Virginia office lease agreement template

Virginia Office Lease Agreement

This Office Lease Agreement is made and entered into as of this [Date] day of [Month], [Year], by and between:

Landlord: [Landlord Name], a [State] [Entity Type, e.g., LLC], with its principal place of business at [Landlord Address], and whose registered agent is [Registered Agent Name] located at [Registered Agent Address]. Contact details: Phone: [Phone Number], Email: [Email Address].

Tenant: [Tenant Name], a [State] [Entity Type, e.g., Corporation], with its principal place of business at [Tenant Address], and whose registered agent is [Registered Agent Name] located at [Registered Agent Address]. Contact details: Phone: [Phone Number], Email: [Email Address].

WHEREAS, Landlord desires to lease to Tenant, and Tenant desires to lease from Landlord, the Premises described below, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

Premises

Option A: The Landlord hereby leases to Tenant, and Tenant hereby leases from Landlord, that certain office space located at [Property Address], Suite/Floor [Suite/Floor Number], also legally described as [Legal Property Description] and bearing tax parcel number [Tax Parcel Number] (the "Premises").

Option B: The Premises consists of approximately [Rentable Square Footage] rentable square feet and [Usable Square Footage] usable square feet. A floor plan depicting the layout of the Premises is attached hereto as Exhibit A.

Identification of Spaces: The Premises includes exclusively: [List of Office-Exclusive Spaces, e.g., private offices], access to common areas including restrooms, corridors, elevators, lobbies, break rooms: [List of Common Areas]. Shared spaces include [List of Shared Spaces, e.g., IT/data rooms]. Security access points are located at [Location of Security Access Points]. Parking allocation includes [Number of Parking Spaces] spaces located [Location of Parking Spaces].

Use of Premises

Option A: The Premises shall be used solely for general office purposes and related activities.

Option B: The Premises shall be used solely for [Specific Office Use, e.g., administrative offices for a consulting firm].

Restrictions: Tenant shall not use the Premises for any retail, industrial, residential, or other non-office use. Tenant shall comply with all applicable zoning ordinances of [City/County], Virginia, including Fairfax City/Commonwealth of Virginia zoning codes.

Tenant shall comply with all building rules and regulations as promulgated by Landlord from time to time and with all applicable property owners’ association covenants.

Term

Option A: The term of this Lease shall commence on [Commencement Date] (the "Commencement Date") and shall expire on [Expiration Date] (the "Expiration Date"), unless sooner terminated as provided herein.

Option B: The initial term shall be [Number] years.

Renewal Option: Tenant shall have the option to renew this Lease for an additional term of [Number] years, provided that Tenant gives Landlord written notice of its intention to renew at least [Number] months prior to the Expiration Date.

Automatic Extension: This lease shall [automatically extend/not automatically extend] for a period of [Number] months/years unless written notice is received [Number] months prior to the end of the current term.

Rent

Option A: Tenant shall pay Landlord base rent in the amount of [Dollar Amount] per month (the "Base Rent"), payable in advance on the first day of each month during the Term.

Option B: The Base Rent shall be [Dollar Amount] per year, payable in equal monthly installments of [Dollar Amount], due on the first day of each month.

Escalation: The Base Rent shall increase [Percentage]% annually on the anniversary of the Commencement Date.

CPI Adjustment: The Base Rent shall be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for [CPI Area], as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Operating Costs: Tenant shall pay a proportionate share of operating costs calculated as [Calculation Method].

Security Deposit

Option A: Tenant shall deposit with Landlord a security deposit in the amount of [Dollar Amount] (the "Security Deposit").

Option B: The Security Deposit shall be held by Landlord as security for the performance of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease.

The Security Deposit shall be returned to Tenant within [Number] days after the expiration or termination of this Lease, less any amounts necessary to cover damages to the Premises, unpaid rent, or other amounts due under this Lease, as permitted by Virginia law.

Rent Payment

Option A: Rent shall be payable by check, ACH/wire transfer, or online portal. Landlord's preferred method is [Preferred Method].

Option B: Rent shall be payable to Landlord at [Payment Address].

Grace Period: Tenant shall have a grace period of [Number] days for the payment of rent.

Late Fee: If rent is not received within the grace period, a late fee of [Dollar Amount or Percentage] shall be assessed. This is compliant with Virginia Law.

Rent Control: There are no state-mandated rent controls in Virginia, however, tenant is responsible for any applicable local business license tax obligations.

Additional Payments

Option A: In addition to Base Rent, Tenant shall be responsible for the following additional payments: operating expenses, building management fees, common area maintenance (CAM) charges, real estate tax pass-throughs, insurance contributions, and separately metered utility charges.

Option B: Tenant shall pay the following:

Operating Expenses: Tenant shall pay its pro rata share of Operating Expenses, defined as [Definition of Operating Expenses].

CAM Charges: Tenant shall pay its pro rata share of Common Area Maintenance (CAM) charges.

