For a commercial lease, responsibility for the maintenance and repairs varies greatly depending on the nature and language of the lease agreement. For example, the lease may be a full service or gross lease in which the landlord has responsibility for most all maintenance and repairs—or the lease may be at the other end of the spectrum—a triple-net lease (NNN) in which the tenant has responsibility for most all maintenance and repairs. Or the lease may be a modified gross lease in which the landlord and tenant share responsibility for maintenance and repairs.

In Connecticut, as in many other states, the responsibility for maintenance and repairs in a commercial lease is largely determined by the terms of the lease agreement itself. A full service or gross lease typically means that the landlord is responsible for most maintenance and repairs, whereas a triple-net lease (NNN) places this responsibility on the tenant. In a modified gross lease, both the landlord and tenant share the responsibilities for maintenance and repairs. It is crucial for both parties to carefully review and negotiate the terms of the lease agreement to ensure a clear understanding of their respective obligations. Connecticut does not have a specific statute that governs these terms in commercial leases, so the lease agreement is the primary source for determining responsibilities. It is advisable for parties to consult with an attorney to ensure that the lease terms are clear, fair, and legally enforceable.