For a tenant under a triple net lease, what constitutes an additional financial obligation beyond rent?

In a triple net lease, the tenant is responsible not only for the base rent but also for three key additional financial obligations: property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. This makes option C the correct choice. Under this leasing structure, tenants effectively "net" the landlord from certain operational expenses associated with the property, providing a clearer understanding of the total cost of occupancy.

This distinguishes triple net leases from other types of leases where the landlord may handle these expenses. For tenants, being liable for property taxes means they must budget for potential fluctuations in their tax assessments. Insurance obligations ensure that the property is adequately covered, while maintenance responsibilities can include everything from routine upkeep to major repairs.

The other options present costs that do not fall under the typical definition of a triple net lease. For instance, while utilities and services provided to the property are necessary expenses, they generally fall under the tenant's purview in many lease agreements; however, they are distinct from the primary "net" obligations outlined in a triple net lease. Paying for property marketing costs and legal fees are also not standard liabilities placed on tenants in this type of lease structure.