Exclusive Use in the context of the real estate investment industry refers to a clause in a commercial lease that prevents the landlord from renting out space in the same property, or sometimes in a broader geographic area, to a direct competitor of the existing tenant.

For example, a grocery store tenant may negotiate an exclusive use clause into their lease agreement to ensure that the landlord won’t lease any other space in the same shopping center to another grocery store.

This kind of clause is especially important for retail tenants who rely heavily on customer foot traffic and would be directly impacted by competition within the same property. Exclusive use can make a property more attractive to potential tenants and could help landlords secure higher rents. However, landlords must also consider the potential limitations this might place on future leasing opportunities.

Please note that the specific definitions and parameters of an “exclusive use” clause can vary depending on local regulations, industry norms, and the terms negotiated in individual lease agreements.