Exhibit 10.20
LEASE AGREEMENT
Between
COMMERCIAL NET LEASE REALTY,
LP,
a Delaware limited partnership,
as Landlord,
and
SSP PARTNERS,
a Texas general partnership,
as Tenant,
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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PAGE
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ARTICLE I.
AGREEMENT TO LEASE
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1
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1.1
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Demise
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1
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1.2
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Condition
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1
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1.3
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Quiet
Enjoyment
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2
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ARTICLE II.
TERM
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2
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2.1
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Term
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2
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2.2
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Rental
Commencement Date
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2
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2.3
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Effective
Date
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2
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2.4
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Option to
Renew
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2
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2.5
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Termination
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3
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ARTICLE III.
RENT
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3
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3.1
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Base
Rent
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3
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3.2
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Annual Rent
Increases
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4
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3.3
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Additional
Rent; Rent Defined
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6
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3.4
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Payment of
Rent
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7
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3.5
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Past Due
Rent
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7
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3.6
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No Diminution
or Abatement of Rent
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7
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ARTICLE IV. USE
AND OPERATION OF PREMISES
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7
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4.1
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Permitted
Use
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7
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4.2
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Reserved
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8
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4.3
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Compliance With
Laws
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8
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4.4
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Compliance With
Restrictions, Etc.
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9
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4.5
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Hazardous
Materials and Sewage
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9
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i
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4.6
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Resolution of
Environmental Matters at Expiration or Termination of
Tenancy
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13
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4.7
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Right to
Contest
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14
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4.8
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Sewage
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14
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4.9
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Survival
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14
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ARTICLE V.
TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS
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15
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5.1
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Real Estate
Taxes and Assessments
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15
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ARTICLE VI.
UTILITIES
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17
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ARTICLE VII.
RESERVED
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17
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ARTICLE VIII.
INSURANCE
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17
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8.1
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Insurance by
Tenant
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17
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8.2
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Carriers and
Features
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19
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8.3
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Failure to
Procure Insurance
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19
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8.4
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Self
Insurance.
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19
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ARTICLE IX.
ADDITIONS, ALTERATIONS AND REMOVALS
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20
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9.1
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Prohibition
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20
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9.2
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Permitted
Renovations
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20
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ARTICLE X.
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
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21
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10.1
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Repairs by
Tenant
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21
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10.2
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Landlord’s Obligation
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21
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ARTICLE XI.
DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION
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21
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11.1
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Restoration and
Repair
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21
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11.2
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Escrow of
Insurance Proceeds
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22
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11.3
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Uninsured
Losses
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22
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ARTICLE XII.
CONDEMNATION
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22
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12.1
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Complete
Taking
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22
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ii
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12.2
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Partial
Taking
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23
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12.3
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Award
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23
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12.4
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Disputes
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23
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ARTICLE XIII.
LANDLORD’S RIGHT TO INSPECT
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23
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ARTICLE XIV.
ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING BY TENANT
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24
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ARTICLE XV.
LANDLORD’S INTEREST NOT SUBJECT TO LIENS
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24
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15.1
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Liens,
Generally
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24
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15.2
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Mechanics
Liens
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25
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15.3
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Contest of
Liens
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26
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15.4
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Notices of
Commencement of Construction
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26
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ARTICLE XVI.
SUBORDINATION, ATTORNMENT AND NON-DISTURBANCE
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26
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16.1
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Subordination
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26
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16.2
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Attornment
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27
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16.3
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Rights of
Mortgagees and Assignees
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27
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ARTICLE XVII.
END OF TERM
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28
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17.1
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Surrender of
Premises
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28
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17.2
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Holding
Over
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28
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17.3
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Reserved
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28
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ARTICLE XVIII.
LIABILITY OF LANDLORD; INDEMNIFICATION
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28
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18.1
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Liability of
Landlord
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28
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18.2
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Indemnification
of Landlord
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29
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18.3
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Notice of Claim
or Suit/Notice of Environmental Matters
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29
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18.4
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Limitation on
Liability of Landlord
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29
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ARTICLE XIX.
DEFAULT
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29
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19.1
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Events of
Default
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29
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iii
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19.2
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Remedies on
Default
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32
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19.3
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Landlord May
Cure Tenant Defaults
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33
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19.4
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Waiver of
Landlord’s Lien
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33
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19.5
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Rights
Cumulative
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34
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ARTICLE XX.
NOTICES
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34
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ARTICLE XXI.
MISCELLANEOUS
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34
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21.1
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“Triple
Net” Lease
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34
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21.2
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Estoppel
Certificates
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35
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21.3
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Brokerage
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35
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21.4
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No Partnership
or Joint Venture
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35
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21.5
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Entire
Agreement
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36
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21.6
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Waiver
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36
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21.7
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Time
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36
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21.8
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Costs and
Attorneys’ Fees
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36
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21.9
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Financial
Data
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36
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21.10
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Captions and
Headings
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37
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21.11
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Severability
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37
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21.12
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Successors and
Assigns
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37
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21.13
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Applicable
Law
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37
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21.14
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Recordation of
Memorandum of Lease
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37
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21.15
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Waiver of Jury
Trial
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37
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21.16
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Counterparts
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37
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21.17
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Not a Security
Arrangement
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37
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21.18
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Maintenance
Records and Contracts
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37
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21.19
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Tenant’s
Personal Property
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37
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iv
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21.20
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Landlord’s Cooperation
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38
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21.21
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Reserved
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38
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21.22
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Guaranty
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38
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v
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Exhibit A
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-
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Legal
Description
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Exhibit B
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-
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Tenant Estoppel
Certificate
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Exhibit C
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-
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Memorandum of
Lease
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Exhibit D
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-
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Other Leases
– List of Other Properties
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vi
LEASE AGREEMENT
THIS LEASE AND AGREEMENT (the
“ Lease ”) is made and entered into
effective as of the ___ day of December, 2005 by and between
COMMERCIAL NET LEASE REALTY, LP , a Delaware limited
partnership (the “ Landlord ”), and
SSP PARTNERS , a Texas general partnership (the “
Tenant ”).
