What does base rent typically exclude in a lease agreement?

In a lease agreement, base rent typically refers to the fundamental rental amount that a tenant is obligated to pay for occupying the leased property. This amount usually does not encompass additional operational costs, which may include expenses such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities, and management fees. These additional operational costs are often passed onto the tenant separately and can vary significantly based on the property and its usage.

Understanding the distinction between base rent and additional operational costs is crucial for tenants when budgeting for occupancy costs. Knowing that these costs exist helps tenants prepare adequately for their total financial obligations under the lease. In contrast, principal payments, lease initiation fees, and security deposits are usually considered separate payments or terms related to the lease agreement and often do not fall under the umbrella of base rent.