Closing & Title Agent
Christina Guyette
Real estate closings, title services and transaction coordination.
Florida Leasing • Residential • Commercial
St. Augustine Real Estate Leasing Attorneys
Lease Drafting. Review. Negotiation. Renewals. Landlord & Tenant Counsel.
St. Johns Law Group represents landlords, tenants, property owners, investors and businesses in residential and commercial leasing matters throughout St. Augustine and Northeast Florida.
Our real estate attorneys help clients draft and review leases, negotiate key terms, structure renewals and options, and address legal issues that arise before, during or after occupancy.
✓Residential and commercial lease drafting and review
✓Landlord and tenant representation in negotiated lease matters
✓Commercial leasing specialists available for office, retail, medical and industrial property
Residential + General Leasing
This Page Covers the Broader SJLG Real Estate Leasing Practice
For a business lease involving office, retail, medical, warehouse, industrial, restaurant or other commercial property, use our dedicated Commercial Leasing page for deeper commercial-specific guidance.
Real Estate Leasing Services
Lease Agreements Should Clearly Define the Relationship
A well-drafted lease should identify what each side is expected to do, how long the agreement lasts, what happens when circumstances change, and what remedies are available if either side fails to perform.
Drafting
Commercial Property
Residential Lease Agreements
Drafting and revising Florida residential leases for long-term rentals, selected short-term arrangements and property-owner needs.
Commercial Lease Agreements
Office, retail, medical, warehouse, industrial, ground, NNN and modified-gross leases for landlords and business tenants.
Explore Commercial Leasing →
Before Signing
Lease Review
Attorney review of rent, term, options, maintenance, insurance, default, indemnity, assignment, use and other lease provisions before execution.
Negotiation
Lease Negotiation
Negotiation of business and legal terms for landlords and tenants, including revisions designed to clarify obligations and allocate risk.
Existing Lease
Lease Changes
Renewals, Extensions & Options
Review and documentation of renewal rights, extension periods, purchase options, rent changes and other negotiated modifications.
Amendments & Addenda
Written modifications addressing rent, use, improvements, responsibilities, timing, assignment and other changes during the lease term.
Contracts & Amendments →
Before You Sign
Lease Review Can Expose Risks Before They Become Obligations
Standard lease forms can be useful starting points, but they may not reflect the property, the tenant's intended use, the parties' negotiated business deal or the risks that matter most.
- Rent, deposits and additional charges
- Lease term, renewal and extension options
- Maintenance, repair and replacement duties
- Insurance and indemnity requirements
- Permitted use and exclusivity provisions
- Assignment and subleasing rights
- Default, termination and remedy provisions
- Alterations, build-out and restoration obligations
Residential Lease Counsel
Landlords • Tenants • Property Owners • Investors
Commercial Leasing
Business Leases Require Careful Allocation of Cost, Use & Risk
Commercial leases can affect the economics and operations of a business for years. SJLG assists commercial landlords and tenants with sophisticated lease structures and property-specific terms.
Office & Professional SpaceRent, operating expenses, parking, signage, improvements, renewal rights and building rules.
Retail & Restaurant SpaceExclusive-use rights, percentage rent, CAM charges, signage, operating covenants and build-out terms.
Medical & Healthcare SpaceUse restrictions, improvements, regulatory considerations, assignment rights and long-term occupancy planning.
Warehouse & IndustrialLoading, storage, maintenance, environmental responsibilities, utilities and specialized use provisions.
NNN & Modified Gross LeasesAllocation of taxes, insurance, maintenance, operating costs and capital expenses.
Ground LeasesLong-term land use, development rights, improvements, financing and end-of-term treatment.
Commercial Landlord & Tenant Representation
Office • Retail • Medical • Industrial • Ground Leases
Clients We Represent
Landlords, Tenants, Owners, Investors & Businesses
The issues that matter to a landlord are not always the same as the issues that matter to a tenant. Our attorneys review the lease from the client's side of the transaction.
- Residential landlords and property owners
- Commercial landlords and developers
- Business tenants and professional firms
- Retail tenants and franchisees
- Medical and healthcare tenants
- Institutional owners and investors
- Vacation-rental and portfolio property owners
- Tenants negotiating renewals or expansions
Lease Problems & Disputes
When a Lease Problem Moves Beyond Negotiation
Some matters can be resolved through negotiation or amendment. Others require formal enforcement, termination, eviction or litigation.
Breach
Nonpayment & Lease Defaults
Issues involving unpaid rent, other financial obligations, failure to perform lease duties and default notices.
Termination
PossessionLease Termination Disputes
Questions involving termination rights, notice provisions, early exit rights, surrender obligations and damages.
Eviction & Holdover Matters
Landlord-tenant disputes involving possession, holdover occupancy and eviction proceedings.
Landlord-Tenant & Eviction →Property Condition
Maintenance & Repair Disputes
Conflicts involving repair duties, maintenance standards, casualty, damage and property-condition obligations.
Money Held
LitigationSecurity Deposit Claims
Disputes concerning deposits, deductions, damage claims and return obligations under the lease and applicable law.
Real Estate Litigation
For significant lease, contract or property disputes requiring formal litigation or trial counsel.
