In today’s challenging housing landscape, organizations across the country are searching for practical, sustainable ways to provide stable, quality housing for the people they serve.

Whether that is nonprofit clients, employees, or community members in need. One strategy that has grown dramatically in popularity is the use of corporate and master leases.

Through the power of creative partnerships, corporate and master leases are proving to be a win-win for property owners, nonprofits, employers, and most importantly, the individuals who benefit from having reliable housing. And nowhere is this success more visible than in NOAH Property Management’s incredible momentum through the Greenville Together partnership, which has become a model for what is possible when mission-driven organizations collaborate with property managers committed to community-focused solutions.

What is a Corporate Lease?

A corporate lease is when a business or organization signs a lease for a rental unit for use by its employees or associates.

• The company is the official tenant.
• They place employees or traveling staff in the unit.
• Common in workforce housing, relocation housing, and temporary assignments.

Example:
A company leases five apartments so new hires have housing when they relocate.

What is a Master Lease

A master lease is broader. It’s when an entity (company, nonprofit, or agency) leases multiple units or an entire property, and then subleases those units to occupants.

• Could be one unit or an entire building.
• The master leaseholder takes on financial responsibility for all units covered.
• Often used by nonprofits, housing authorities, employers, or corporate housing providers.

Example:
A nonprofit master-leases 10 units and then places clients into those units, guaranteeing rent.

Where They Overlap

A corporate lease can be a type of master lease—especially when an employer leases multiple units for employees.
BUT a master lease doesn’t have to be corporate. It might be held by:

• A nonprofit
• A social services agency
• A housing program
• A workforce development organization

NOAH Property Management + Greenville Together = A Partnership Making a Real Difference

NOAH Property Management has seen HUGE success partnering with Greenville Together, a coalition of local nonprofits, businesses, and community leaders working to reduce homelessness.Through this collaboration, master leases have become an essential tool for opening more housing doors for people who would otherwise be left behind by traditional screening criteria.

Because the nonprofit partner (not the individual) guarantees the rent, residents only need to pass a background check, not a credit evaluation. That single change has dramatically expanded access to housing and allowed individuals to move forward with confidence instead of anxiety. At the same time, property owners benefit from guaranteed income, consistent communication with organizational partners, and reduced turnover.

This is the kind of community-driven innovation that Greenville Together was built to support, and it’s just the beginning.

NOAH Property Management is eager to partner with additional nonprofits who want to secure stable housing for their clients. Master leases allow nonprofits to:

• Place clients quickly without waiting for traditional approvals.
• Guarantee rent, minimizing financial risk for clients and landlords.
• Support stability, which in turn supports long-term success in workforce participation, education, and family well-being.
• Build trust with property managers who value mission-aligned partnerships.

If your organization is working to support families, individuals exiting homelessness, people recovering from financial hardship, or clients rebuilding their lives, a master lease may be one of the most effective tools you can offer.

A Game-Changer for Workforce Housing and Employee Retention

Master leases aren’t just for nonprofits. They also are an incredible opportunity for employers who want to strengthen employee retention and support their teams.

Companies can guarantee rent for their employees, enabling them to access quality housing even if they lack credit or sufficient rental history. NOAH Property Management simply bills the company directly for rent payments, easing the financial burden and stress often placed on employees navigating the housing approval process.

For employers, this brings multiple advantages:

• Reduced turnover and improved employee loyalty
• Increased productivity due to housing stability
• A powerful recruitment tool in a competitive labor market
• A meaningful way to demonstrate organizational values and community commitment

When employees don’t have to struggle through credit checks or face the fear of being denied housing, they can focus on work, family, and personal well-being. Corporate leases turn housing from an obstacle into a benefit.

At its core, the master lease model recognizes a simple truth: people need housing first before they can thrive. By allowing organizations to step in and guarantee rent, we remove the most common barriers standing between individuals and a safe place to live.

NOAH Property Management is proud to champion this approach and thrilled with the results already seen through the Greenville Together partnership. But there is room or so much more collaboration.'

If you are a nonprofit wanting to support your clients more effectively, or an employer seeking better retention and employee stability, NOAH Property Management would love to partner with you. Together, we can build stronger communities, one master lease at a time.