Warehouse leasing is the backbone of the logistics and distribution business. As a regional hub, Georgia is becoming increasingly attractive for warehouse operations, but industrial space leasing requires specific legal knowledge. Unlike office leasing, crucial factors for warehouses include not only price but also zoning, truck access, fire safety, and floor loading standards. Often, warehouses are located in former factories or newly built hangars whose legal status may not match the tenant's activities. Qualified legal service ensures that your warehouse operations are legal and secure.
What Does Warehouse Leasing Service Cover?
Specialists on Legal.ge offer full services in the industrial real estate sector:
- Zoning and Permit Checks: Determining if the building is registered in an industrial zone and whether storing specific types of products (e.g., chemicals, food) is permissible there.
- Lease Agreement Drafting: Specifying conditions such as access road usage rights, utility capacities (electricity, water, gas), and site security.
- Environmental and Fire Regulations: Checking compliance with fire safety rules and environmental norms, which is critical to avoid fines.
- Customs Warehouses: Legal assistance when renting spaces with customs warehouse status, involving additional regulations from the Revenue Service.
- Liability Allocation: Clearly defining in the contract who is responsible for damage to goods (e.g., in case of roof leaks) or fire incidents.
Common Scenarios and Real-World Examples
The following problems are often encountered in the logistics sector:
- Incorrect Designation: A company rented a hangar for manufacturing, but it turned out the building was registered as an agricultural structure. The business faced problems obtaining permits. A lawyer's audit would have prevented this.
- Access Road Blockage: A neighboring landowner blocked the only access road to the warehouse. The absence of an easement (right of way) in the contract put the tenant in a difficult position.
- Power Capacity: A cold storage facility required high voltage, which the landlord verbally confirmed, but the transformer could not actually supply. A lawyer ensures technical parameters are guaranteed in the contract.
- Damage to Goods: During heavy rain, the warehouse flooded. The landlord refuses to compensate for damages, claiming it was "force majeure." A properly drafted contract would entitle the tenant to compensation.
Georgian Legislation and Regulations
Warehouse leasing is regulated by the Civil Code of Georgia. Also crucial are the Law of Georgia on Fire Safety and government decrees on technical regulations. If food is stored, the Food Safety/Hygiene Code applies. Regarding environmental impact, the Environmental Assessment Code is relevant. In the case of customs warehouses, special articles of the Tax Code of Georgia apply.
Service Process
Cooperation with lawyers on Legal.ge involves several stages: First, a detailed study of the object's legal status (registry extract, cadastral plan). Then the lawyer drafts or reviews the lease agreement, detailing technical conditions and liabilities. Special attention is paid to the handover act, which must record the building's condition at the time of entry. After signing, registration in the Public Registry takes place.
Why Choose Legal.ge?
Industrial leasing is technically and legally complex. Legal.ge connects you with lawyers who understand the specifics of logistics and manufacturing. They will help you not only sign a good contract but also ensure your business operates smoothly in the selected space. Avoid expensive mistakes and trust the professionals at Legal.ge.
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