Real Estate Litigation →
Our Leasing Process
From Business Terms to Signed Lease
1
Understand the Property & Deal
Identify the property, intended use, lease term, rent structure, major business terms and client priorities.
2
Review or Draft
Analyze the proposed lease or prepare a draft that reflects the negotiated transaction and property-specific risks.
3
Negotiate & Revise
Address rent, maintenance, insurance, improvements, default, options and other provisions important to the client.
4
Finalize & Coordinate
Complete the lease and coordinate related real estate, title, development or business-law issues when needed.
Real Estate Leasing Team
Attorneys & Closing Professionals for Leasing Matters
Leasing can intersect with contracts, real estate transactions, title, development and property disputes. SJLG brings those capabilities together within one real estate practice.
Real Estate • Development • Commercial Transactions
Douglas N. Burnett
Real estate, development, commercial transactions and complex property matters.
View Attorney Profile →
Real Estate • Contracts • Leasing
Megan Burnett Drysdale
Real estate transactions, lease review, contracts, amendments and leasing matters.
View Attorney Profile →
Real Estate • Title • Commercial Transactions
John L. Whiteman
Decades of experience with commercial real estate, title and transaction matters.
View Attorney Profile →
Closing Agent & Deeds
Katie Lemelin
Real estate transaction documents, deeds and closing coordination.
Related Real Estate Services
Leasing Often Connects to Other Property & Business Issues
Florida Leasing FAQs
Common Real Estate Lease Questions
Should an attorney review a lease before I sign it?
Attorney review can identify provisions involving rent, maintenance, insurance, default, termination, assignment, permitted use, renewal rights and other obligations that may be difficult to change after the lease is signed.
Does SJLG represent both landlords and tenants?
Yes. SJLG represents landlords and tenants in separate matters, subject to conflict checks and the facts of the particular representation.
Can a lease be amended after it is signed?
Yes, when the parties agree. Material changes should generally be documented in a written amendment or addendum consistent with the lease and applicable law.
What is a triple-net or NNN lease?
A triple-net lease generally shifts specified property expenses such as taxes, insurance and maintenance to the tenant in addition to base rent. The exact allocation depends on the lease language.
Can SJLG review a commercial lease for a business tenant?
Yes. The firm's dedicated Commercial Leasing practice assists business tenants and landlords with office, retail, medical, warehouse, industrial and other commercial lease agreements.
What happens if a tenant stops paying rent?
The available remedies depend on the lease, applicable law and the type of tenancy. Formal notice, termination, eviction, damages or other remedies may be available depending on the circumstances.
Can zoning or HOA restrictions affect a lease?
Yes. A tenant's intended use may be affected by zoning, development approvals, condominium or HOA restrictions, permits or other property-specific requirements.
Can a lease provide an option to renew or purchase the property?
Yes. Renewal options and purchase options should be drafted carefully to define how and when the option is exercised and the terms that apply if it is used.
Northeast Florida Leasing Counsel
Areas We Serve
St. Johns Law Group represents real estate leasing clients throughout St. Augustine, St. Johns County and Northeast Florida, with select Southern Georgia commercial matters as appropriate.
St. Augustine & St. Johns County
St. Augustine • St. Augustine Beach • Ponte Vedra • Ponte Vedra Beach • Nocatee • Palm Valley • Vilano Beach • World Golf Village • SilverLeaf • Beachwalk • Julington Creek • Crescent Beach
Jacksonville & Duval County
Jacksonville • Jacksonville Beach • Neptune Beach • Atlantic Beach • Mandarin • San Marco • Southside • Baymeadows
Flagler, Clay & Putnam Counties
Palm Coast • Flagler Beach • Green Cove Springs • Fleming Island • Middleburg • Palatka • East Palatka • Crescent City
Additional Commercial Matters
Fernandina Beach • Nassau County and select Southern Georgia commercial matters, including St. Marys and Kingsland, as appropriate for the representation.
Recent Real Estate Insights
Florida Real Estate Law Articles
Recent SJLG resources addressing leases, contracts, closings, commercial property, title and real estate disputes.
St. Johns Law GroupCommercial Leasing
Commercial Leasing Attorneys
Lease drafting, negotiation and review for office, retail, medical, industrial and other business property.
Read Resource →St. Johns Law GroupContracts & Amendments
Florida Real Estate Contracts & Amendments
Drafting, review and amendments for Florida real estate agreements and transaction documents.
Read Resource →St. Johns Law GroupProperty Disputes
Florida Real Estate Litigation
Lease, contract, title, easement, ownership and other real estate disputes.
Read Resource →
Real Estate Leasing Consultation
Talk With a St. Augustine Real Estate Leasing Attorney
If you are entering into, reviewing, renewing, amending or disputing a lease, tell us about the property, the parties and any approaching lease or occupancy deadlines.
Phone(904) 495-0400
Emailinfo@sjlawgroup.com
St. Augustine Office104 Sea Grove Main Street
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
St. Augustine, Florida 32080
Dedicated & Responsive®
Request a Consultation
Tell Us About the Lease or Property
Provide your contact information and a short description of the lease, property, landlord or tenant issue, and any important deadlines.
Submission of this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not send confidential or sensitive information until an attorney-client relationship has been established.