What is the main factor that distinguishes the usable area from rentable area?

The distinction between usable area and rentable area is primarily based on how space is defined and measured within a commercial property. Usable area refers specifically to the space that a tenant can occupy and actually use for their operations. This includes the interior space of the tenant's premises but excludes common areas shared with other tenants, such as hallways, restrooms, and lobbies.

The option stating that usable area excludes the core area captures this fundamental difference well. The core area generally consists of shared spaces that are not exclusively available for the tenant's use, which directly affects how the total rentable area is calculated. Rentable area, on the other hand, encompasses both the usable area and a percentage of the common areas, meaning it is typically larger than the usable area to account for those shared spaces.

Recognizing that the usable area is primarily tenant-exclusive and does not include parts of the property that are used in common with others is crucial for understanding how space is measured in commercial leasing. This understanding helps tenants gauge the actual area they are paying for versus the total space that is being offered in a lease.