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, Tenant or Tenant’s
affiliate is the owner of fee simple title to certain real property
located in the City of *, County of *, State of * and described in
Exhibit A attached hereto (the “ Land
” ) upon which a building has been constructed, together
with related site improvements including: (i) the Storage Tank
System as defined in Section 4.6 of this Lease,
(ii) canopies on the pump islands, and (iii) the car
wash, if any, located in, on or under the Land (collectively, the
“ Improvements ”) (the Land and the
Improvements, together with all licenses, rights, privileges and
easements appurtenant thereto shall be collectively referred to
herein as the “ Premises ”);
WHEREAS, simultaneously with the
date of this Lease Tenant or Tenant’s affiliate has conveyed
the Premises to Landlord together with certain other properties
owned by Tenant or Tenant’s affiliates; and
WHEREAS, Tenant desires to lease
back from Landlord, and Landlord has agreed to lease back to
Tenant, all of the Premises upon the terms and conditions as more
particularly hereinafter provided and described;
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in
consideration of the premises hereof, the sums of money to be paid
hereunder, and the mutual and reciprocal obligations undertaken
herein, the parties hereto do hereby covenant, stipulate and agree
as follows:
ARTICLE I.
AGREEMENT TO LEASE
1.1 Demise . Landlord does
hereby demise, let and lease unto Tenant, and Tenant does hereby
hire, lease and take as Tenant from Landlord the entire Premises
upon those terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.
1.2 Condition . Tenant
acknowledges and agrees that the Premises is and shall be leased by
Landlord to Tenant in its present “as is” condition,
and that Landlord makes absolutely no representations or warranties
whatsoever with respect to the Premises or the condition thereof.
Tenant acknowledges that Landlord has not investigated and does not
warrant or represent to Tenant that the Premises are fit for the
purposes intended by Tenant or for any other purpose or purposes
whatsoever, and Tenant acknowledges that the Premises are to be
leased to Tenant in their existing condition, i.e.,
“as-is”, on and as of the Effective Date. Tenant
acknowledges that Tenant shall be solely responsible for any and
all actions, repairs, permits, approvals and costs required for the
rehabilitation, renovation, use, occupancy and operation of the
Premises in accordance with applicable governmental requirements,
including, without limitation, all governmental charges and fees,
if any, which may be due or payable to applicable
authorities.
1
Tenant agrees that, by leasing the Premises,
Tenant warrants and represents that Tenant has examined and
approved all things concerning the Premises which Tenant deems
material to Tenant’s leasing and use of the Premises. Tenant
further acknowledges and agrees that (a) neither Landlord nor
any agent of Landlord has made any representation or warranty,
express or implied, concerning the Premises or which have induced
Tenant to execute this Lease except as contained in this Lease, and
(b) any other representations and warranties are expressly
disclaimed by Landlord.
1.3 Quiet Enjoyment .
Landlord covenants and agrees that so long as Tenant shall timely
pay all rents due to Landlord from Tenant hereunder and keep,
observe and perform all covenants, promises and agreements on
Tenant’s part to be kept, observed and performed hereunder,
Tenant shall and may peacefully and quietly have, hold and occupy
the Premises free of any interference from Landlord; subject,
however, and nevertheless to the terms, provisions and conditions
of this Lease.
ARTICLE II.
TERM
2.1 Term . The initial term
of this Lease (the “ Initial Term ”)
shall, unless sooner terminated as elsewhere provided in this
Lease, commence on the Effective Date and shall terminate and
expire at 11:59 p.m. on the date immediately preceding the
twentieth (20 th ) anniversary of the Effective
Date. The Initial Term, together with any properly exercised Option
Period (defined in Section 2.4 below) shall be collectively
referred to herein as the “ Term
”.
2.2 Rental Commencement Date
. For the purposes of this Lease, the “ Rental
Commencement Date ” shall be the Effective Date
hereof.
2.3 Effective Date . For the
purposes of this Lease, the “ Effective Date
” shall be the date set forth in the first paragraph of this
Lease.
2.4 Option to Renew . Tenant
shall have and is hereby granted five (5) options
(individually an “ Option ”) to extend
this Lease beyond the Initial Term for an additional period of five
(5) years each (individually an “ Option
Period ”), upon the same terms, covenants, conditions
and rental as set forth herein. Tenant may exercise each such
Option successively by giving written notice to Landlord not less
than six (6) months prior to the expiration of the Initial
Term of this Lease or expiration of the then current Option Period,
as applicable (the “ Option Notice ”).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall not be entitled to
extend the Term of this Lease if, at the time of exercise of an
Option, an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing. If
Tenant does not elect to extend, or shall not be entitled pursuant
to the preceding sentence to extend the Term of this Lease for an
additional Option Period, all remaining rights of renewal shall
automatically expire.
Notwithstanding anything else
contained herein, if Tenant exercises an Option hereunder and if
the Base Rent for such Option Period (pursuant to the calculation
called for in Section 3.2(f) hereof), (i) is less than
the Base Rent that would be arrived at if the Base Rent was
increased pursuant to Section 3.2(e), then Landlord may reject
said Option Notice by delivering a written notice of rejection to
Tenant (the “ Rejection Notice ”), and
(ii) if the Base Rent for such
2
Option Period (pursuant to the calculation
called for in Section 3.2(f) hereof), is more than the Base
Rent that would be arrived at if the Base Rent was increased
pursuant to Section 3.2(e), the Tenant may withdraw its Option
Notice by delivering written notice of withdrawal of the Option
Notice within thirty (30) days of determination of amount of
Base Rent under Section 3.2(f). Should Landlord deliver a
Rejection Notice to Tenant or should Tenant withdraw its Option
Notice as provided for above, Tenant’s Option Notice shall be
void and of no effect and the Lease shall expire and terminate at
the end of the then current Option Term. However, Tenant may, at
its option, extend the Term for the applicable Option Period after
receipt of Landlord’s Rejection Notice, by delivering within
thirty (30) days of receipt of Landlord’s Rejection
Notice a second Option Notice (the “ Second Option
Notice ”) stating that Tenant desires to extend the
Term for the Option Period and Tenant agrees to pay Base Rent equal
to Base Rent obtained by the application of the formula set forth
in Section 3.2(e) hereof. Tenant shall have no obligation
hereunder to deliver a Second Option Notice or to so extend the
Lease under the terms required in a Second Option Notice. Should
Tenant timely deliver to Landlord a Second Option Notice which
complies with the requirements of this Section, the Term of the
Lease shall be extended for the applicable Option Period at the
Base Rent called for in the Second Option Notice.
2.5 Termination .
Notwithstanding any present or future law to the contrary, this
Lease shall not be terminated by Tenant for any failure of Landlord
to perform pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Lease or
otherwise for any reason except as expressly provided
herein.
ARTICLE III.
