How is market rent best defined?

Market rent is best defined as the income a property can command based on prevailing market conditions. This definition encapsulates the concept that market rent reflects what tenants are willing to pay for a space at a given time, influenced by factors such as supply and demand, property location, and economic trends. It represents a fair value that allows the property owner to maximize income while remaining competitive within the market.

While government regulations may set rent controls or limits, these do not provide a true reflection of the current market dynamics, as they can distort the actual rent a property could achieve under normal conditions. Similarly, rent based on tenant negotiations is often influenced by the tenant's requirements and willingness to pay, which may not accurately represent the broader market's stance. Lastly, determining rent by the average rents of similar properties can provide helpful context but doesn’t account for unique property features, current demand levels, or specific market fluctuations; thus, it doesn't capture the nuanced negotiation processes and varying local demand that characterize true market rent.