{"id":4586,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:36","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/overview-renting-business-space.html"},"modified":"2024-06-06T03:30:01","modified_gmt":"2024-06-06T08:30:01","slug":"overview-renting-business-space","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/overview-renting-business-space.html","title":{"rendered":"Overview: Renting Business Space"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Overview: Renting Business Space<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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Renting a Business Space: Where to Begin<\/h2>\r\n

You’re on your way to becoming a small business owner<\/a>. Congratulations. Now comes the hard part. Renting a business space for your soon-to-be thriving business. When renting a business space<\/a>, take into consideration whether it is necessary to hire a broker, the location you desire, the features you require from the building itself, and the zoning ordinances in the area. Below, you will find helpful information about the commercial lease process<\/a>. <\/p>\r\n

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Hiring a Real Estate Broker<\/h2>\r\n

Locating the type of property that will suit the needs of a business may be difficult without help from a real estate broker<\/a>. In a competitive commercial real estate market, a broker can be helpful in locating properties that are available, but not listed. Hire a broker that specializes in representing tenants rather than one that mostly represents landlords.<\/p>\r\n

Selecting a Location<\/h2>\r\n

The location of an office space may be one of the most important factors when searching for a business rental. Take into account whether the location is near competitors, whether it is accessible to customers, whether it is important to be located in a district with other similar businesses, and whether the services offered in the area will benefit the business.<\/p>\r\n

Evaluating the Physical Structure<\/h2>\r\n

The building should meet the needs of the business. Consider whether the structure will provide enough space, whether substantial alterations will be necessary, and whether the outward appearance of the building complements the business.<\/p>\r\n

Determine Whether There is Enough Parking Space<\/h2>\r\n

The location should have adequate parking near the business for customers. If customers will park for a fee in a structure, make sure it is affordable.<\/p>\r\n

Investigate Zoning<\/h2>\r\n

Every city and county zones property<\/a> for specific uses. Make certain that the property is zoned for the business’ intended use. Do not assume that a similar use by a previous tenant is an indication that zoning will allow a new business a similar use. Check with zoning ordinances to make this determination.<\/p>\r\n

Negotiating the Terms of a Commercial Lease<\/h2>\r\n

Unlike residential leases, commercial leases do not come in a standard form. Terms regarding rent, the length of the lease, and exclusive use clauses are often negotiable<\/a>. How many concessions a landlord is willing to give often depends on whether commercial vacancies are high.<\/p>\r\n

Negotiating Rent<\/h2>\r\n

The cost of a lease will depend on several factors, including the commercial rental market, the type of business, and the landlord’s willingness to negotiate. There are two ways that a landlord will calculate rent:<\/p>\r\n