commercial lease

[small nonprofit]

Small nonprofit with commercial lease. Clause in lease to pay 35% of California SF property tax on occupied portion of bldg.

Appended to property tax are other "direct charges and/or special assessments" such as rent stablization, SFUSD facility dist., and apartment licence fees that pertain to the landlord doing business as landlord.

Are there legal grounds to deduct these fees and pay 35% of the property tax only?

Though not a large amount, as a nonprofit, every dollar counts. Thanks for advice.

 

[HomeGuru]

What does your written lease state?

 

[small nonprofit]

reply to home guru

The lease says simply : "With regard to payment of real estate taxes and insurance, the Lessee shall be responsible for 35% of the same and Lessor for 65%."

Does this language include the fees assigned to a landlord for doing business as a landlord if such fees, even while listed as separate and distinct from property tax, are appended to the property tax bill?

Thank you again.

[Edited by small nonprofit on 01-18-2001 at 10:12 PM]

 

[HomeGuru]

There should be a provision in the lease stating other expenses such as common area maintenance charges, management fees, utilities, state taxes etc.