Leasing Lawyers Worldwide.

The primary legal difference is the level of consumer protection. Residential leases are heavily regulated by state laws to protect tenants' basic right to shelter (e.g., limits on eviction and security deposits), whereas commercial leases are viewed as contracts between "sophisticated business entities" where the principle of caveat emptor (buyer beware) applies. This means a commercial lease allows for almost unlimited negotiation, but it also means the law generally will not save you from a bad deal you voluntarily signed.