Don't Make Blatantly Unfair Requests During Negotiations

You may have a “wish list” for items you would like to include in your lease with a prospective tenant, but be careful not to overdo it. Big box tenants or those with a lot of bargaining power are more likely to balk at requests for things that are too owner friendly, but continue negotiations knowing they will get a deal they can live with. But asking for items that are blatantly unfair from smaller tenants, like mom-and-pop stores or new businesses, can hurt you. These types of businesses might walk away from a lease that’s one-sided if they feel pressured to either take a bad deal or not get the space. Unrealistic requests might not kill a deal with large or powerful tenants that will simply push back and not feel pressured, but your negotiating credibility could be damaged nonetheless with any tenant.