A preliminary settlement outlining the important thing phrases of a potential lease for enterprise area, this doc serves as a roadmap for each the owner and tenant earlier than a proper lease is drafted. It usually consists of particulars such because the property handle, lease time period, lease quantity, allowed makes use of, and duties for upkeep and repairs. For instance, it’d specify the month-to-month lease, the size of the lease (e.g., 5 years), and who’s liable for property taxes. This pre-lease settlement permits each events to determine a mutual understanding and agree on necessary particulars earlier than investing vital time and assets in authorized documentation.
This sort of settlement affords a number of benefits. It clarifies key lease phrases early within the negotiation course of, minimizing potential misunderstandings and disputes. It additionally indicators a severe intent from each events to proceed with the lease, fostering belief and facilitating a smoother transaction. Traditionally, such agreements have turn out to be more and more widespread in industrial actual property transactions, reflecting a want for higher transparency and effectivity within the leasing course of. This groundwork can expedite the ultimate lease settlement, saving priceless time and authorized prices for all concerned.
The next sections will delve deeper into the particular elements usually discovered inside these agreements, providing sensible steering on crafting efficient and legally sound paperwork. Additional dialogue can even discover the authorized implications and greatest practices related to these preliminary agreements in varied industrial actual property contexts.
1. Property Identification
Correct and unambiguous property identification types the cornerstone of any efficient letter of intent to lease industrial property. Clear delineation of the premises prevents future disputes and ensures all events are conscious of the precise property into account. This part explores essential sides of property identification inside such a doc.
-
Road Deal with and Authorized Description
The complete avenue handle, together with unit or suite quantity if relevant, needs to be clearly acknowledged. As well as, the authorized description, as recorded in public data, supplies an indeniable identification of the property. This may embody lot and block numbers, metes and bounds, or different official designations. This exact identification avoids ambiguity, notably in complicated properties or multi-building developments. For instance, a property is likely to be recognized as “123 Principal Road, Unit 4A, Metropolis, State, Zip Code” with a corresponding authorized description from county data. This twin strategy minimizes the chance of misidentification.
-
Parcel Identification Quantity (PIN)
The PIN, a novel identifier assigned by the native taxing authority, supplies a further layer of specificity. This quantity simplifies property tax evaluation and can be utilized for fast reference and verification. Together with the PIN helps guarantee alignment with official data and facilitates due diligence actions.
-
Constructing and Widespread Space Designations
If the lease includes a portion of a bigger constructing, the particular areas included, comparable to workplace area, warehouse area, or parking areas, have to be clearly outlined. The doc also needs to make clear the tenant’s rights and duties concerning shared widespread areas. This may contain specifying entry to elevators, restrooms, or loading docks.
-
Survey and Web site Plan References
Referencing current surveys or website plans additional clarifies the property boundaries and included areas. These visible aids present a transparent depiction of the property and its environment, minimizing the potential for misunderstandings concerning property traces, easements, or different related options. That is notably necessary for properties with complicated boundaries or shared entry factors.
Exact property identification within the letter of intent supplies a stable basis for the following lease settlement. This readability minimizes the chance of disputes, streamlines negotiations, and ensures all events have a shared understanding of the property concerned. This consideration to element contributes considerably to a profitable and legally sound leasing course of.
2. Lease Time period
The lease time period, an important part of a letter of intent to lease industrial property, defines the length of the tenancy. Cautious consideration of this factor is important for each landlord and tenant, because it impacts long-term planning, monetary projections, and enterprise operations. A clearly outlined lease time period supplies stability and predictability for each events.
-
Begin and Finish Dates
Specifying exact begin and finish dates establishes a transparent timeframe for the lease. This avoids ambiguity and supplies a concrete schedule for occupancy and vacating the premises. For instance, a lease time period is likely to be outlined as “commencing January 1, 2024, and expiring December 31, 2028.” This precision is important for monetary planning and operational logistics.
-
Length and Renewal Choices
The length of the lease, usually expressed in months or years, considerably impacts enterprise stability. Longer leases supply higher predictability however much less flexibility, whereas shorter leases present adaptability however could require extra frequent renegotiation. Renewal choices, outlining the phrases for extending the lease past the preliminary time period, present priceless flexibility. As an illustration, a lease may supply two five-year renewal choices at a predetermined lease escalation charge.
