Questions to Ask Before Signing an Office Lease
A lease is a long-term commitment, and some of the most important questions have nothing to do with rent. Here’s what’s worth clarifying before you sign.
Questions about the space itself
What condition is it delivered in (Cat A, Cat A+, shell and core)? What are the ceiling heights, floor loading, and any restrictions on partitioning or alterations? These directly affect what’s achievable in a fit out.
Questions about the lease terms
What’s the licence to alter process, and how long does landlord approval typically take? What are the dilapidations obligations at the end of the term? What break clauses exist, and how do they affect fit out investment decisions?
Questions about costs beyond rent
Service charges, business rates, and any building-wide costs (security, reception, communal maintenance) can add significantly to the real cost of occupying a space. Get a genuine total occupancy cost, not just the headline rent figure.
Getting fit out input before you sign
A short conversation with a fit out specialist before signing can flag anything about the space that will make your fit out more expensive or restrictive, while there’s still room to negotiate terms with the landlord.
