How to measure tenant rentable SF BOMA?

When it comes to leasing commercial spaces, it is essential to determine the accurate measurement of rentable square footage (SF) using the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) standards. By doing so, both the landlords and tenants can have a fair understanding of the usable space within a property. Let’s dive deeper into how to measure tenant rentable SF BOMA and address some related FAQs.

How to Measure Tenant Rentable SF BOMA?

The BOMA standard provides a consistent and reliable method for measuring rentable areas in commercial buildings. The following steps outline the process for accurately measuring tenant rentable SF BOMA:

1. Measure the Floor Area (Gross Measured Area): Start by measuring the interior dimensions of the floor, excluding load-bearing walls, common areas, and vertical penetrations. This provides the Gross Measured Area (GMA).

2. Determine the Floor Loss Factor: Calculate the floor loss factor by dividing the total area of common spaces, such as lobbies, corridors, restrooms, and stairwells, by the GMA. This factor represents the proportion of common areas within the building.

3. Calculate the Rentable Area: Multiply the GMA by 1 minus the floor loss factor to obtain the rentable area. This accounts for the deduction of common spaces from the overall floor area.

4. Exclude Vertical Penetrations: Vertical penetrations, such as elevators, stairwells, and mechanical chases, should be excluded from the rentable area as they do not contribute to the tenant’s usable space.

5. Include Common Areas: Add any common areas exclusive to the tenant, such as private restrooms or dedicated corridors, to the rentable area.

6. Examine Load Factor: Lastly, divide the rentable area by the usable area to obtain the load factor. The load factor indicates the proportion of the total building’s common areas charged to a specific tenant.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is the usable area?

The usable area refers to the space within a commercial property that is dedicated solely to the tenant’s occupancy.

2. What is the gross measured area?

The gross measured area encompasses the total interior dimensions of the floor, excluding load-bearing walls, common areas, and vertical penetrations.

3. How do you calculate the floor loss factor?

Divide the total area of common spaces by the gross measured area. The result represents the floor loss factor.

4. Can vertical penetrations be included in the rentable area?

No, vertical penetrations such as elevators, stairwells, and mechanical chases should be excluded from the rentable area.

5. Should tenant-specific common areas be included in the rentable SF?

Yes, any common areas that are exclusive to the tenant, like private restrooms or dedicated corridors, should be included in the rentable SF calculation.

6. How is the load factor determined?

Divide the rentable area by the usable area to obtain the load factor. This factor represents the proportion of common areas charged to a specific tenant.

7. Can the BOMA standard be used for residential properties?

No, the BOMA standard is specifically designed for commercial properties, not residential spaces.

8. Is there a different method for measuring retail spaces?

Yes, retail spaces generally have their own standards for measurement. However, BOMA standards can still be applied with some modifications.

9. Are outdoor areas included in the rentable SF calculation?

No, outdoor areas such as patios, gardens, or parking lots are not included in the rentable SF calculation.

10. Are unfinished areas considered in the rentable SF calculation?

Unfinished areas typically excluded from rentable SF calculations as they are not fit for immediate occupancy.

11. Can tenant improvements affect the rentable SF?

Yes, any tenant improvements that increase the usable area, such as adding partition walls, could affect the rentable SF calculation.

12. Can the BOMA standard be modified to fit specific circumstances?

Yes, the BOMA standard can be adjusted to fit specific circumstances as long as it adheres to the basic principles of measurement and remains consistent and transparent.

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