-
Break Clauses and Early Termination Rights
Break clauses permit both celebration to terminate the lease earlier than the expiration date below particular circumstances, comparable to a change in enterprise circumstances or a breach of contract. These clauses present an escape route in unexpected conditions. Early termination rights, whereas much less widespread, supply comparable flexibility. Clearly defining these rights and the related penalties or circumstances protects each events’ pursuits.
-
Alignment with Enterprise Targets
The chosen lease time period ought to align with the tenant’s long-term enterprise targets. A quickly increasing enterprise may want a shorter lease with renewal choices to accommodate potential development, whereas a longtime enterprise searching for stability may go for an extended lease time period. Cautious consideration of projected enterprise wants ensures the lease time period helps future success.
A well-defined lease time period within the letter of intent units the stage for a mutually useful landlord-tenant relationship. Readability concerning length, renewals, and termination choices fosters transparency and minimizes potential disputes. This foundational factor contributes considerably to a profitable and enduring lease settlement.
3. Hire Quantity
The lease quantity, a crucial factor inside a letter of intent to lease industrial property, establishes the monetary basis of the lease settlement. Clear and complete lease stipulations are essential for each landlord and tenant, impacting profitability and long-term monetary planning. This part explores key sides of lease willpower inside such a doc.
-
Base Hire
Base lease constitutes the fastened periodic fee for the usage of the property. It’s usually expressed as a greenback quantity per sq. foot per 12 months or a complete month-to-month quantity. For instance, a base lease is likely to be acknowledged as “$25 per sq. foot per 12 months” or “$5,000 per thirty days.” Clearly stating the bottom lease ensures each events perceive the elemental price of the lease.
-
Hire Escalations
Hire escalations define predetermined will increase within the base lease over the lease time period. These escalations will be fastened share will increase, changes based mostly on a specified index (such because the Client Worth Index), or negotiated will increase at particular intervals. As an illustration, a lease may embody a 3% annual lease escalation. This predictability permits tenants to forecast future bills and landlords to keep up property worth.
-
Extra Hire
Extra lease encompasses prices past the bottom lease, typically overlaying bills shared by tenants, comparable to property taxes, insurance coverage, and customary space upkeep (CAM). The strategy for calculating and allocating these prices needs to be clearly outlined. This may contain a pro-rata share based mostly on occupied sq. footage or a hard and fast month-to-month cost. Transparency in further lease calculations prevents future disputes.
-
Fee Phrases
Fee phrases specify the frequency and methodology of lease funds. This usually consists of the due date, acceptable fee strategies (e.g., verify, digital switch), and any relevant late fee penalties. Clear fee phrases guarantee well timed lease assortment and reduce monetary problems.
Exact lease stipulations throughout the letter of intent set up a clear monetary framework for the lease. Readability concerning base lease, escalations, further lease, and fee phrases fosters a robust landlord-tenant relationship constructed on mutual understanding. This detailed strategy to lease willpower is important for a profitable and enduring lease settlement.
4. Use Restrictions
Use restrictions inside a letter of intent to lease industrial property delineate the permitted actions throughout the leased premises. These stipulations shield the owner’s pursuits, preserve property worth, and guarantee compatibility amongst tenants. A transparent understanding of permitted and prohibited makes use of is essential for each events. This readability minimizes potential conflicts and fosters a harmonious tenant combine. As an illustration, a retail property may limit makes use of to particular forms of companies, comparable to outfitters or eating places, excluding industrial or manufacturing operations. This focused strategy preserves the property’s character and attracts a desired clientele.
Use restrictions typically handle particular operational features, comparable to noise ranges, hours of operation, and storage of hazardous supplies. These limitations stop disruptions to neighboring companies and guarantee compliance with native laws. Take into account a multi-tenant workplace constructing the place use restrictions may prohibit loud equipment or late-night operations, sustaining knowledgeable and productive atmosphere for all occupants. Equally, restrictions on hazardous supplies safeguard the property and the security of all tenants.
Cautious consideration of use restrictions throughout the letter of intent is essential for each landlords and tenants. Landlords profit from defending their funding and sustaining a fascinating tenant combine. Tenants acquire readability concerning permitted operations, making certain their enterprise actions align with the property’s supposed use. This proactive strategy minimizes future disputes and contributes to a profitable and mutually useful lease settlement. Navigating these restrictions requires cautious overview and potential negotiation to make sure alignment with enterprise wants and property laws. Omitting or overlooking these clauses can result in operational limitations and even lease termination.
