Many tenants assume the broker across the table is on their side. In most cases, that broker works for the landlord, or for both sides at once. That arrangement isn't always hidden, but it's easy to overlook when a deal feels friendly and straightforward.
A tenant-only advisor works for one party: you. That changes the questions asked, the information shared, and the strategy used. Instead of asking how quickly a deal can close, the advisor asks what the lease will cost your business over its full term, and which terms deserve the most attention.
Tenant-only representation also reduces conflicts of interest. An advisor who doesn't represent landlords has no building to protect and no owner to keep happy. Their recommendations can focus on what serves your business, including options that a landlord-side broker might never mention.
Tenant-side advisors are still paid for their work. The difference is who pays them. When the tenant is the only client, the advisor's loyalty runs in one direction, and that clarity tends to produce better outcomes.
If you're making a decision that will last years, ask one question before you start: who am I paying, and whose interests do they represent? The answer will shape everything that follows.