Law 6

Commercial Leases

In a lease for commercial, retail or industrial property, there are many lease provisions that have significant long term consequences.   Victoria works with landlords and tenants in order to assure that the leases are negotiated to meet the needs of her clients.

For example, it is critical for tenants to understand how CAM (Common Area Maintenance) charges will be calculated each year, exactly what items are included in the CAM charges, including what portion of the landlord’s administrative costs and ongoing maintenance and repair costs are included, and to know and plan for payment of CAM charges annually.  Both landlords and tenants need to be concerned about lease provisions which assess the rights of the parties if some or all of the leased premises is destroyed due to fire or other disaster.  The lease must contain specific timeframes within which the landlord can decide to rebuild the premises, and in which both the landlord and the tenant have the contractual right to terminate the lease based upon the extent of the destruction and the estimated time for repair.  It is critical to the parties to negotiate and understand who is responsible to make construction improvements to the property in the event of new government requirements, such as the need to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, which can apply to premises which are open to and doing business with the public.

  • Joint Ownership of Property
  • Buying Real Estate
  • Selling Real Estate
  • Commercial Leases
  • Residential Landlords
  • Title and Escrow Issues
  • Contracts

Our Goal

From her office in Orinda, CA, Victoria Smith represents clients throughout the San Francisco Bay Area in buying and selling real estate, leasing and managing their tenants, title and real estate issues, and secured debt collection. Victoria finds cost-effective and focused solutions to her client’s problems.

Meeting Client Needs

Victoria represents clients ranging from institutions to everyday families trying to protect their real estate investments. Victoria’s clients include professional fiduciaries, mom and pop real estate investors, lenders, homeowners, insurance companies, and commercial property owners. In each case, Victoria understands that clients need to be kept informed about their matters and want responsive services. We provide clients with copies of all relevant documents and keep in touch promptly via phone, fax, and email.

Putting Experience to Work for Clients

With 38 years of experience practicing law in the Bay Area, Victoria specializes in Real Estate Law.  Victoria can offer her clients the knowledge and experience that she has developed in her real estate law career, including her understanding of the needs of clients as they relate to:

  • Real Estate Transactions, including Contract, Title and Escrow Issues
  • The Joint Ownership, Management and Disposition of Real Property
  • All aspects of Landlord/Tenant Relationships, including Leases, Disputes and           Unlawful Detainer for residential and commercial properties
  • Real Estate Disclosures and Due Diligence
  • Mechanic’s Lien Claims
  • Resolving Neighborhood Real Property Disputes
  • Transfer of Business Interests

Victoria Smith offers a free telephone consultation regarding real estate and other contract issues.