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NNN (Triple Net) Lease Explained - DFW Commercial Investor Guide

NNN leases are the cornerstone of commercial real estate investment - from Starbucks to CVS to fast food franchises. Understanding how they work is essential for any DFW commercial investor. Here's the complete breakdown.

Researched by the TruReport editorial team · Updated 2026-07-31 · Editorial standards

What is an NNN (Triple Net) Lease?

In a triple net (NNN) lease, the tenant pays:

  • Base rent (to the landlord)
  • Property taxes (the first "net")
  • Building insurance (the second "net")
  • Maintenance costs (the third "net")
  • Result: The landlord receives truly passive income - no surprise expenses

NNN vs. Gross vs. Modified Gross Leases

Commercial leases vary widely in who pays operating expenses:

  • Gross lease: Landlord pays all operating expenses; tenant pays flat rent - most common in office
  • Modified gross: Shared responsibility - negotiated case by case
  • Single net (N): Tenant pays property taxes only
  • Double net (NN): Tenant pays taxes + insurance
  • Triple net (NNN): Tenant pays taxes + insurance + maintenance - most common in retail

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Full guide includes: DFW NNN cap rate benchmarks by asset type (fast food, medical, dollar stores), how to underwrite a NNN deal, lease abstract key terms to review, and top DFW submarkets for NNN investment.

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