A lease offer is generally used before the preparation of the commercial lease in order to determine the main conditions under which the lessor and the prospective tenant are willing to enter into the lease.
It may include the locations concerned, the proposed duration, the rent, the permitted use, the date of possession, the work to be carried out, the additional costs and the renewal options.
A commercial lease is generally a much more detailed document. It establishes all the rights and obligations of the landlord and tenant during the term of the lease and includes, in particular, the terms relating to the payment of rent, maintenance, repairs, insurance, defects, assignment, subletting and termination of the lease.
However, it should not be concluded that a rental offer is without legal effect simply because a more detailed lease is to be signed later. Depending on its wording, content, and the circumstances, an accepted offer can itself create obligations for the parties.
The offer may also stipulate that the final lease must be drawn up according to one of the parties' standard lease template. It is therefore important to check this template when it is available and to ensure that the final lease complies with the conditions already agreed upon in the offer.