Triple Net Leases: What Every Business Leader Needs to Know

The phrase “triple net lease” (often abbreviated NNN) appears frequently in commercial real estate agreements. While widely used, it can be misunderstood if the details are not clearly defined in the lease document. This overview provides triple net lease explained in general terms.

What Is a Triple Net Lease?

A triple net lease is a structure where, in addition to paying base rent, the tenant is also responsible for covering three categories of operating expenses:

• Property Taxes
• Insurance

• Maintenance (often including repairs and common area costs)

These expenses are passed through from ownership to the tenant, making the financial responsibility broader than base rent alone.

How Triple Net Leases Benefit Property Owners

For property owners, triple net leases create more predictable income streams by reducing variable cost exposure. By passing through taxes, insurance, and maintenance, owners can stabilize operating income. From the tenant’s perspective, this structure may result in costs that fluctuate from year to year depending on market conditions and property needs.

Considerations for Tenants

While triple net leases are common across many property types, the structure can present challenges if not fully understood. Areas that often draw attention include:

• Expense Increases – Costs may change annually, sometimes without limits on certain categories.
• Capital Items – Costly repairs or replacements, such as roofing or HVAC systems, may be the tenant’s responsibility. 
• Transparency – Expense pass-throughs can be complex, and the clarity of reporting varies across agreements.

Triple Net Lease in Context

Triple net leases are a standard part of the commercial real estate landscape. They are not inherently favorable or unfavorable, but rather a framework that assigns costs in specific ways. The impact on a business depends on the details of the lease, the property, and the market environment.

Key Takeaway

Understanding the mechanics of triple net leases—what they include, how costs are allocated, and how they may change over time—is essential context for any commercial real estate strategy.

Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. It does not provide legal, financial, or investment advice. 

Written by the Keyser Editorial Team

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: What does “triple net” actually mean in a lease?
A: It means the tenant pays base rent plus property taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses.

Q: Are triple net leases always bad for tenants?
A: Not necessarily. They’re common in commercial real estate, but issues arise when costs aren’t capped or clearly defined.

Q: Can capital improvements be passed through in a triple net lease?
A: Sometimes, yes—if the lease isn’t specific. That’s why it’s critical to clearly define what counts as maintenance versus capital expenses.

Q: How can I protect my business in a triple net lease?
A: Negotiate clear terms, set caps on controllable expenses, retain audit rights, and model long-term cost projections before signing.