What is the Best Lease Type for Commercial Property?

For both landlords and renters, learning what is the best lease type for commercial property can have a big impact on long-term profitability. It enhances operational flexibility and financial stability.

The terms and conditions of commercial leases vary greatly. Therefore, it is critical to know what is the best lease type for commercial property to run a streamlined business.

Bloom Property Management London Ontario presents the most popular forms of commercial leases. You will also learn about their individualized pros and cons to make wise decisions.

Types of Commercial Leasing Property

The primary distinction between commercial leases is how costs are divided between the landlord and the tenant. The main types are:

  • Gross leases

  • Net leases

  • Modified gross leases

  • Percentage leases

Each category possesses unique qualities and is better suited to particular business sizes, sectors, and real estate locations. Understanding these distinctions is the initial step in choosing the ideal lease arrangement for any industrial property.

Gross Lease: Ideal for Simplified Rent Payments

The rent payment for a gross lease or full-service lease covers all or the majority of the property's operational costs, including:

  • Taxes

  • Insurance

  • Upkeep

The rent is fixed, and the landlord covers changes in operational expenditures. Smaller companies or renters frequently choose this lease form because it offers predictable costs.

Advantages

  • Decreased financial risk for tenants

  • Easier budgeting

  • Predictable monthly expenses

Disadvantages

  • Higher initial rent to cover all expenditures

  • Possibility of yearly rate adjustments by landlords to compensate for growing expenses

Best For

Smaller companies and office spaces that value consistency and predictability in their spending.

Read about lease management.

Net Lease: Suitable for Tenants Willing to Share Operating Costs

Tenants under a net lease pay a basic rent in addition to a share of the building's operational costs. It includes:

  • Maintenance

  • Insurance

  • Property taxes

There are three different types of net leases:

  • Single net

  • Double net

  • Triple net

The triple net lease (NNN) is the most popular. It requires the tenant to pay the rent and all three costs.

Advantages

  • A lower base rent

  • The ability for renters to contribute to actual costs appeals to landlords.

Disadvantages

  • Unpredictable changes in monthly charges.

Best For

Retail establishments and bigger companies with the resources to manage varying costs.

Modified Gross Lease: Balancing Stability and Flexibility

A modified gross lease is a mixture of a gross and net lease. Here, the landlord and renters split some operating expenses, usually decided upon during lease negotiations.

With fewer variables than a net lease, this lease provides greater flexibility than a gross lease.

Advantages

  • Provides a compromise between stability and cost-sharing.

  • Enables stable base rent with partial cost accountability.

Disadvantages

  • The agreement is difficult to negotiate.

  • Costs may still change.

Best For

Landlords and tenants seeking a flexible leasing arrangement that gives them some control over running costs.

Percentage Lease: Best for High Revenue Retail Tenants

Tenants with a percentage lease pay a portion of their gross sales in addition to the base rent. Shopping malls and other high-traffic retail spaces frequently employ this sort of lease. Because increased sales immediately benefit both parties, the percentage lease arrangement encourages landlords to assist tenants in succeeding.

Advantages

  • Lower base rent.

  • More revenue for landlords from tenants.

Disadvantages

  • Less predictable monthly expenses.

  • Variable costs for renters based on sales.

Best For

Retail establishments with seasonal sales fluctuations, especially those in busy locations.

What is the Best Lease Type for Commercial Property?

You can determine what is the best lease type for commercial property based on the landlord's or tenant's financial flexibility and particular objectives. Businesses looking for fixed costs can find a gross lease appropriate. However, tenants with greater financial flexibility would find a triple-net lease more appealing.

A modified gross lease offers a middle ground for landowners and renters seeking equilibrium. Conversely, percentage leases are designed for expensive retail locations.

The Bottom Line

Learning what is the best lease type for commercial property is made easier if you are aware of these possibilities. Take your financial objectives into account. Long-term stability and development in commercial leasing depend on matching the kind of lease with financial planning and company strategy.

Read: Commercial property lease agreement.

Next
Next

What Type of Rental Properties is the Most Profitable?