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. The owner wants a long-term lease with a fair return overall. Which of the following types of leases would be MOST appropriate?

A net lease typically requires the tenant to pay not only rent but also additional expenses such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. For a tenant with little business experience, this can lead to financial strain and potential mismanagement of resources, making it less suitable for the owner seeking a long-term, stable arrangement.

In a gross lease, the landlord covers all property expenses, providing the tenant with a fixed rent amount. While this might seem advantageous for a novice tenant, it does not align with the owner's goal of a fair return based on the tenant's success. The owner may miss out on potential income tied to the tenant's sales performance.

A ground lease involves renting land with the tenant responsible for building and improvements. This type of lease requires significant upfront investment and management skills from the tenant, which may not be suitable for someone with little business experience. The owner would be better served by a lease structure that supports the tenant's growth rather than placing heavy burdens on them.