Net Lease Law

A net lease is a type of commercial lease agreement in which the tenant pays a portion, or even all, of the property expenses along with their rent. These expenses may include property taxes, property insurance, maintenance, and more. It’s essential for both landlords and tenants to understand the terms of a net lease, as they can significantly impact the total cost of leasing the property.

Types Of Net Leases

There are several types of net leases, each with a different allocation of costs:

• Single Net Lease (N Lease): In this type of lease, the tenant is responsible for rent and property taxes.
• Double Net Lease (NN Lease): The tenant pays for rent, property taxes, and property insurance.
• Triple Net Lease (NNN Lease): The tenant covers the cost of rent, property taxes, property insurance, and typically maintenance costs as well.

Single Net Lease (N Lease)

Let’s imagine a retail business, Sarah’s Boutique, is looking for a commercial space to lease. They come across a property with a single net lease. Under this lease, Sarah’s Boutique would pay a specified amount of rent each month. In addition, they would also be responsible for paying the property taxes directly to the city or county. The landlord would be responsible for the property insurance and maintenance costs. This type of lease might be attractive to Sarah’s Boutique if they want more control over their property taxes but don’t want to take on the burden of insurance or maintenance costs.

Double Net Lease (NN Lease)

Consider a fast-food franchise, Mike’s Burgers, which is interested in leasing a property with a double net lease. In this situation, Mike’s Burgers would be responsible for the rent, property taxes, and property insurance. The property taxes would be paid directly to the local government, while the insurance payments would be made to the insurance company.

The landlord would only be responsible for maintenance costs. This lease might suit Mike’s Burgers if they want control over their insurance policy to cover potential liabilities related to their business operations.

Triple Net Lease (NNN Lease)

Take the example of a large retailer, BookWorld, which decides to lease a property with a triple net lease. Under this lease, BookWorld would be responsible for the rent, property taxes, property insurance, and typically maintenance costs. They would pay their rent to the landlord, the property taxes to the local government, the insurance premiums to the insurance company, and would also handle (and pay for) the maintenance of the property.

This arrangement could be beneficial to BookWorld if they want maximum control over their property and if they’re confident in their ability to handle all property-related expenses efficiently. However, it could also pose more potential costs and responsibilities.

What Are Some Legal Issues Associated with Net Lease?

Net leases can lead to several legal issues, such as disputes over the responsibilities of the landlord versus those of the tenant or disagreements over property maintenance or insurance coverage. Other legal issues may arise from eminent domain, in which the government takes over a property for public use. The allocation of responsibilities in these situations can be complex and may be addressed within the lease agreement.

Disputes Over Responsibilities

Consider a scenario where Mike’s Burgers has signed a double net lease for their property. They are responsible for rent, property taxes, and property insurance. The building experiences a significant plumbing issue, requiring extensive repairs. The landlord argues that since the problem involves internal piping, it’s considered maintenance, thus making it Mike’s Burgers’ responsibility.

Conversely, Mike’s Burgers contends that such a significant issue is structural and, therefore, the landlord’s obligation. This dispute could lead to legal action if it can’t be resolved amicably.

Resolution of this issue would likely rely on a careful review of the lease agreement and possibly negotiation or mediation. If the lease is not explicit about such situations, a court may need to interpret its terms.

Disagreements Over Insurance Coverage

Take the case of Sarah’s Boutique, which has a single net lease. A fire occurs in the building, causing considerable damage. The landlord’s insurance policy covers the structural damage, but Sarah’s Boutique’s business inventory is lost. Sarah’s Boutique argues that the landlord’s insurance should cover their losses since the fire was due to faulty electrical wiring, a structural issue. This dispute could escalate to legal proceedings if the parties can’t reach an agreement.

The resolution would depend on the specific wording of the lease agreement and the terms of both the landlord’s and tenant’s insurance policies. A lawyer may be needed to interpret these documents and negotiate a settlement.

Eminent Domain Issues

For example, suppose BookWorld has a triple net lease on a property. The local government decides to use eminent domain to acquire the property for a public park. The question arises: Who receives the compensation – the landlord or BookWorld?

In this case, the terms of the lease agreement will play a crucial role. Typically, the property owner would receive the compensation. However, the lease could specify that the tenant receives compensation for the loss of their lease. Legal advice would likely be necessary to navigate this complex situation.

What Types of Damages Are Available in a Net Lease Lawsuit?

If a landlord or tenant breaches the terms of a net lease, the other party may sue for damages. The types of damages awarded will depend on the nature of the breach. For instance, a landlord might sue for unpaid rent or property taxes, while a tenant might sue for damages caused by a landlord’s failure to maintain the property as agreed in the lease.

Do I Need a Real Estate Attorney before Signing My Commercial Lease?

If you’re considering a net lease, it’s advisable to consult with a real estate lawyer to ensure you fully understand your obligations under the lease.

Commercial leases can be lengthy and contain intricate provisions that may have significant financial implications. A real estate attorney can review the lease agreement, explain the terms, and ensure you fully understand your rights and obligations as a tenant. They can help you navigate clauses related to rent, maintenance responsibilities, insurance requirements, renewal options, subleasing, and more.

An experienced real estate attorney can identify potential issues or red flags within the lease agreement. They have the legal knowledge to spot unfavorable or ambiguous provisions that could impact your business in the long run. By addressing these concerns before signing, you can negotiate necessary changes or seek clarification to protect your interests.

Likewise, a real estate attorney can advocate on your behalf during lease negotiations. They can assist in negotiating favorable terms that align with your business objectives and financial capabilities. This may include seeking rent concessions, tenant improvements, or specific provisions that protect your rights and mitigate risks.

Don’t hesitate to contact a reliable real estate attorney through LegalMatch. Our experienced lawyers can provide the legal advice and assistance you need when dealing with commercial leases.

LegalMatch is an online platform that can connect you with experienced real estate attorneys who have experience with commercial leases. By providing details about your specific situation, you can receive responses from multiple attorneys and choose the one that best suits your needs.