Assignments & Rent Abatement
Lease assignments and rent abatement are two of the most misunderstood pieces of a restaurant deal - and two of the most expensive when handled wrong.
When a lease is assigned, the original tenant remains the first guarantor. The incoming tenant becomes the second guarantor. If the new operator defaults, the landlord can still pursue the original tenant - for years. We structure assignments to protect both sides and, where possible, negotiate full releases of the original guarantor.
Rent doesn't have to start the day you sign. We tie abatement to real milestones - Health permit issuance, ABC license activation, or the day the doors actually open. That alignment can save a new operator 3–6 months of rent during a build-out or licensing period.
Flat retainer to open the file, review the lease, and start negotiating with the landlord and counterparty.
Get it reviewed before you sign. We move on the same business day.
