Which party is typically responsible for paying property taxes in a lease agreement?

In a lease agreement, the lessor, or landlord, is typically responsible for paying property taxes. This responsibility falls to the lessor because they are the owner of the property and hold the title, making them ultimately accountable for all expenses related to the property, including property taxes. The lease agreement may outline specific terms regarding expenses, but generally, landlords are mandated to cover property taxes as part of their ownership duties.

Tenants usually do not take on this responsibility, as their financial obligations are primarily related to rent payments and any utilities or maintenance as specified in the lease. Mortgage holders do not pay property taxes directly; rather, their role involves financing the property, and while they may ensure that taxes are paid to protect their interest in the property, the responsibility lies with the property owner. Property managers, although they manage the property and may collect funds for various expenses, do not assume ownership and typically do not pay property taxes themselves; they function under the direction of the lessor. In summary, the lessor is the party responsible for property taxes, aligning with standard practices in lease agreements.