Leasing Your Retail Space in Ottawa

Help for landlords leasing storefronts, plaza units and mixed-use retail, from setting the rent to a signed lease with the right tenant.

For retail landlords

The right tenant makes the whole property stronger

In retail, every tenant affects the others. A good tenant brings customers to the plaza, supports the neighbours and makes the property more valuable. A poor fit can do the opposite.

We help landlords set the asking rent and terms using current evidence, present the space well, and match it with the retailers and service businesses most likely to succeed there. Then we qualify tenants and negotiate leases that protect your income and your property.

See our full retail real estate services.

4.5%

overall Ottawa retail vacancy, H1 2026

$44.73

average asking gross rent per sq ft

1.4%

vacancy in neighbourhood and community centres

0.1%

vacancy in Orléans retail

What we do

How we lease retail space

Set the rent

Base rent, recoveries, incentives and term based on current comparables.

Plan the mix

Tenants that complement each other, respecting existing exclusives.

Market the space

MLS®, LoopNet and Spacelist, our newsletter, and matching with the tenants we are working with.

Qualify tenants

Business plan, experience, financials and fit with the zoning and the centre.

Negotiate

Rent, improvements, exclusives, signage, hours and guarantees.

Renewals

Planning ahead so strong tenants stay.

Talk about leasing your property

Market snapshot

Retail leasing in Ottawa today

With vacancy at 1.4% in neighbourhood and community centres, well-located units lease quickly when they are priced and presented well. Gloucester and some larger-format properties have more availability and need sharper marketing.

Market figures: Cushman & Wakefield, Ottawa Retail MarketBeat, H1 2026. Asking gross rents; figures change each period.

Lease terms we focus on

Permitted use and exclusives
Recoveries of taxes, insurance and common costs
Improvement allowances and landlord work
Security deposits and personal guarantees
Signage, hours and patio rules
Assignment and subletting

Explore

More Ottawa retail real estate

Retail space for lease

Storefronts, plaza units and street retail across Ottawa.

Restaurant space

Restaurant, café and food service locations.

Retail plazas for sale

Plazas, strip centres and retail investment properties.

Selling a retail property

How we help owners prepare, evaluate and sell.

Retail Landlord Leasing FAQs

How do you set the rent for my retail unit?

We compare current asking and achieved rents for similar units nearby, adjusted for size, frontage, visibility, parking and condition.

Who pays the leasing commission?

In most commercial leases the landlord pays the commission, often shared with the tenant’s broker. We agree the fee with you in writing before we start.