Real Estate Taxes: Tenant shall pay its pro rata share of real estate taxes, prorated based on the rentable square footage of the Premises. Virginia's local real estate tax assessment cycles are [Assessment Cycle Details].

Insurance: Tenant shall contribute [Dollar Amount or Percentage]% toward Landlord's building insurance.

Utilities: Tenant shall pay for all separately metered utilities, including electricity, water, gas, waste, and telecom/data.

Utilities Calculation: Utilities are calculated as [Calculation Method] or submetered [Submetered] or allocated [Allocation Method].

Utility Responsibility: Landlord is responsible for [Landlord Utility Responsibilities] and Tenant is responsible for [Tenant Utility Responsibilities]. Tenant shall comply with any energy efficiency or conservation measures specified by Landlord.

Alterations and Improvements

Option A: Tenant shall not make any alterations or improvements to the Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord.

Option B: Tenant may make alterations and improvements to the Premises with Landlord’s prior written approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld.

Approval Requirements: Any alterations or improvements shall be subject to Landlord’s approval of plans and specifications, compliance with disability access (ADA/Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code), and obtaining all necessary building permits.

Signage: All signage must meet local sign code requirements.

Restoration: At the end of the Lease Term, Tenant shall restore the Premises to its original condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted, unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Repair and Maintenance

Option A: Landlord shall be responsible for maintaining the structure and systems of the Premises, and Tenant shall be responsible for routine repair and maintenance of the interior of the Premises.

Option B: Landlord shall be responsible for [Landlord Maintenance Responsibilities] and Tenant shall be responsible for [Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities].

Inspections: Landlord shall have the right to enter the Premises to inspect the same upon [Number] hours’ prior written notice, as required under Virginia law, except in cases of emergency.

Damage Reporting: Tenant shall promptly report any property damage or emergencies to Landlord.

Equipment Installation: Tenant’s equipment installation must meet Landlord's specifications.

Insurance

Option A: Tenant shall maintain sufficient liability insurance with minimum policy limits of [Dollar Amount], naming Landlord and property manager as additional insureds.

Option B: Tenant shall maintain the following insurance:

Liability Insurance: Tenant shall maintain commercial general liability insurance with limits of not less than [Dollar Amount] per occurrence and [Dollar Amount] in the aggregate, naming Landlord and Landlord’s property manager as additional insureds.

Casualty Insurance: Landlord shall maintain casualty and property insurance for the building.

Personal Property Insurance: Tenant shall maintain insurance covering Tenant’s personal property and trade fixtures.

Evidence of Insurance: Tenant shall provide Landlord with certificates of insurance evidencing the required coverage and shall provide renewal certificates at least [Number] days prior to the expiration of any policy.

Fire and Safety

Option A: Tenant shall comply with all applicable fire and safety codes and regulations.

Option B: Landlord and Tenant shall be responsible as follows:

Compliance: Tenant shall be responsible for fire and safety compliance within the Premises.

Evacuation: Tenant shall adhere to the building's emergency evacuation procedures.

Fire Safety Systems: Landlord shall maintain fire alarms, extinguishers, and sprinkler systems. Tenant shall notify Landlord of any fire safety concerns.

Subleasing and Assignment

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

Option B: Tenant [shall/shall not] have the right to sublease or assign.

Notice and Approval: Tenant shall provide Landlord with written notice of any proposed sublease or assignment, including the name and address of the proposed subtenant or assignee and a copy of the proposed sublease or assignment agreement. Landlord shall have [Number] days to approve or disapprove the proposed sublease or assignment. Virginia law governs notice and landlord approval rights.

Change of Control: Any change of control of Tenant (if Tenant is a business entity) shall be deemed an assignment of this Lease. Treatment of mergers, acquisitions or business restructuring will be handled as follows: [Treatment Details].

Landlord's Right of Entry

Option A: Landlord shall have the right to enter the Premises at reasonable times for the purpose of inspection, repair, or showing the Premises to prospective tenants or purchasers, upon reasonable notice to Tenant, except in cases of emergency.

Option B: Landlord shall provide tenant with [Number] hours written notice prior to entering the premises except in the case of an emergency.

Notice Requirement: Except in emergencies, Landlord shall provide Tenant with at least 24 hours’ prior written notice of Landlord’s intent to enter the Premises, as required by Virginia statute.

Move-In and Move-Out

Option A: The Premises shall be delivered to Tenant in broom-clean condition on the Commencement Date.

Option B: Delivery and Condition:

Early Occupancy: Tenant [shall/shall not] have the right to early occupancy for fit-out.

Move-Out Condition: Upon the expiration or termination of this Lease, Tenant shall surrender the Premises in good condition, reasonable wear and tear excepted.

Cleaning: Tenant shall ensure that premises are properly cleaned upon surrender.

Abandoned Property: Any property left in the Premises after the expiration or termination of this Lease shall be deemed abandoned and may be disposed of by Landlord.

