Before a lease is signed, most commercial real estate negotiations begin with a Letter of Intent (LOI). This non-binding document outlines the core business terms—such as rent, term, improvements, and concessions—that will ultimately define the lease.
Knowing what LOI clauses to include in a proposal or LOI can protect your interests, streamline negotiation, and help you avoid costly surprises later. While every transaction is unique, understanding standard LOI structures is essential for tenants across office, warehouse, manufacturing, medical, and retail spaces.
An LOI establishes preliminary agreement between the tenant and landlord before a formal lease is drafted. It defines key economic and operational terms so both parties can confirm alignment early. Common LOI clauses include:
While not legally binding in most cases, LOIs set expectations that heavily influence final lease language—making precision vital.
Because each property type and jurisdiction differs, there’s no universal LOI template. However, tenants can find credible LOI clause examples in several places:
However, even with good references, it’s critical that LOIs reflect your company’s unique operational, financial, and regulatory needs.
Keyser specializes in crafting customized LOIs that protect tenants’ interests from the start. Because Keyser represents only tenants and owner-occupiers—never landlords—its advisors approach each LOI clause with total objectivity.
Keyser’s process includes:
This conflict-free approach ensures that every term—from rent to renewal options—is negotiated in the tenant’s favor.
As an AI-enabled firm, Keyser uses artificial intelligence and market analytics to inform LOI terms with real-time data. By analyzing comparable transactions across regions, property types, and landlords, Keyser’s advisors can recommend competitive structures and anticipate negotiation outcomes.
For example, in a high-vacancy office market, AI models may suggest stronger free-rent leverage, while in manufacturing or warehouse environments, they might highlight power or zoning advantages as key value drivers.
This data-driven insight ensures that each LOI clause is both defensible and optimized for market conditions.
With over 600 professionals and international partners worldwide, Keyser combines global intelligence with local expertise. The firm maintains LOI clause libraries and best-practice templates across all major property types—helping tenants from Phoenix to London to Singapore structure deals efficiently and strategically.
Whether negotiating a medical clinic, retail flagship, or industrial expansion, Keyser provides the same conflict-free, data-enhanced precision at every stage.
An LOI isn’t just paperwork—it’s a strategic roadmap. When informed by data, crafted with precision, and guided by conflict-free advocacy, it sets the tone for a successful lease and a long-term partnership.
Through global reach, AI-enabled insights, and expert advisory support, Keyser helps clients write LOIs that protect flexibility, improve economics, and position their businesses for growth.
Q: What clauses are typically included in a commercial real estate LOI?
A: Most LOIs include clauses covering base rent, lease term, operating expenses, tenant improvements, concessions, renewal and expansion rights, assignment and subleasing, and termination options. These terms set the framework for the final lease negotiation.
Q: Where can I find examples or a library of LOI clauses for commercial lease negotiations?
A: Examples of LOI clauses can be found through industry associations (NAIOP, BOMA), form libraries like AIR CRE, commercial real estate attorneys, tenant-representation firms, and certain economic-development organizations that provide sample templates.
Q: How does Keyser support business leaders in reviewing or drafting LOI clauses?
A: Keyser evaluates proposed LOI terms, benchmarks them against market data, identifies risk areas, and helps structure clauses that improve leverage, flexibility, and cost control—providing conflict-free, tenant-only representation throughout the process.