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  1. Glossary
  2. Leasing
  3. Lease-Up
Leasing L

Lease-Up

Also known as: Lease Up, Initial Lease-Up

The process of leasing vacant units in a new or renovated rental property as it moves toward its stated occupancy target.

Lease-up is the process of filling vacant units as a new or renovated rental property begins operating. It includes attracting prospects, handling inquiries, signing leases, and coordinating move-ins.

Report progress against a stated occupancy target and date. Signed leases, occupied units, and collected rent are separate milestones; a signed lease alone does not demonstrate that rental income has been received.

Source: AppFolio, How to Successfully Manage a Lease-Up, November 4, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should lease-up progress be reported?

State the reporting date and occupancy target, and distinguish leases signed from units occupied and rent collected.

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Related Terms

  • Stabilized Occupancy
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Lead-to-Lease Conversion

More in Leasing

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Assignment of Lease

The complete legal transfer of an existing tenant's entire leasehold rights, obligations, and physical occupancy to a new incoming tenant.

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Base Rent

The fixed minimum monthly rent agreed upon in a lease agreement, excluding utilities, janitorial, or shared operating expense pass-throughs.

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Co-Tenancy Clause

A commercial lease clause granting rent reductions or termination rights if anchor tenants vacate or center occupancy falls below agreed levels.

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Concession

A rental concession is an allowance, such as a free-rent period or move-in credit, that reduces rental income.

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Continuous Operation Covenant

A commercial lease requirement obligating a retail tenant to keep its store open, fully stocked, and staffed during designated business hours.

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