NNN tenants acting like residential tenants

[Amy A.]

I'm under contract for a strip mall and expect to close this week.  This is my first commercial property, but I have been managing residential tenants for almost 13 years.  I've examined the leases and it's clear that the tenants are responsible for maintenance within their units, as well as windows and doors.  However, I've had some strange complaints about the current landlord not fixing the windows, lights, etc.  Once asked me if I would replace her toilet if it broke.  Is this a simple case of the tenants not reading the lease and the current manager being a push-over?  I intend to improve the exterior of the property and treat the tenants well, but I don't want them to call me to plunge their toilets or replace their light bulbs!  Am I wrong?

[Kevin Dougherty]

Please speak with your attorney and have them review the leases for each tenant then forward to each tenant an estoppel certificate verifying that the language in the lease is correct, there are no defaults, etc... Your attorney can assist you with drafting of the estoppel certificate. This should help you with refocusing the tenants to abide by the language already in their leases and have you start with a clean slate as to who is responsible for what.

Good Luck