New strategies to protect yourself when negotiating or renewing your dental office lease.

In last month’s first installment in this three-part series, we saw that during challenging economic times (such as that which the dental profession is currently confronting), the terms and provisions of your dental office lease contribute significantly to the financial success of your dental practice. All office leases deal with issues such as (i) annual rent increases, (ii) the right to sublease or assign your dental office lease to another dentist who purchases your practice, (iii) the right to exercise an option to renew to remain in your premises at your election, (iv) the allocation of responsibility between you and the landlord for making and paying for repairs, and (v) the landlord's right to recapture or take back your premises should you decide to sell your dental practice.