Leasing commercial space is one of the biggest commitments a small business makes, and the listing price is only part of the picture. Two spaces with the same monthly rent can cost very different amounts once you add what the lease leaves to you. Here is what I walk tenants through before they sign anything in Newnan and Coweta County.
Is the property zoned for your business?
Start here, because nothing else matters if the use isn’t allowed. Industrial zoning (often shown as M), general commercial (GC), and in-town districts each permit different uses, and the list of permitted uses is specific. A district that allows a nail salon or a sign shop may not allow an auto repair business.
Call the planning department for the city or county that has jurisdiction over the address and confirm your exact use is permitted. Do this before you sign a lease, not after.
What does the rent actually include?
Commercial leases split costs differently:
- Triple net (NNN): you pay base rent plus your share of property taxes, building insurance, and maintenance.
- Utilities included: some leases include electricity, water, or sewer in the rent.
- Everything else: many leases fall somewhere in between.
Ask for the lease structure in writing and estimate your true monthly cost. On this site, each lease listing states what its rent includes.
How long is the lease, and what does it take to start?
Look for the minimum and maximum term, the required deposit, and whether you’re allowed to sublease. A 12-month minimum gives you flexibility; a longer term can lock in your rate. If your business might grow or change, ask how renewals and early exits work.
Does the space fit how you actually work?
Square footage alone doesn’t tell you whether a property works. Depending on your business, check:
- Roll-up door height and drive-through bays
- Room for semi trucks to turn, and paved versus gravel surfaces
- Parking count for customers and employees
- Fenced or secured yard space for equipment and fleet vehicles
- Office layout, restrooms, and break or kitchen space
Will customers see you?
For retail and service businesses, visibility drives traffic. Ask about road frontage and daily traffic counts, how close the site is to I-85 and the main highways, and whether signage is allowed.
How I can help
I list and lease commercial property across Coweta County and west Georgia, from shop-and-office buildings to industrial yard space and corner retail lots. You can see what’s available now on the commercial real estate page, or call or text me at 470-216-8995 and tell me what your business needs. If I don’t have the right space today, I’ll keep looking.
