There is more than one type of telecommunication lease, and the differences can be subtle and complex. If you are considering leasing property to someone who wants to build a cell-phone tower on your property, it’s important that you understand the nuances that set the leases apart. Telecommunication leases are not your average real-estate agreements. Tenants don’t occupy the property as they would with a traditional commercial or residential lease; they lease the space to construct an unmanned cell tower. The agreements specify length of term, rental amounts, revenue shares, and other legal details.
Rooftop Cell Sites
One area where cell sites are located is on rooftops of tall buildings. This usually occurs in urban locales, because there are multiple buildings that are viable candidates, and because there is not much vacant space to build new towers. Some of the locations where rooftop cell sites are placed include:
- On a roof
- On a building’s façade
- On a platform built on the roof
- Via antennas which are connected to the building
Ground Structure Sites
Open land is also conducive to building telecommunications structures and towers. Leasing land to construct cell-phone towers is the most popular type of lease. Some questions to ponder when entering into a lease agreement include:
- Do you plan to develop your land in the future?
- What type of rental payments and revenue-sharing plan will you include in the agreement?
Types of Cell Phone Towers
When you consider leasing your land for cell-tower construction, it’s important to learn what type of structure will be built. There are a wide variety of designs, such as:
- Monopoles
- Guyed towers
- Faux stealth trees
The design of the tower will depend on multiple factors, such as the tenant’s budget, whether the land is in a rural or urban location, and zoning regulations. The stealth faux trees are so realistic that many people don’t notice them, because they blend into the terrain. Trees are chosen according to and matched with the geographic location. Options include:
- Palm trees
- Pine trees
- Eucalyptus trees
Lease Considerations
When you are ready to negotiate your lease, it’s important to understand values. A professional lease advisor can help you understand what your land or rooftop location is worth, so you get the best terms and savviest deal. A professional can advise you about:
- Length of lease
- Monthly rent
- Revenue sharing
- Early-termination-agreement language
- Legal and tax concerns
If you plan to lease your property to a telecommunication company, it’s important that you make your best deal. An experienced lease advisor can help you understand the ins and outs of telecommunication leases, and knowledge is definitely powerful.
