Economics
Base rent and escalations; free rent; operating expense and real estate tax structure, base year, and caps; tenant improvement allowance, how it can be spent, and the deadline to use it.
Delivery and build-out
Delivery condition of the space, landlord work versus tenant work, base building systems capacity, access for contractors, and remedies if the landlord delivers late.
Flexibility
Renewal, expansion, and contraction options; early termination rights; assignment and sublease terms. These protect the business if plans change during the term.
Exit costs
Restoration and removal obligations at lease end, holdover rates, and security deposit or letter of credit requirements. These are often overlooked and can be significant.
Model the full cost before you sign
Put rent, operating expenses, build-out, furniture, technology, and moving costs into one total-cost-of-occupancy model across the term. Comparing options on that basis — not headline rent — is where the real differences appear.