Clear Terms. Before You Sign.
How billboard rent is determined, when payments begin, how long they last, and how a recurring lease compares with a one-time easement payment.
No Upfront Cost
RKDG can cover agreed site evaluation, permitting, engineering, survey and approval costs.
No upfront payment is required from the landowner under our standard arrangement.
The written agreement defines the costs covered and what happens if the project cannot proceed.
The Six Questions Every Landowner Asks.
How Is Rent Set?
Rent is negotiated based on the site's potential advertising revenue, including traffic, visibility, sign size and local market conditions. Your written offer spells out the proposed amount and payment terms.
When Does It Start?
The lease defines when rent begins. That may be tied to permitting, construction or another agreed milestone. The commencement date and any provisions for a project that cannot proceed should be clear before you sign.
How Often Is It Paid?
Payments are commonly made annually, though the frequency and timing depend on the lease. Your agreement specifies the payment schedule.
Who Pays You?
The party responsible for rent is identified in your agreement. An advertising operator may assume the lease as part of the development transaction, subject to the applicable assignment and payment provisions.
How Long Does It Last?
Billboard leases are often long-term, with 30-year terms and possible extensions. The agreement defines the initial term, renewal options and what happens to the structure when the lease ends.
What If I Sell?
You can sell whenever you choose. A lease typically transfers with the property, so the rent can carry over to the next owner and may add value to a sale. Your agreement spells out how the transfer works.
Recurring Income or Cash Up Front.
Both arrangements can allow you to retain ownership of the underlying property. The key difference is how you are compensated and what rights you grant.
Steady Rental Income
You receive recurring payments for the right to use a defined area of your property.
Income over the term of the lease, subject to its terms.
You retain ownership of the land.
The agreement defines the term, extensions and end-of-lease obligations.
One Payment Up Front
You receive a negotiated lump sum in exchange for granting defined property rights, potentially on a permanent basis.
A larger payment at closing rather than recurring rent.
The easement is documented and may be recorded against the property.
The rights granted can continue to affect the property after a sale.
Start With Rent.
Keep the Option to Cash Out.
Where the deal supports it, RKDG structures a ground lease with an option to convert to a permanent easement at a price established in advance. You receive rent under the lease while retaining the contractual ability to pursue a lump-sum payment during the specified option period.
The available structure, option terms and payment obligations are set out in the written agreement.
| Annual Rent | $6,000 per year |
|---|---|
| Locked Easement Price | $75,000 |
| Option Window | Years 1 to 5 |
| Convert in Year 3 | $12,000 rent + $75,000 |
| Total Payout | $87,000 |
Figures are hypothetical. Actual rent, pricing and options depend on the site and the written agreement.
Money Questions, Answered.
Questions about the development process are on the How It Works page.
What does this cost me?
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Our standard structure does not require an upfront payment from the landowner. RKDG's responsibility for project costs is defined in the agreement, including what happens if the site cannot be approved.
How much will my rent be?
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It depends on the property's visibility, traffic, sign potential and local advertising market. We evaluate the opportunity and provide proposed terms in writing.
When do I start getting paid?
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The lease specifies the rent commencement date and any conditions that must be met. An easement payment is generally made at closing under the agreed payment terms.
What if the sign cannot be approved?
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The agreement should specify whether the project terminates, who bears the costs and whether either party has further obligations. Our standard structure is designed to avoid requiring an upfront payment from the landowner.
Can I still sell my property?
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Yes. A lease or easement typically transfers with the property, so a buyer can step into the arrangement and the income may add value to the sale. Your agreement spells out how rights carry over.
Is a lease or an easement better?
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Neither is universally better. A lease provides recurring income, while an easement can provide a lump sum. The right choice depends on the amount offered, duration of the rights granted and your financial priorities.
Will I deal with advertisers or maintenance?
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Typically, the advertising operator handles construction, advertising sales and ongoing maintenance under its agreements. Your responsibilities, if any, are defined in the applicable contracts.
Find Out What Your Property Could Earn.
Send us the address. If the site presents a viable opportunity, we'll explain the constraints and provide proposed terms for your review.