--- title: Can You Break Your Commercial Lease Early? description: Wondering if you can break your commercial real estate lease early? This guide for business leaders explains your options—from subleasing to buyouts—and how to navigate the process strategically to protect your business. image: https://blog.keyser.com/hubfs/TypesofCommercialLeases_FeaturedPhoto.jpg --- [Lease](https://blog.keyser.com/topic/lease) , [Commercial Real Estate](https://blog.keyser.com/topic/commercial-real-estate) # Can You Break Your Commercial Lease Early? [By Jonathan Keyser](https://blog.keyser.com/author/jonathan-keyser) August 25, 2025 - [** ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url={url}&text={title}) - [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url={url}&title={title}) - [** ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u={url}) [![audio-blog-button-2](https://blog.keyser.com/hs-fs/hubfs/audio-blog-button-2.png?width=800&height=123&name=audio-blog-button-2.png)](https://blog.keyser.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Post%20Narration%20Audio/Whos%20your%20broker%20really%20working%20for.mp3) Most business leaders don’t think about leaving a lease early—until they’re forced to.   Maybe the business has grown. Maybe the team structure has changed. Or maybe the space just isn’t supporting where you’re headed anymore.   Whatever the reason, you’re now facing a real question: **What happens if your lease no longer works?**   I get this call all the time—from smart, experienced leaders who feel stuck in space that no longer fits. So let’s talk about what’s actually possible, and how to approach it strategically.   #### **1. Understand the Language You Signed**  Most commercial leases are written to protect the landlord, not you. So before you make any moves, pull the lease and look for: - Early termination rights - Assignment or sublease clauses - Restoration obligations - Default provisions  If you’re not sure how to interpret it—don’t guess. Bring in someone who lives in this world and can translate the fine print into real options.   #### **2. Sublease or Assign the Space**  This is one of the most common (and often effective) paths. If your lease allows it, you can bring in another business to take over the space. The key here is finding a qualified tenant and getting the landlord’s blessing.   But you need someone in your corner—someone who can navigate the lease, make the structure work in your favor, and ensure your business isn’t exposed along the way.   **3. Negotiate a Buyout**   In the right scenario, a direct conversation with the landlord can go a long way. If the space is marketable or you're willing to negotiate, a buyout might be possible.   It comes down to smart math—comparing the cost of staying put with the value of moving forward.   **4. Restructure Strategically**   If staying in the building—or within the landlord’s portfolio—is on the table, a “blend and extend” might make sense. That could mean downsizing your footprint now while extending the lease at a better rate.   Done right, it creates stability for the landlord and flexibility for you.   #### **So what’s the takeaway?** Commercial leases are commitments, yes—but they’re not concrete walls. If your current space is slowing you down, don’t wait for it to turn into a bigger issue. Early conversations lead to better solutions—and better leverage.   **You deserve a space that works as hard as you do.**   If you’re facing this kind of decision, we’re here. No pressure. Just straight talk, clear strategy, and advocacy you can count on.   **Let’s talk.** Phone: (480) 990-9000 Email: info@keyser.com Free Lease Review: [https://keyser.com/lease-review/](https://keyser.com/lease-review/)   ---   #### **Frequently Asked Questions** 1. **Can a business legally break a commercial lease? **Yes—but it depends on the terms of your lease and how you approach it. Most leases don’t allow for an easy exit, but there are often creative strategies available—like subleasing, lease assignments, buyouts, or renegotiation—that can help you transition out of the space without unnecessary risk. 2. **What happens if I walk away from a commercial lease? **Walking away without a plan can have serious consequences. You could be liable for unpaid rent, default penalties, and legal fees. It’s always best to review your lease carefully and consult a tenant-only advisor to explore strategic options before making a decision. 3. **How can I get out of a commercial lease early without penalty?