BLOGS

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."

landlord lease form reviewindemnification clause leaselease negotiation NYC attorney

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 renewal negotiation NYCcommercial lease renewal option

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.

residential lease review NYCNY tenant rights leasesecurity deposit law New York

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.

triple net lease NYCNNN lease commercial tenantCAM charges lease review