What is a Modified Gross Lease in Commercial Real Estate?
A modified gross lease is a hybrid type of lease agreement that combines elements of both gross leases and NNN leases. Under this structure, the landlord typically covers the base operating expenses, such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, while the tenant agrees to pay for specific additional costs, like utilities or janitorial services.
In other circumstances, the Landlord sets a base year for the additional rent and the tenant pays the increase in CAM (Common Area Maintenance) and Real Estate taxes from the base year to the new year. The responsibilities are negotiated upfront, providing both parties with clarity and flexibility.
Key Points of a Modified Gross Lease
- Shared Costs: The landlord and tenant split increase in operating expenses based on terms outlined in the lease.
- Predictable Base Rent: Tenants pay a fixed base rent, covering agreed-upon landlord expenses.
- Flexibility: This lease type is tailored to meet the unique needs of both the landlord and the tenant.
- Cost Stability: While tenants pay for certain extras, they avoid the unpredictability of entirely net leases.
- Customizable: Negotiations determine which costs are covered by whom.
Example of a Modified Gross Lease
Imagine a tenant leasing 2,000 square feet of office space in a 10,000-square-foot building. The landlord includes property taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance in the base rent of $25 per square foot. The Landlord sets a base year for CAM and real estate taxes and the tenant pays the increase from the base year to the new year.
This arrangement allows the landlord to maintain property standards while providing the tenant with manageable costs and autonomy over their specific usage.
A modified gross lease strikes a balance, offering both landlords and tenants a fair, transparent, and adaptable lease structure tailored to their respective needs. It’s an excellent choice for businesses seeking cost stability without the complexity of a fully net lease.
Sharon Bogetz is a residential and commercial real estate broker with Century 21 Universal since 2019.