RENT
3.1 Base Rent . Beginning on
the Rental Commencement Date, and subject to proration as set forth
below, Tenant shall pay annual base rent for the Premises for the
first Lease Year in equal monthly installments of $*** (“
Base Rent ”), together with any sales and use
taxes thereon, if any are ever imposed in the State where the
Premises is located. Such Base Rent shall be paid in advance, on
the first (1st) day of each calendar month commencing on the
first (1st) day of the calendar month immediately following
the Rental Commencement Date, it being agreed that Base Rent
payable with respect to the period between the Rental Commencement
Date and the first day of the following calendar month shall be due
at the time that the first payment of Base Rent is due.
For the purposes of this Lease, the
term “ Lease Year ” shall mean and be
defined as each twelve month period commencing on the first day of
the calendar month immediately following the Rental Commencement
Date; provided, however, that the first Lease Year shall include
the period from the Rental Commencement Date to the first day of
the next following calendar month after the Rental Commencement
Date. Base Rent shall be proportionately prorated for any extended
or partial Lease Year (i.e., the first Lease Year and/or the final
Lease Year).
3
3.2 Annual Rent Increases .
The capitalized terms used herein are defined below. Base Rent
shall be increased each Lease Year during the Term of the Lease, as
more particularly set forth below.
(a) On each of the first four
Adjustment Dates, Base Rent shall increase by two percent
(2%) (i.e. on the first Adjustment Date, the beginning of the
second Lease Year, Base Rent shall increase by two percent
(2%) so that the Base Rent for the second Lease Year is one
hundred and two percent (102%) of the Base Rent for the first
Lease Year, on the second Adjustment Date, the beginning of the
third Lease Year, Base Rent shall increase by two percent
(2%) so that the Base Rent for the third Lease Year is one
hundred and two percent (102%) of the Base Rent paid in the
second Lease Year, etc.). [*** ALTERNATIVE PROVISION FOR THE
SITES THAT WILL BE SOLD BY NNN ***] On each of the first
four Adjustment Dates, Base Rent shall increase by two times the
percentage increase in the CPI, subject to the Increase Cap set
forth below. The increases in Base Rent will be calculated as
follows: (i) subtract one point zero (1.0) from a
fraction, the numerator of which shall be the Variable Index, and
the denominator of which shall be the Base Index; and
(ii) multiply the result obtained in subpart (i) above by
two (2); then (iii) multiply Base Rent for the Lease Year
immediately prior to the Adjustment Date by the product obtained in
subpart (ii) above. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event
shall the increase in Base Rent on the first through fourth
Adjustment Dates exceed two percent (2.0%) (the “
Increase Cap ”), and in no event shall the new Base
Rent be less than the Base Rent for the Lease Year prior to the
Adjustment Date.
(b) On each of the fifth through
ninth Adjustment Dates, Base Rent shall increase by one and
one-half percent (1.5%) (i.e. on the sixth Adjustment Date,
the beginning of the seventh Lease Year, Base Rent shall increase
by one and one-half percent (1.5%) so that the Base Rent for
the seventh Lease Year is one hundred and one and one-half percent
(101.5%) of the Base Rent for the sixth Lease Year, on the
seventh Adjustment Date, the beginning of the eight Lease Year,
Base Rent shall increase by one and one-half percent (1.5%) so
that the Base Rent for the eight Lease Year is one hundred and one
and one-half percent (101.5%) of the Base Rent paid in the
seventh Lease Year, etc.). .). [*** ALTERNATIVE PROVISION FOR
THE LEASES THAT WILL BE SOLD BY NNN ***] On each of the
fifth through ninth Adjustment Dates, Base Rent shall increase by
two times the percentage increase in the CPI, subject to the
Increase Cap set forth below. The increases in Base Rent will be
calculated as follows: (i) subtract one point zero
(1.0) from a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the
Variable Index, and the denominator of which shall be the Base
Index; and (ii) multiply the result obtained in subpart
(i) above by two (2); then (iii) multiply Base Rent for
the Lease Year immediately prior to the Adjustment Date by the
product obtained in subpart (ii) above. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, in no event shall the increase in Base Rent on the fifth
through ninth Adjustment Dates exceed one and one half percent
(1.5%) (the “ Increase Cap ”), and in no
event shall the new Base Rent be less than the Base Rent for the
Lease Year prior to the Adjustment Date.
(c) On each of the tenth through
nineteenth Adjustment Dates, Base Rent shall increase by the
percentage increase in the CPI, subject to the Increase Cap set
forth below. The increases in Base Rent will be calculated as
follows: (i) subtract one point zero (1.0) from a
fraction, the numerator of which shall be the Variable Index, and
the denominator of which shall be the Base Index; and then
(ii) multiply the result obtained in subpart (i) above by
the Base Rent for the Lease Year immediately prior to the
Adjustment Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall
the increase in Base Rent on the eleventh through nineteenth
Adjustment Dates
4
exceed one and one half percent
(1.5%) (the “ Increase Cap ”), and
in no event shall the new Base Rent be less than the Base Rent for
the Lease Year prior to the Adjustment Date.
(d) Intentionally
deleted.
(e) At the beginning of [***
INSERT NUMBER OF YEARS/OPTION TERMS NECESSARY TO TAKE THE LEASE
OUT CLOSE TO THE USEFUL LIFE OF THE PREMISES ***] Option Period
exercised by Tenant hereunder, Base Rent shall be initially set to
the Base Rent which would be arrived at by increasing the Base Rent
for the Lease Year prior to the applicable Option Period by the
percentage increase in the CPI, using the same formula set forth in
subsection 3.2(c) above and subject to the Increase Cap.
(f) At the beginning of [***
INSERT NUMBER OF YEARS/OPTION TERMS THAT TAKES THE LEASE OUT
CLOSE TO THE USEFUL LIFE OF THE PREMISES ***] Option Period
exercised by Tenant hereunder, Base Rent shall be initially set the
Fair Market Rental Value of the Premises as of the date of the
commencement of the Option Period.
(g) After the resetting of the Base
Rent for the beginning of each Option Period as provided for in
subsection 3.2(e) or 3.2(f) above, Base Rent shall increase each
Lease Year on each Adjustment Date in the applicable Option Period
by the percentage increase in the CPI, using the same formula set
forth in subsection 3.2(c) above and subject to the Increase
Cap.
(h) Landlord’s delay or the
failure of Landlord, beyond commencement of any Adjustment Date in
computing or billing for these adjustments will not impair the
continuing obligation of Tenant to pay any and all Base Rent or
other Rent due hereunder including any increased Base Rent when
billed.
