Before you sign, check four things: who owns the building and what debt is recorded on it, whether zoning and permits support your use, the physical condition, and what the lease says. Titleman's property passport returns the owner of record, sales, recorded debt and permits with dates for one address; condition and lease terms still need an inspector and a lawyer.
Updated 19 October 2026. Published by Titleman, which makes one of the tools compared.
The method, step by step
- Owner of record. Does it match the landlord named in the lease? If the owner is an LLC, trace who stands behind it.
- Recorded debt and liens. A maturing loan or a lien is a risk to your tenancy; ask for a non-disturbance agreement so a lender that takes the building keeps your lease.
- Zoning. Is your use permitted by right, or does it need a hearing? Is there enough parking for it?
- Permits and occupancy. Open permits, recent work, and the certificate of occupancy for the space.
- Condition. Roof, systems, accessibility and environmental items, checked by an inspector.
- The lease. Rent, escalations, operating cost pass-throughs, repairs, options and default terms, reviewed by an attorney.
Which tool fits which step
| Option | Best for | What it does | Where it stops | Pricing model |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenant rep broker | Market rent and negotiation | Compares spaces, negotiates terms | Not a records or legal check | Commission, usually paid by the landlord |
| Real estate attorney | The lease and the agreement with the landlord's lender | Reviews and negotiates terms | Does not inspect the building | Hourly or flat fee |
| Inspector or engineer | Physical condition | Site inspection and report | Not ownership or debt | Fee per inspection |
| Title or lien search | Formal record of ownership and liens | Search report | One property, formal turnaround | Fee per search |
| General AI chatbot | Explaining lease clauses you paste in | Summaries | No records; not legal advice | Per-seat subscription |
| Titleman | A fast record check on the building | Passport with parcel, owner of record, sales, recorded debt and permits, with dates; zoning check by address | Not a law firm, not an inspection | Credits per run; ask on a demo |
The numbers
A property passport for one address draws on 2,100+ sources, each item carries its date and source, and gaps are named. Use it to decide what to ask the landlord and your attorney.
FAQ
What should I check about a building before signing a commercial lease?
Who owns it and what debt is recorded on it, whether zoning and permits support your use, the physical condition, and the lease terms. The first two are record checks; the last two need an inspector and an attorney.
Why does the landlord's mortgage matter to a tenant?
If the landlord defaults, the lender can take the building. Without a non-disturbance agreement, a lease signed after the mortgage may not survive that. A maturing loan on record is a reason to ask.
Can AI review my lease?
A chatbot can summarize clauses, which helps you prepare questions. It is not legal advice, and Titleman is not a law firm. Have an attorney review the lease before you sign.
What does a record check on a building with Titleman return?
A property passport for one address lists parcel, owner of record, sales, recorded debt and permits with dates.
For the wider tool comparison see the best AI tools for commercial real estate. Related: what an estoppel certificate is, what NNN means in a commercial lease and how to find who owns an LLC-owned property. See real estate due diligence software. To check a building you plan to lease, request a demo.