A gross lease—also referred to as a full service lease or gross rent or a gross rent lease—is a lease with a fixed monthly or annual rental fee that includes all rent and costs of operating the property, such as utilities, maintenance, taxes, and insurance. In this way, it is similar to a typical residential lease.

A variation of a gross rent lease is a “gross lease with stops”—meaning the tenant will contribute additional amounts if the landlord’s operating costs increase above a certain level. The level at which the tenant is required to contribute additional amounts to the landlord’s operating costs is known as the stop level, as that is where the landlord’s obligation to pay all of the costs (using the fixed rent payments) stops.

In Mississippi, a gross lease is a type of commercial lease agreement where the tenant pays a fixed amount that covers the rent and all other property-related expenses, such as utilities, maintenance, taxes, and insurance. This arrangement simplifies budgeting for tenants since they can anticipate their monthly costs without worrying about variable expenses. However, the specific terms of a gross lease can vary, and it's essential for both landlords and tenants to clearly understand and agree upon what is included in the fixed rental fee. A 'gross lease with stops' is a variation where the tenant agrees to pay additional amounts if the operating costs exceed a predetermined level, known as the 'stop level.' This type of lease provides some protection for the landlord against rising costs. Mississippi does not have specific statutes that govern the terms of gross leases, so the lease agreement itself, as a binding contract between the parties, will dictate the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement. It is advisable for tenants and landlords to consult with an attorney to ensure that their lease agreements are properly drafted and that they fully understand their rights and obligations under Mississippi law.