Very simply, a landlord should be viewed similarly to a bank. The landlord is going to invest significant funds into a transaction. Like a bank, the landlord wants to know that they are lending (in the form of tenant improvement dollars, free rent and leasing commissions) to a financially stable company able to pay the rent. Many people are under the impression that leasing commercial space is like leasing an apartment- as long as they have good credit they will be in good shape. The main difference is that that rent for an apartment is typically far less expensive than the rent for office space. The landlord cares far more about whether they have growing revenue streams, a strong balance sheet, or have been a stable business for a long time. Having good credit provides no guarantee to a landlord that the tenant can pay the rent every month and on time.
Landlords, like banks, want to see income, profitability, cash flow, or at a minimum, financial backing. Without an operating history, without positive cash flow and/or a strong balance sheet, or without a large cash balance in a bank account, a landlord will be reluctant to enter into a lease with that business.
Another important qualification question is: does the potential client have an accountant, an attorney and an existing banking relationship? Having these relationships signifies a robust company where others have invested their time.
For more information on client qualification, contact Bill Himmelstein by email at [email protected]
TAGS