Renting an office is the first important step in starting your business. If you have an office, your potential clients will have a place to find you. Before you start looking for an office, you should understand what you are looking for.
Steps
Step 1. Decide the best place for your office taking into account where your potential customers are, where your closest competitor is, if the area is convenient for you and finally if you could find employees in that area
Step 2. How much space do you need?
Think about how many employees you are going to hire and calculate about 80 square meters per person.
Step 3. Contact a real estate agency in your area
Real estate agents are aware of the best deals on the market and can assist you in your choice.
Step 4. Create a budget for the office you want to rent
Calculate that the monthly rent payment is at least 4-5% of the total operating costs.
Step 5. With your real estate agent, visit some potential offices for rent
Step 6. Try to figure out how long you can rent that office
Aim for a contract of at least three years.
Step 7. Calculate all the rental costs, for example the average monthly cost and how much you will be required to pay for heating
If you rent an office in a building, ask how much the condominium expenses are, that is, how much you have to pay for the common areas, such as the concierge.
Step 8. Get a copy of any office rental agreements you are interested in
Step 9. Hire a real estate lawyer before signing the rental agreement
There are hundreds of legal terms in a lease; a lawyer can help you understand them.
Step 10. Make an offer for the office you would like to rent
Although you can try, the landlord will not be very willing to negotiate the rent with you. However, you may be able to discuss other things, such as condominium and management expenses.
Step 11. Sign the contract if you are convinced and if the lawyer has approved it
You will have to pay a deposit and the first month's rent upon signing.
Advice
- Check the parking situation near the office you want to rent, so that your employees and potential customers do not have parking problems.
- If you need limited space, you may want to consider sublet a part of another office that is already in operation.
- If you expect your business to expand, don't rent an office that may be too small in two years.
