Five Myths Your Landlord Wants You to Believe

Navigating a commercial lease for your healthcare practice can be overwhelming—especially when misinformation is at play. Landlords often present lease terms that seem fair on the surface but may not be in your best financial interest.

Understanding the most common myths can help protect your practice from costly mistakes. Below, we break down five misconceptions landlords may want you to believe—and how to counter them.

Myth #1: The Landlord Is on Your Side

While landlords may present themselves as friendly and cooperative, their primary goal is profit. Their interest lies in securing the highest possible lease rate for their space—not in supporting your practice’s financial well-being. Relying solely on their guidance can lead to significant overpayment. The solution? Engage a real estate professional who can help you understand how your lease terms stack up against the market and negotiate on your behalf.

Myth #2: You’re Not Entitled to Representation

Some landlords may discourage you from hiring a representative, claiming it’s unnecessary or even disallowed. This is false. Leasing commercial space—especially for healthcare practices—is complex and filled with potential pitfalls. Landlords often have professional representation themselves, and so should you. Having an experienced advocate ensures you receive fair treatment and the best terms possible.

Myth #3: You’re Already Getting the Best Possible Rate

Your lease rate is influenced by many factors: building vacancy, lease length, tenant improvement allowance, property condition, and more. These variables are even more nuanced for healthcare tenants. Without expert analysis, you may be leaving money on the table—even if your landlord insists you’re getting a great deal. A healthcare real estate professional can evaluate these factors and determine whether better terms are achievable.

Myth #4: Lease Renewals Aren’t Negotiable

Even if your lease contains a renewal clause, you are not obligated to accept the terms as written. Landlords may push you to simply exercise the renewal option without negotiation—often because it favors them financially. However, your lease renewal is an opportunity to renegotiate based on current market rates. A real estate expert can help benchmark your terms and ensure your renewal reflects present-day value.

Myth #5: You Have No Other Options—The Landlord Has Many

Landlords want you to believe that their space is your only option, and that other tenants are ready to sign if you hesitate. This narrative is often exaggerated. In reality, it can take months—or even years—to fill vacant medical office space. You likely have several viable alternatives, and the landlord should be competing for your tenancy. With proper representation, you can evaluate your options and use that leverage during negotiations.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Practice with Expert Guidance

Falling victim to these myths can lead to higher costs and unfavorable lease terms. Whether you’re opening a new practice or approaching a lease renewal, working with a healthcare real estate specialist is one of the smartest steps you can take. Representation ensures you negotiate from a position of strength—maximizing profitability and long-term success for your practice.

Credits:

Healthcare Real Estate by CARR
Maximize Your Profitability Through Real Estate®