You own a building in Avon. A space sits empty. Maybe two.

You are not sure what to charge. You are not sure how to find tenants. And you may be new to commercial leases.

Here is what I tell landlords.

Step 1: How much should you charge?

Start with the base rent per square foot. Base rent is the main rent. Per square foot means it is set by the size of the space.

I help owners come up with this number. Then we set a rate that works for them.

Step 2: What are NNN charges?

Learn what NNN charges are. With NNN, the tenant pays rent. The tenant also pays a share of the taxes, insurance and upkeep.

Know how this works. Then set the rent and the charges that work for you.

Step 3: Will the city approve the tenant?

A busy street and a good spot can bring a lot of interest. That is great. But do not just take the first tenant.

First, make sure the city will approve their use. Check your parking, too. A small lot can limit what the city will approve.

Step 4: Will your tenants help each other?

Pick tenants whose businesses fit together. That way, all your tenants benefit from each other.

We wanted to create synergy within the building so that all the tenants benefit from each other.

In Kas’s words

Step 5: Do you need a commercial lease attorney?

It helps. Have an attorney who does commercial real estate help write the lease. Do not have one? Ask me.

Then negotiate the terms and the rent. A broker can do that part for you.

What this means for you

Have empty space? Try these three steps:

1. Set your base rent per square foot. Learn what NNN charges are.
2. Check city approval and parking before you pick a tenant.
3. Pick tenants who fit together. Then have an attorney help write the lease.

My take

A busy street brings a lot of interest. But pick the right tenant. The city must approve it. And it should help the others in your building.

How I can help

I help owners in Avon and across the west side lease their space. Read more Avon articles. Want to see how tenants think about NNN? Read what tenants can and can’t negotiate. Or read how a Lakewood landlord filled five small offices.

Tell me about your empty space in the form below.