This paper reviews recent case law relating to commercial leasing and considers standard clauses in commercial leases that are often overlooked. In particular, it discusses security deposits and prepaid rent, sufficiency of premises descriptions, validity of lease caveats, conditions precedent to options, certainty of terms, fundamental breach, and lease rectification.

This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Commercial Leasing Challenges seminar in Edmonton on June 6, 2017 and in Calgary on June 8, 2017.