Vermont office lease agreement template

Vermont Office Lease Agreement

This Office Lease Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as of [Date], by and between [Landlord Business Name], a [State] [Entity Type], with a principal place of business at [Landlord Address], hereinafter referred to as "Landlord," and [Tenant Business Name], a [State] [Entity Type], with a principal place of business at [Tenant Address], hereinafter referred to as "Tenant."

Landlord Contact Information:

Legal Representative: [Landlord Representative Name]

Phone: [Landlord Phone Number]

Email: [Landlord Email Address]

Tenant Contact Information:

Legal Representative: [Tenant Representative Name]

Phone: [Tenant Phone Number]

Email: [Tenant Email Address]

1. Premises

Option A: Landlord hereby leases to Tenant, and Tenant hereby leases from Landlord, the office space located at [Property Address], building name [Building Name], floor number [Floor Number], office/room number(s) [Office/Room Number(s)], consisting of approximately [Square Footage] square feet (the "Premises"), as outlined on Exhibit A attached hereto. The Premises are legally described as: [Legal Parcel Identification].

Option B: The Premises consist of the exclusive-use areas as depicted on Exhibit A, including [List Exclusive Use Areas]. Shared/common areas include lobbies, restrooms, conference rooms, parking areas, and elevators, as further described in Exhibit B. Amenities include heating/cooling systems, security system, elevator access, and internet connectivity provided by [Internet Provider].

2. Use of Premises

Option A: The Premises shall be used solely for general office/commercial office purposes in accordance with Vermont zoning and regulatory codes.

Option B: Tenant shall comply with all applicable local Vermont municipal zoning laws, business licensing requirements, fire safety standards (including Vermont Fire and Building Safety Code compliance), and building rules or association bylaws.

Prohibited Uses: The Premises shall not be used for residential purposes, retail operations, medical services, manufacturing, or any other business not permitted by local ordinances or building restrictions.

3. Lease Term

Option A: The term of this Lease shall commence on [Start Date] and expire on [End Date] (the "Term").

Option B: Renewal Options:

Tenant shall have the option to renew this Lease for [Number] additional term(s) of [Duration] each, provided Tenant gives Landlord written notice of its intent to renew at least [Number] months prior to the expiration of the then-current Term.

Option C: Early Termination:

Tenant may terminate this lease early by providing [Number] months written notice and paying a termination fee of [Dollar Amount].

Option D: Automatic Extension: This lease will automatically extend for [Duration] unless either party provides written notice of termination at least [Number] days prior to the expiration date.

4. Rent

Option A: Base Rent: Tenant shall pay Landlord a base rent of [Dollar Amount] per year, payable in monthly installments of [Dollar Amount], in advance, on the [Day] day of each month, commencing on [Start Date].

Option B: Security Deposit: Tenant shall deposit with Landlord a security deposit of [Dollar Amount], which shall be held by Landlord as security for the performance of Tenant's obligations under this Lease. Any interest earned on the security deposit shall be handled in accordance with Vermont law.

Option C: Rent Escalation: The base rent shall increase annually by [Percentage]% or according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as detailed in Exhibit C.

Option D: Payment Method: Rent shall be paid to Landlord at [Payment Address] by [Payment Method].

Option E: Late Fees: A late fee of [Dollar Amount] will be charged for any rent payment received more than [Number] days after the due date. NSF check fee is [Dollar Amount].

5. Operating Expenses

Option A: Tenant shall be responsible for paying directly for the following utilities: [List of Utilities]. Landlord shall be responsible for [List of Landlord Utilities].

Option B: Tenant shall pay its proportionate share of operating expenses, including utilities, janitorial services, building maintenance fees (CAM), and property management fees. Landlord shall provide Tenant with an itemized billing statement on a [Frequency] basis.

Option C: Utilities are submetered/directly metered.

6. Alterations and Improvements

Option A: Tenant shall not make any alterations, additions, or improvements to the Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

Option B: All alterations and improvements shall comply with Vermont building permit and code requirements.

