So, a popular cell carrier approached you with interests of leasing your land for their cell tower. Do you accept their initial lease my cell tower offer or do you negotiate for something better? Here are the hidden cell site lease negotiations details they will not tell you.
1) They ask for more than they need
It is not uncommon for cell carriers to ask for a large piece of land from you. They could ask for about 1000 acres when all they need for their tower is 400 acres. You know why? They hope to make money from the free space they have by renting it out to other carriers. This could be extra money in your pocket if you leased that extra land yourself.
2) Ask for Co-Location Fee
If the cell carrier is hoping to sublet another carrier on the same tract of land, in future, you deserve to be compensated for it. After all, it is your land they are using to cash in on the extra. On the contract that you draft with the cell carrier, ensure you have a clause that factor in any future income that might be earned by the cell carrier on your land.
3) Their initial offer is always low
It is easy to get carried away by the attractive sum offered on the first contract with a cell carrier. However, is this sum equal to the current lease my cell tower land rates? Most likely, they quoted way below what you would call a fair market deal.
To be on the safe side, do your research first and find out what other landowners are getting for cell tower leasing. In addition, find out what other cell towers are paying to use land in your area. Remember you are going to lease your land at the initial offer for the next 30 years or more. So get the true market value of your land.
4) Consult a Cell Tower Leasing Expert
This is your only shot at ensuring that you are not getting duped by a cell carrier. The leasing expert will review the fine print of your contract and advise you accordingly. It will also be better if you chose a leasing expert who understands your area better.
Bottom-line
Only sign a cell tower leasing contract with a cell carrier if the terms are favorable to you. Consult a lease my cell tower expert in your area to advise you better. Remember, you will be leasing your land for the long-term, so ensure you are well compensated.
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