---
title: National Tenant Definition | What Are National Tenants?
description: National tenant refers to a tenant that has a national footprint with locations throughout the US. The term is used in the context of retail properties.
image: https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/social-suggested-images/Realized_Glossary_Graphic-4.jpg
---

[![Realized 1031 Exchange Marketplace](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Brand/Logo/Realized/Realized-Logo-Black.png?width=240&height=80&name=Realized-Logo-Black.png "Realized 1031 Logo") ](https://www.realized1031.com/)

- Better Business Bureau Rating: **A+**
- [FINRA BrokerCheck](https://brokercheck.finra.org/firm/summary/22333)
- [Call](tel:1-877-797-1031) **(877) 797-1031**

# National Tenant

National tenant refers to a tenant that has a national footprint with locations throughout the US. The term is most frequently used in the context of [retail properties](https://www.realized1031.com/glossary/property-type-retail). National tenants are typically those with a “household name” or that would likely be known to the general public. This contrasts from [local tenants](https://www.realized1031.com/glossary/local-tenant) and regional tenants which have smaller footprints and may only be known to individuals within those areas. Examples of national tenants include McDonalds, Wal-Mart and Starbucks. Note that a national tenant may not necessarily be a [credit tenant](https://www.realized1031.com/glossary/credit-tenant) - although the terms are often used together, they are distinct concepts. Application of the national tenant concept may come into play with cotenancy clauses, loan covenants or attracting retail tenants to a property who require the presence of one or more national tenants in order to drive traffic to the property.

Download The Guide To Net Lease Properties

[![The Investor's Guidebook To Net Lease](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/graphics/composites/Net-Lease-eBook-250.png?width=250&height=250&name=Net-Lease-eBook-250.png "Learn More About Net Lease ...") ](https://www.realized1031.com/glossary/national-tenant#blogform)

Download eBook

---

 

---

### The Investor's Guidebook To Net Lease

![Download The Guide To Net Lease Properties](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/graphics/composites/Net-Lease-eBook-550.jpg?width=550&height=650&name=Net-Lease-eBook-550.jpg)

Learn More About Net Lease Investments.

By providing your email and phone number, you are opting to receive communications from Realized. If you receive a text message and choose to stop receiving further messages, reply STOP to immediately unsubscribe. Msg & Data rates may apply. To manage receiving emails from Realized visit the Manage Preferences link in any email received.

Search

#### Realized

- 500 W 13th Street  
  Austin, TX 78701
- (877) 797-1031

##### [Contact Us](https://www.realized1031.com/contact-us)

- [![Realized on Facebook](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/Social/Icons/Mix/social-facebook-whiterev.png?width=60&height=60&name=social-facebook-whiterev.png)](https://www.facebook.com/Realized/)
- [![Realized on LinkedIn](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/Social/Icons/Mix/social-linkedin-whiterev.png?width=60&height=60&name=social-linkedin-whiterev.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/realized/)
- [![Realized on YouTube](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/UI/Social/Icons/Mix/social-youtube-whiterev.png?width=60&height=60&name=social-youtube-whiterev.png)](https://www.youtube.com/c/Realized1031?sub_confirmation=1)

- [![Realized Holdings, Inc. BBB Business Review](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/professional-assoc/bbb/RZH2-bbb-seal.png?width=40&height=65&name=RZH2-bbb-seal.png)](http://www.bbb.org/central-texas/business-reviews/real-estate-investors/realized-holdings-llc-in-austin-tx-1000112948/#bbbonlineclick)
- [![FEA Logo](https://www.realized1031.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/professional-assoc/fea/RZH2-fea-logo.png?width=82&height=65&name=RZH2-fea-logo.png "FEA Logo")](https://www.1031.org)

SECURITIES DISCLOSURE

Realized1031.com is a website operated by Realized Technologies, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Realized Holdings, Inc. (“Realized Holdings”). Securities and/or Investment Advisory Services may be offered through Registered Representatives or Investment Advisor Representatives of Realized Financial, Inc. ("Realized"), a broker/dealer, member [FINRA](https://www.finra.org)/[SIPC](https://www.sipc.org/), and registered investment adviser. Realized is a subsidiary of Realized Holdings, Inc. ("Realized Holdings"). Check the background of this firm on [FINRA's BrokerCheck](https://brokercheck.finra.org/firm/summary/22333).

Hypothetical example(s) are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to represent the past or future performance of any specific investment.

Investing in alternative assets involves higher risks than traditional investments and is suitable only for sophisticated investors. Alternative investments are often sold by prospectus that discloses all risks, fees, and expenses. They are not tax efficient and an investor should consult with his/her tax advisor prior to investing. Alternative investments have higher fees than traditional investments and they may also be highly leveraged and engage in speculative investment techniques, which can magnify the potential for investment loss or gain and should not be deemed a complete investment program. The value of the investment may fall as well as rise and investors may get back less than they invested.

This site is published for residents of the United States who are accredited investors only. Registered Representatives and Investment Advisor Representatives may only conduct business with residents of the states and jurisdictions in which they are properly registered. Therefore, a response to a request for information may be delayed until appropriate registration is obtained or exemption from registration is determined. Not all of services referenced on this site are available in every state and through every representative listed. For additional information, please contact the Realized Compliance department at 512-472-7171 or info@realized1031.com.

- [Terms & Conditions](https://www.realized1031.com/terms-and-conditions)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.realized1031.com/privacy-policy)
- [Form CRS](https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/common-files/disclosures/FormCRS.pdf)
- [ADV 2A](https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/common-files/disclosures/ADV2A.pdf)
- [Reg BI Disclosures](https://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/common-files/disclosures/RegBI.pdf)
-  

© 2026 Realized Holdings, Inc.

```json
{
  "@context" : "http://schema.org/",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "articleBody" : "National tenant refers to a tenant that has a national footprint with locations throughout the US. The term is most frequently used in the context of retail properties. National tenants are typically those with a “household name” or that would likely be known to the general public. This contrasts from local tenants and regional tenants which have smaller footprints and may only be known to individuals within those areas. Examples of national tenants include McDonalds, Wal-Mart and Starbucks. Note that a national tenant may not necessarily be a credit tenant - although the terms are often used together, they are distinct concepts. Application of the national tenant concept may come into play with cotenancy clauses, loan covenants or attracting retail tenants to a property who require the presence of one or more national tenants in order to drive traffic to the property.",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "email" : "marketing@realized1031.com",
    "name" : "The Realized Team",
    "url" : "https://www.realized1031.com/blog/author/the-realized-team"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2022-06-20T16:11:36+0000",
  "datePublished" : "2022-06-20T16:11:36+0000",
  "description" : "National tenant refers to a tenant that has a national footprint with locations throughout the US. The term is used in the context of retail properties.",
  "headline" : "National Tenant",
  "image" : {
    "@type" : "ImageObject",
    "height" : 627,
    "url" : "https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/733513/social-suggested-images/Realized_Glossary_Graphic-4.jpg",
    "width" : 1200
  },
  "mainEntityOfPage" : "https://www.realized1031.com/glossary/national-tenant",
  "name" : "National Tenant",
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "address" : {
      "@type" : "PostalAddress",
      "addressCountry" : "USA",
      "addressLocality" : "Austin",
      "addressRegion" : "TX",
      "postalCode" : "78701",
      "streetAddress" : "500 W 13th Street "
    },
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "height" : 60,
      "url" : "http://www.realized1031.com/hubfs/Images/Brand/Logo/Realized/Realized-Logo-Black-No-Margin-296x60-AMP.png",
      "width" : 296
    },
    "name" : "Realized"
  }
}
```