Before leasing an industrial warehouse, it's essential to know the market price and the maintenance fee, as it can significantly increase the cost of the space you plan to occupy. According to SiiLA Market Analytics, the average maintenance fee increases the cost of industrial properties nationwide by 7%.

The maintenance fee is a regular payment that tenants make to cover the expenses of conservation and management of private and/or common areas. These payments are used to keep facilities in good condition, such as the building's exterior, parking lots, and yards, and they cover services like repairs, cleaning, supplies, and maintenance staff fees. However, the maintenance fee can vary depending on the size and location of the property, as well as the services and amenities offered. Typically, it is established based on projected maintenance and management costs and is divided among all tenants in the form of monthly, quarterly, or annual payments.

Although the average maintenance fee has the same proportional impact on Class A and Class B industrial properties, there is a slight difference nationwide based on their region. SiiLA data indicates that while in the Central and Northern regions of the country, the maintenance fee increases the property's cost by 7%, in the Bajio region, this proportion rises to 8%. The difference could be due to regional cost of living, supply and demand of maintenance services, infrastructure and available services, specific property characteristics, and economic issues like transportation, taxes, and local regulations.

When comparing markets, we find that Guanajuato (Bajio) and Tijuana (North) have the highest cost increases (9%) due to the maintenance fee, followed by Aguascalientes (8%), Guadalajara (8%), and San Luis Potosi (8%) in the Bajio region. In contrast, Ciudad Juarez and Mexicali, in the country's Northern region, have the lowest increases (6%) nationwide. The rest of the regions presented similar increases to the national average in Mexico (7%).

Furthermore, SiiLA Market Analytics data indicates that Celaya (Guanajuato), Jesus Maria (Aguascalientes), and Santa Catarina (Nuevo Leon) submarkets are where the highest cost increases occur, with an average of 10%. In contrast, the San Francisco submarket in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, has the lowest variations, with an average of 2%.

It is important to note that although the tenant pays the maintenance fee monthly, it should not be considered an additional income source for the landlord. Real estate owners who aim to follow proper business practices usually provide their tenants with an annual report detailing how the funds collected under this concept have been used. If there is any difference between the funds collected and the funds used, that amount is generally refunded to the tenant.

Even though maintenance fees can increase the rental cost, they also ensure proper conservation and management of facilities, guaranteeing an optimal working environment for occupants. Therefore, when evaluating your leasing options, it is crucial to consider both the market price and the maintenance fee to make an informed decision and avoid financial surprises in the future. For more information on this and other topics, visit REsource or contact us at contacto@siila.com.mx.