China Law Key Words · Real Property
Commercial Leasing
Negotiating office, retail, and industrial leases in China—title checks, deposit and rent structures, fit-out, and exit clauses foreign tenants need.
- Title landlord checks
- Money deposit · rent
- Fit-out works risk
- Counsel directory
What commercial leasing covers
Premises risk from LOI to make-good
Landlord authority
Ownership, sublease chains, and who can actually grant the lease.
Commercial terms
Rent free periods, deposits, turnover rent, and service charges.
Fit-out & compliance
Approvals, restoration, and latent defect allocation.
Early termination
Break rights, assignment, and penalty maths.
Start with these guides
Flagship explainers and practical orientation
Commercial leasing guide
Orientation for foreign businesses leasing in China.
Read guide →ClausesDeposit, repair, early termination
High-friction lease clauses explained.
Read →BasicsWhat foreign businesses need to know
Practical leasing fundamentals.
Read →ParentReal property law guide
Broader property law orientation.
Open →Parent hubReal property keyword hub
Full real property centre.
Open →RelatedProperty disputes
When leases turn into litigation.
Open →Lease diligence before deposit payment
Do not fund a broken title chain
- Verify ownership and encumbrances Registration extracts beat broker assurances.
- Confirm permitted use matches operations Retail/F&B/education uses are frequently restricted.
- Cap fit-out and restoration exposure Make-good can exceed the rent free period value.
- Negotiate realistic break options Soft landings matter more than headline rent.
- Align lease term with entity status New WFOEs need registration timing buffers.
- Document delivery condition Photos and punch lists prevent end-of-term fights.
Related topics & directories
Continue into neighbouring practice areas
Frequently asked questions
Orientation only—not legal advice
Can we sign a lease before the WFOE is formed?
Sometimes via promoters or temporary arrangements, but risk and tax treatment need structuring. Plan entity timing carefully.
Are verbal landlord promises useful?
Rarely. Put use rights, parking, signage, and exclusivity in the signed lease.
What is the biggest foreign-tenant mistake?
Paying large deposits before title/authority checks and use confirmation.
When do we need a leasing lawyer?
Long terms, heavy fit-out, or complex sublease chains. Use the commercial leasing directory.
Negotiating a China commercial lease?
Work with verified real property lawyers or start with the leasing guides.
Directory and legal information only—not legal advice. No attorney–client relationship is formed by using this site. Rules and thresholds change; verify current requirements for your facts and jurisdiction.
Guides & articles
Practical writing from counsel and the portal editorial team on this topic