Running a dental practice is a balancing act. Between patient care, managing staff, staying compliant, investing in technology, and keeping up with a full schedule, the last thing most dentists want to think about is their dental office lease.

But here is the harsh truth: if you receive a Notice from your landlord, it must become a top priority immediately. Ignoring it even for a few weeks can put your practice at serious financial and operational risk.

A Costly Lesson from the Real World

Years ago, we were contacted by a tenant in downtown Toronto. On June 16, 2019, he received a lease termination Notice from his landlord: his lease would end in six months, and he would need to vacate by December 31, 2019.

It was not until December 5, 2019, that his legal team referred him to us. By then, there were only 26 days remaining before the deadline. He had made no plans to relocate, no negotiations were in progress, and, believe it or not, he was preparing to travel abroad over the holidays.

When we got involved, we found a narrow point of leverage to buy him some time. But the reality was unavoidable: he had to relocate quickly, at enormous cost, because the building was being demolished.

This was not merely inconvenient; it was a business crisis that could have been prevented with an early review of the dental office lease.

Why Dental Practices Are Especially Vulnerable

Relocating a dental practice is much more complex than moving most other businesses. Consider what this involves:

• Specialised dental equipment must be dismantled, transported, and reinstalled with precision.
• Custom plumbing, cabinetry, and electrical work are often required to meet clinical and regulatory standards.
• Downtime during a rushed move means lost patients, interrupted care, and reduced cash flow.
• Staff schedules are disrupted, leading to lower productivity and morale.
• Unexpected costs, often in the hundreds of thousands, pile up when time is short and options are limited.

When dentists lack the luxury of planning, dental practice relocation becomes stressful, costly, and disruptive to patient care.

The Advantage of Acting Early

If we had been brought in when the June Notice was first delivered, this situation could have looked very different. With six months of lead time, we would have:

• Negotiated from a stronger position, exploring renewal, relocation assistance, or more favourable terms.
• Planned a smooth transition, minimising downtime and reducing financial impact.
• Helped source new office space, designed the fit-out, and coordinated the move-in in a cost-effective manner.

Instead of scrambling under pressure, the tenant could have managed the process strategically with a dental office lease negotiation expert on his side.

The Takeaway for Dentists

Your dental practice is more than just a workplace. It is the foundation of your livelihood, your staff’s careers, and your patients’ care. A Notice from your landlord is not “just another piece of mail.” It is a signal that immediate action is required.

Ignoring it, delaying, or assuming it can be dealt with later is one of the costliest mistakes you can make.

👉 If you’ve received a Notice of lease termination or even suspect one might be coming, contact us today for a dental office lease review.

We can usually start reviewing your lease within a few business days, allowing you time to explore your options, negotiate from a position of strength, and safeguard your practice.

📅 Book Your Free 30-minute Consultation

📞 1-877-216-1013

📧 info@realtyleaseconsultant.com

🌐 www.realtyleaseconsultant.com

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