This industry group includes establishments classified in the following NAICS industries: 53111, Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings; 53112, Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings (except Miniwarehouses); 53113, Lessors of Miniwarehouses and Self-Storage Units; and 53119, Lessors of Other Real Estate Property.

For the 2002 Economic Census, real estate investment trusts (REITS) were classified in Subsector 525, Funds, Trusts, and Other Financial Vehicles. However, for the 2007 Economic Census, the equity REITs are included in Industry Group 5311, Lessors of Real Estate, based on primary type of real estate property leased.