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

Amount paid back or credit given because of an overcollection or the return of property sold. Also called refund. Unearned interest refunded to a borrower if the loan is paid off before ...

The term effective interest rate is the actual return from a savings account or any investment where you pay interest when considering the effects of compounding costs over time. Through an ...

Managing the day-to-day activities in a real estate brokerage office including recruiting and training new real estate agents, holding real estate closings, updating and managing real ...

Frame surrounding a door or window to block adverse weather. It may be made of wood, metal, or other material. The frame may be fixed or moveable. ...

To default on a loan means to intentionally or unintentionally miss several consecutive monthly payments over the course of a few weeks or months. Most borrowers learn the definition of ...

Sewer whose sole purpose is o carry away domestic waste water. ...

Building that is elaborately built with columns in a symmetrical way, generally with three floors and a gabled roof. ...

An Act, passed by congress in order to prevent the practice of redlining and disinvestments in central city areas. Redlining is a practice in which lenders refuse to make loans in certain ...

Subordinate neighborhoods that are tied to an urban area economically. For example, office buildings in a city are the workplace for residents in surrounding communities. ...

Popular Real Estate Questions