Topic: Rooftop Lease for Data Node

Matt Clark's Avatar Topic Author
  • Karma: 7
  • Posts: 50
Does anyone here have experience with a rooftop lease to cellular service providers? Specifically, what lease amount would be normal for the placement of a data node on the roof of a multi-family building? Any pitfalls to be aware of?
Posted 8 years 6 months ago
Jay Koster's Avatar
  • Karma: 3
  • Posts: 46
We have multiple cell sites on the roof, and while I'm not involved in the lease aspect of it, I can tell you we get between $1200 and $1600 per site, depending on the square footage they take up.
Posted 8 years 6 months ago
David Iwanier's Avatar
David Iwanier
Doing rooftop leases is a great source of additional building income. Just make sure you figure out what electric they will be using and work it into the rent.
Posted 8 years 6 months ago
Andrew Smith's Avatar
Andrew Smith
Lease amounts depend on what they are installing and how much space it takes up. It can also depend on the time of year ( early in their budget year they have more money to spend), as well as how many other locations near you they can consider as options.

  • Most agreements will be for 20 years (and the "Out Clause" is one sided - they can terminate, but you cant)
  • Make sure they have yearly increase in the "rent".
  • Make sure that they pay for any power they use (it is better if they have a separate meter installed
  • Make sure you are ok with how the aesthetics of the building will change and see how they can minimize this in the design
  • Make sure the antennas are not over any pool or playground or other common area as you will get a lot of complaints from your residents about being "microwaved"
  • They will require 24 hour unfettered access - they dont want to have to wait for you to let them into the building if they have a service problem.
  • Don't allow them to sublease without you getting a piece of the sublet.

  • I hope this helps.


Posted 8 years 6 months ago
Matt Clark's Avatar Topic Author
  • Karma: 7
  • Posts: 50
Great info!

Thanks guys!
Matt
Posted 8 years 6 months ago