5. Renewal Choices
Renewal choices inside a letter of intent to lease industrial property template present a framework for extending the lease time period past its preliminary length. These choices supply tenants the chance to keep up occupancy with out renegotiating a completely new lease, offering stability and predictability. For landlords, renewal choices incentivize tenant retention and reduce emptiness durations. Cautious consideration of renewal phrases throughout the letter of intent is essential for each events, impacting long-term occupancy and monetary planning.
-
Proper of First Refusal
A proper of first refusal grants the present tenant the primary alternative to resume the lease earlier than the owner affords the area to different potential tenants. This provision protects the tenant’s funding within the area and permits them to keep up their enterprise location. For instance, a tenant with a five-year lease may need a proper of first refusal for a further 5 years, making certain precedence consideration for continued occupancy.
-
Renewal Time period and Situations
The renewal time period specifies the size of the prolonged lease interval, which can be an identical to the preliminary time period or a distinct length. Renewal circumstances define the phrases below which the lease will be prolonged, comparable to required discover durations, lease changes, and any modifications to the unique lease phrases. A lease may supply a five-year renewal time period with a predetermined lease improve and an choice to renegotiate particular clauses.
-
Hire Changes upon Renewal
Hire changes upon renewal handle how the lease will change through the prolonged lease interval. This may contain a hard and fast share improve, an adjustment based mostly on a market index, or a good market worth appraisal. For instance, a lease may stipulate a 5% lease improve upon renewal, or it’d require an appraisal to find out the prevailing market lease. Readability concerning lease changes protects each events from sudden monetary burdens.
-
Choice to Lengthen vs. Computerized Renewal
An possibility to increase permits the tenant to decide on whether or not to resume the lease, offering flexibility. An automated renewal, conversely, extends the lease mechanically except both celebration supplies discover of termination inside a specified timeframe. An possibility to increase supplies higher tenant management, whereas an automated renewal ensures continued occupancy except explicitly terminated.
Properly-defined renewal choices throughout the letter of intent contribute considerably to a mutually useful and long-term landlord-tenant relationship. These choices present readability and predictability, facilitating strategic planning and minimizing potential disputes. Addressing renewal phrases early within the negotiation course of fosters transparency and ensures each events are aligned on the way forward for the tenancy. This proactive strategy strengthens the muse for a profitable and enduring lease settlement.
6. Safety Deposit
A safety deposit, a typical factor inside a letter of intent to lease industrial property, serves as monetary safety for the owner towards potential losses arising from tenant default or property injury. Inclusion of safety deposit phrases inside this preliminary settlement clarifies expectations and safeguards the owner’s funding. Addressing this monetary side early within the negotiation course of fosters transparency and contributes to a safer leasing association. This part explores key sides of safety deposit stipulations inside such a doc.
-
Quantity and Type of Safety
The letter of intent usually specifies the safety deposit quantity, typically expressed as a a number of of the month-to-month or annual lease. It additionally clarifies the appropriate types of safety, comparable to money, a letter of credit score, or a surety bond. For instance, a letter of intent may require a safety deposit equal to 2 months’ lease, payable by way of a licensed verify or a letter of credit score. Specificity in these particulars avoids ambiguity and ensures each events perceive the monetary obligations.
-
Situations for Return
The settlement ought to clearly define the circumstances below which the safety deposit can be returned to the tenant on the finish of the lease time period. These circumstances usually embody full fee of lease, adherence to lease phrases, and return of the property in acceptable situation, accounting for cheap put on and tear. Specificity in these circumstances minimizes potential disputes and protects each events’ pursuits.
-
Permissible Deductions
The letter of intent also needs to specify permissible deductions from the safety deposit, comparable to unpaid lease, prices of repairing injury past regular put on and tear, or different bills incurred attributable to tenant default. An in depth listing of permissible deductions avoids ambiguity and ensures transparency. As an illustration, the settlement may specify that deductions can cowl unpaid lease, injury to the property past regular put on and tear, and prices related to eradicating tenant-installed fixtures not accepted within the lease.
