Notices

 

Too many tenants, signing the lease is the last time you ever expect to hear from the landlord. Oh, you may expect to call the property management company to replace light bulbs every once in a while, but why else would you be interfacing with the landlord himself? After all, you are a good tenant and you pay your rent.

 

Throughout the term of your lease, the landlord will send you notices—some important, some not so important. Some you need to pay particular attention to. For example, give special mind to notices like these:

 

• Maybe the building will be closed on a Saturday for a fire inspection and you planned a big sales meeting.

• Maybe the landlord is doing work on the common areas, which will restrict your access.

• Maybe the landlord is planning a big "tenant appreciation" day, and you're invited.

• Maybe the Landlord is refinancing the building and sends you an Estoppel Certificate.

 

Often, tenants have notices that are simply addressed to the firm sent to their premises only. The notice is opened by the receptionist and hopefully forwarded to the right person. What if you were that person and you were out of town? Let's say your failure to respond to that notice meant a default in your lease—not a good situation.

 

Here's a tip: Under the notice section of the lease, always designate a specific person to whom notices should go. As a backup, at IN/House we always have copies of notices sent to our office. We do this for several reasons. First, we act as a "non-liable" back up, sort of like a batter sitting in the on deck circle. Secondly, we can fully understand what the notice means and what the potential ramifications (if any) can be for you. If your broker doesn't want to get involved, ask your attorney to serve as this on deck hitter.

 

One missed notice can be very costly. Always specify individuals to receive the notices and protect yourself.