A demised premises refers to the space occupied by a tenant under a lease contract. The lease contract requires careful reading because it usually dictates the responsibilities between the landlord and tenant surrounding the care of the demised premises.

Common Areas

Common areas are not part of the demised premises. Common areas may include hallways and corridors, entrances, walkways, parking areas and stairways leading to the demised premises. Under the lease contract, tenants shall have access to the demised premises through the use of these common areas.

Interior

The duty to repair and maintain the interior of the demised premises becomes the tenant's responsibility. This includes all mechanical, electrical and plumbing within the demised premises. The flooring throughout the demised premises shall also be cleaned and maintained by the tenant.

Exterior

The duty to repair and maintain the structural part of the building becomes the landlord's responsibility. This includes the roof, exterior walls, drains and pipes and electrical and plumbing repairs leading up to the demised premises.

Improvements

The tenant shall bear responsibility for any alterations or improvements to the demised premises, subject to landlord approval if mandated by the lease contract. Although considered part of the exterior, the tenant maintains responsibility for any signs, glass frames and doorways.