(i) In applying the foregoing
formula for Base Rent adjustments, the following terms shall have
the following meaning:
(1) “ Adjustment
Date ” shall mean, as the case may require, the first
(1 st ) day of the second Lease Year,
and the first day of each succeeding Lease Year during the Term,
including any Option Periods.
(2) “ Base Index
” for the first Adjustment Date shall mean the CPI for the
month which is two months prior to the Rent Commencement Date.
Thereafter, the Base Index shall mean the CPI for the month which
is two months prior to the prior Adjustment Date. By way of
example, for the first Adjustment Date, the Base Index will be the
CPI for the month which is two months prior to the Rent
Commencement Date, for the second Adjustment Date, the Base Index
will be the CPI for the month which is two months prior to the
first Adjustment Date, for the third Adjustment Date the Base Index
will be the CPI for the month which is two months prior to the
second Adjustment Date, etc.
(3) “ CPI
” shall mean the Consumer Price Index for All Urban
Consumers, All Items, U.S.A. Area, 1982-1984 = 100, as published by
the Bureau of Labor Statistics, United States Department of Labor
(U.S. City Average). If such index is discontinued,
5
CPI shall then mean the most nearly
comparable index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics or
other official agency of the United States Government as determined
by Landlord.
(4) “ Fair Market Rental
Value ” shall mean the market rent for the Premises
as determined as follows: Landlord and Tenant shall each appoint an
independent appraiser who is a designated member (MAI) in good
standing with the Appraisal Institute, having at least ten
(10) years experience in appraising properties similar to the
Premises. Each appraiser is encouraged to share market data
information with each other. Each appraiser shall prepare and
submit a written appraisal of the Fair Market Value of the Premises
within sixty (60) days after either party so requests. The
Fair Market Value shall be calculated as of the date of said
request. If the difference, if any, between the highest appraisal
submitted and the lowest appraisal submitted is an amount less than
or equal to ten percent (10%) of the amount of the lesser
appraisal, the appraised Fair Market Value of the Premises shall be
deemed to be equal to the numerical average of the amounts of the
two (2) appraisals submitted. If the difference between the
two (2) appraisals submitted is an amount greater than ten
percent (10%) of the amount of the lesser appraisal, then the
two appraisers shall appoint a third appraiser within thirty
(30) days after the two appraisers have submitted their
reports. The third appraiser shall prepare and submit a written
appraisal of the Premises within forty (40) days after such
appraiser’s appointment. If a third appraiser is required to
be submitted, the appraised Fair Market Value of the Premises shall
be deemed to be equal to the numerical average of the two
(2) appraisals that have the closest value. If the two
appraisers are unable to agree to the appointment of the third
appraiser, then either party may request such appointment by a
presiding district court judge for *** County, Texas. Such
appointed third appraiser shall meet the same qualifications set
forth herein. Landlord and the Tenant shall each pay the costs and
expenses for their respective appraisers, and, if a third appraiser
is necessary, Landlord and Tenant shall share equally the expense
of the third appraiser. Landlord and Tenant each agree to cooperate
with the appraisers and provide the appraisers with such
information as the appraisers may request.
(a) “ Variable
Index ” shall mean the CPI for the month which is two
months prior to the current Adjustment Date. By way of example, for
the first Adjustment Date the Variable Index will be the CPI for
the month which is two months prior to the first Adjustment Date,
and for the second Adjustment Date the Variable Index will be the
CPI for the month which is two months prior to the second
Adjustment Date, for the third Adjustment Date the Variable Index
will be the CPI for the month which is two months prior to the
third Adjustment Date, etc.
3.3 Additional Rent; Rent
Defined . If Landlord shall make any expenditure for which
Tenant is responsible or liable under this Lease, or if Tenant
shall become obligated to Landlord under this Lease for any sum
other than Base Rent or as hereinabove provided, the amount thereof
shall be deemed to constitute additional rent (“
Additional Rent ”) and shall be due and payable
by Tenant to Landlord, together with all applicable sales taxes
thereon, if any, simultaneously with the next succeeding monthly
installment of Base Rent or at such other time as may be expressly
provided in this Lease for the payment of the same.
For the purpose of this Lease, the
term “ Rent ” shall mean and be defined
as all Base Rent and Additional Rent due from Tenant to Landlord
hereunder.
6
3.4 Payment of Rent . Each of
the foregoing amounts of Rent and other sums shall be paid to
Landlord without demand and without deduction, set-off, claim or
counterclaim of any nature whatsoever which Tenant may have or
allege to have against Landlord, and all such payments shall, upon
receipt by Landlord, be and remain the sole and absolute property
of Landlord. All such Rent and other sums shall be paid to Landlord
in legal tender of the United States at the address to which
notices to Landlord are to be given or to such other party or to
such other address as Landlord may designate from time to time by
written notice to Tenant. If Landlord shall at any time accept any
such Rent or other sums after the same shall become due and
payable, such acceptance shall not excuse a delay upon subsequent
occasions, or constitute or be construed as a waiver of any of
Landlord’s rights hereunder. At the request of Landlord,
Tenant shall pay Base Rent and any Additional Rent hereunder by
electronic funds transfer or by wire, provided Landlord provides to
Tenant appropriate wire instructions or electronic transfer
instructions.
3.5 Past Due Rent . If Tenant
fails to make any payment of Rent or any other sums or amounts to
be paid by Tenant within five (5) days of the date such
payment is due and payable, Tenant shall pay to Landlord an
administrative late charge of two and one-half percent
(2.5%) of the amount of such payment. In addition, any past
due payment of Rent shall bear interest from the date such payment
became due to the date of payment thereof by Tenant at a rate which
is equal to the lesser of (i) twelve percent (12%) per
annum, or (ii) the maximum interest rate then allowable under
the laws of the State in which the Premises are located. Such late
charge and interest shall constitute Additional Rent and shall be
due and payable with the next installment of Rent due
hereunder.
3.6 No Diminution or Abatement of
Rent . No abatement, diminution or reduction (i) of Rent,
charges or other compensation, or (ii) of Tenant’s other
obligations hereunder shall be allowed to Tenant or any person
claiming under Tenant, under any circumstances or for any reason
whatsoever, except as expressly provided otherwise
herein.
ARTICLE IV.
USE AND OPERATION OF PREMISES
4.1 Permitted Use . Tenant
covenants that it shall, throughout the Term of this Lease, use and
occupy the Premises only for lawful purposes which do not conflict
with covenants, restrictions or other matters of record affecting
title to the Premises; notwithstanding the foregoing provision,
however, the following uses shall be prohibited on the
Premises:
(a) Any obnoxious odor, noise or
sound which can be heard or smelled outside of the Building,
provided that any usual paging system shall be allowed and further
provided that typical restaurant odors shall not be deemed
prohibited hereby if such restaurant facilities have been properly
constructed and maintained so as not to pollute.
