Definition of "Stop clause"

Jodi Bakst, Broker real estate agent

Written by

Jodi Bakst, Brokerelite badge icon

Real Estate Experts

Leasing commercial or industrial real estate can be a perplexing process. As a tenant (and as a landlord,) you must consider several aspects before actually signing the deal. Even top local real estate agents recommend you to ask fundamental questions from your potential landlord

For instance, it would be best if you discussed details regarding the lease agreement and various clauses and provisions embedded to avoid future unpleasant surprises. Revealing and learning about crucial information on these agreements form the basis of landlord-tenant rights.

What does a stop clause in a lease agreement refer to?

A stop clause is integral to real estate deals, especially apartment leases. Under such circumstances, a stop clause, often known as an eviction or escalation clause, defines a provision in a lease agreement. More precisely, it indicates the maximum amount of operating expenditures that the landlord of the rental property is supposed to incur in a given year. The lessee must pay any amount incurred in excess of this amount.

Landlords can change provisions to fend off an unstable market.

Landlords are skilled at including stop clauses and escalation provisions into lease agreements. Imagine that rents in a particular area are rapidly rising. In that circumstance, landlords may reconsider signing a long-term lease instead of a short-term one. They know that this might result in a lost profit or a decrease in property valuation.

They can, however, increase rent by a particular amount at periodic intervals by including an escalation provision in the rental contract. As a result, they may capitalize on current market conditions. At the same time, the tenant can secure and safeguard their long-term contract.

The tenant’s financial obligations

On the other hand, landlords can demand that their tenants pay a pro-rata share of the growing building expenses. These payments may cover the premises’ operating charges and various real estate taxes. In matters of a commercial lease, the landlord will incorporate their legal requirements into the escalation or stop clause. Therefore, a renter’s payment determined under the stop clause will be considered a supplement to the standard rent the tenant covers.

Consequences of contract breach

In other words, the stop clause can set contract termination conditions. For instance, a theater proprietor signs an agreement with the producers of a theatrical performance. In the deal, they stipulate that the showrunners must leave the venue in the case that receipts of payment don’t add up to a certain amount.  

Final thoughts

As you observed, knowing the leasing contract’s terms and provisions is paramount both for tenants and property owners.

Suppose you entertain the idea of becoming a landlord. First and foremost, we advise you to investigate the rental market conditions in your area, such as where you should purchase a rental property first. Then, study previous lease contracts and include necessary clauses into your agreement to safeguard your financial investment.

image of a real estate dictionary page

Have a question or comment?

We're here to help.

*** Your email address will remain confidential.
 

 

Popular Real Estate Terms

Type of ownership by husband and wife, recognized in 27 states, in which the rights of the deceased spouse pass to the survivor. It is the same as joint tenancy, except that one spouse ...

The depreciation method where an equal amount of depreciation expense is allocated to each full period of the asset's useful life. The amount of depreciation is computed as follows; Annual ...

Purchase of part of property or property rights when condemnation takes place. The owner must be justly reimbursed. ...

An increase in the income tax basis of a property that is a result of a tax-free exchange. As a result of an inheritance, for example, the basis of the inherited property was stepped up to ...

Don’t know what snowbirds mean? It’s not birds made of snow. Snowbirds is a nickname given to Canadians and American people that live in the colder northern states, that, ...

See accommodation endorser, maker, or party. ...

The "frost line" is a critical concept in real estate and construction, especially in regions with cold climates. But what exactly is the frost line, and why does it matter? Let’s ...

Any gain or loss from selling of capital assets. The gain or loss is the difference between the net selling price and cost basis. The two types of capital gains or losses for tax purposes ...

Personal income minus personal income tax payments and other government deductions. It is the personal income available for people to spend or save; also called take-home pay. It may be a ...

Popular Real Estate Questions