Should I ask for a signing bonus, or to have my attorney’s fees reimbursed?

While the option payment is intended to reserve the option to lease, sometimes the carriers or tower companies will offer to either pay a signing bonus to encourage the landowner to hurry up and sign, or they will offer to reimburse the landowner for attorney’s fees. Signing bonuses can be up to $5,000, but are typically less than $2,000. We recommend that landowners consider asking for a signing bonus, attorney’s fees, and/ or options payments. However, don’t be greedy when asking for them. You don’t want to scare away your potential cell tower tenant and a lucrative lease just because you pushed for an extra $1,000 up front.