Exiting Your Commercial Lease the Smart Way: A Complete Guide
Why Exiting a Commercial Lease Can Be Tricky
Most commercial leases include more obligations than you might expect. Unlike residential agreements, these contracts often require tenants to return the space to a specific condition—sometimes better than they found it. From repairing walls to replacing light fixtures and deep-cleaning carpets, small missteps can result in withheld security deposits, legal trouble, or delays in securing your next location.
That’s why it pays to follow a detailed checklist—and to work with professionals who know how to navigate every stage of the exit process.
Step-by-Step Commercial Lease Exit Checklist
1. Review Your Lease Terms Thoroughly
Before you make any moves—literally—take time to understand your lease. It’s more than a formality; your contract lays out exactly what’s expected of you before vacating the space. Too often, tenants are surprised by conditions they overlooked.
Look for these key clauses:
-
Make-good clauses – These require you to restore the space to its original condition, often including repairs or repainting.
-
Notice period requirements – Most leases require 60–120 days’ notice. Missing this window could mean extra fees or even lease extension penalties.
-
Repair and damage liability – Clarify who’s responsible for costs related to wear-and-tear vs. actual damage.
-
Subleasing and early termination – Understand your options if you need to exit early or bring in another tenant.
📌 Tip: Lease language can be confusing. If needed, consult a commercial real estate attorney or lease auditor to avoid costly misunderstandings.
2. Schedule Repairs and Maintenance
Don’t wait until the last minute to address damage. Many landlords expect the property to be returned in “broom-swept” condition or better—especially if you altered the space during your lease (i.e., added walls, changed lighting, or reconfigured rooms).
Address these common repair needs early:
-
Patching holes in drywall, especially from mounted TVs or artwork
-
Repainting with landlord-approved colors (not just touch-ups)
-
Repairing plumbing or lighting that may have gone unnoticed
-
Restoring floors or carpets, especially in high-traffic areas
📌 Pro Tip: Use licensed contractors when possible and document all work with receipts and photos. These can be critical if a landlord contests your efforts.
3. Deep Clean the Space
Cleaning is often underestimated—but it’s one of the top reasons tenants lose their deposit. A surface-level sweep isn’t enough. Landlords expect commercial spaces to be cleaned professionally and thoroughly, down to vents and baseboards.
Here’s what should be covered:
-
Carpet cleaning or hard floor polishing to remove stains and debris
-
HVAC vent cleaning to address dust and allergens
-
Sanitizing kitchens, restrooms, and shared spaces
-
Window cleaning, both interior and exterior if accessible
📌 Did You Know? According to BOMA (Building Owners and Managers Association), cleaning deficiencies are among the top three reasons for lease violation claims.
4. Prepare for the Final Walkthrough
Before your landlord shows up for the final inspection, do your own internal walkthrough. This gives you a chance to catch lingering issues—and fix them—before they become disputes or deductions.
Use this approach:
-
Conduct a mock walkthrough a few days before the real one
-
Take photos and video with timestamps to document the space
-
Create a checklist based on lease requirements and previous conversations with your landlord
-
Have backup documents (receipts, cleaning logs, and repair invoices) on hand for reference
📌 Negotiation Tip: If your landlord identifies new issues, use your documentation to support your case or negotiate a reduced deduction.
5. Coordinate a Professional Move
After you’ve fulfilled your lease obligations, it’s time to move out—and that’s where the real chaos can begin if you’re not organized. Many businesses underestimate just how complex the physical move can be. From tight timelines to equipment breakdowns and last-minute scrambles, this is where most lease exits unravel.
This is where Olympia comes in.
We don’t just show up with a truck—we bring a team of trained professionals who know how to manage commercial transitions without disrupting your business. Whether you’re relocating, downsizing, or shutting down a location entirely, Olympia makes sure the move itself is efficient, compliant, and stress-free.
Here’s how we help:
-
Develop a detailed move strategy tailored to your lease timeline and operational needs
-
Professional packing and labeling for furniture, tech, files, and sensitive equipment
-
Safe disassembly of office furniture (cubicles, conference tables, workstations) with hardware bagged and labeled
-
Asset removal, donation, and liquidation through our certified network of partners
-
Short- and long-term storage solutions in secure, climate-controlled facilities
-
On-site move supervisors to manage crews, oversee load-out, and coordinate with property managers
-
After-move cleaning and decommissioning to help you meet “broom-swept” lease return requirements
📌 Olympia is your all-in-one lease exit partner. Our project managers handle logistics, documentation, and coordination—so your team can stay focused on what’s next, not what’s left behind.
The Cost of Getting It Wrong
Making assumptions or cutting corners during a lease exit can backfire—big time. According to a SquareFoot survey, 1 in 3 businesses reported underestimating move-out costs by more than $5,000.
Potential risks:
-
Loss of your full security deposit
-
Added cleaning and repair bills from third-party vendors
-
Delays in securing your next space
-
Legal disputes and reputational damage
Planning ahead and working with a trusted provider can eliminate these risks entirely.
Olympia’s Advantage: Turnkey Lease Exit Support
Olympia does more than just “move your stuff.” We offer end-to-end support so that your exit is clean, compliant, and stress-free. For over two decades, we’ve helped business owners, facility managers, realtors, and downsizing homeowners close out leases with confidence.
Here’s what we handle for you:
- Pre-move consultations to review your lease
- Furniture breakdown, packing, and removal
- Commercial-grade deep cleaning services
- Coordination of walkthroughs and landlord communications
- Inventory documentation for compliance and tracking
- Temporary or long-term storage solutions
- Eco-friendly disposal and liquidation of unwanted assets
No matter your industry or location, Olympia’s team is equipped to make your transition seamless.
Olympia Is Here to Support All Your Commercial Lease Exit Needs
Your lease exit shouldn’t be a headache. Let Olympia handle the details—so you can focus on what’s next.
Or email us at: info@olympiamoving.com for a no-pressure consultation.
Works Cited
-
BOMA International. (2023). BOMA Office Standard 2023. https://www.boma.org
-
SquareFoot. (2021). Top 5 Mistakes Businesses Make When Leaving Office Leases. https://www.squarefoot.com
-
Commercial Lease Law Insider. (2022). Lease-End Obligations for Tenants. https://www.commercialleaselawinsider.com
-
U.S. Small Business Administration. (2024). Office Move and Lease Termination Tips for Small Businesses. https://www.sba.gov
