Legal Topics

Why a 99-Year Lease?

Long-term ground leases frequently utilize a 99-year term, but this stems more from custom than legal necessity.

Statutory Limitations

Several states have enacted laws restricting lease lengths. Alabama caps all leases at 99 years.

General Principle

Absent statutory prohibition, no inherent legal maximum exists for lease duration.

Key Takeaway

Most jurisdictions impose no lease-length restrictions. The 99-year convention typically reflects industry practice rather than legal mandate.

← Back to Legal Topics