The owner of a retail strip mall has a store available for rent and is approached by a prospective tenant who wants to open a business but has little business experience. If the proposed business is expected to generate increased sales in the future and the owner wants a long-term lease with a fair return overall, which of the following types of leases would be MOST appropriate?

Net leases require the tenant to pay base rent plus additional costs like property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. While this type of lease can be beneficial for landlords seeking predictable income, it may place a financial burden on a tenant with little business experience, making it less suitable for the prospective tenant's circumstances.

Gross leases involve a fixed rent amount that includes all operating expenses. Although this may provide simplicity for the tenant, it does not align the landlord's revenue with the tenant's sales performance. Given the tenant's lack of experience and the potential for future sales growth, this lease type may not maximize the owner's returns over the long term.

Ground leases are typically long-term leases for land where the tenant is responsible for building and improvements. This option is not ideal for a tenant lacking business experience, as it involves significant investment and risk. Additionally, it does not directly benefit the landlord from increased sales generated by the tenant's business.