Industrial Lease Basics - What's Different, and Why It Matters

Mike Doyle, Partner • May 19, 2026

If you've ever leased office space and are now looking at warehouse, distribution, or flex industrial space — or if this is your first commercial lease of any kind — be prepared: industrial leases operate by a different set of rules. The physical characteristics of the space matter in ways that a Class A office building simply doesn't require, and the financial structure of the lease can look very different from what you might expect.

This guide breaks down what makes industrial leases unique and what every tenant needs to understand before they sign one.

Industrial Buildings

The Lease Structure: NNN vs. Gross
The most important financial concept in industrial leasing is understanding what type of lease you're signing. The two most common structures are triple net and gross, with many variations in between.


Take a few moments to plan your post
Once you have a great idea for a post, write the first draft. Some people like to start with the title and then work on the paragraphs. Other people like to start with subtitles and go from there. Choose the method that works for you.


Don’t forget to add images
Be sure to include a few high-quality images in your blog. Images break up the text and make it more readable. They can also convey emotions or ideas that are hard to put into words.


Edit carefully before posting
Once you’re happy with the text, put it aside for a day or two, and then re-read it. You’ll probably find a few things you want to add, and a couple more that you want to remove. Have a friend or colleague look it over to make sure there are no mistakes. When your post is error-free, set it up in your blog and publish.

Minneapolis
By Mike Doyle, Partner May 19, 2026
Signing a commercial lease without representation? You're not on a level playing field. Don't sit at the table alone.
Mill District, Minneapolis
By Mike Doyle, Partner May 19, 2026
Signing a commercial office lease is not like signing an apartment lease.