-
Curiosity Accrual and Holding Preparations
Relying on native laws, the letter of intent could handle whether or not the safety deposit accrues curiosity and the way the funds are held through the lease time period. Some jurisdictions require landlords to carry safety deposits in separate interest-bearing accounts. Addressing these authorized necessities ensures compliance and protects the tenant’s monetary pursuits.
Clear and complete safety deposit stipulations throughout the letter of intent present a robust basis for a safe and mutually useful lease settlement. Addressing these monetary features early within the negotiation course of fosters transparency and builds belief between landlord and tenant. This detailed strategy contributes to a smoother leasing course of and minimizes potential disputes concerning monetary obligations.
7. Upkeep Tasks
Clearly outlined upkeep duties are essential inside a letter of intent to lease industrial property. This readability ensures correct maintenance of the premises, minimizes disputes, and protects each the owner’s funding and the tenant’s operational continuity. Allocating duties upfront fosters a clear and mutually useful landlord-tenant relationship.
-
Structural Repairs
Accountability for structural repairs, comparable to roof leaks, basis points, or exterior wall injury, is usually assigned to the owner. These repairs are sometimes pricey and require specialised experience, making them a core landlord accountability. As an illustration, if a roof leak damages tenant property, the owner’s accountability for roof upkeep would usually make them accountable for the ensuing damages. Clear delineation of this accountability protects tenants from sudden bills and ensures well timed repairs.
-
HVAC Programs
Upkeep of heating, air flow, and air-con (HVAC) methods will be allotted to both the owner or the tenant, relying on the lease phrases. Particular duties, comparable to routine upkeep, filter replacements, and main repairs, needs to be clearly outlined. For instance, a lease may stipulate that the owner is liable for annual HVAC system inspections and main repairs, whereas the tenant is liable for month-to-month filter adjustments. This readability prevents ambiguity and ensures correct system perform.
-
Widespread Space Upkeep (CAM)
In multi-tenant properties, widespread space upkeep (CAM) bills, overlaying shared areas like hallways, lobbies, and parking heaps, are sometimes allotted amongst tenants. The strategy of allocation, comparable to a pro-rata share based mostly on occupied sq. footage, needs to be clearly outlined. As an illustration, if CAM fees embody landscaping and snow elimination, the allocation methodology ensures every tenant contributes pretty to the maintenance of shared areas. Transparency in CAM calculations prevents future disputes.
-
Inside Finishes and Fixtures
Accountability for sustaining inside finishes and fixtures, comparable to partitions, flooring, and lighting, is usually assigned to the tenant, except in any other case specified. This consists of repairs ensuing from regular put on and tear and injury brought on by the tenant. Nevertheless, the owner could retain accountability for main repairs or replacements. A transparent distinction between routine upkeep and main repairs avoids ambiguity and clarifies every celebration’s obligations. For instance, a tenant is likely to be liable for repainting partitions, whereas the owner may deal with plumbing or electrical repairs.
Clearly outlined upkeep duties throughout the letter of intent are important for a profitable lease settlement. This readability minimizes disputes, protects each landlord and tenant, and ensures the correct maintenance of the property. Addressing these duties upfront contributes to a extra clear and harmonious landlord-tenant relationship. This, in flip, facilitates a smoother leasing course of and establishes a framework for a mutually useful long-term settlement.
8. Enhancements Allowance
An enhancements allowance, a key part inside a letter of intent to lease industrial property, represents funds allotted by the owner for tenant-specific modifications to the leased area. This allowance allows tenants to customise the area to fulfill their operational wants, enhancing performance and aligning the premises with their model identification. Negotiating this allowance throughout the letter of intent clarifies monetary duties and avoids potential disputes through the lease time period. This monetary provision demonstrates a dedication from the owner to facilitate the tenant’s profitable occupancy.
The inclusion of an enhancements allowance throughout the letter of intent advantages each landlords and tenants. For tenants, it reduces the upfront monetary burden of customizing the area, permitting them to allocate assets to different important enterprise wants. For landlords, providing an enhancements allowance can entice and retain fascinating tenants, enhancing the property’s marketability and long-term worth. As an illustration, a landlord may supply a $50 per sq. foot enhancements allowance to a potential tenant, enabling the tenant to put in customized cabinetry, specialised lighting, or upgraded finishes tailor-made to their enterprise operations. This allowance reduces the tenant’s preliminary fit-out prices, whereas enhancing the general worth of the property.
