Clause guide

Tenant Improvements Allowance (TI)

The dollar amount the landlord contributes toward tenant build-out, and the recapture and amortization terms that often follow.

Medium attentionCommercial Lease
Inkvex checks
  • TI amount and per-square-foot calculation
  • Amortization or recapture structure
  • Interest rate on amortized TI
  • Ownership of improvements at lease end
Next move

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Overview

What this clause actually does

A tenant improvements (TI) allowance is the dollar amount the landlord pays toward tenant build-out (often $20 to $80 per square foot). The terms can include amortization (TI repaid through rent over the term), recapture (TI clawed back if tenant leaves early), and ownership of improvements at lease end.

Why it matters

Why people get burned by this clause

A $50/square foot TI on a 2,500 square foot space is $125K. If amortization is built into rent, the tenant repays it; if it is recapture, early termination triggers a lump sum repayment.

Red flags

What should make you slow down

  • TI amortized into rent at landlord's preferred interest rate
  • Recapture clause applies on any termination, including landlord default
  • Improvements become landlord property at lease end without compensation
  • TI release contingent on landlord-defined milestones
  • TI must be used by an unrealistically early date
Where it appears

Where you usually see it

  • Commercial leases
  • Tenant improvement work letters
  • Lease exhibits
Inkvex review

What the platform checks in the live contract

  • TI amount and per-square-foot calculation
  • Amortization or recapture structure
  • Interest rate on amortized TI
  • Ownership of improvements at lease end
  • Release schedule and milestones
Healthier version

What stronger language usually looks like

  • TI as outright contribution (not amortized into rent)
  • Recapture only on tenant breach termination
  • Trade fixtures and removable improvements remain tenant property
  • Release on documented expenditure
The bottom line

TI is rent in disguise if it is amortized. Push for outright contribution and clarity on recapture triggers.

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