Find the assignment provisions
Bring the signed lease and amendments to your attorney. Identify landlord consent, notice requirements and any conditions that could affect a transfer or ownership change.
A buyer needs enough remaining term and suitable renewal options to support the purchase. Your expectation of an informal extension is different from an enforceable written option.
Use realistic occupancy costs
A buyer will examine rent, increases and other occupancy charges. If you own the building and charge below market rent, that arrangement may overstate operating earnings.
Decide whether the real estate will be sold, retained and leased, or handled separately. Value the operating business and property with methods suited to each asset.
Resolve guarantees instead of assuming release
Ask whether the landlord will release the seller from a personal guarantee. An assignment and a seller release are separate matters. Obtain the agreed treatment in writing.
Discuss any lender or landlord requirements that could gate closing. A late consent request can disrupt financing and force changes to the closing date.
Trade transition help deliberately
A seller may offer introductions, training and limited assistance after closing. Tie those commitments to specific duties and time limits. Avoid an open-ended promise to solve every future problem.
Your attorney should negotiate the lease and guarantees. This page gives general sale preparation information, not legal advice.
Turn the question into a sale preparation step
To negotiate a lease assignment before selling, you can also prepare the earnings record and plan confidential buyer disclosure.
Bring this lease question to your advisers alongside the New Jersey paperwork checklist, or request a private valuation introduction to discuss the proposed sale.