Who pays to prepare commercial space for a new tenant?

The lease and any construction agreement determine who pays to prepare the space. List the work, who pays, when it must be finished and the required standard.

Zach Walker · Sable Commercial Realty resources
Published October 4, 2026

Work through the decision

A buildout is the work needed to prepare a space for your business. A landlord’s contribution may cover only part of it. Ask when reimbursement happens and what records you must provide. Get contractor estimates and clarify how delays affect access, the date rent starts and your opening.

Questions to bring to the conversation

• Separate landlord work from tenant work.
• Include design, approvals, equipment and moving costs.
• Keep a contingency for uncertain conditions.

General planning information. Verify costs, conditions and requirements for the specific property and proposed transaction.