If your commercial lease expires next year, it's time to start thinking about your options — even if you expect to stay.

For a small or midsize business, starting about 12 months before lease expiration is a practical planning target. Larger spaces, specialized facilities, and moves requiring significant construction may need 18–24 months or more. Your lease's notice deadlines may require action earlier.

Starting early gives you time to answer an important question: Does your current space still make sense for your business?

Start with your lease's notice deadline

Your expiration date is only one date to track. If your lease includes a renewal option, it may require written notice well before the lease ends.

Before beginning negotiations, review:

A conversation with your landlord may not satisfy the lease's formal notice requirements. Have your attorney confirm the requirements before you rely on an option or send a binding notice.

Why explore other spaces if you want to stay?

Moving is disruptive. If your location works, your employees are comfortable, and your customers know where to find you, renewing may be the right decision.

But you can make that decision with a clearer understanding of your alternatives.

What would a comparable space cost? Could a different layout reduce the square footage you need? Would another property offer better access, loading, parking, or room to grow?

Understanding those options helps you evaluate a renewal proposal. It also gives you a realistic path forward if you and your landlord cannot agree on terms.

You don't need to be committed to moving to start looking.

A practical lease renewal timeline

Every transaction is different, but this is a useful starting framework for businesses in Salt Lake City and Northern Utah.

~12 monthsbefore expiration
Review your needs
Pull out your lease, identify notice deadlines, and assess how your current space serves your business. Consider what has changed since you signed. Set a budget that includes your full occupancy costs, rather than base rent alone. If you need substantial improvements, specialized power, equipment relocation, or a tightly defined location, begin this planning earlier.
9–12 monthsbefore expiration
Understand the market
Review suitable alternatives and begin discussing your renewal strategy. For industrial and flex tenants, look beyond square footage — loading access, ceiling height, electrical capacity, permitted uses, and vehicle circulation can determine whether a property will work. The goal is to identify credible options that fit your operations and timing.
6–9 monthsbefore expiration
Compare proposals
Compare renewal and relocation options on the same basis: base rent and scheduled increases, operating expenses and pass-through charges, improvement allowances and responsibility for repairs, lease length and future flexibility, and moving costs and any overlap between leases. These planning windows are not deadlines to wait for — your lease requirements, construction schedule, and available properties should guide when each step happens.
Before expiration
Finalize and prepare
Allow time for negotiation, attorney review, signatures, and any work needed before occupancy. A property that looks ready during a tour may still need permitting, internet installation, equipment setup, or improvements. Build those steps into your schedule before committing to a move date.

Can you negotiate more than rent?

Potentially. A renewal is an opportunity to discuss the terms that affect how your business uses the property.

Depending on the lease and market conditions, that could include improvements, maintenance responsibilities, renewal rights, expansion opportunities, or the length of your commitment.

A lower starting rate may be less valuable than another proposal once increases, expenses, and improvement costs are included. Compare the full financial picture.

What if your lease expires in less than six months?

Start now.

A shorter timeline may limit your alternatives, but it is still worth reviewing your lease, clarifying your needs, and evaluating what is available. Identify your notice deadlines and prioritize the decisions that need immediate attention.

Have a lease expiring in the next 12 months?

We represent commercial tenants and buyers throughout Salt Lake City and Northern Utah. Tell us about your space needs — no commitment required.

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