Don't Forget the Boilerplate: Not All Standard Miscellaneous Provisions Are Standard

After extensively reviewing or drafting the “substantive” provisions of a lease, it is tempting to overlook the so-called “boilerplate” provisions usually found at the end of the lease. These provisions typically are placed innocuously in the “Miscellaneous” section of a lease, thereby furthering the impression that such provisions are standardized and of little importance. Such boilerplate provisions are not nearly as uniform and standard as one might think, however, and numerous differences can be found in Miscellaneous provisions depending on whether the lease is drafted on behalf of the landlord or the tenant. It is imperative, therefore, that the boilerplate provisions of a lease are carefully reviewed by both parties to ensure that such provisions accurately and completely set forth each party's understanding of the lease terms.