{"id":135,"date":"2020-05-21T00:29:07","date_gmt":"2020-05-21T00:29:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.acassessor.org\/?page_id=135"},"modified":"2026-04-14T18:29:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T18:29:00","slug":"possessory-interests","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.acassessor.org\/es\/homeowners\/possessory-interests\/","title":{"rendered":"Possessory Interests"},"content":{"rendered":"[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ custom_margin=”0px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ min_height=”432px” custom_margin=”0px|auto|0px|auto|false|false” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_sidebar _builder_version=”4.27.5″ body_font=”||||on||||” body_text_color=”#0a4a8a” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_sidebar][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]\n

Possessory Interests<\/h1>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”232px” custom_margin=”-7px|||||” custom_padding=”0px||15px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n

What is a Possessory Interest?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A taxable possessory interest (PI) is created when a private party is granted the exclusive use of real property owned by a non-taxable entity. An expanded definition may be found in Revenue and Taxation (R&T) Code Sections 61, 62, 107-107.9, 480. 6, and Property Tax Rules 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29. In very simple terms, for a possessory interest to be taxable it must be independent, durable, and exclusive of the rights held by others.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Independent<\/strong>: The use must be independent of the public owner. That is, its holder may exercise authority and control of the property apart from the rules and regulations of the public owner.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Durable<\/strong>: There must be reasonably certain evidence to show that the possession will continue for a determinable period of time.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Exclusive<\/strong>: Its holder must be able to exclude others from interfering with the use of the property, (or, where there is concurrent use, the concurrent use does not significantly interfere with the holder\u2019s use).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    Examples of Possessory Interests<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

    Taxable PIs can be created in virtually any use of government-owned real property. They are typically created when private individuals, companies or corporations lease, rent, or use federal, state or local government-owned facilities and\/or land for their own benefit.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Examples of possessory interests include such things as:<\/span><\/p>\n

      \n
    • Private companies leasing government buildings.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Boat slips in public marinas.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • An airplane tie-down at a county airport.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Tenants, concessionaires and exhibitors at the County fairgrounds.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Public golf courses leased to private operators.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Cable television right-of-way easements.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • The right to operate a rental car agency at an airport.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Container operators at the Port of Oakland.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Airline terminal and cargo space at airports.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      The variety and form of such interests vary widely and evolve continually, and those listed above represent only a portion of the possible possessory interests that may be found.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Property Taxes<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

      California law exempts public agencies from paying taxes on the property they own, thus the lessee, who acquires the possessory interest, must pay property taxes on the possessory interest. The taxation of these interests is rooted in historical precedent. The California legislature first authorized the valuation of possessory interests for property tax purposes in 1859.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Those who receive possessory interest assessments are often puzzled by the seemingly unfairness of paying rent to a government entity while being asked to pay property taxes on property they don\u2019t own. However, government entities do not have to pay property tax and thus, their rent charges do not include an increment to recover such taxes (similar to a triple net lease).<\/span><\/p>\n

      At the same time, the private possessor still receives the services and benefits (fire and police protection, schools, and local government) that other similar taxable properties enjoy, and the possessory interest tax helps to pay the holder\u2019s fair share of those costs.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Discovery of Taxable Possessory Interests<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

      The Assessor, by law, must search out and value all taxable property in the County as of the lien date, January 1, each year. This includes all taxable possessory interests. Annually, pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code Section 480.6, Assessor\u2019s staff requests every government agency in the County to provide various items of information such as leases and other agreements that are related to the real property they own. This information includes the name, mailing address, situs, lease amendments, assignments, new construction, etc., for each property. The Assessor analyzes this information when making the possessory interest assessments. It is important that the lessees keep this information current with their government landlords and that the agencies cooperate fully with the Assessor so that accurate assessments can be made by the County.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Valuing Possessory Interests<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

      Base year values are established for taxable possessory interests upon change in ownership or completion of new construction under the guidelines of Proposition 13. The requirements for a change in ownership of a taxable possessory interest are found in Revenue and Taxation Code Section 61. A change in ownership occurs when a possessory interest is created, assigned, or upon expiration of the reasonably anticipated term of possession used by the Assessor.<\/span><\/p>\n

      The valuation of PIs differs significantly from other forms of property tax appraisal, as it is the appraiser\u2019s job to value only those rights held by the private possessor. The appraiser must not include the value of any rights retained by the public owner or any rights that will revert back to the public owner (the \u201creversionary interest\u201d) at the end of a reasonable term of possession.<\/span><\/p>\n

      Taxable PI values differ from real property unencumbered fee values in two ways:<\/span><\/p>\n

        \n
      • The Assessor must value only the legally permitted possessory interest use under the agreement, which may not be the highest and best use of the property.<\/span><\/li>\n
      • The Assessor must not include the value of the lessor\u2019s retained rights in the property; the government\u2019s interest is exempt.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        As a result, PI assessments are normally and often significantly less than fee simple assessments of similar, privately owned property.<\/span><\/p>\n