Clearly defining the scope and phrases of the enhancements allowance throughout the letter of intent is essential. The settlement ought to specify the full quantity of the allowance, the forms of enhancements coated, the method for approving proposed modifications, and the procedures for disbursing funds. Addressing these particulars minimizes potential misunderstandings and ensures a clean build-out course of. Moreover, the letter of intent may stipulate whether or not any unused portion of the allowance reverts to the owner or stays with the tenant. Specifying these phrases protects each events’ monetary pursuits and facilitates a clear and mutually useful settlement. Navigating these complexities requires cautious negotiation and a spotlight to element, making certain the ultimate settlement aligns with each events’ long-term goals.
9. Authorized Contingencies
Authorized contingencies inside a letter of intent to lease industrial property template symbolize essential circumstances that have to be met earlier than the settlement turns into binding. These contingencies shield each the owner and tenant by permitting them to withdraw from the proposed lease if particular authorized or regulatory hurdles can’t be overcome. Addressing these contingencies upfront fosters transparency and minimizes potential problems through the leasing course of. Cautious consideration of those clauses is important for a legally sound and well-structured settlement.
-
Due Diligence and Property Inspection
The letter of intent typically features a contingency permitting the potential tenant to conduct due diligence, together with a radical property inspection. This contingency permits the tenant to evaluate the property’s situation, environmental compliance, and zoning restrictions. For instance, a tenant may interact environmental consultants to evaluate potential contamination or rent engineers to guage the constructing’s structural integrity. If the due diligence reveals unacceptable points, the tenant can withdraw from the lease with out penalty. This safety safeguards the tenant’s funding and ensures the property meets their operational necessities.
-
Financing Contingency
A financing contingency permits the potential tenant to withdraw from the lease if they can not safe the mandatory financing for the undertaking. This contingency is especially related for large-scale industrial tasks requiring substantial capital funding. As an illustration, a tenant searching for a multi-million greenback mortgage to renovate a leased area may embody a financing contingency, permitting them to exit the settlement if the mortgage is denied. This protects the tenant from monetary obligations they can not meet and supplies flexibility in securing funding.
-
Required Approvals and Permits
Authorized contingencies typically handle the necessity for acquiring crucial approvals and permits from governmental authorities. This may embody zoning variances, constructing permits, or environmental clearances. For instance, a tenant planning to switch the constructing facade may require approval from the native planning fee. If these approvals are denied, the contingency permits the tenant to withdraw with out being sure by the lease. This protects the tenant from coming into right into a lease for a property they can not legally use as supposed.
-
Present Lease Termination
If the potential tenant presently occupies one other leased area, the letter of intent may embody a contingency permitting them to withdraw if they can not terminate their current lease below acceptable phrases. That is notably related for companies relocating or increasing their operations. As an illustration, a tenant with a long-term lease may want to barter an early termination settlement with their present landlord earlier than committing to a brand new lease. This contingency supplies flexibility and avoids the potential burden of twin lease obligations.
Addressing authorized contingencies throughout the letter of intent supplies an important layer of safety for each landlords and tenants. These contingencies permit events to withdraw from the proposed lease below particular circumstances, minimizing potential authorized and monetary dangers. Cautious consideration of those clauses, with acceptable authorized counsel, ensures a well-structured and legally sound settlement. This proactive strategy strengthens the muse for a profitable and mutually useful leasing association.
Continuously Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning letters of intent for industrial property leases, offering readability on key features of those preliminary agreements.
Query 1: Is a letter of intent legally binding?
Whereas a letter of intent shouldn’t be usually legally binding in its entirety, sure clauses, comparable to confidentiality and exclusivity agreements, could also be enforceable. The binding nature of particular provisions relies on the language used and the governing jurisdiction.
Query 2: What’s the typical timeframe for negotiating a letter of intent?
The negotiation interval can fluctuate relying on the complexity of the transaction and the responsiveness of the events concerned. Usually, negotiations can take anyplace from a number of days to a number of weeks.
Query 3: Who usually drafts the letter of intent?
Whereas both celebration can provoke the drafting course of, it’s typically ready by the potential tenant’s authorized counsel after which reviewed and revised by the owner’s counsel.
