Child Care Center Lease Checklist: 10 Things to Check Before You Sign

Before signing a lease for your new center, make sure the space can legally operate as your facility—verify zoning and licensing, occupancy limits, required permits, and any landlord approvals. Break down all expenses (base rent, CAM/maintenance, utilities, security deposit, rent escalations, tenant improvement allowances) and estimate build-out and insurance costs so you understand true monthly and startup outlays. Negotiate lease term, renewal and termination rights, subleasing/signage/operating-hours permissions, and the landlord’s repair and scope-of-work responsibilities. Have a real estate attorney review the agreement before you sign. #landlord #tenant #rules #hours #costs