Caulking Replacement in NNN Lease: Who Pays – Tenant or Landlord? A Practical Guide for Tenants and Landlords
In the world of commercial leasing, few agreements shift as much responsibility to the tenant as the triple net (NNN) lease. Under this structure, the tenant covers property taxes, insurance, and all maintenance and repairs—often down to the smallest details. But when it comes to caulking replacement NNN lease obligations, who foots the bill?
The short answer: Usually the tenant. But as with most things in real estate, it depends. Let’s break it down.
Caulking Replacement NNN Lease: Tenant’s Routine Maintenance Duties
In a standard NNN lease, the tenant is on the hook for day-to-day upkeep. That includes caulking replacement NNN lease when it fails due to:
- Normal wear and tear (aging, drying out, or cracking over time)
- Improper cleaning or use
- Aesthetic degradation (peeling, discoloration, or unsightly gaps)
Why This Matters: Preventing Bigger Problems
Caulking isn’t just cosmetic—it’s a first line of defense against water intrusion. A small crack today can become a major leak tomorrow, leading to mold, drywall damage, or compromised insulation.
Pro Tip for Tenants: Pro Tip for Tenants: Don’t wait for a leak to act. Addressing caulking replacement NNN lease early prevents you from being liable for much larger repair bills down the line.
Think of it like changing the oil in your car. Skip it, and you’re not just replacing oil—you’re replacing the engine.
The Landlord’s Responsibility: Structural and Systemic Issues
While tenants handle routine fixes, landlords retain responsibility for structural components. That means caulking replacement falls on the landlord if the failure stems from:
1. Structural Movement
- Foundation settling
- Wall shifting or expansion/contraction
- Roof or framing issues causing gaps
In these cases, the landlord must fix the root cause and the resulting caulking.
2. Pre-Existing Conditions
- If caulking was already failing when the tenant moved in—and the landlord knew (or should have known)—it’s the landlord’s problem.
3. Building Envelope in Multi-Tenant Properties
- In many multi-tenant NNN leases, the landlord maintains the roof and exterior envelope, including structural caulking on outer walls.
- Exception: In a true absolute NNN lease, even exterior envelope maintenance may pass to the tenant. Always check the fine print.
Before
After
Caulking Replacement NNN Lease Quick Reference: Who Pays?
| Scenario | Who Pays? | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Caulking cracked from age/wear | Tenant | Routine maintenance |
| Caulking peeling but no leak | Tenant | Aesthetic upkeep |
| Gap caused by foundation settling | Landlord | Structural issue |
| Caulking failed at move-in (known issue) | Landlord | Pre-existing condition |
| Exterior wall caulking (multi-tenant bldg) | Landlord or Tenant | Depends on lease terms |
Best Practices for Tenants and Landlords
For Tenants:
- Document move-in condition with photos and a punch list.
- Perform regular inspections (quarterly walkthroughs catch small issues early).
- Act fast on minor repairs to avoid liability escalation.
For Landlords:
- Be transparent about known issues during lease negotiations.
- Clearly define “structural” vs. “maintenance” in the lease.
- Consider requiring tenants to submit maintenance logs annually.
Final Word: Read the Lease—and Get Expert Help When Needed
At the end of the day, the lease is king. A well-drafted NNN lease should explicitly define:
- What constitutes “routine maintenance”
- Who owns the building envelope
- How structural repairs are identified and funded
Bottom Line: In most NNN leases, caulking replacement NNN lease is a tenant expense—unless it’s tied to a structural defect. This NAIOP Article may help you understand the benefits and risks of NNN leases.
Dealing with caulking issues—or any exterior maintenance challenges—can quickly escalate if not handled properly. That’s where J.S. Goray, Inc. comes in. As Chicagoland’s trusted specialists in commercial façade repair and caulking since 1993, we handle everything from routine sealant replacement to full masonry restoration. Serving property owners, managers, tenants, and landlords across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa, we’ve completed thousands of projects for retail, office, industrial, and multi-unit spaces—ensuring high-quality repairs that are specified by industry experts and performed by experienced technicians.
Ready to seal the deal on your next maintenance project? Visit www.jsgoray.com today for a free consultation, or contact our team to discuss how we can support your NNN lease obligations and keep water damage at bay.