Andrea Sehremelis on Commercial Leasing and Tenant Relations
By Andy Sehremelis · October 29, 2026
Andrea "Andy" Sehremelis, known professionally as Andy Sehremelis, is a licensed real estate broker and the founder of Parkcrest Construction, which he started in Chino, California, in 1992. His work spans commercial construction, ownership and operation of restaurants, gas stations and express car washes. From the owner's side, leasing is where the value of a commercial property is established and maintained.
Andrea Sehremelis on Leasing as an Ownership Function
A commercial property is worth what its leases support. The rent, the length of term, the credit of the tenant and the allocation of expenses all affect the income a property produces and how lenders and buyers view it. Owners who treat leasing as a core ownership responsibility, rather than a task to delegate entirely, are better positioned to protect long-term value.
Andrea Sehremelis on Tenant Selection
Choosing the right tenant matters as much as negotiating the right rent. An owner should consider the tenant's financial strength, operating history and how its business will function within the property. A tenant whose parking needs, hours or deliveries conflict with neighboring tenants can create problems that affect the entire property.
For retail properties, tenants that serve everyday needs, such as food, personal services and convenience retail, tend to generate repeat visits. Those visits support neighboring businesses as well.
Andrea Sehremelis on Lease Structure
Commercial leases vary in how operating expenses are shared. In a net lease, the tenant pays a share of property taxes, insurance and common area maintenance in addition to base rent. In a gross lease, the owner covers more of those costs within the rent. Each structure affects the owner's exposure to rising expenses and the tenant's total occupancy cost.
Other key terms include the length of the initial term, renewal options, rent increases over the term, permitted use, exclusive use provisions and responsibility for repairs and replacements. Clear language on each point reduces disputes later.
Andrea Sehremelis on Tenant Improvements
New tenants often need improvements to make a space suitable for their business. The lease should state who designs, pays for and builds those improvements, and what standards apply. An owner with construction experience can evaluate improvement requests realistically, estimate costs accurately and coordinate the work so that the tenant can open without unnecessary delay.
Through Parkcrest Construction, Andy Sehremelis has worked on tenant improvements and retail build-outs, which informs how improvement allowances and responsibilities are structured from the owner's side.
Andrea Sehremelis on Common Area Management
Shared areas, including parking lots, landscaping, lighting, signage and walkways, affect every tenant's business. Owners should maintain those areas consistently and account for common area expenses transparently. Tenants who understand how charges are calculated are less likely to dispute them.
Andrea Sehremelis on Tenant Relations
A lease is a long relationship. Prompt responses to maintenance requests, regular communication and fair handling of disputes encourage tenants to renew. Renewal is generally less costly for an owner than replacing a tenant, which can involve vacancy, improvement costs and leasing commissions.
Owners should also pay attention to how tenants are performing. A tenant whose business is struggling may need a conversation well before a lease issue arises. Early communication gives both sides more options.
Andrea Sehremelis on Brokerage and Ownership Together
As a licensed real estate broker, Andy Sehremelis approaches leasing with an understanding of how commercial space is marketed and transacted. As an owner and operator, he also sees how lease terms play out in daily property management. Combining those perspectives helps an owner write leases that are practical to administer and that support the property's value over time.