What Should Startups Consider When Looking for an Office?

Your startup is gaining traction. You have created a minimum viable product and raised your first round of capital. As you look to grow your team, you decide it’s a good time to move from your home-office into a converted warehouse with beer on tap and some wall plants.

Before relocating your operations, however, it’s important to decide what type of office space would best suit your business.

Regardless of whether your startup requires a co-working space or traditional office space, you should understand what leasing issues that you will first need to consider.

Traditional Office Space

Entering into a commercial leasing agreement for a ‘traditional’ office space provides a tenant with more rights and a greater level of security than the licence agreement co-working spaces typically use. For example, it’s much harder for a landlord to evict a tenant than it is for them to revoke a licensee’s right of access to a particular premises. However, if a startup is growing and will need to expand their workspace, such a lease can be unnecessarily restrictive.

Signing a Commercial Lease Agreement

If you decide that a traditional commercial lease agreement is the best option for your business, you first should consider the following:

• The permitted use of the land and any relevant council zoning laws. For example, can you sublet or licence the premises to capitalise on the space, or does your lease agreement prevent you from doing so?
• What is the cost of your rent and will you also need to pay outgoings and services?
• What is the rent review regime and is it reasonable?
• Will the lease term match the business needs?
• Does the lease contain an option to renew?
• What is the bank guarantee/security deposit?
• Do the directors need to give personal guarantees?

Typically, a tenant can exercise an option to renew after they provide their landlord with written notice at least 3-6 months before their lease expires. For example, a startup may decide to enter into a two-year lease with 5 X 2-year options to reassess when it’s time to expand the premises.

Co-Working Spaces

Modern workplaces no longer require staff to be physically present, relying more on remote team members. Australia has developed a ‘coworking culture’ to accommodate this trend with the number of co-working spaces growing rapidly. Startups with smaller teams and budgetary constraints may benefit from the collaborative environment and reduced costs.

How Do Co-Working Spaces Work?

There are a number of different models for co-working spaces, including:

• hot-desking;
• shared executive spaces; and
• temporary exclusively used office spaces.

Most co-working spaces usually operate using an occupation licence agreements that allows members to use the space for a particular purpose (or set of purposes). If you think a co-working space best suits your business’ needs, ensure you ask the following questions.

Key Takeaways

For founders looking to establish their startups in an office space, there are a number of leasing issues to consider. Traditional commercial leasing agreements are ideal for businesses that are looking for security and space for the long-term. On the other hand, businesses looking to optimise their flexibility and minimise overhead costs might be better off making use of occupational licence agreements and co-working spaces. Regardless of which option is suitable for your business, it is essential that you pay attention to the terms of your agreement and your obligations under the lease.

If you have any questions, get in touch with our specialist property and leasing lawyers on 1300 544 755.