REBNY Standards

New York's measurement standard, applied with precision.

The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) publishes its own measurement methodology for commercial properties in the New York City market. It differs from BOMA in key ways, and applying it correctly requires specific expertise in NYC real estate practices.

SSI applies REBNY standards with the same rigor we bring to BOMA. We understand the nuances, the allocation methods, and the financial implications specific to New York properties.

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The Standard

What is REBNY?

REBNY (Real Estate Board of New York) is the city's principal real estate trade association. Their measurement standard defines how commercial office space in Manhattan and the broader NYC market calculates usable and rentable area.

The REBNY standard reflects the unique characteristics of New York's building stock: pre-war structures, irregular floor plates, vertical transportation systems that serve 50+ floors, and the density that defines the NYC market.

For landlords and tenants operating in New York, REBNY is the measurement language that governs lease negotiations. Applying it accurately means capturing every square foot the standard allows, while staying within the methodology the market expects.

Key REBNY Principles

Loss Factor Methodology

REBNY uses a loss factor approach rather than BOMA's load factor. This changes how common areas are allocated and directly impacts the rentable area calculation.

NYC-Specific Allocations

Elevator shafts, lobbies, and mechanical spaces in New York high-rises require specialized allocation treatment. REBNY accounts for the vertical complexity of Manhattan buildings.

Market Acceptance

New York tenants and brokers expect REBNY measurement. Using the wrong standard in a NYC lease negotiation creates friction and raises credibility questions.

Financial Impact

At Manhattan rent levels, small differences in measured area translate to significant dollars. A 2% variance on a 20,000 SF floor at $80/SF means $32,000 per year.

Standard Comparison

REBNY vs. BOMA: When each applies

Both standards measure the same buildings, but they use different methodologies. Knowing which to apply (and when to provide both) is critical to protecting asset value.

Use REBNY When

Your property is in the New York City market
Tenants and brokers expect NYC-standard measurement
Lease comparables are quoted in REBNY terms
The building's loss factor needs to align with market norms
You're marketing space to NYC-based tenants

Use BOMA When

Your property is outside New York City
Your portfolio spans multiple markets nationally
Institutional investors require BOMA-compliant measurement
You need cross-market comparability for benchmarking
Lease language specifies BOMA methodology

Many NYC owners need both. SSI regularly provides dual measurements (REBNY and BOMA) for New York properties, giving owners the flexibility to market space using whichever standard a prospective tenant requires.

NYC Expertise

Deep experience in New York's toughest buildings

SSI has measured properties across Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the broader NYC metro. We understand the building stock: pre-war towers with irregular floor plates, Class A office towers, mixed-use developments, and everything in between.

Market Knowledge

We know how NYC landlords, brokers, and tenants use measurement data. Our REBNY applications are structured for how the New York market actually operates.

Building Complexity

New York buildings present measurement challenges you won't find elsewhere. Setbacks, transfers, shared lobbies, and multi-tenant mechanical floors all require specialized handling.

Dual Standard Delivery

We provide REBNY and BOMA measurements side by side when your property needs both. One engagement, two standards, complete coverage.

Need REBNY measurement for your NYC property?

Schedule a consultation. We'll apply the right standard for your market and make sure every square foot is accounted for.

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