- Introduction
- Acknowledgements
- 1: Getting Ready
- 2: The Costs of Space
- 3: Understanding Credit
- 4: Professional Services
- 5: Finding Space
- 6: Residential Leases
- 7: Commercial and Industrial Leases
- 8: Buying Real Estate
- 9: Types of Mortgages
- 10: The Mortgage Application
- 11: Ownership Models
- 12: Purchasing Alternatives
- 13: Chicago Zoning Ordinance
- 14: Chicago Building Code
- 15: Chicago's Neighborhoods
- 16: Property Taxes
- 17: When You Find a Property
- 18: Inspections
- 19: After Moving In
- 20: Insurance
- 21: Utilities
- 22: Rehabbing Your Space
- 23: Safe and Healthy Spaces
- 24: Green Practice
- 25: When Disputes Arise
- 26: Space Emergencies
- 27: Facility Development Planning
- Bibliography
Repairs and Maintenance
Commercial leases often impose repair costs on tenants. When viewing a building for the first time, pay attention to its condition and the state of repairs.
If you sense that the property is poorly maintained, ask other tenants about maintenance. You can also ask the Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) about code violations, and/or check the Neighborhood Early Warning system (NEWS) at the Center for Neighborhood Technology. A landlord who hesitates in answering questions might be hiding serious problems with his/her space.
A certified building inspector who specializes in commercial or industrial spaces can provide valuable insight into the condition of the property. For more information and tips about building inspection, see Chapter 18: Inspections.