Distinct legal issues can be associated with the ownership and leasing of commercial property. Some of the issues that come up under commercial property rules can involve the following:

1. Zoning and Land Use: As mentioned above, a business can typically conduct its business activities only in areas that are zoned by the local zoning authority for commercial uses on commercial property. Environmental and zoning issues can arise in connection with almost every commercial property. The specifics depend on the location, the type of business, and local zoning and land use regulations. Practically all local governments create separately zoned areas for residential, business, and industrial properties. If the use or proposed use of an owner or lessee does not conform to the current zoning, there can be issues with the local zoning authority. It may be possible to win a variance for a use that does not conform with local zoning, or it might not. This can, in turn, lead to issues with a commercial lease.
2.  Commercial Leasing Issues: There are several different types of commercial leases in widespread use. Each can have its advantages and disadvantages for both the owners of commercial properties and their lessees. As with residential property leasing, commercial leasing can give rise to various legal issues. For example, there can be an issue as to material defects in a commercial structure and whether the lessor has to disclose these to a lessee or a seller to a buyer. There can be issues regarding encumbrances and whether there are easements, deed restrictions, or liens which limit how the property can be used. There can be issues as to who has the duty to repair a leased commercial property, the landlord or the tenant.
3. ADA Compliance: In the U.S. all businesses open to the public or with more than 15 employees must make their facilities accessible to disabled people. So anyone purchasing or leasing commercial real property who fits the criteria for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) wants to ensure that the property is compliant or know what it will take to make it compliant and who is going to pay for any necessary modification. If the property is not compliant, is the seller going to make it compliant before selling or will the responsibility fall on the buyer? If commercial property is leased, who is responsible for ADA compliance, the lessor or the lessee? These questions need to be answered before a transaction is completed.
4. Property taxes: Commercial property taxes, like residential property taxes, are based on the assessed value of the property. So the property taxes on commercial property are generally higher because commercial properties are usually worth more than residential properties. They are worth more because they generate income. Thus, commercial property taxes are likely to be higher than residential property taxes.
5. Insurance: Commercial property and business insurance disputes can be a source of legal issues for many businesses. Of course, issues with homeowner’s insurance can plague residential real property owners as well. But, businesses usually need more than one type of insurance, so there is more complexity and cost to business insurance.
6. Ownership Disputes: As with any type of property, ownership of commercial property can sometimes lead to title, ownership, and leasing disputes.
7. Boundary Disputes: Commercial property owners can have disputes with the owners of neighboring properties over the physical boundaries of the property. Issues of this type might be more common in rural settings than in urban ones, but they can arise in connection with commercial property anywhere. In addition, the sale and purchase of commercial property can involve a variety of legal issues. Such disputes can involve breaches of a sales contract, zoning, land use issues, and issues with disclosures of defects and implied warranties that may apply to a sales transaction.