The Importance of the Work Letter
The Work Letter is a document attached to most commercial leases that describes the standard fixtures, upgrades and repairs a landlord is willing to pay for such as doors, lighting, carpets, etc. If as a new tenant you find yourself needing special wiring for your computer equipment, new walls or partitions, or simply want new carpet or a fresh coat of paint, the work letter would include these details and who is going to pay for it.
Many landlords often prefer to hire a specific contractor to do the work, and/or might agree to fund improvements up to a certain point. In those cases, tenants are generally responsible for any overages. It’s important that you negotiate these amounts up front before you sign the final lease agreement.
Finally, before you sign on the dotted line, be sure to run the lease and work letter past an attorney. Depending on hourly fees and the length of the lease, an attorney usually won’t charge much to look it over. Whatever it costs, it will be money well spent.