I met with a restauranteur last week who was extremely excited about a lease he had signed in a new high profile development. He started telling me about the space and his plans. We then discussed his budget. I asked a few lease questions he could not answer. Is landlord supplying grease trap? Is landlord bringing the proper amount of electricity to the space? How far is it to gas and water meters? Where is the mechanical room? Are you required to use landlords roofing contractor and if so is there a ceiling on amount of your total out of pocket expense. Are you required to use landlords fire and sprinkler contractor? If you are required to use there contractors there needs to be a ceiling on your cost since you are unable to bid out theses services. You may be thinking why is this such a big deal? If it is 100 + feet of gas, water and electricity you have to run that cost adds up quickly. Go ahead and have your LOI ( Letter of Intent to lease) prepared but before you sign your lease these are important questions to address. Stay Tuned !!