Services · Commercial real estate
Commercial leases and real estate financing
I have negotiated leases covering more than 100,000 m² and financing worth over PLN 1 billion. I know the office, retail and logistics market from the inside – and which clauses really drive cost and risk.
Typical situations
For tenants and landlords, from the first offer to the end of the lease.
- The landlord sent me a standard lease and I don’t know what I can change.
- I am looking for an office, a unit in a shopping centre or a warehouse and want to negotiate good terms.
- I want to extend, downsize or terminate a lease early.
- I am in a dispute over service charges, rent indexation or fit-out works.
- I am financing a project with a loan or bonds and need the security documentation.
What I do
Offers and term sheets
Agreeing the key terms before drafting: rent, term, incentives, fit-out.
Lease agreements
Offices, retail, services, warehouses. Review, mark-ups and negotiations through to signing.
Lease security
Bank guarantees, deposits, sureties, notarial submissions to enforcement.
Amendments and renegotiations
Extensions, changes of premises, rent reductions, early termination.
Financing
Loans and bonds with security packages: mortgages, registered pledges, assignments.
Disputes
Service charge reconciliations, contractual penalties, vacating premises – negotiations and court proceedings.
Commercial leases in Poland – frequently asked questions
What should I look out for in a commercial lease in Poland?
The key points are how rent and service charges can change, early termination rights, the scope of security and the condition in which the premises must be returned. These clauses usually decide a tenant’s cost and risk.
Can I negotiate a lease in an office building or shopping centre?
Yes. The landlord’s template is a starting point, and many provisions – from indexation to penalties and tenant incentives – are open to negotiation.
How can I terminate a fixed-term lease early in Poland?
Under Polish law a fixed-term lease can be terminated only in the cases set out in the agreement itself (Article 673 § 3 of the Civil Code). Otherwise you need the other party’s consent.
What lease security is typical – a deposit or a bank guarantee?
Commercial leases most often use a bank guarantee or a deposit, usually equal to several months’ rent and charges. Its amount and release conditions are worth negotiating.
How does rent indexation work?
Rent is usually increased once a year by the inflation index named in the lease. The agreement should clearly state the index, the date and any cap.
How much does a lease review or negotiation cost?
I always agree my fee before work begins, as a fixed fee – so you know the cost up front.
Do you work on bilingual (Polish–English) leases?
Yes. I negotiate and draft in both English and Polish, including bilingual agreements.