BLOGS

Your Landlord Says the Lease Is "Standard." Standard for Whom?

Your Landlord Says the Lease Is "Standard." Standard for Whom?

Qingqing Zhou, Esq.
Published on: 15/05/2026

Landlords call their lease "standard." It was drafted by their lawyer, for them. Here are the four clauses that do the most damage — and why "standard" never means "non-negotiable."

Lease
The Renewal Clause: The Most Overlooked Paragraph in Your Lease

The Renewal Clause: The Most Overlooked Paragraph in Your Lease

Qingqing Zhou, Esq.
Published on: 08/04/2026

The renewal clause is the most overlooked paragraph in a commercial lease — and the one that can cost you your location. Here's what to negotiate before you sign.

Lease
Signing a Lease in New York? 7 Red Flags — and the Rules Your Landlord Can't Override

Signing a Lease in New York? 7 Red Flags — and the Rules Your Landlord Can't Override

Qingqing Zhou, Esq.
Published on: 20/03/2026

Seven red flags in New York residential leases — plus the rules your landlord cannot override, including the one-month security deposit cap, the late fee cap, and the 14-day deposit return rule.

Lease
Triple Net (NNN) Leases:   Why $5,000 Rent Is Really $6,800

Triple Net (NNN) Leases: Why $5,000 Rent Is Really $6,800

Qingqing Zhou, Esq.
Published on: 08/03/2026

In a triple net (NNN) lease, base rent is only part of what you pay. Here's how to calculate your real occupancy cost and the six questions to ask before signing.

Lease