10/19/2026
The personal guarantee in a commercial lease is one of the most dangerous clauses a business operator can sign without understanding. Most people sign it without realizing what it means.
Here are 5 clauses your landlord's lease attorney buried in the fine print:
1. Personal guarantee -- your personal credit and assets are on the line if the business can't pay
2. Rent escalation -- automatic increases with no negotiation window
3. Triple-net charges -- CAM fees that mean you're paying property taxes and maintenance on top of base rent
4. Assignment and subletting restrictions -- selling your business may require landlord approval
5. Exclusivity clause -- without it, a competitor can open next door in the same center
This is what a commercial lease review protects you from.
Zova Law handles commercial lease review and negotiation for business owners in Georgia and Florida.
Visit zovalaw.com/traditional-legal-services to learn more.