3 Types of Commercial Leases: MG, NNN, and FS

Commercial real estate leases can be complex, with various types and terms that both landlords and tenants should be familiar with. Among the most common are types of commercial leases including Modified Gross (MG), Triple Net (NNN), and Full-Service (FS). Understanding what fees these types of commercial leases encompass and differences between these lease types is crucial for both parties involved in a commercial real estate transaction. In this blog post, we will explore the key features and implications of each lease type, shedding light on their advantages and potential considerations.

Modified Gross (MG) Lease

A Modified Gross lease is a combination of a Gross lease and a Net lease. In an MG lease, the tenant pays a base rent that includes a portion of the operating expenses such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. However, the landlord is responsible for some of the expenses, such as utilities or common area maintenance. MG leases offer a level of flexibility and can be negotiated to allocate specific expenses between the landlord and the tenant.

Pros

• Shared responsibility for operating expenses, providing some cost predictability for the tenant.
• Flexibility in negotiating expense allocations, depending on the specific needs of both parties.
• Easier to manage than a Triple Net lease, as some expenses are included in the base rent.

• Potential for higher base rent due to shared operating expenses.
• Less control over expenses compared to a Triple Net lease.
• Limited transparency regarding individual expenses.

Triple Net (NNN) Lease

Triple Net leases are commonly used in commercial real estate and place the majority of expenses on the tenant. Under this lease type, the tenant is responsible for paying the base rent as well as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses, including repairs and replacements. NNN leases are often used for single-tenant properties such as retail stores, office buildings, or industrial spaces.

Pros

• Tenant assumes responsibility for most expenses, providing the landlord with a predictable income stream.
• Transparency regarding individual expenses, allowing tenants to have better control over their costs.
• Typically, lower base rent due to the tenant's responsibility for expenses.

Cons

• Greater financial responsibility for the tenant, which can be challenging, especially for small businesses.
• Potential for fluctuating expenses, such as property taxes and insurance premiums.
• Limited flexibility in negotiating expense allocations.

Full-Service (FS) Lease

A Full-Service lease, also known as a Gross lease, is characterized by the landlord assuming the majority, if not all, of the expenses associated with the property. The tenant pays a single monthly rent that covers all operating expenses, including utilities, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and janitorial services. FS leases are common in office buildings, where the landlord provides a range of services and amenities to attract tenants.

Pros

• All-inclusive monthly rent simplifies budgeting for tenants.
• Landlord takes care of most operating expenses, reducing the tenant's financial burden.
• Enhanced services and amenities provided by the landlord, such as security, cleaning, and landscaping.

Cons

• Typically higher base rent compared to other lease types.
• Limited control over individual expenses, as the tenant is not directly responsible for them.
• Potential for increases in operating expenses during the lease term.

When engaging in a commercial real estate lease, understanding the types of commercial leases and the differences between Modified Gross (MG), Triple Net (NNN), and Full-Service (FS) leases is crucial. Each lease type offers distinct advantages and considerations, impacting the financial responsibilities and level of control for both landlords and tenants. By carefully evaluating these lease types and considering their implications, parties can make informed decisions that align with their specific needs and objectives in commercial real estate transactions.