A use clause is the lease provision defining the specific business purpose(s) for which the tenant may operate the property, which affects re-leasing flexibility if the tenant vacates.
Use clauses can be broad or narrow. A narrow clause limits the tenant to a specific operation, which may protect the landlord from unwanted uses but makes re-leasing harder if the tenant leaves. Exclusive-use provisions can also restrict what other tenants in a center may do. For buyers, a building designed for one use, such as a drive-through restaurant, should be considered for its alternative uses. Check the clause alongside zoning.