Michigan Commercial Lease Agreement

A Michigan commercial lease agreement is a binding contract for a tenant to lease retail, office, or industrial space. The agreement sets the rights and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords, as well as details about rent, deadlines, penalties, and other items. The Michigan law that governs commercial leases is Michigan Uniform Commercial Code, Act 175, Part 5 . These types of leases are more complicated than a residential lease, so working with an attorney is advisable.

Michigan Commercial Lease Requirements

• Statute of Frauds – Any contract of 12 months or longer must be in writing. As commercial leases tend to be multiyear contracts, this statute is almost always applicable. [1]

Writing Michigan Commercial Lease Agreements

A Michigan commercial lease agreement should generally contain the following:

• Landlord’s information
• Property manager’s information (if any)
• Tenant’s information
• Description of the property
• Authorized use of the property
• Type of lease (gross, modified-gross, or triple-net)
• Term of the lease and the commencement date
• Option to renew the lease (if any)
• Rent and landlord’s profit participation in operations (if any)
• Penalty for late/non-payment of rent (including eviction process)
• Designation of the responsible parties for certain expenses and utilities
• Security deposit and refund policy
• Permissible leasehold improvements
• Place for the signatures of all parties
• Miscellaneous terms specific to the lease

Sources

No estate or interest in lands, other than leases for a term not exceeding 1 year, nor any trust or power over or concerning lands, or in any manner relating thereto, shall hereafter be created, granted, assigned, surrendered or declared, unless by act or operation of law, or by a deed or conveyance in writing, subscribed by the party creating, granting, assigning, surrendering or declaring the same, or by some person thereunto by him lawfully authorized by writing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a commercial lease need to be notarized in Michigan? Does a commercial lease need to be notarized in Michigan? No, a commercial lease agreement does not need to be signed in Michigan in order for it to be legally binding; however, if any of the parties to the commercial lease would like to have it notarized, they may do so. Read more »