Renting a studio...lease ???s

[HotHolly]

So, I've signed leases before, but not for a studio. Should I get a lawyer?

This place is a boutique and has several stipulations on lots of things: signs, windows, window displays, hours, etc. There are 8 shops in this little spot - all upscale stores. The owner is trying to get everything uniform.

So, since there are a ton of things we could talk about here - I'll shoot for this one:

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU DO NOT WANT IN YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO LEASE?

Currently she has a 15 day clause (cant close for more than 15 days in a row), and hours of operation at 9-6 M-F. I have the lease and Im looking to see what changes need to be addresses. Those 2 are an issue, I would think...We meet clients in afternoons and evenings. And I personally take 2-3 week vacations now. I would think during famine season, we wouldnt be open too much? Don help! I haven't had a store at this time of year. And we shoot all over the country. So, if we have a wedding in NY, the studio will not be open. No one is here.

Those of you that have done this before...HELP! What MUST be in the lease to protect me? What kind of things will I not be thinking of?

And since this is a new thread...the owner has 60 days to complete the store (put up walls and what have you) and then we have to occupy within 60 days. We plan to open March - April, 2007. The lease gets signed now. I want the opening date in writing. Opeing early wouldnt work.

THANK YOU!

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

To be honest, find another location.
Photographers have to work around their cliens schedules to an extent, I know one guy who does most of his shooting after 10 PM at night because that is when his clients are available. Also with bridal work you need Saturday and Sundays operating hours PERIOD!

Since this person sounds a bit like the old SNL Anal Retentive Chef (ie they want things all looking the way that they want them) I would just walk away and find another location. You WILL NOT CHANGE THEM!

[David Whatley]

I have signed a lot of leases and as in EVERYTHING negoitate. Write down what you "must have" and what you "want". Then tell them that is what yo uneed in the lease, but are flexable on a few items. Also make sure you have the option to renew at a set rate after your lease expires. You may also want to have the option to increase space, and they have to make it avaliable within XX time, or you can get out of the lease and move, as long as you move into a larger space somewhere else.
David
Email me if you want to chat about it.

[HotHolly]

Originally Posted by David Whatley

I have signed a lot of leases and as in EVERYTHING negoitate. Write down what you "must have" and what you "want". Then tell them that is what yo uneed in the lease, but are flexable on a few items. Also make sure you have the option to renew at a set rate after your lease expires. You may also want to have the option to increase space, and they have to make it avaliable within XX time, or you can get out of the lease and move, as long as you move into a larger space somewhere else.
David
Email me if you want to chat about it.

Thanks - good point. Im sure she isnt thinking about it. We had been looking for space all over and once stated that our hours dont work like that - most people were flexible. Heck, even the mall (100% set hours period) was going to let us keep our own hours.

This place is exactly what we were looking for, and ironically, its cheaper! We have an option to renew for another 5 years. Your right about the space issue. That isnt in there right now. And I am guessing we will want more space at some point. This place is only 1100 sq ft.

Thanks - keep the suggestions coming. I know a bunch of you have retail space, warehouse space, and some kind of studio...Cant wait to hear from youz!