At What About Law Professional Corporation, we offer strategic legal guidance and meticulous transactional support for all types of commercial real estate matters across Ontario. Whether you are a business owner acquiring office space, a developer purchasing land, or a landlord managing lease agreements, our experienced legal team provides the clarity, protection, and professionalism you need at every step.

Commercial real estate transactions are complex, high-value, and often involve layered legal, financial, and regulatory considerations. We help you navigate them with confidence.

Our Commercial Real Estate Legal Services Include:

✅ Purchase & Sale Transactions

• Drafting and reviewing Agreements of Purchase and Sale for office buildings, industrial properties, retail spaces, mixed-use developments, and vacant land
• Due diligence reviews (title, zoning, environmental, liens, litigation risks, etc.)
• Managing closing procedures, mortgage discharges, title transfers, and registrations

✅ Commercial Leasing

• Drafting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial leases (retail, industrial, office, and ground leases)
• Representing landlords and tenants in lease renewals, subleases, and terminations
• Advising on rent escalation clauses, common area maintenance (CAM), indemnities, and default remedies

✅ Financing and Mortgages

• Representing borrowers and lenders in commercial mortgage transactions
• Preparing and registering security documents (e.g., charges, assignments of rents, general security agreements)
• Legal opinions for lenders regarding borrower status and enforceability

✅ Land Development & Planning

• Advising on zoning and land use compliance
• Review of Official Plans, zoning by-laws, site plan control agreements, and development charges
• Negotiating and drafting development agreements with municipalities

✅ Title, Easements & Co-Ownership

• Title searches and resolution of title defects
• Drafting easement, right-of-way, and shared use agreements
• Structuring joint ventures, limited partnerships, and co-ownership agreements for shared ownership or development

✅ Environmental Compliance & Risk Management

• Advising on Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments
• Addressing liability under Ontario’s Environmental Protection Act
• Structuring transactions to minimize environmental risk exposure

Common Commercial Real Estate Clients We Serve:

• Property Developers & Builders
• Commercial Landlords & Tenants
• Institutional Investors & REITs
• Franchisors & Franchisees
• Retail Chains & Medical Clinics
• Industrial and Warehouse Operators
• Real Estate Brokers and Asset Managers
• Private Lenders & Mortgage Investment Corporations (MICs)

• 🤝 Collaborative Approach: We work seamlessly with your realtors, lenders, planners, engineers, and accountants.

Key Legal Considerations in Ontario Commercial Real Estate

• Planning Act Compliance – Restrictions on land severances, subdivisions, and title transfers
• Land Titles vs. Registry System – Understanding title systems and registration processes
• Commercial Tenancies Act – Limited statutory protections—emphasizing the importance of robust leases
• Municipal By-laws & Zoning – Essential to verify land use permissions before acquisition or leasing
• HST on Commercial Properties – Commercial real estate is generally subject to HST; input tax credits and exemptions must be carefully analyzed
• Vacant Unit Tax & Other Municipal Levies – Toronto and other municipalities now impose vacant unit or speculative taxes requiring disclosure and planning