** While most leases include some form of early termination cost, you may be able to reduce or avoid penalties through subleasing, negotiating a lease restructure, or offering the landlord something of value—like an extended lease in another space. The key is to act early and approach it strategically. [All posts](https://blog.keyser.com) [Jonathan Keyser](https://blog.keyser.com/author/jonathan-keyser) Jonathan Keyser is the Founder and Managing Partner of Keyser Commercial Real Estate, which has become the largest commercial real estate firm of its kind in Arizona. Jonathan is also a Founding Partner of Exis Global, which today has over 580 people worldwide exclusively representing occupiers of commercial real estate. He is also the founder of a small investment fund that invests in emerging technology companies within Arizona, supporting and helping to grow the state's startup ecosystem. Jonathan was named “The Commercial Real Estate Disruptor” by USA Today. He is a #1 Wall Street Journal Best Selling Author, for his book, “You Don’t Have to be Ruthless to Win”. Jonathan is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, is widely recognized as a thought leader, has been featured in hundreds of articles, publications, and podcasts, and has been named a “Top 20 Virtual Keynote Speaker” nationally. As an entrepreneur, Jonathan has built Keyser into an eight-figure firm, which was named one of the Top 50 Most Trustworthy Companies in America by The Silicon Review. Jonathan is also one of the most connected business leaders in Arizona. He is an active member of Greater Phoenix Leadership, Young Presidents Organization (YPO), Chief Executive Organization (ceo), and the Million Dollar Speaking Group (MDSG) within the National Speakers Association (NSA). With almost 30 years of experience in the Commercial Real Estate Industry, Jonathan’s firm represents occupiers of space exclusively, both domestically and internationally across a broad range of industries. Jonathan is sought out by companies worldwide for his expertise in real estate and business acumen. He is particularly skilled at identifying creative strategies to align real estate with business requirements, designing and implementing unique solutions to complex real estate challenges, and resolving landlord-tenant conflicts where negotiations have deteriorated due to rising hostilities. Jonathan is happily married to his wife, Susanna, and has six children. His mission is to change the business community through selfless service, and his entire firm is built upon this philosophy. Jonathan is known throughout the business community as someone who loves to help others and who goes out of his way to be of service to people across the community. [** ](https://jonathankeyser.com/) [** ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathankeyser/) ##### You might also like ![Smart Selling: Balancing Speed and Value When Selling Commercial Property](https://blog.keyser.com/hubfs/AdobeStock_1749170009.jpeg) [Smart Selling: Balancing Speed and Value When Selling Commercial Property](https://blog.keyser.com/smart-selling-balancing-speed-and-value-when-selling-commercial-property) August 25, 2025 ![Negotiating Commercial Property Purchases: 6 Key Considerations](https://blog.keyser.com/hubfs/Advice-from-Bankers-Tips-for-Tenants-on-Securing-Property-Purchase-Financing.jpg) [Negotiating Commercial Property Purchases: 6 Key Considerations](https://blog.keyser.com/negotiating-commercial-property-purchases-6-key-considerations) August 25, 2025 ![Disaster-Proofing Your Real Estate: A CEO’s Guide](https://blog.keyser.com/hubfs/Stock%20images/modern%20business%20buildings.jpeg) [Disaster-Proofing Your Real Estate: A CEO’s Guide](https://blog.keyser.com/disaster-proofing-your-real-estate-a-ceos-guide) August 25, 2025 [![](https://keyser.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-LogoBug-RGB.png)](https://keyser.com/) **Designated Broker **Jonathan Keyser **License Number **KEYSER, LLC LC646225000 [**Privacy Policy**](https://keyser.com/commercial-real-estate/privacy-policy/) SERVICES [**Commercial Real Estate**](https://keyser.com/commercial-real-estate/) [**Business Advisory Services**](https://keyser.com/business-advisory-services/) ABOUT US [**Our Team**](https://keyser.com/our-team/) [**Our Culture**](https://keyser.com/selfless-service-culture/) [**Join The Team**](https://keyser.com/join-the-movement/) RESOURCE CENTER [**Blog**](https://blog.keyser.com/) [**Featured In**](https://keyser.com/featured-in/) LOCATIONS **Keyser World Headquarters **6400 E. McDowell Rd, Ste. 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85257 CONTACT **Business Inquiries **(602) 953.9737 [info@keyser.com](mailto:info@keyser.com) **Press + Media Inquiries **Olivia Garrett [ogarrett@keyser.com](mailto:ogarrett@keyser.com) ###### ![JK-book_300_-1](https://blog.keyser.com/hs-fs/hubfs/JK-book_300_-1.png?width=126&height=126&name=JK-book_300_-1.png) JONATHAN KEYSER [**Book a Speaking Engagement or Purchase the Book**](https://jonathankeyser.com/ruthless-book/) --- ###### Copyright © 2023 Keyser, LLC. All Rights Reserved.