Frequently Asked Questions

What is a single-tenant net lease property?

A single-tenant net lease property, also referred to as an STNL, is a commercial property that is leased to one tenant. With any net lease, including an STNL, the tenant is responsible for the building’s additional costs, freeing the property owner of unexpected expenses. These types of leases can be signed with tenants in various industries ranging from fast food and convenience stores to pharmacies and retail outlets.

What are the benefits of investing in single-tenant properties?

There are numerous benefits of investing in single-tenant properties, the biggest being that there are very few unexpected costs since the tenant helps take on additional property costs. These costs covered by the tenant can range from operating costs and maintenance fees to insurance fees and property taxes.

Other benefits include long lease terms (typically 10-25 years) that ensure a stable income and that this is a passive property investment option requiring little work from the property owner

Are there any cons of investing in a single-tenant net lease property?

The cons associated with a single-tenant net lease are that they create all-or-nothing scenarios. This refers to the fact that the property income is entirely dependent on a single tenant, so if there’s a problem with the tenant making payments, there’s little to financially protect the property owner. This is why carefully vetting the tenant and assessing their creditworthiness is essential.

How can I find a single-tenant net lease property?

You can find a single-tenant net lease property through a commercial real estate brokerage, such as NetLeaseFinder.com. These allow you to browse through listings on your own and, with the help of a real estate expert, to find properties that align with your investment goals and preferences.

How does a single-tenant property differ from a multi-tenant property?

With a single-tenant property, the space is built to serve only one tenant. For example, a stand-alone fast food restaurant or store would be considered a single-tenant property.

A multi-tenant property, on the other hand, can accommodate multiple tenants within a single property. Multi-tenant properties can include things like strip malls, shopping malls, or multi-office buildings.

Single vs. double. vs. triple net leases: What’s the difference?

When it comes to net leases, the terms ‘single,’ ‘double,’ and ‘triple’ refer to how much responsibility falls on the tenant and landlord. A single net lease, also called an “N lease,” keeps the majority of building costs in the hands of the landlord, with the exception of property taxes, which the tenant will take on.

In a double net lease, or NN lease, the landlord is responsible for building maintenance and repairs, but the tenant takes on fees such as insurance and property taxes.

A triple net lease, aka a NNN lease, puts most of the additional property costs on the tenant rather than the landlord. The tenant will take on maintenance costs, insurance, and property tax. For property owners, this is the most passive investment option.

How can I find off-market single-tenant net lease properties?

Off-market single-tenant net lease properties can be found with the assistance of a commercial real estate agent or broker, like those available through NetLeaseFinder.com. They have the tools and connections at their disposal to help you find a wide range of net lease properties to best suit your needs.