You’ve found a building, you’ve negotiated a great rent, and you’re ready to sign. But there’s one uncomfortable question sitting in the background: what if the tenant can’t pay? In commercial real estate, the tenant’s rent payments are what keep the investment running. This chapter is about making sure that income doesn’t fail. We’ll look at how to size up a tenant’s financial strength, and we’ll explore the lease clauses that act like seatbelts—giving you extra protection when things get bumpy.