The word gerbil is a diminutive form of  jerboa , though the jerboas are an unrelated group of rodents occupying a similar ecological niche.
A variance is a form of equitable relief that allows a property owner to bypass local zoning laws so they can use their land in the most efficient manner possible. When unusual circumstances make it difficult for a property owner to comply with local zoning laws, cities and counties may grant what are known as variances to allow property owners to circumvent the traditional zoning laws in an area.
Commercial real estate commissions are, in most cases, calculated as a percentage of the rent due under the lease. The higher the rent and longer the term, the more commission is paid. This may be great for the landlord, but is usually contrary to what the tenant is trying to achieve.