Real EstateLawyer referralLeases

Commercial lease renewal or extension

Negotiates renewal rent, the option terms and operating costs, and updates the lease with an extension agreement.

Timing depends on negotiations with the other side and any landlord or lender consents; the lawyer confirms the steps in writing. Ontario Done by an Ontario lawyer, by referral

What is included

  • Reviews or negotiates the offer to lease or letter of intent
  • Drafts or reviews the lease, including rent, term, renewals, repairs and permitted use
  • Explains personal guarantees, indemnities and what happens on default
  • Prepares assignments, subleases, renewals, surrenders and estoppel certificates
  • Registers notice of the lease on title where appropriate

What is not included

  • Land transfer tax, registration fees, title insurance premiums and other disbursements
  • Home inspections, surveys and appraisals
  • Disputes or lawsuits arising from the deal, unless the lawyer agrees to act
  • Work by NEO Legal Services: NEO is a paralegal firm and only makes the referral

Who this service is for

  • Business tenants leasing commercial space
  • Landlords leasing commercial, industrial or farm property
  • Owners granting rooftop, parking or land leases

Information to have ready

  1. 1The offer to lease, letter of intent or draft lease
  2. 2Details of the premises, intended use and any improvements
  3. 3Information on any guarantor or indemnifier
  4. 4The existing lease, if renewing, assigning or ending it

How a referral works

  1. 1Tell us in a few words what the matter is about, and who else is involved, so we can check for a conflict of interest.
  2. 2We recommend an Ontario lawyer for your matter, and at least one other you could choose instead.
  3. 3The lawyer runs their own conflict check, confirms the scope and quotes the fee, normally in a written retainer agreement.
  4. 4You pay the lawyer's fee to the lawyer. Any referral fee comes out of it, is disclosed to you in writing, and never increases what you pay.

NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm, not a law firm. Every step of a referral, and your rights

Frequently asked questions

What does the lawyer charge?

A typical Ontario fee for this service is $800–$2,500, plus HST. The lawyer quotes the actual fee before any work starts. You pay the lawyer directly; the referral itself costs you nothing.

When should I contact a lawyer?

Ideally before you sign an offer, so the lawyer can review the conditions. At the latest, as soon as the agreement is signed.

What is title insurance?

It is a policy that protects against certain title problems, such as fraud or some survey issues. The lawyer can explain what it covers and whether it suits your deal.

Can the same lawyer act for the buyer and the seller?

Usually not. The Law Society's rules generally prevent one lawyer from acting for both sides of a property sale, with limited exceptions.

General information only, not legal advice. NEO Legal Services Professional Corporation is a licensed paralegal firm regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.

Important limitations

  • No closing can be guaranteed if the other side or a lender does not perform
  • Problems found late, such as title or survey issues, may delay closing
  • The work is limited to the scope the lawyer confirms in writing
Law Society of Ontario — Barreau de l'Ontario
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