How do locked allocation factors work?

In the "By Custom Factors" cost allocation method, each tenant has an allocation factor that determines their share of building costs. These factors can be locked or unlocked:

Unlocked factors (is_locked = false):
The system automatically recalculates the factor based on the tenant's rented area relative to the total. If a new tenant moves in or areas change, unlocked factors adjust automatically.

Locked factors (is_locked = true):
The factor is fixed at the value you set, regardless of area changes. The system will NOT recalculate it. Use this when a lease contract specifies an exact cost-sharing percentage.

Manual factors (is_manual = true):
Similar to locked — the factor was manually entered rather than calculated. Manual factors take precedence over automatic calculations.

Example scenario

Building has 3 tenants. Allocation factors for electricity:

• Tenant A: 0.50 (locked) — lease says they pay 50% regardless
• Tenant B: 0.30 (unlocked) — auto-calculated from area
• Tenant C: 0.20 (unlocked) — auto-calculated from area

If Tenant C's rented area changes, only B and C's factors get recalculated (they share the remaining 50%). Tenant A stays at 50%.

Important: If locked factors don't sum to 1.0, the remaining percentage is distributed among unlocked tenants. If all factors are locked and sum to more or less than 1.0, the system uses the factors as-is (which may result in over or under-allocation).

Where to manage: Cost Allocation → select building → click on the allocation method → individual tenant factors can be locked/unlocked in the detail view.