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  3. Occupancy Rate
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Occupancy Rate

Also known as: Unit Occupancy Rate

Physical occupancy rate is occupied units divided by the defined total unit inventory, expressed as a percentage.

Occupancy rate measures occupied units as a share of a defined housing inventory. For a physical unit measure, divide occupied units by the total units included in that inventory and express the result as a percentage.

State the measurement date and which units the inventory includes. Census definitions distinguish occupied housing, units vacant for rent, and other vacant categories, so different inventory definitions can produce different rates.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau: Housing Vacancies and Homeownership definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a housing occupancy measure the same as rent collected?

No. Occupied-unit counts describe housing status. They do not establish how much rent has been billed or collected.

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Related Terms

  • Physical Vacancy Rate
  • Rent Roll
  • Economic Vacancy

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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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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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Escalation Clause

A commercial lease provision specifying annual rent increases tied to a fixed percentage, stepped rates, or the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

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