The first step in managing a commercial multi-tenant property is understanding the tenants and owners. Then, look at operations and costs. These will provide a foundation for your commercial multi-tenant property management plans. Finally, consider the costs and risks involved with managing a multi-tenant property.
Lessees
A commercial lease is a legally binding contract between the landlord and the business tenant. It outlines the terms of the agreement and describes the property. It typically includes the landlord’s name, address, physical boundaries, allowed uses, and square footage. It may also specify the length of the tenancy and base rent.
One of the most important aspects of a multi-tenant commercial lease is the ability to share resources. Having more tenants means less risk of vacancy and more stable income. A multi-tenant commercial lease allows the landlord to invest in maintenance and renovations to suit the tenants’ needs better.
Another consideration is the quality of the tenant. If the property is vacant for extended periods, the landlord will incur vacancy costs, which will negatively affect the business’s bottom line.
Owners
Multi-tenant properties offer some benefits for owners. Typically, these properties house tenants from a variety of industries. This diversification allows for more predictable cash flow and lowers overhead costs. Moreover, tenants generally cover a portion of the operating and maintenance costs. Landlords can enjoy a predictable cash flow and minimize the risk of frequent tenant turnover. There are several key considerations for owners before selling commercial multi-tenant property.
Often, landlords will grant tenants options to extend their leases. These options are usually negotiated in writing. This way, both parties can work out a solution that suits them. A key feature of a commercial lease agreement is the right to match bona fide offers.
Operations
One of the key functions of commercial multi-tenant property management is operations. These operations include evaluating prospective tenants, overseeing the maintenance and repair of vacant spaces, and working to avoid conflicts between tenants. The manager oversees neighboring tenants, operations, and access to the property. Finally, the manager ensures that the property complies with local regulations.
In addition to addressing operational issues, strategic planning is critical. Creating a strategy will help you attract quality tenants and maximize building performance. This will ensure there are fewer obstacles to overcome as well. For example, attracting tenants during the summer may be easier than in the winter months. However, due diligence should be undertaken to ensure that the prospective occupants are good candidates.
Costs
The costs associated with managing multi-tenant properties are many and varied. These costs include active management and capital investments. They also include costs associated with liability insurance and short-term leases with high turnover rates. In addition, landlords are responsible for maintaining common areas, including landscaping and HVAC systems. Other costs associated with managing multi-tenant properties include paying for common area maintenance, utilities, and other expenses, such as hiring a janitor or attendant.
Common area maintenance charges (CAM) are unique to commercial property management. These are net charges under triple-net leases and are a component of operating expenses. Each tenant pays a portion of this bill based on their rentable square footage. This helps owners to cover the overhead costs associated with running a property.