions that must be met.
- Assignment: Outline the process for assigning the lease to another party and any required approvals.
Sample Restaurant Lease Agreement
Download a template in PDF or MS Word below.
