A business that leases real estate and improvements (buildings, etc.) in the form of space for offices, a warehouse, a restaurant, a nail or hair salon, a clothing store, a coffee shop, or other commercial (nonresidential) space will usually be required to sign a written contract known as a commercial lease agreement.

The tenant (the business occupying the space) who signs a commercial lease agreement is generally expected to be a more savvy, sophisticated, and informed tenant (also known as a lessee) than a tenant in a residential lease, and the law usually does not provide a commercial tenant with the same protections as residential tenant receives.

Because the law does not provide a commercial tenant with as many protections, it is up to the commercial tenant to read, understand, and negotiate protections in a proposed lease agreement before signing it, as most every paragraph in a commercial lease agreement can have a significant impact on a business’s operations and financial stability.

The law governing commercial leases varies from state to state but generally consists of a state's contract law (as applied to the lease agreement)—and in some states, includes the statutes enacted by the state's legislature that specifically apply to commercial tenancies, or that generally apply to both residential and commercial tenancies.

In New Jersey, a business that leases property for commercial purposes, such as office space, warehouses, or retail locations, will enter into a commercial lease agreement. Unlike residential tenants, commercial tenants are considered more knowledgeable and are expected to understand and negotiate the terms of their leases. New Jersey law does not provide the same level of protection to commercial tenants as it does to residential tenants. Therefore, it is crucial for a commercial tenant to thoroughly review and negotiate the lease agreement to ensure it aligns with their business needs and to mitigate potential risks. The regulation of commercial leases in New Jersey is primarily governed by the state's contract law, and while there may be specific statutes related to commercial tenancies, the onus is on the commercial tenant to secure their interests in the lease. It is often advisable for a commercial tenant to consult with an attorney to review and negotiate the terms of a commercial lease agreement before signing.