Know Your Commercial Lease Types

What is a Commercial Lease?

A commercial real estate lease is an agreement between a landlord and tenant for the rental of commercial property, such as retail space, office space, or industrial space. As a tenant, it’s important to understand the different types of commercial leases available and the factors to consider when choosing a lease that works best for your business needs.

Types of Commercial Real Estate Leases

1. Full-Service Lease: In a full-service lease, the landlord covers all building operating expenses, including property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance costs. The tenant pays a flat rate for rent, and there are no additional fees or expenses. This type of lease provides the tenant with predictable monthly expenses and requires minimal oversight. Full-service leases are most commonly used in office buildings, where the landlord provides a wide range of amenities and services. They are also sometimes used in retail properties where the tenant occupies a small space within a larger building and does not have control over the common areas.

2. Single Net Lease: In a single net lease, the tenant is responsible for paying a portion of the property taxes in addition to their rent. The landlord typically covers all other building operating expenses, such as insurance, maintenance costs, and utilities. This type of lease provides the tenant with predictable monthly expenses but requires them to pay additional taxes. They are particularly used for smaller properties such as retail spaces or office suites. 

3. Double Net Lease: In a double net lease, the tenant is responsible for paying a portion of the property taxes and insurance premiums in addition to their rent. The landlord typically covers maintenance costs and utilities. This type of lease provides the tenant with predictable monthly expenses but requires them to pay additional taxes and insurance. They are typically used for industrial properties such as warehouses, manufacturing facilities, or storage facilities, where the tenant needs a lot of space but may not need a lot of amenities or services.

4. Triple Net Lease: A triple net lease is an agreement in which the tenant pays a portion of the property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs in addition to their rent. This type of lease provides the landlord with predictable income and reduces their financial risk. However, it can be more complex for tenants, who must monitor and pay additional expenses. This type of lease is commonly used in real estate transactions involving freestanding buildings, such as retail stores, fast-food restaurants, or industrial properties. 

5. Gross Lease: In a gross lease, the tenant pays a fixed rent that covers all building operating expenses, including property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance costs. This type of lease provides the tenant with predictable monthly expenses and requires minimal oversight, when both the landlord and tenant want a fixed, all-inclusive rent amount with no surprises or additional expenses. Gross leases are typically used in commercial real estate for smaller tenants, such as those renting office or retail spaces. 

6. Modified Gross Lease: In a modified gross lease, the landlord covers some building operating expenses, such as property taxes and insurance, while the tenant pays for maintenance and utility costs. Modified gross leases can be beneficial for both landlords and tenants, as they allow for more flexibility in the allocation of expenses related to the property. They can also make it easier for tenants to budget for their rent, as they know that certain expenses, such as property taxes and insurance, will be included in the lease. This type of lease provides the tenant with predictable monthly expenses while reducing their financial risk. 

7. Percentage Lease: A percentage lease is an agreement in which the tenant pays a base rent plus a percentage of their sales revenue. The percentage is often calculated based on the tenant’s gross sales and can range from a few percent to as much as 10% or more. The base rent is often lower than it would be in a traditional lease, and the landlord’s income is tied to the success of the tenant’s business. This type of lease is common in retail and restaurant spaces and provides the landlord with a share of the tenant’s profits.

8. Ground Lease: In a ground lease, the tenant leases the land on which the property is located and is responsible for constructing and maintaining the building. This type of lease can be used in a commercial real estate transaction for tenants when they want to develop a property over a long period of time without having to purchase the land outright. This is particularly common in urban areas where land is at a premium, and the cost of purchasing the land can be prohibitively expensive.

9. Absolute Net Lease: Also called an absolute lease or absolute trip net lease, the tenant is responsible for paying all of the property’s operating expenses, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and repairs. The landlord typically has very little responsibility for the property beyond collecting rent from the tenant. Absolute net leases are often used for single-tenant commercial properties, such as standalone retail buildings, industrial facilities, or office buildings.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Lease Type

1. Type of business and space requirements

Consider the type of business you have and the space you need to operate. Choose a lease type that accommodates your business needs. Some questions to consider: What type of business do you have? What are your goals and objectives for the business? How much space do you need? What is your budget for renting the space?

2. Location and accessibility

Consider the location and accessibility of the property. For example, if your business is located in a prime location, you may want to opt for a triple net lease to reduce your expenses. Alternatively, if your business is located in a less desirable area, you may want to consider a gross lease that includes additional services to attract tenants.

3. Lease term

Consider the length of the lease term. Choose a lease that aligns with your business goals and allows for flexibility if your business needs change. Depending on your business needs, you may want to consider a short-term lease if you are just starting out or a long-term lease if you are looking for stability and want to establish your business in the community.

4. Rent and additional expenses

Consider the rent and additional expenses associated with the property. Choose a lease that fits within your budget and doesn’t require you to take on more expenses than you can handle. Different lease types have different rent structures, and it’s important to choose the one that best fits your budget. Some lease types, such as net leases, may require tenants to pay additional costs, such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses.

5. Maintenance and repairs

Consider the maintenance and repairs that may be required during the lease term. Depending on the lease type, the responsibility for maintenance and repairs may fall on either the tenant or the landlord. Before signing a lease, it’s important to clarify who will be responsible for maintenance and repairs and what expenses will be covered.

6. Tenant improvements

Consider the tenant improvements you may need to make to the property. Choose a lease that allows for necessary improvements and clearly outlines who is responsible for paying for them. Some lease types require the tenant to handle all improvements while others may require the landlord to make initial improvements and the tenant to handle future ones. And depending on the nature of the tenant’s business, they may require significant customization to the space, which can be costly and time-consuming. The tenant should carefully consider their needs and work with the landlord to determine the most efficient and cost-effective approach.

7. Tax Implications

Consider the property and real estate taxes associated with the space. For example, in a triple net lease, the tenant is responsible for paying property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs in addition to rent. On the other hand, in a gross lease, the landlord is responsible for paying the building’s property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. The tenant pays a set amount of rent each month, and the landlord covers all other costs. While the tenant may not be able to deduct these expenses from their taxes, they also don’t have to worry about unexpected increases in costs.

Negotiating Your Commercial Lease

Once you’ve chosen a lease that works best for your business needs, it’s essential to negotiate the terms of the lease agreement. By negotiating your lease, a tenant can potentially secure more favorable lease terms, such as a lower rent or longer lease term. Negotiating can also provide the opportunity to address any concerns or issues with the lease agreement, such as tenant improvements or maintenance responsibilities. Thus, a tenant can save money, protect their business interests, and ensure a successful long-term tenancy.

Working with a Commercial Real Estate Broker

Commercial real estate brokers can play a significant role in helping tenants choose a commercial lease option. They have extensive knowledge of the local market and can help businesses understand their options and negotiate lease terms. Brokers can also assist with identifying potential properties, arranging property tours, and facilitating communication between the tenant and landlord. Additionally, brokers can provide valuable insights into market trends and can help businesses make informed decisions about their leasing options.