The multiplier applied to usable square footage to produce rentable square footage. A load factor of 1.15 means 15% of common area costs are allocated to your space on top of your actual footprint. Higher load factors mean you pay for more shared space.
Load factor equals total rentable area divided by total usable area for a given floor or building. It captures lobbies, corridors, restrooms, mechanical rooms, and other non-assignable areas. BOMA standards distinguish between floor load factor (single floor common areas) and building load factor (building-wide common areas like the main lobby). Both are applied to produce the final rentable figure.
A building with a true load factor of 1.12 is marketed at 1.18 after the landlord includes a fitness center and conference room that benefit only certain tenants. A tenant leasing 5,000 USF pays for 5,900 RSF instead of the correct 5,600 RSF.
Ask your landlord for both the floor load factor and the building load factor, along with the BOMA version used. Compare your building's load factor to market averages for similar properties in your area. Class A office buildings typically range from 1.10 to 1.20.
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Find My OverchargesThis page provides general educational information. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the most current law in your state. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.
