Office Landlord Pulled a Fast One. Please Help!

[Scott J.]

First of all, I am a long shot from an expert at commercial leases. But what happened today just seems wrong, I hope it's not industry norm.

I leased an office in January 2013 for 12 months @ $560/mo. The lessor is an international company. I spoke to the front desk today with the goal of renewing my lease at the same terms (they are about 70% vacant), and they informed me of one sentence in my 8 page lease that states if I do not notify them of renewing my lease at least 3 months in advance, I will automatically be renewed at a market rate increase, which is a 22% increase!

So not only does notifying them 3 months in advance seem like a long time, it automatically increases the rent to pretty much a number of their choosing.

I was not notified/reminded of this, although I do admit it was buried in the lease. I've emailed the company asking for them to consider having me renew the lease at the same rate to keep me as a long-term tenant. No response yet.

Any advice on this situation?

[Jon Klaus]

If you signed the lease agreement, you are stuck. 8 pages is actually short for a commercial lease. You might keep bugging them, and calling various execs to see if they will grant grace.