Current Issues in Cell Tower Leases

Get clear, current answers to top cell lease questions--rents, 5G impacts, renewals, sales, and more!This program provides an excellent overview of the basics of cell tower leases; lease renewals; and lease sales.

It is taught by two faculty members with decades of experience representing private and government cell site landlords, who share their experiences helping property owners and local counsel (who only occasionally deal with cell leases) better negotiate with wireless industry personnel who work on leases every day. Key business terms and issues in cell site leases, initial rents, average rents, and rent increases possible at renewals, avoiding clauses that interfere with the normal use of the property, and 5G service upgrades are covered, as well as why cell site leases on buildings are more complicated, requiring special provisions. After covering more conventional lease terms, the faculty will discuss cell lease sales and future leasing rights, including typical sale issues; when to sell and when not to sell; and how to get the best price and terms in a sale. It emphasizes avoiding sales terms that the presenters have seen destroy property value. For governments and local agencies, the topic addresses additional key items in cell leases and lease sales that are unique to them. For all current and future wireless landlords, the program covers topics including lease terms and terminations; access requirements; radio frequency interference; design and camouflage; and radio frequency emissions safety. These topics are particularly important for commercial landlords, developers, and the like, who often own attractive sites for cell leases but are most at risk from a poor lease or sales terms harming the value of the property with the lease. Historically, the extensive Q&A session raises issues of interest to all participants.