Have you just started your business and are planning to rent professional premises like in 621 N LaSalle Chicago for example? Are you already an office tenant but want to move to take advantage of a larger or better-located workspace? Type of office, location, choice of type of contract, budget, and hidden costs
Set Your Budget
Your budget for renting an office like startup office space for example is also one of the most important elements of your research. Indeed, the prices of business real estate vary greatly depending on the city, the district, or even from one district to another. The rent for an office also depends on other factors (type of contract, area, benefits, services, etc.). Knowing your maximum budget allows you to refine your search.
When you define your budget, remember to include all hidden costs (any agency fees, security deposit, moving costs, etc.), as well as all related expenses (charges: electricity, water, heating, insurance, garbage). If you already occupy offices, remember to take stock of all your real estate expenses; this will allow you to compare better the prices offered in each space depending on the type of contract chosen.
If you currently hold a commercial or professional lease and decide to opt for a service contract, remember that all additional costs related to real estate will be included in the price. In a word, remember to compare what is comparable to establish a clear and realistic budget!
Start Your Research!
Once you have established your main office search criteria, you can embark on the search phase. Several solutions are then available to you.
Build Your Rental File
To put the odds on your side in your office search, remember to gather all the necessary documents for your rental file. Indeed, putting together your file upstream will allow you to send it as soon as you have identified the ideal workspace (competition is sometimes serious, especially for an office rental. For an equivalent file, it is often the first receipt that is retained).
Your application file must include several essential documents, such as:
a copy of your identity card of your company (whether it is a micro-enterprise or a commercial company);
the company’s articles of association and the latest balance sheets of your company (these elements will (almost) never be requested in a service contract);
a RIB (Bank Identity Statement).
You can also attach a brochure presenting your company and a letter of interest (which includes all the conditions for renting the office).
Schedule Visits
After having identified one or more offices that match your search criteria and after compiling your rental file, you have finally arrived at the last step, or almost: you must schedule one or more visits.
Indeed, it is essential to go on-site to assess the district’s atmosphere, the configuration and comfort of the office, its luminosity, calmness, accessibility, the quality of its equipment, and the services provided. It would help if you projected yourself into this office to be sure of being able to work there in good conditions.
When visiting the property, remember to take a few photos (always ask the real estate agent or landlord who shows you around for approval). You can also plan to visit the offices together to gather some outside opinions, especially those of your partners or employees.