        The determined base year value is protected by Proposition 13; it will only increase by a maximum of 2% per year, until a reappraisable event (change in ownership or new construction) occurs or the property suffers a decline in value (when sales prices or rents of similar properties decline, or the anticipated term of possession decreases \u2013 Proposition 8).<\/span><\/p>\n

        Possessory Interests are Assessed on the Unsecured Roll<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

        Possessory interests are normally assessed on the Unsecured Tax Roll because the property rights being assessed are for the possession of and not the ownership of the real property and cannot provide security for the taxes owed. In other words, the property cannot be used to satisfy any delinquent property tax.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Therefore, PIs are assessed as real property on the Unsecured Roll, but still fall under the umbrella of Proposition 13. That is to say, that although they appear on the Unsecured Roll, they are still assessed according to the laws pertaining to secured real property.<\/span><\/p>\n

        Unsecured Tax Bills<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

        The payment schedule for Unsecured Roll tax bills is significantly different than for Secured Roll tax bills and taxpayers should be aware of that difference.\u00a0Unsecured bills are due and payable in full no later than August 31, each year.\u00a0<\/strong>If paid after August 31, a penalty of 10% plus costs will be added to the amount due. Unsecured bills are not split into two installments with two different delinquency dates, as is true of Secured Roll tax bills.<\/span><\/p>\n

        <\/span><\/p>\n

        Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h3>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”I was never informed about a Possessory Interest taxes when I signed my rental agreement. Why am I required to pay the bill?” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]\n

        The municipality in contract with you had a legal responsibility to inform you that your possessory interest may be subject to property taxation; this information should have been included in your written lease\/rental agreement. PI assessments are authorized by the California Revenue and Taxation Code and the Assessor is required to issue the assessment to you, the possessor.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”I vacated my rented space in March. Why should I have to pay the tax bill for the entire upcoming fiscal year (July-June)?” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]\n

        If you had possession of and\/or were leasing the property on January 1st, you are responsible for the entire tax bill .Unsecured annual property taxes are assessed to the private party with the rights of possession on the January 1st lien date.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”I informed the City (Caltrans, Port of Oakland, etc.) on December 15th that I was leaving in March. Doesn\u2019t this fact demonstrate that my possession is not %22durable%22?” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]\n

        It may. Please contact our office at (510) 272-3777 and ask to speak to the PI appraiser to discuss your specific circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How was the value determined?” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]\n

        The valuation approaches for taxable possessory interests are similar to the conventional approaches to value \u2013 the comparative sales approach, the income approach, and the cost approach \u2013 that are generally accepted and used in the valuation of a fee simple interest. However, the conventional approaches must be modified to accommodate the finite duration of a taxable possessory interest and the corresponding fact that a portion of the fee simple interest in those rights, the reversionary interest, is retained by the government owner and is non-taxable.<\/span><\/p>\n

        While any of the sales comparison, income, or cost approaches to value may be used by the Assessor in valuing taxable possessory interests, the income approach is the most commonly relied upon method of valuing them.<\/span><\/p>\n

        In the income approach, a taxable possessory interest is valued by discounting the future net income that the interest in real property is capable of producing during the anticipated term of possession. Where both economic rent and a reasonable term of possession can be determined, estimating the PI value involves capitalizing the potential rental income stream (less anticipated vacancy, collection loss and management expense from a landlord’s point of view). The resulting figure is the value of the taxable Possessory Interest.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Why does my bill shows an assessment for %22Land%22 and %22Improvements%22?” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]\n

        For real property, including possessory interests, the Assessor is required to separately distinguish the land assessment from the improvement assessment on the annual bill. However there is no requirement to separately appraise the two parts of the whole. The appraiser typically evaluates the total PI and then allocates the assessment between land and improvements. For all practical purposes it is the total assessment that is important.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”]\n

        For more information about your possessory interest assessment, please call (510) 272-3777 and ask to speak with the Possessory Interest appraiser.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Possessory InterestsWhat is a Possessory Interest? A taxable possessory interest (PI) is created when a private party is granted the exclusive use of real property owned by a non-taxable entity. An expanded definition may be found in Revenue and Taxation (R&T) Code Sections 61, 62, 107-107.9, 480. 6, and Property Tax Rules 20, 21, 22, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":15,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-135","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nPossessory Interests - Alameda County Assessor<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.acassessor.org\/es\/homeowners\/possessory-interests\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"es_MX\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Possessory Interests - Alameda County Assessor\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Possessory InterestsWhat is a Possessory Interest? A taxable possessory interest (PI) is created when a private party is granted the exclusive use of real property owned by a non-taxable entity. 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