Why Every Commercial Lease Needs Professional BOMA Measurement

It comes up frequently among landlords, property managers, and tenants, especially when disputes arise over rentable area or lease costs. In today’s competitive office leasing market, professional BOMA measurement is no longer optional. It is a critical safeguard for lease compliance, accurate rentable area calculations, and long-term property valuation.

Commercial leases are built on numbers. If those numbers are incorrect, even by a small margin, the financial impact can be significant. Professional BOMA measurement provides a standardized, transparent method to calculate space that protects all parties involved and prevents costly misunderstandings.

Before exploring why BOMA measurement matters, it is important to understand what it actually is and why it exists. 

BOMA measurement refers to standards established by the Building Owners and Managers Association. These standards define how commercial space is measured and allocated between usable area and rentable area. The most used standards apply to office buildings, but BOMA also covers industrial and retail properties. 

BOMA standards exist to create consistency across the commercial real estate industry. Without them, each building owner could measure space differently, leading to confusion and disputes.

BOMA is recognized internationally as the benchmark for office space measurement. Most brokers, institutional investors, and legal professionals rely on BOMA standards when evaluating leases and property values. Courts and arbitration panels often reference BOMA when resolving disputes related to square footage. 

Because BOMA measurement is standardized, it provides a neutral framework that both landlords and tenants can trust. 

Commercial leases are legal documents, and accuracy plays a central role in their enforceability. 

In most office leases, rent is calculated based on rentable square footage, not usable space. A rentable area includes a tenant’s private space plus a proportional share of common areas such as corridors, lobbies, and restrooms. 

If a rentable area is overstated, tenants may overpay for years without realizing it. If it is understated, landlords may lose significant revenue. Professional BOMA measurement ensures that rentable area calculations follow industry standards and reflect reality. 

Many commercial leases explicitly reference BOMA measurement standards. When this language is included, failing to obtain a proper BOMA measurement can place a landlord or tenant out of compliance with the lease itself. 

Using professional BOMA measurement protects both sides by aligning the lease terms with verified data. 

Tenant disputes over square footage are one of the most common sources of conflict in commercial real estate. 

Tenants may question why their rent seems high compared to similar properties. Landlords may struggle to justify charges without independent verification. In many cases, disputes escalate simply because there is no trusted measurement standard in place. 

Professional BOMA measurement provides documentation that can be shared transparently. This reduces suspicion and builds confidence in lease calculations. 

Because BOMA standards are widely accepted, they serve as a neutral reference during negotiations or disputes. When both parties rely on the same methodology, conversations shift from opinion to facts. 

This often resolves issues faster and avoids costly legal proceedings. 

Accurate rentable areas are not just a technical detail they directly impact revenue, expenses, and long-term financial planning, which is why Boma Floor Plans prioritizes precision in every calculation.

Small measurement errors can be added over time. A difference of just a few percent in rentable areas can translate into tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a lease. Tenants rely on accurate data to forecast occupancy costs and manage budgets. 

Professional BOMA measurement ensures tenants pay only for what they are contractually obligated to occupy.

For landlords, accurate measurement protects income streams and strengthens lease defensibility. Investors and lenders often review rentable area data during due diligence. Inaccurate figures can reduce confidence and affect financing terms. 

Using BOMA measurement reinforces credibility and supports long-term asset performance.

Property valuation is closely tied to income potential and space efficiency.

When investors evaluate office properties, they expect space to be measured according to recognized standards. BOMA measurement provides a consistent framework that allows meaningful comparisons between assets. 

Without professional measurement, valuations may be questioned, delayed, or adjusted downward. 

Buildings with verified BOMA measurements are easier to market. Brokers can confidently present floor areas, and prospective tenants can make informed decisions. This transparency often shortens leasing cycles and supports stronger negotiations. 

Trust is a critical factor in successful leasing relationships. 

Professional BOMA measurement results in detailed floor plans and calculation summaries. These documents help explain how rentable area is determined and how common areas are allocated. 

Clear documentation reduces confusion and demonstrates professionalism.

Tenants who feel confident in lease calculations are more likely to renew. BOMA measurement contributes to positive tenant experiences by removing uncertainty around space and costs.

While all commercial leases benefit from BOMA measurement, certain situations make it especially critical. 

Before signing a new lease, professional measurement ensures both parties agree on rentable area. This avoids disputes later and supports fair negotiations. 

When tenants renew or expand space, updated measurements confirm that changes are calculated correctly and fairly. 

Renovations often alter common areas and circulation spaces. Professional BOMA measurement updates rentable area figures to reflect these changes accurately. 

During transactions or refinancing, lenders and buyers often require verified measurements. BOMA compliance strengthens due diligence packages. 

Despite its importance, some misconceptions still exist. 

Some landlords believe internal measurements are sufficient. However, internal methods may not follow BOMA standards, leading to inconsistencies and disputes. 

Professional measurement provides independent verification and industry credibility. 

BOMA standards are neutral. They do not favor landlords or tenants. Instead, they provide a fair framework that reflects how space is shared and used within a building. 

Selecting the right professional is essential to achieving accurate results. 

 Professionals with experience in BOMA measurement understand how to apply standards correctly. They stay updated on revisions and industry practices. 

A professional provider should supply detailed floor plans, calculation breakdowns, and written explanations. These deliverables support lease documentation and future reference. 

Beyond immediate lease accuracy, BOMA measurement offers lasting advantages. 

• Reduced risk of disputes 

• Stronger lease compliance 

• Improved investor confidence 

• Enhanced asset transparency 

These benefits contribute to smoother operations and stronger relationships across the property lifecycle.

Professional BOMA measurement protects landlords, tenants, and property managers by ensuring lease compliance, accurate rentable area calculations, and fair cost allocation. It reduces disputes, strengthens property valuation, and builds trust in office leasing relationships. 

In a market where transparency and accountability matter more than ever, professional BOMA measurement is a smart investment that pays off throughout the life of a commercial property. Contact us today to ensure accurate BOMA measurements and protect the value of your property.