Security Deposit Offset: Landlord may offset the Security Deposit against any unpaid rent or damages to the Premises.

Default and Remedies

Option A: If Tenant fails to pay rent when due or otherwise breaches this Lease, Landlord shall have the right to terminate this Lease and re-enter the Premises, as permitted by Virginia law.

Option B: Landlord shall have the following remedies:

Notice and Cure: If Tenant defaults under this Lease, Landlord shall give Tenant written notice of the default and a reasonable opportunity to cure the default, compliant with Virginia statute. Often, this is 5-10 business days for monetary defaults.

Re-entry: If Tenant fails to cure the default within the cure period, Landlord shall have the right to re-enter the Premises and re-let the Premises for the account of Tenant.

Lockout: Landlord may re-enter and lockout the tenant in accordance with Virginia Commercial Tenancy Laws.

Mitigation: Landlord shall use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate its damages.

Dispute Resolution

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

Option B: In the event of a dispute:

Negotiation: The parties shall first attempt to resolve the dispute through good faith negotiation.

Mediation: If negotiation is unsuccessful, the parties shall submit the dispute to mediation.

Arbitration: [Optional] If mediation is unsuccessful, the parties shall submit the dispute to binding arbitration.

Venue and Choice of Law: The venue for any legal action arising out of or relating to this Lease shall be in the courts of [City/County], Virginia. This Lease shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Compliance with Laws

Option A: Tenant shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations in connection with its use of the Premises.

Option B: Compliance with Laws:

Virginia Commercial Landlord and Tenant Act: This Lease is subject to the Virginia Commercial Landlord and Tenant Act (where applicable).

Anti-Discrimination Laws: The Landlord and Tenant shall comply with all federal and state anti-discrimination laws.

Environmental Disclosure: The Landlord discloses the presence of the following environmental hazards: [Environmental Hazard Disclosure]. Including radon, asbestos, and lead paint if known and required.

Accessibility: The Landlord and Tenant shall comply with all federal and state accessibility requirements.

Miscellaneous

Option A: This Lease constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations and agreements.

Option B: Additional Provisions:

Property Tax Appeal: Requirements for periodic property tax appeal/contest procedures: [Procedures].

Expense Audit: Tenant’s right to audit Landlord’s expenses or CAM charges: [Audit Rights].

Relocation: Landlord's right to relocate Tenant within the building (if applicable): [Relocation Terms].

Estoppel Certificate: Tenant shall deliver an Estoppel Certificate upon request.

Business Registration: Tenant shall comply with any local business registration or occupancy certification obligations.

Force Majeure

Option A: Neither party shall be liable for any failure to perform its obligations under this Lease if such failure is caused by an event of force majeure.

Option B: If performance is delayed due to force majeure:

Definition: Force majeure shall include acts of God, war, terrorism, fire, flood, or other casualty.

Abatement: Rent shall be abated during any period of force majeure that prevents Tenant from using the Premises.

Eminent Domain/Condemnation

Option A: If any part of the Premises is taken by eminent domain or condemnation, this Lease shall terminate.

Option B: Effects of Eminent Domain:

Termination: If a significant portion of the premises is taken, this lease will terminate.

Abatement: If only a minor portion of the Premises is taken, rent will be abated proportionally.

Notices

Option A: All notices under this Lease shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered personally or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the addresses set forth above.

Option B: Notices shall be delivered as follows:

Method of Delivery: Notices must be in writing and may be delivered by hand, certified mail, courier, or email (with confirmation of receipt). Per Virginia Code.

Effective Date: Notices are effective upon receipt.

Guaranty

Option A: This Lease shall be guaranteed by [Guarantor Name].

Option B: Guaranty Details:

Guarantor Information: Guarantor's name, address, and contact information are: [Guarantor Information].

Enforceability: This guaranty shall be enforceable under Virginia law.

Confidentiality

Option A: The terms of this Lease shall be kept confidential by both parties.

Option B: Confidentiality details and requirements. [Confidentiality Details]

Broker Disclosure

Option A: [Broker Name] represents the Landlord. [Broker Name] represents the Tenant.

Option B: Details of Broker Disclosure:

Commission Payment: Landlord shall pay a commission to [Broker Name] in accordance with a separate agreement.

Indemnification

Option A: Tenant shall indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from any and all claims arising out of Tenant's use of the Premises.

Option B: Indemnification scope. [Indemnification Scope]

Addenda and Exhibits

The following addenda and exhibits are attached to and made a part of this Lease:

Exhibit A: Floor Plan

Exhibit B: Building Rules and Regulations

Exhibit C: Work Letter for Improvements

Exhibit D: Insurance Certificate Example

Exhibit E: Move-In/Out Checklist

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

Landlord:

____________________________

[Landlord Representative Name], [Landlord Representative Title]

Tenant:

____________________________

[Tenant Representative Name], [Tenant Representative Title]