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Alex Denne
Head of Growth

How to Create a Commercial Lease Addendum Template: A Complete Guide

33rd May, 2025
6 mins
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A commercial lease addendum is a crucial document that modifies or supplements an existing lease agreement. Creating a proper commercial lease addendum template ensures consistency and legal compliance when making changes to your lease terms. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and components needed.

Essential Components of a Commercial Lease Addendum Template

Every commercial lease addendum must include specific elements to be legally valid. Start with the original lease identification, including the exact date of execution, full legal names of all parties involved, and the complete property address including unit numbers if applicable. For example, reference your original lease as "That certain Commercial Lease Agreement dated January 15, 2023, for the premises located at 123 Business Boulevard, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30303."

Next, clearly state the purpose of your modification. This should be specific and unambiguous, such as "This addendum modifies Section 4.2 of the original lease regarding permitted business uses." Detail the exact terms being modified or added, including both the original language and the new provisions. Always specify the effective date when these changes take effect, and include a statement confirming that all other lease terms remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

Step-by-Step Guide to Drafting Your Lease Addendum

Begin with a clear header stating 'COMMERCIAL LEASE ADDENDUM' followed by the property address. Here's a comprehensive example:

COMMERCIAL LEASE ADDENDUM
Reference Lease dated [Original Lease Date]
Property Address: [Address]
Between [Landlord Name] (Landlord) and [Tenant Name] (Tenant)

Following the header, include a recitals section that explains the background and purpose of the addendum. For example:

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant entered into a Commercial Lease Agreement dated [Date] (the "Original Lease"); and
WHEREAS, the parties desire to modify certain terms of the Original Lease as set forth herein;
NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

Legal Requirements and Formatting Standards

Your lease addendum must maintain professional formatting standards throughout. Use clear, concise language that matches the style of your original lease. Each paragraph should be numbered consecutively for easy reference, and all pages should include page numbers if the document extends beyond one page. Standard business fonts like Times New Roman or Arial in 12-point size ensure readability and professionalism.

Common Modifications to Include in Your Addendum Template

When creating your commercial lease addendum, consider common modifications that frequently arise. Rent adjustments are perhaps the most common - these should specify both the new amount and the exact date when the change takes effect. For instance:

"Section 3.1 of the Original Lease regarding Monthly Base Rent is hereby modified as follows: Effective July 1, 2023, the Monthly Base Rent shall be increased to Three Thousand Five Hundred dollars ($3,500.00) per month."

For lease term extensions, be specific about both the extension period and any modified terms during the extended period:

"The Lease Term set forth in Section 2.1 of the Original Lease is hereby extended for an additional period of thirty-six (36) months, commencing January 1, 2024, and ending December 31, 2026 (the "Extension Term")."

Signature Requirements and Authentication Process

The authentication process requires careful attention to detail. Both parties must sign and date the addendum using their legal names exactly as they appear in the original lease. For corporate entities, the signing officer should include their title, such as "By: John Smith, Chief Executive Officer." Some jurisdictions require witness signatures or notarization - check your local requirements carefully. Always prepare multiple original copies so each party can retain a fully executed version for their records.

Best Practices for Referencing the Original Lease Agreement

Proper reference to the original lease is crucial for legal clarity. Include a detailed description of the original lease, including its execution date, recording information if it was recorded with the county, and any previous addendums or amendments. For example: "That certain Commercial Lease Agreement dated January 15, 2023, as previously amended by First Amendment dated March 1, 2023, recorded in Book 1234, Page 567 of the County Records."

Sample Templates and Customization Guidelines

When customizing your template, organize your content with clear section headers that mirror the structure of your original lease. Include well-marked spaces for variable information such as dates, dollar amounts, and party names. Signature blocks should include full legal names, titles for corporate signatories, and date lines. If your jurisdiction requires notarization, include a properly formatted notary block at the end of the document.

Consider adding initial blocks at the bottom of each page to prevent unauthorized page substitution. A footer with the document title and page numbers helps maintain document integrity. For example: "Commercial Lease Addendum - Page 1 of 3"

Remember to review all modifications with the original lease terms to ensure consistency and avoid conflicts. While templates provide a starting point, each addendum should be tailored to your specific situation and local laws. Consider having your final document reviewed by a qualified professional before execution.

At tiktok˰, we make it easy to create bespoke legal documents that save time and provide the correct structure, no matter what legal document you need to create or review. Whether you're a business, lawyer or individual, try tiktok˰ today to simplify and streamline your legal drafting.

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