Rented Land Risk

Rented Land Risk is the fundamental business risk associated with building a community on a platform an organisation does not own or control. This risk arises from a lack of authority over crucial elements such as platform algorithms, member data, and governing policies, which can jeopardise the long-term viability and value of the community asset.

Why it matters — Rented Land Risk

In community strategy, the ultimate goal is to build a durable, proprietary asset that delivers ongoing value to both members and the organisation. Building on rented land directly undermines this objective. The organisation invests significant resources—time, content, and personnel—to cultivate a community, only to have its access and influence mediated by a third party whose business goals may not align with its own. This creates a state of perpetual vulnerability.

Key strategic implications include:

• Loss of a Strategic Asset: A community on rented land is not a true asset. It is a dependency. The platform can change its terms, alter its algorithm, or even cease to exist, potentially erasing years of community-building effort overnight with no recourse.