Commercial Leasing
Structure smarter deals that stand the test of time
A lease carries more than square footage—it carries the weight of your business strategy, financial risk, and long-term growth.
For landlords, the right terms drive predictable revenue, stable occupancy, and asset performance. For tenants, they shape how you expand, exit or reconfigure operations without triggering avoidable costs or delays. The agreements you sign today will influence cash flow, dispute exposure, and operational flexibility for years to come.
That’s where Gowling WLG comes in. From national portfolios to single locations, we develop legal strategies that safeguard your position and reflect your commercial priorities. Our team is with you at every phase—strategizing, negotiating, and finalizing deals that deliver in execution, not just intention.
Leasing decisions with staying power
Successful leasing strategies don’t just get the deal done—they deliver value long after the ink dries. That's why we shape agreements that reflect your operational realities, anticipate points of tension, and protect your business as it grows. Here’s what sets us apart:
Perspective from both sides of the lease: We routinely advise both landlords and tenants. This dual perspective gives us a 360-degree view of the market—how each party thinks, negotiates, and plans. We use that insight to design terms that avoid friction, balance interests, and hold up to scrutiny from every angle.
Sector-savvy teams, connected from coast to coast: We support clients across Canada with regionally informed, nationally integrated advice. Whether you're expanding across provinces or entering the Canadian market, our expert lawyers work seamlessly across asset classes and time zones—and draw on global colleagues when your leasing strategy goes international.
Support for the full leasing lifecycle: Our work doesn’t stop at signing. We advise you at every stage, including renewals, expansions, subleases, exits, end-of-term turnover, and default. Whether you’re scaling up, winding down, or reconfiguring your space, we help you plan ahead and avoid last-minute surprises. And when disputes arise, we help you act decisively to mitigate risk and protect your interests.
Built-in precision, clarity and speed: Delays cost money. Ambiguity creates risk. We move quickly without sacrificing quality, delivering legal documents that are clear, responsive, and strategically sound. Every agreement is crafted with care—thorough where it matters, streamlined where it counts, and built to align with stakeholder expectations across legal, financial, and operational teams.
“In leasing, success is rarely about who ‘won’ the negotiation. It’s about whether the deal actually works—five, ten, or fifteen years down the line. That’s the lens we bring to every file.”
– Laurie J. Sanderson, Partner and Leader, Commercial Leasing Group
End-to-end legal support
No two leasing arrangements are alike, and neither is the advice behind them. We tailor our approach to reflect your asset type, risk tolerance, and commercial objectives.
