Objective: The BOMA standard was first introduced in 1915 by the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) in the U.S. to establish uniform rules for measuring commercial real estate. Over the years, this standard has evolved and is now recognized internationally in the commercial real estate market.
Note: BOMA has no connection with BTI measurement methods. The purpose of BOMA is also to fairly allocate common areas of the building among tenants or owners.
The BOMA standard includes many specifics about which spaces to include in calculations and which to exclude. For example, if a window is over 70% of the room’s height, the space under the windowsill is included in the measurement, as it is considered usable. Similarly, store display windows are counted as usable space if merchandise is displayed there. However, stairwells and parking areas are not included in the calculations. The building’s common area is divided among tenants proportionally to their rented space in the building, provided all tenants have equal access. Floor common areas are allocated only to tenants on that floor.
The BOMA standard is a crucial tool for accurately and fairly calculating rentable areas in office buildings. It ensures that all necessary parameters are considered, providing an equitable distribution of shared areas among tenants. BOMA usage helps property owners and tenants avoid disagreements and misunderstandings in area calculations, establishing fair leasing terms. This standard supports effective property management, optimizing space usage and enhancing collaboration among market participants, ultimately fostering trust within the commercial real estate sector.
Published: October 23, 2024
Author: Ilya Zavaleev