(b) Any operation primarily used as
a warehouse operation and any assembling, manufacturing,
distilling, refining, smelting, agricultural or mining
operation.
7
(c) Any mobile home, trailer court,
labor camp, junk yard or stock yard (except that this provision
shall not prohibit the temporary use of construction trailers
during periods of construction, reconstruction or
maintenance).
(d) Any dumping, disposing,
incineration or reduction of garbage (exclusive of garbage
compactors located in the rear of any Building).
(e) Any fire sale, bankruptcy sale
(unless pursuant to a court order) or auction house
operation.
(f) A facility whose primary
business is auto or truck repair.
(g) Any establishment which has as
its principal business the selling or exhibiting of pornographic
materials, including, without limitation any adult book or film
store and any adult entertainment nightclub.
(h) Any so called “head
shop” engaged primarily in the sale of rolling paper and
other drug paraphernalia.
4.2 Reserved .
4.3 Compliance With Laws .
Tenant shall at all times keep and maintain the Premises in
compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances, statutes, rules,
regulations, orders, directions and requirements of all federal,
state, county and municipal governments and of all other
governmental agencies or authorities having or claiming
jurisdiction over the Premises or the business activities conducted
thereon or therein and of all of their respective departments,
bureaus, agencies or officers, and of any insurance underwriting
board or insurance inspection bureau having or claiming such
jurisdiction or any other body exercising similar functions and of
all insurance companies from time to time selected by Tenant to
write policies of insurance covering the Premises and any business
or business activity conducted thereon or therein. However,
notwithstanding the foregoing, should there be a de minimis issue
of non-compliance with applicable law which does not have a
material adverse effect on the Premises, Tenant shall not be
obligated to correct such de minimis violation but Tenant shall
have the indemnity obligations set forth in Section 18.2 with
respect to any such de minimis violation, including indemnity
against any fines or penalties imposed against the Premises as a
result of such de minimis violations, if any.
Notwithstanding the generality of
the foregoing, but subject to the proviso set forth in the last
sentence of the preceding paragraph, Tenant shall, at its sole
expense, maintain the Premises in full compliance with all
applicable federal, state or municipal laws, ordinances, rules and
regulations currently in existence or hereafter enacted or rendered
governing accessibility for the disabled or handicapped, including,
but not limited to, any applicable provisions of The Architectural
Barriers Act of 1968, The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Americans
With Disabilities Act, the accessibility code(s), if any, of the
State in which the Premises is located, and all regulations and
guidelines promulgated under any all of the foregoing, as the same
may be amended from time to time (collectively the “
Accessibility Laws ”).
8
4.4 Compliance With Restrictions,
Etc . Tenant, at its expense, shall comply with all restrictive
covenants or other title exceptions affecting the Premises and
comply with and perform all of the obligations set forth therein to
the extent that the same are applicable to the Premises or to the
extent that the same, if not complied with or performed, would
impair or prevent the continued use, occupancy and operation of the
Premises. Further, in addition to Tenant’s payment
obligations under this Lease, Tenant shall pay (i) all sums
charged, levied or assessed under any restrictive covenants,
declaration, reciprocal easement agreement or other title
exceptions affecting the Premises promptly as the same become due
and shall furnish Landlord evidence of payment thereof, and
(ii) any fees, charges, fines, costs, assessments, taxes,
demands, orders, directives, or other requirements by any
governmental agency asserting jurisdiction, or under any
Environmental Laws which arise from or relate to Tenant’s use
of, or Tenant’s activities at, the Premises, including, but
not limited to, Storage Tank System registration fees, any
applicable fees, and any consultant or attorneys’ fees
related to or arising under any Environmental Laws.
4.5 Hazardous Materials and
Sewage .
(a) Definitions . The
following terms shall have the following meanings:
(i) “ De Minimis
Release ” shall mean a Release which is (i) not
reportable under any governmental authority under any applicable
Environmental Laws, or (ii) not above action levels
established by [*** TCEQ or Oklahoma Corporate Commission
***] .
(ii) “ Environmental
Laws or Environmental Requirements ” , as used
herein, shall mean all applicable federal, state, and local
government laws (including common law), rules, regulations,
statutes, codes, ordinances, directives, guidance documents,
cleanup or other standards, and any other governmental requirements
or standards which pertain to, regulate, or impose liability or
standards of conduct concerning the use, storage, human exposure
to, handling, transportation, release, cleanup or disposal of
Hazardous Materials.
(iii) “ Hazardous
Materials ” shall mean and be defined as any and all
toxic or hazardous substances, chemicals, materials or pollutants,
of any kind or nature, which are regulated, governed, restricted or
prohibited by any federal, state or local law, decision, statute,
rule, or ordinance currently in existence or hereafter enacted or
rendered, and shall include (without limitation), all oil, gasoline
and petroleum based substances.
(iv) “ Material
Release ” shall mean any Release other than a De
Minimis Release.
(v) “ Pre-Existing
Environmental Condition ” means presence of:
(i) Hazardous Materials in soil, groundwater or surface water
on or about the Premises which first existed or first occurred
prior to the Effective Date; or (ii) any other environmental
condition which first existed or first occurred prior to the
Effective Date.
(vi) “ Release
” shall mean any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring,
emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching,
dumping, or disposing into the environment any Hazardous Materials
on, over, under, from or affecting the Premises or the
air,
9
soil, water vegetation, buildings,
personal property, persons or animals thereon, whether occurring
before or during the Term of this Lease.
(vii) “ Storage Tank
System ” means a complex of one or more underground
or aboveground storage tanks and their associated underground,
above ground, and/or connected piping and related fuel dispensing,
pumping, mechanical, control and detectional equipment, as more
particularly located on the Land.
