What type of lease agreement is characterized by increasing rental payments over time?

The correct answer is characterized as an escalating lease agreement, which involves rental payments that increase over the duration of the lease. This type of lease is often designed to account for inflation or to reflect increased property values, allowing the landlord to adjust rent to market rates over time. Escalating leases can also be structured to help tenants plan for future costs, as they may have predetermined schedules for rental increases.

In a profit-sharing lease, rental payments are typically based on the tenant's revenue rather than increasing fixed amounts, making it a different structure altogether. An equity after term lease does not inherently involve escalating payments, but rather a potential ownership stake after a certain period. Secured finance agreements focus on collateral and financing rather than rental payment structures, which further distinguishes them from an escalating lease.