The article examines the process of economic space development of the land-lease branch in the Altai mining district in the period between the administrative reforms of 1883 and 1896. The authors analyze the district administration actions on the land-lease relations development, point to the actions of officials and note the change in priorities in relation to the region land and forest resources after the revision of 1882. The conclusion is made that, in contrast to the previous period, when the actions of the district administration were chaotic and disinterested, since 1883 there has been a whole range of measures reflecting the systemic, purposeful and thoughtful nature of actions aimed at the development of rent. It is indicated that in addition to direct practical activities, officials were engaged in research and development of concepts for the industry development which was not observed before. It was already in the 80s of the 19th century the following approaches for the development of the economic sphere of land-lease relations were realized by the Cabinet administration inventory ("bringing all property to notice"), internal breakdown of land plots, measures to involve in economic turnover unsuitable for lease land, transition to long-term lease relations, etc. , which determined the nature of further intensification and modernization of the industry until 1917. Despite the limited resources, there was a significant increase in rental income, which increased in the first half of the 90s of the 19th century.