Use case · Commercial real estate
Certificate of Good Standing for a commercial lease
Almost every commercial landlord, from local owner-operators to national REITs, requires a current Certificate of Good Standing on file before lease execution. It documents that your tenant entity is in good legal standing with the state, separate from any personal guarantee. The certificate goes into the lease file alongside your formation documents and certificate of insurance.
Lease execution checklist
What the landlord wants in the lease file
- · Certificate of Good Standing — dated within 30 days of execution
- · Articles of Organization or Incorporation — formation document showing entity exists
- · Operating Agreement or Bylaws — showing the signing officer has authority
- · EIN confirmation letter — IRS Form CP-575 or letter
- · Certificate of Insurance — naming the landlord as additional insured
- · Personal guarantee — usually from a principal with majority interest
- · Two to six months of business bank statements
Common lease scenarios
When the certificate is required
- · Retail storefront leases — required at signing, often required again at renewal
- · Office space leases — required at signing; sub-tenants frequently asked for one too
- · Restaurant and bar leases — required, plus often a copy for the liquor license file
- · Industrial and warehouse leases — required at signing
- · Coworking and flex-office membership agreements — usually required for dedicated office leases ($500+/mo)
- · Build-to-suit and ground leases — required at multiple milestones
FAQ
Commercial lease certificate questions
Lease signing this week?
Most certificates delivered in 1–2 business days. From $50, state filing fee included.