(b) Environmental Compliance
. Tenant shall comply with all laws, including Environmental Laws,
relating to the use, storage, transportation, dispensing, sale or
Release of Hazardous Materials at the Premises, except for any
noncompliance of a de minimis nature or for which the result of
noncompliance would not have a material adverse effect on the
Premises. Without limiting the foregoing, Tenant shall comply with
all laws, including Environmental Laws, relating to Storage Tank
Systems, their construction, operation, maintenance, calibration
and alarm systems, and promptly shall implement any and all upgrade
requirements promulgated by any government agency having
jurisdiction at the earliest possible time, but in no event, no
later than any applicable deadline announced or promulgated by the
government agency. Tenant shall not intentionally Release, and
shall use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent any employee,
contractor, agent, sublessee, invitee or licensee from Releasing,
any Hazardous Materials on the Premises, into the air or the
surrounding land, surface water or ground water; provided, however,
a De Minimis Release on the Premises shall not be a violation of or
a default of Tenant under the Lease (but Tenant shall have the
remediation and indemnity obligations set forth in
Section 4.6(c) and 4.6(d) below). Tenant shall provide
Landlord with copies of all reports, studies, complaints, claims,
directives, citations, demands, inquiries, notices of violation, or
orders relating to Hazardous Materials at or emanating from or to
the Premises, at any time, or any alleged non-compliance with
Environmental Laws at the Premises, reasonably promptly (and in no
event later than fifteen (15) days) after such documents are
provided to or generated by Tenant. Tenant also shall notify
Landlord of any Material Release of Hazardous Materials at, on,
under or from the Premises promptly upon notification of Tenant
thereof, and promptly shall abate and remove any such Releases as
required in this Article. A Material Release in and of itself shall
not be a violation of or a default under this Lease, unless such
Material Release shall result from the intentional acts of Tenant
or from Tenant’s failure to use commercially reasonable
efforts to prevent any employee, contractor, agent, lessee, invitee
or licensee from Releasing, any Hazardous Materials on the
Premises, into the air or the surrounding land, surface water or
ground water; provided, however, Tenant’s failure to respond
or take action after a Material Release as otherwise required in
this Lease shall be a default hereunder. Any fuel spills
immediately shall be removed and cleaned up using absorbent or
other appropriate materials. Water shall not be used to clean
gasoline or diesel from the surfaces of the Premises, other than
for routine power washing and any water used by the fire department
in response to a fire. All reporting, investigation and/or
remediation requirements under any Environmental Law with respect
to any and all Releases of Hazardous Materials at, on, from or near
the Premises are the responsibility of Tenant.
(c) Tenant’s Responsibility
for Hazardous Materials . Hazardous Materials at the Premises
shall be the responsibility of Tenant and Tenant shall be liable
for and responsible for such Hazardous Materials, including without
limitation, at Tenant’s sole cost (i) any Pre-Existing
Environmental Condition (provided, however, that Tenant represents
that based on the
10
environmental information in
Tenant’s files, there are no known Pre-Existing Environmental
Conditions on the date of this Lease, and based on such
information, the possibility of such a Pre-Existing Environmental
Condition is remote); (ii) permitting, reporting, assessment,
testing, investigation, treatment, removal, remediation,
transportation and disposal of such Hazardous Materials as directed
by any governmental agency, as required by Environmental Laws;
(iii) damages, costs, expenditures and claims for injury to
persons, property, the Premises and surrounding air, land, surface
water, and ground water resulting from such Hazardous Materials;
(iv) claims by any governmental agency or third party
associated with injury to surrounding air, land, surface water and
ground water or other damage resulting from such Hazardous
Materials; (v) damages for injury to the buildings, fixtures,
appurtenances, equipment and other personal property of Landlord to
the extent caused by such Hazardous Materials; (vi) fines,
costs, fees, assessments, taxes, demands, orders, directives or any
other requirements imposed in any manner by any governmental agency
asserting jurisdiction, or under any Environmental Laws with
respect to such Hazardous Materials; (vii) damages, costs and
expenditures for injury to natural resources to the extent caused
by such Hazardous Materials as directed by any governmental agency
or otherwise as required by applicable law, including Environmental
Laws; (viii) compliance with Environmental Laws regarding the
use, storage, transportation, release, disposal, dispensing or sale
of Hazardous Materials; and (ix) any other liability or
obligation related to such Hazardous Materials. Except as otherwise
provided in Section 4.6(f) below, Landlord is not required to
incur any costs, fees (including attorney, consultant and expert
witness fees) or expenses for environmental compliance, testing,
investigation, assessment, remediation or cleanup relating to
Hazardous Materials, should Landlord incur any such reasonable
costs, expenses or fees relating to Hazardous Materials at the
Premises or surrounding lands or surface water or ground water,
Tenant shall promptly reimburse Landlord for said costs, expenses
or fees (except to the extent such costs, fees or expenses arise
from other property owned by Landlord, if any).
(d) Tenant’s Environmental
Indemnification . Tenant shall indemnify, defend, and hold
Landlord harmless from any and all claims, judgments, damages,
penalties, fines, costs, liabilities, or losses (including, without
limitation, diminution in value of the Premises, damages for the
loss or restriction on use of rentable or usable space or of any
amenity of the Premises, damages arising from any adverse impact on
marketing of space of the Premises, and sums paid in settlement of
claims, attorneys’ fees, consultation fees, and expert fees)
which arise before, or during the term of the Lease as a result of
Hazardous Materials (provided, however, that Tenant represents that
based on the environmental information in Tenant’s files,
there are no known Pre-Existing Environmental Conditions on the
date of this Lease, and based on such information, the possibility
of such a Pre-Existing Environmental Condition is remote). This
indemnification of Landlord by Tenant includes, without limitation,
costs incurred in connection with any investigation or site
conditions or any cleanup, remedial, removal, or restoration work
required by any federal, state, or local governmental agency or
political subdivision because of Hazardous Materials present in the
soil or ground water on or under the Premises. Without limiting the
foregoing, if the presence of any Hazardous Materials on the
Premises results in any contamination of the Premises, Tenant shall
promptly take all actions at its sole expense as are recommended by
environmental consultants hired by Tenant and are necessary to
return the Premises to the condition required by the appropriate
governmental authority; provided that Landlord’s approval of
such actions shall first be obtained, which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld so long as such actions would not potentially
have any material adverse
11
long-term or short-term effect on
the Premises. Should Tenant obtain a “no further
action” closure letter or similar evidence of the completion
of remediation from [*** insert TCEQ or Oklahoma Corporate
Commission *** ] (an “ NFA Letter ”)
Tenant shall have no obligation to further remediate the Premises,
but Tenant shall continue to indemnify, defend and hold harmless
Landlord for any claims, judgments, damages, penalties, fines,
costs, liabilities, or losses as more particularly set forth in the
beginning of this paragraph. Notwithstanding the foregoing, as more
particularly provided for in Section 4.7(b), upon the end of
the Lease Term, should Tenant obtain an NFA Letter, Tenant’s
indemnity obligations under this subsection shall be modified as
more particularly set forth in Section 4.7(b).
