Rental lease

Hi everybody, as you all know I am opening my first skincare studio and gift shop. It's a bit more of a process than I originally thought, lol. I finally have a lease to sign and have a question for those who have sign d retail leases. The space is old and in the lease it says that I am responsible for all repairs including all: plumbing, heating, ventilating, a/c, and electrical systems and fixtures of whatever kind servicing the leased premises. I feel these things could have been there for upwards of 50 or more years. Is this typical? If I'm responsible then I feel like I'd rather buy some of these things new and then take them with me. I'm willing to pay for a yearly service call before the season begins as is stated in the lease but, not for all repair service calls and labor. I would appreciate any help, since this is my first rental lease. It's a bit overwhelming and I'm worried about replacing all of these things and then maybe in a year having to relocate.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for any suggestions you have, Tricia

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Permalink Reply by M Elaine Gustafson on September 29, 2015 at 7:23am

I would not sign a lease that makes you responsible for plumbing/electrical/heating/or ventilation repairs. That is the responsibility of the owner. If you need to ADD plumbing, wall outlets, or an extra air handling unit, I can see where that would be your expense. It seems you are signing for just 4 walls. Don't know what you are paying, but that does not seem like a good deal.

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Permalink Reply by mk on September 29, 2015 at 11:18am

I agree, that is WAY too much responsibility to sign up for, and in doing so you're risking a lot financially. Repairs are not cheap, and it seems the property owner knows that (and possibly knows that something is about to go bad...what a good deal for him to have his tenant foot the bill!)

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Permalink Reply by Teresa Escoffery on September 29, 2015 at 1:07pm

there is no typical, it's whatever two parties agree to

In our spa space in the nicest commercial center in town, we had to put in our own HVAC and it is our responsibility. When THEIR roof leaked, the landlord fixed it, but the interior damage was our problem.

in the offices where our call center is based, our HVAC just went out, but it is the owner's responsibility to replace it -- we are required to have a maintenance contract and have it serviced 2x a year.

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Permalink Reply by patricia kelly on September 29, 2015 at 4:30pm

Thank you all for this information. It's nice to know this is something that can be discussed. Hopefully. Now to get up the hutzpah to speak to him. Thank you : )

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Permalink Reply by patricia kelly on October 9, 2015 at 7:21am

Good morning beautiful ladies and gentlemen of the skin care world, and yes, it is beautiful because I finally spoke up like the grown up I am. LOL Due to everyone's considerate replies, I finally spoke with the landlord. Something I should have done immediately but was too chicken. He was wonderful and I am going forward with the opening and we have removed those parts from the lease. At least for now. If it comes up again in the future then I can renegotiate then. I don't think I would have had the strength to talk to him if not for your support. I love this community. Thank you from the bottom of my heart : )