a commercial lease is required any time a business rents a commercial property for the purpose of conducting business from that location. “they are typically longer in duration and offer greater flexibility when it comes to negotiating conditions than residential lease agreements.” another difference is that renters in a residential lease agreement are usually not responsible for paying property taxes, whereas with commercial lease agreements, it’s very common for the tenant to pay at least a portion of the property taxes. while looking for a new property, if you’re selling a product or service to the public, analyze the area and get a good idea of your potential clientele. one of the most important aspects of signing a lease is being able to operate your business to its fullest capacity once you open your doors. the list does not include every possible term you may encounter on a commercial lease agreement, but it’s an overview of the ones you are most likely to see.