(e) Tenant’s Notification
Obligation . Tenant promptly shall notify Landlord of any of
the following: (i) any correspondence or communication from
any governmental entity regarding the application of Environmental
Laws to the Premises or Tenant’s operation of the Premises,
if such communication would enlarge or materially change or has the
potential to materially change Tenant’s or Landlord’s
obligations or liabilities under the Environmental Laws;
(ii) any correspondence, communication or notifications as are
required by either the Federal or State Emergency Planning and
Community Right to Know Acts if such communication would enlarge or
materially change or has the potential to materially change
Tenant’s or Landlord’s obligations or liabilities under
the Environmental Laws; (iii) any material change in
Tenant’s operations on the Premises that will enlarge or
materially change or has the potential to materially change
Tenant’s obligations or liabilities under the Environmental
Laws; (iv) any Material Release or suspected Material Releases
of any and all Hazardous Materials at, from or near the Premises.
In addition, within thirty (30) days of Landlord’s
written request, Tenant shall provide to Landlord a copy of
Tenant’s “ Leaseback Environmental Status
Report ” or a similar report if such report is no
longer created by Tenant, which describes all testing and test
results of the Premises during the prior year. Such request of
shall not be made by Landlord more than twice in any calendar
year.
(f) Landlord’s Right of
Entry . If there has been a Material Release, at
Landlord’s sole expense and sole discretion, Landlord may
enter upon the Premises (without interfering with Tenant’s
business and operations on the Premises) and make any inspection,
tests, borings, measurements, investigation or assessment Landlord
deems necessary in the exercise of its reasonable judgment in order
to determine the presence of Hazardous Materials. Provided,
however, that Landlord shall not conduct any soil borings or other
invasive testing procedures unless there has been a Material
Release or Landlord has a reasonable basis to suspect there has
been a Material Release on the Premises. Landlord shall select a
qualified environmental consultant to complete such tasks and shall
not conduct any such inspections or other activities described
herein without consulting and coordinating such efforts with the
Tenant’s environmental team. Nothing herein shall be deemed
to require Landlord to conduct any such testing, measurement,
investigation or assessment. Landlord shall give Tenant a minimum
of five (5) days written notice prior to conducting any such
inspection, tests, borings, measurements, investigation or
assessment, so that Tenant may have the opportunity to be present
and to receive split test samples and/or to observe such testing.
Landlord agrees to consult with and coordinate such actions with
Tenant’s environmental team. In conducting any such
inspections, and testing, Landlord shall not unduly interrupt or
interfere with the conduct of Tenant’s business.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Lease to the contrary,
Landlord shall be solely responsible for any costs, claims,
damages, expenses or liabilities that
12
arise as a result of
Landlord’s inspections and testing to the extent attributable
to the negligence or misconduct of Landlord or Landlord’s
agents. Provided, however, no notice from Landlord to Tenant shall
be required under urgent or emergency conditions. Tenant shall be
provided with a copy of each report setting forth the results of
any test performed by Landlord promptly upon receipt.
Landlord’s right of entry and inspection shall include the
right to inspect Tenant’s records required to be maintained
pursuant to Environmental Laws.
(g) Tenant’s Environmental
Records . Landlord shall have the right to require Tenant to
provide to Landlord access to Tenant’s file with respect to
environmental matters affecting the Premises upon two
(2) business days prior written notice. Upon such request, not
to be made more than once in any calendar year, Tenant shall
provide a copy of all new correspondence, reports and other written
material in Tenant’s environmental file for the
Premises.
(h) Tenant’s Right to
Remove the Storage Tank System during the Term .
Tenant shall have the right, at its
sole discretion, during the first fifteen (15) Lease Years to
remove all or part of the Storage Tank System, and upon such
removal Tenant shall not be obligated to replace such Storage Tank
System but shall be obligated to restore the surface where the
Storage Tank System was removed to grade (including restoration of
the asphalt or other Improvements damaged by such removal, if any)
consistent with the condition of the surface and Improvements prior
to such removal. After the first fifteen (15) Lease Years, and
only if Tenant has exercised the next five-year option, Tenant
shall have the right, at its sole discretion, to remove all or part
of the Storage Tank System, and upon such removal Tenant shall not
be obligated to replace such Storage Tank System but shall be
obligated to restore the surface where the Storage Tank System was
removed to grade (including restoration of the asphalt or other
Improvements damaged by such removal, if any) consistent with the
condition of the surface and Improvements prior to such removal.
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if there is a
Material Release after the fifteenth (15 th ) Lease Year which results from
a material failure in the Storage Tank System, then Tenant shall
have the right to remove the Storage Tank System in order to
remediate the Premises in compliance with the appropriate
governmental authorities, and in such case, Tenant shall not have
the obligation to replace the Storage Tank System (regardless of
whether Tenant has exercised the next five-year option) but shall
be obligated to restore the surface where the Storage Tank System
was removed to grade (including restoration of the asphalt or other
Improvements damaged by such removal, if any) consistent with the
condition of the surface and Improvements prior to such removal.
Any removal and replacement of the Storage Tank System shall be
performed in accordance with all laws as required by
Section 4.3, including all Environmental Laws as required by
this Section 4.6. If there are any Hazardous Materials on, at
or under the Premises at the time of such removal and replacement,
then Tenant shall remediate such Hazardous Materials as otherwise
required by this Section 4.6.
4.6 Resolution of Environmental
Matters at Expiration or Termination of Tenancy .
(a) Tenancy Close-Out
Environmental Assessment and Report . Not later than
(i) thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of the Lease
or (ii) ninety days after an earlier termination of the
tenancy, whichever may apply, Tenant shall submit to the Landlord
(i) a copy of all of Tenant’s records relating to
obligations under this Article IV, and (ii) a report of
any
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environmental assessment pursuant to
ASTM and/or prevailing industry standards, conducted by a
qualified, and adequately insured consultant firm, to
(1) identify and assess the presence of Hazardous Materials
on, in, at, and, where information indicates migration of Hazardous
Materials off site and it is practical to do so, off site of the
Premises; (2) all records relating to the determination of the
integrity and tightness of all Storage Tank Systems on the
Premises; and (3) determine any needed remedial actions needed
or pending regulatory obligations performance or resolution of
which is required to comply with Environmental Laws or restore the
Premises as set forth in this Section 4.7. Tenant shall secure
on behalf of Landlord the ability of the Landlord to rely upon the
report and be named as an additional insured under the
consultant’s insurance policies. Tenant shall update and
supplement such report as needed through the date of the end of the
tenancy to reflect any change in conditions or new information
pertaining to the methodology or findings of the report. Tenant
shall not be in default under this Lease for failure to complete
the matters in this paragraph if Tenant is actively and diligently
pursuing such matters.