Option C: Upon termination of this Lease, all alterations and improvements shall remain with the Premises, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Option D: Tenant is required to submit plans for all alterations to Landlord for approval.

7. Repair and Maintenance

Option A: Landlord shall maintain the structural elements of the Premises, including the roof, foundation, and exterior walls, as well as the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Option B: Tenant shall be responsible for the day-to-day repair and maintenance of the Premises, including maintaining the interior in good condition.

Option C: Tenant shall notify Landlord of any necessary repairs promptly. Landlord will respond to repair requests within a reasonable timeframe, compliant with Vermont health and safety regulations.

8. Insurance

Option A: Tenant shall maintain commercial general liability insurance with minimum coverage of [Dollar Amount] per occurrence and property insurance covering Tenant's personal property.

Option B: Tenant shall name Landlord as an additional insured on its commercial general liability policy.

Option C: Tenant shall provide Landlord with proof of insurance prior to occupancy.

9. Security and Safety

Option A: Landlord shall provide a security system for the building. Tenant is responsible for securing their individual office space.

Option B: Tenant shall comply with all fire safety regulations, including maintaining clear fire exits and participating in evacuation drills.

Option C: Tenant is responsible for notifying Landlord and relevant authorities in case of fire, accident, or serious incident.

Emergency Contacts: Landlord: [Emergency Contact Landlord Name], [Emergency Contact Landlord Number]; Tenant: [Emergency Contact Tenant Name], [Emergency Contact Tenant Number]

10. Access and Signage

Option A: Landlord shall provide Tenant with [Number] keys/access cards to the Premises.

Option B: Tenant shall have the right to install signage on the exterior of the Premises, subject to Landlord's approval and compliance with local zoning regulations.

Option C: Storage of hazardous materials is prohibited on the premises.

Option D: Parking rights are defined in Exhibit D.

11. Dispute Resolution

Option A: Any dispute arising out of or relating to this Lease shall be resolved through negotiation.

Option B: If negotiation fails, the parties agree to submit the dispute to mediation in Vermont.

Option C: This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Vermont. The parties agree to waive jury trial where permissible.

12. Move-In and Move-Out

Option A: Prior to move-in, Landlord and Tenant shall conduct a joint inspection of the Premises and complete an inspection checklist.

Option B: Upon termination of this Lease, Tenant shall surrender the Premises in the same condition as received, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

Option C: Landlord shall return the security deposit to Tenant within [Number] days of termination, less any deductions for damages or unpaid rent, in compliance with Vermont law.

13. Landlord's Right of Entry

Landlord shall have the right to enter the Premises upon [Number] hours' advance notice to Tenant for the purpose of making repairs, conducting inspections, or showing the Premises to prospective tenants or purchasers. Such entry must comply with Vermont law.

14. Assignment and Subletting

Tenant shall not assign this Lease or sublet the Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld.

15. Indemnification

Tenant shall indemnify and hold harmless Landlord from any and all claims, damages, liabilities, and expenses arising out of Tenant's use of the Premises.

16. Compliance with Laws

Tenant shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances, including Vermont Statutes Annotated, Chapter 137, Title 9, et seq., Vermont Act 250 (if applicable), and ADA and Vermont public accommodations law.

17. Notices

All notices required or permitted under this Lease shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered personally, sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, or sent by email with confirmation of receipt to the addresses set forth above.

18. Default

Events of default and remedies for both parties are as defined under Vermont law.

19. Force Majeure

Neither party shall be liable for any failure to perform its obligations under this Lease if such failure is caused by force majeure events.

20. Entire Agreement

This Lease constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether oral or written. Any amendment to this Lease must be in writing and signed by both parties.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Lease as of the date first written above.

Landlord:

____________________________

[Landlord Representative Name]

[Landlord Business Name]

Date:_________________________

Tenant:

____________________________

[Tenant Representative Name]

[Tenant Business Name]

Date:_________________________

Exhibit A: Premises Layout

Exhibit B: Common Area Description

Exhibit C: Rent Escalation Details

Exhibit D: Parking Rights and Rules