What key feature distinguishes absolute net leases from other net leases?

The key feature that distinguishes absolute net leases from other net leases is that the tenant assumes almost all responsibilities for the property, which includes paying all property-related expenses such as taxes, maintenance, insurance, and repairs. In an absolute net lease, the tenant is fully responsible for the property to the extent that there are virtually no obligations left for the landlord.

This means that if lease payments are missed, the tenant does not have legal defenses or recourse because they have agreed to take full responsibility for the lease. This level of obligation is what sets absolute net leases apart from other types of net leases, where landlords might retain some level of responsibility or involvement in property maintenance.

In contrast, while tenants may also have significant obligations in other net leases, there may still be some protections available if they default on payments, such as potential arguments regarding property condition or lease terms. Thus, the distinction lies in the nature of the obligations accepted by the tenant, marking absolute net leases as more onerous and risk-laden for the tenant.