(b) Remedial and Corrective
Actions; Closure of Storage Tank Systems : Not later than
(i) the expiration of the Lease, (ii) six (6) months
after the earlier termination of the Lease, (iii) or such
longer time as is approved in writing by Governmental Authorities,
if any is required, or as may be necessary to complete such
corrective action in compliance with Governmental Authorities, and
in any event, as consented to by Landlord, which consent shall not
be unreasonably withheld, Tenant shall provide Landlord with
written evidence and assurances that, as of the date of the end of
the tenancy, or as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, the
Premises and any Storage Tank Systems left at the Premises comply
(or will comply if any remediation is required) with all
Environmental Laws and, where applicable, any required regulatory
closures or NFA Letter have been obtained. Upon delivery of the
evidence required hereunder, Tenant shall no longer have any
indemnity obligations under this Lease with respect to any new suit
or claim brought against Landlord or the Premises after the end of
the Term regarding any Release that occurred on the Premises during
the Term.
4.7 Right to Contest . Tenant
may, at its sole cost and expense, contest, or cause to be
contested, by appropriate legal proceedings conducted in good faith
and with due diligence, the application of laws, ordinances,
statutes or regulations to the Premises, including the application
of Environmental Laws or Environmental Requirements to the
Premises, provided Tenant indemnifies and holds Landlord harmless
from any expenses (including reasonable attorney’s fees) or
liability arising out of such contest, and posts any bond or
security required by law in connection with such
contest.
4.8 Sewage . Tenant shall not
discharge or permit to be discharged from the Premises any sewage
other than that which is normal waste water for the business
conducted by Tenant on, in or from the Premises. Any sewage which
is produced or generated in connection with the use or operation of
the Premises shall be handled and disposed of by Tenant as required
by and in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal
laws, ordinances and rules or regulations.
4.9 Survival . The provisions
of this Article IV shall survive expiration or termination of the
tenancy but nothing herein shall obligate Tenant for any
environmental conditions first existing on the Premises after the
date of expiration or termination of Tenant’s tenancy
hereunder.
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ARTICLE V.
TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS
5.1 Real Estate Taxes and
Assessments . From and after the Effective Date and continuing
throughout the Term of this Lease Tenant’s obligations with
respect to Real Estate Taxes (as hereinafter defined) shall be as
follows:
(a) As used herein, “
Real Estate Taxes ” shall mean all taxes,
assessments and other governmental impositions and charges of every
kind and nature whatsoever, extraordinary as well as ordinary, and
each and every installment thereof which during the Term hereof or
prior to the Term of the Lease shall be or have been charged, laid,
levied, assessed, or imposed upon, or arise in connection with, the
use, occupancy or possession of the Premises or any part thereof,
including, without limitation, ad valorem real and personal
property taxes, and all taxes charged, laid, levied, assessed or
imposed in lieu of or in addition to any of the foregoing by virtue
of all present or future laws, ordinances, requirements, orders,
directions, rules or regulations of federal, state, county and
municipal governments and of all other governmental authorities
whatsoever.
(b) Tenant shall pay directly to the
taxing authorities all Real Estate Taxes on or before the date such
Real Estate Taxes are due and payable. Landlord, with
Tenant’s cooperation, shall cause the taxing authorities to
deliver all bills for Real Estate Taxes directly to Tenant or
should any taxing authority refuse to deliver a tax bill directly
to Tenant, Landlord shall deliver said tax bill to Tenant no later
than twenty (20) days after receipt from the taxing authority.
Upon written request from Landlord, Tenant shall deliver to
Landlord evidence of the payment of the Real Estate Taxes for the
calendar year no later than twenty (20) days after the date
Tenant has paid the Real Estate Taxes.
(c) Reserved .
(d) Landlord agrees that Tenant has
the first right to manage and conduct all negotiations of the Real
Estate Taxes and shall also have the right to contest the validity
or the amount of any Real Estate Taxes by such appellate or other
proceedings as may be appropriate in the jurisdiction, and may, if
applicable, defer payment of such obligations if payment would
operate as a bar to such contest, and, if applicable, pay same
under protest, or take such other steps as Tenant may deem
appropriate, provided, however, that Tenant indemnifies Landlord
from any expense (including reasonable attorney’s fees) or
liability arising out of such contest, pursues such contest in good
faith and with due diligence, posts any bond or security required
by law in connection with such contest, gives Landlord written
notice of its intention to contest, and takes no action which shall
cause or allow the institution of any foreclosure proceedings or
similar action against the Premises. Landlord shall, at
Tenant’s expense, cooperate in the institution and
prosecution of any such proceedings initiated by Tenant, if so
requested by Tenant, and shall execute any documents which Landlord
may reasonably be required to execute and shall make any
appearances which Landlord may reasonably be required to make in
connection with such proceedings. Further provided, that if
Landlord receives any letters or communications from any taxing
entity regarding the purchase price of the Premises paid by
Landlord, or any other purchaser, or any request or information
regarding the appraisal of the Premises, Landlord shall promptly
forward such communications to Tenant for Tenant to
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respond. Landlord agrees not to
respond directly to such requests, but rather to forward all such
requests to Tenant.
(e) If Tenant elects not to
institute proceedings to contest the validity or the amount of any
Real Estate Taxes, Landlord may do so, after giving Tenant fifteen
(15) days prior written notice, and Tenant shall cooperate and
shall make any appearances which Tenant may reasonably be required
to make in such proceedings but shall not be obligated to incur any
expense in connection therewith; provided, however, that Landlord
pursues such contest in good faith and with due diligence and
Landlord shall take no action which shall cause or allow the
institution of any foreclosure proceedings or similar action
against the Premises which might result in the termination of this
Lease.
(f) Should any of the proceedings
referred to in the preceding two paragraphs (d) and
(e) of this Section 5.1 result in reducing the total
annual Real Estate Taxes, Tenant shall be entitled to receive all
refunds by the taxing authorities attributable to the Premises for
any period for which Tenant has paid Real Estate Taxes after
deducting therefrom payment of all of the reasonable expenses
incurred by Landlord and Tenant, if any, incurred in any such
proceeding in which a refund is paid. If no refund shall be secured
in any such proceeding, the party instituting the proceeding shall
bear the entire cost, or