Query 4: What occurs after a letter of intent is signed?
After signing, the events usually proceed to the formal lease negotiation and drafting course of. The letter of intent serves as a roadmap for the ultimate lease settlement.
Query 5: Can a letter of intent be terminated?
A letter of intent will be terminated if the events mutually agree or if specified contingencies will not be met. The termination course of needs to be clearly outlined throughout the doc itself.
Query 6: What are the important thing variations between a letter of intent and a lease settlement?
A letter of intent outlines the important thing phrases of a proposed lease in a non-binding format, whereas a lease settlement is a legally binding contract that formalizes the phrases of the tenancy.
Understanding these steadily requested questions supplies priceless insights into the aim and performance of letters of intent inside industrial actual property transactions. Consulting with skilled authorized counsel is essential for navigating these complexities and making certain a clean and legally sound leasing course of.
The next part will present a pattern letter of intent template, illustrating the sensible utility of those ideas.
Ideas for Using a Letter of Intent to Lease Business Property Template
Efficient use of a template requires cautious consideration to element and a transparent understanding of its objective. The next ideas present steering for maximizing the advantages of this important doc.
Tip 1: Interact Skilled Authorized Counsel
Authorized experience is important all through the leasing course of. Counsel can adapt templates to particular circumstances, making certain authorized compliance and defending particular person pursuits.
Tip 2: Clearly Outline Key Phrases
Ambiguity can result in disputes. Exactly outline lease, lease length, renewal choices, and different essential parts to attenuate misunderstandings. For instance, explicitly state whether or not lease escalations are based mostly on a hard and fast share or an index.
Tip 3: Deal with Contingencies Completely
Contingencies present essential safeguards. Clearly define circumstances, comparable to financing approvals or due diligence outcomes, that have to be met earlier than the lease turns into binding. Specificity protects each events from unexpected circumstances.
Tip 4: Define Upkeep Tasks Explicitly
Ambiguity concerning upkeep can result in disputes. Clearly delineate duties for repairs, HVAC upkeep, and customary space maintenance to forestall future conflicts. Specify who’s liable for routine upkeep versus main repairs.
Tip 5: Negotiate the Enhancements Allowance Strategically
Enhancements allowances present priceless flexibility for tenants. Fastidiously negotiate the quantity and permitted makes use of of this allowance to maximise its profit. Clearly outline the forms of enhancements coated, comparable to flooring, lighting, or fixtures.
Tip 6: Doc Every thing in Writing
Verbal agreements lack enforceability. Guarantee all agreed-upon phrases, even minor particulars, are documented in writing throughout the letter of intent. This written document prevents disputes based mostly on differing recollections.
Tip 7: Evaluate and Revise Fastidiously
Thorough overview is essential earlier than signing. Scrutinize each clause, making certain correct reflection of agreed-upon phrases. Search authorized counsel for a complete overview to establish potential omissions or ambiguities.
Tip 8: Keep Open Communication
Open communication fosters a constructive landlord-tenant relationship. Keep ongoing dialogue all through the method to handle questions, make clear considerations, and guarantee mutual understanding. Proactive communication minimizes potential conflicts.
Adherence to those ideas facilitates a smoother, extra clear leasing course of. A well-crafted letter of intent, knowledgeable by these pointers, protects the pursuits of each landlord and tenant, laying the groundwork for a profitable and mutually useful lease settlement.
The concluding part will summarize key takeaways and emphasize the significance {of professional} steering in navigating industrial leasing transactions.
Conclusion
Cautious utilization of a letter of intent to lease industrial property template supplies an important framework for profitable lease negotiations. Thorough consideration to key parts, comparable to property identification, lease time period, lease, use restrictions, renewal choices, safety deposit, upkeep duties, enhancements allowance, and authorized contingencies, ensures readability and protects the pursuits of all events concerned. Exact drafting and complete overview of those parts reduce potential disputes and set up a robust basis for a mutually useful landlord-tenant relationship.
Navigating the complexities of business leasing requires diligence and a proactive strategy. Skilled authorized steering is important for making certain compliance, defending particular person rights, and attaining optimum outcomes. A well-crafted letter of intent, developed with knowledgeable enter, serves as a roadmap for a profitable and enduring lease settlement, fostering a constructive and productive landlord-tenant relationship constructed on transparency and mutual understanding.