Single Net Lease: Everything You Need To Know

A single net lease is a contract in which the tenant agrees to pay a predetermined price for rent as well as coverage for additional expenses associated with the property he uses. That usually includes:

• Property taxes,
• Insurance,
• Maintenance,
• Repairs, and
• Clarifies all the additional expenses that the tenant is responsible of

A single net lease is the least common type of net lease which states that the tenant is responsible for paying all or a portion of the property taxes, in addition to the pre-established rental rate.

Although these financial responsibilities can shift from the landlord to the tenant, most landlords still prefer the payment to pass through them to ensure the payment is correct and on time.

Bear in mind that all of the information provided in this article can be impacted by many unique variables of your single net lease, so always consult with a qualified real estate professional before taking action.

What is Single Net Lease?

A single net lease is a lease agreement where the tenant pays for property taxes in addition to rent. In a single net lease agreement, the landlord is responsible for all other property-related expenses, including insurance, maintenance, and repairs.

What Is A Single Net Lease Property?

In a single net lease agreement, also known as a Net or N lease, the resident assumes accountability for paying the cost of the building’s property taxes in addition to the conventional rent. The proprietor may (or may not) include utilities with the rent, as negotiated between the two parties.

To compensate for the additional investment, landlords will typically offer a more moderate monthly rent. Nevertheless, the amount of rent will intensify periodically to reckon for buildup as well as to pay the required increase of real estate taxes and assessments, with residents paying roughly the same amount in a given year.

A single net lease gives the tenant more transparency regarding the amount of real property tax that it is paying. It is more suitable for the landlord because the landlord does not need to be involved in the process of paying real property taxes.

Why Do Single Net Leases Remain Less Common?

Single net leases have remained less common due to the inherent risk that they present to landlords. In a single net lease, the tenant is responsible for paying rent plus one of the property expenses, typically property taxes. This can become problematic for landlords if the tenant fails to pay their fair share of the property taxes, as it ultimately becomes the landlord’s problem rather than the tenant’s.

To avoid this issue, landlords prefer to assign responsibility for property taxes by using double net or triple net leases, which offer added protection and reassurance that property expenses will be handled properly.

However, landlords who want to assign responsibility for property taxes typically do so as a part of a double net lease or a triple net lease, rather than a single net lease.

Benefits of Single Net Lease

Single net lease can have a significant impact on simplifying your business. Not only does it allow more time to focus on other important things, it also comes with additional benefits for both tenants and landlords. Here are some of them.

Benefits for tenants

Single net leases can be beneficial for tenants, particularly those who are looking for a more affordable option. As tenants are only responsible for property taxes, their overall rental costs may be lower compared to other lease types. Additionally, tenants are not responsible for other property expenses, which can save them money in the long run.

Benefits for landlords

On the other hand, single net leases can be attractive for landlords as they can shift the responsibility of property taxes onto the tenant. This can help landlords save money on their own expenses. Additionally, landlords may find it easier to budget and forecast their expenses as they are only responsible for a handful of costs.

Benefits Of Investing In Single Tenant Properties

Single-tenant net lease investments are typically turnkey purchases, providing a consecutive stream of cash flow that can be scored month after month, year after year.

A single tenant net lease also makes an ideal investment for retirees, busy professionals, new investors, or investors simply looking to add a hassle-free property to their portfolio, with minimal responsibility required.

Unlike multi-tenant properties, single-tenant net lease proprietors are excluded even from capital repairs, allowing the owner to spend both his time and money on separate ventures.

Single-tenant net lease investments are ideal turnkey properties, whether you’re looking to diversify your portfolio or simply would like to add a no-hassle revenue stream – single net lease assets are the ideal investment. The IPG team is ready to guide you through your next N commercial real estate purchase.

Single Net Lease vs Other Leases Types

When it comes to leasing commercial properties, there are several options available to landlords and tenants alike. While gross leases may be more common for non-commercial properties, net leases are a popular choice for commercial leases, especially when it comes to larger properties.

A single net lease, for example, is a type of net lease where the tenant is responsible for paying either property taxes or insurance on top of their base rent. This arrangement can be beneficial for both tenants and landlords, as it allows for a clearer division of responsibilities and can help reduce overall costs.

It is important to carefully review the terms of any lease agreement before signing on the dotted line, especially when it comes to how maintenance costs will be handled.

Let’s see how a single net lease compares to other leases commonly used in commercial real estate.

Single Net Lease vs Gross Lease

Unlike in a full service gross lease, where the tenant pays for all the operating expenses and a higher rental cost, in a single net lease, the tenant is expected to pay a lower monthly rental fee plus a portion of the property taxes.

This type of lease could be a good fit for businesses that prioritize cost efficiency while still enjoying the benefits of having a physical office or commercial space. It’s essential to review the exact details of the lease with a professional to ensure that both the tenant and the property owner are aware of their obligations and rights.

Single Net Lease vs Double Net Lease

When searching for commercial real estate, it’s important to know the type of lease agreement you’ll be signing.

One common option is the double net lease, which requires tenants to take on additional expenses like insurance premiums, utilities, and taxes. This can provide certain benefits, such as greater control over the property and potentially lower costs in the long run.

On the other hand, a single net lease may be simpler for tenants to manage, as they only need to worry about property taxes in addition to their rent. Understanding the differences between these lease types can help you make an informed decision and find the best fit for your business needs.

Learn more about Double Net Lease here.

Single Net Lease vs Triple Net Lease

It’s important to note that single net leases are different from triple net leases, where tenants are responsible for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance/repairs in addition to rent. Triple net leases may be more common for longer lease terms or for commercial properties with multiple tenants.

Learn more about Triple Net Lease here.

Conclusion

Single net leases offer benefits for both tenants and landlords. Tenants may be able to save money on overall rental costs while landlords can shift the responsibility of property taxes onto the tenant. As with any commercial lease agreement, it’s crucial to read and understand the terms before signing.

We recommend working with a reputable commercial real estate company that can provide guidance on the right type of lease for your business needs.

Understanding single net leases can help you make a more informed decision for your company’s future real estate endeavors.