We hope you’ll join us in Asheville for the 2026 NCBA Real Property Section Annual Meeting. We’re looking forward to a helpful and practical program and are excited to share a preview of one of the CLE sessions focused on commercial leases.

In the preview video below, Jeff Benson, Executive Vice President at Investors Title, shares a brief overview of his presentation, titled Mission (Not) Impossible: Commercial Lease Edition, and highlights several key issues he will cover at the Annual Meeting.

Jeff’s session is designed to help you approach commercial lease negotiations with clarity and confidence. Whether you represent landlords or tenants, the goal is the same: secure strong terms for your client while avoiding issues that can create problems down the road.

The session will walk through essential lease provisions for commercial spaces and offer practical insight on:

Negotiating key clauses effectively
Drafting language that clearly reflects your client’s position
Identifying and eliminating common obstacles early
Developing strategic approaches for both landlords and tenants

Jeff also highlights several areas that frequently trip up even experienced practitioners. These include tenant improvement provisions and buildout issues, operating expenses and additional rent, default and remedy language, assignment and subleasing rights and the often-overlooked complexities around lease commencement and renewal terms. Even provisions that seem straightforward, like rent or permitted use, can raise nuanced issues depending on timing, construction delays or how the lease is structured.

Commercial leases are often detail-driven, and small provisions can have significant consequences. This session is designed to be practical and approachable and to help you spot issues, think strategically and navigate negotiations with greater ease.

Join us at the Annual Meeting to hear more from Jeff and connect with other members of the Real Property Section.

2026 NCBA Real Property Section Annual Meeting
May 15-16 | Renaissance Hotel | Asheville, NC

Registration is open! Learn more and register online: The Real Property Playbook: A Roadmap for Success, From Contracts to Closing (2026 Real Property Section Annual Program).

We look forward to seeing you in Asheville!

April 13, 2026/by RealProperty