Offices

Service charges, business rates, insurance, utilities, deposits, and end-of-lease repairs, are some of the added costs to expect when renting an office in London. Renting an office in London often costs far more than the price you see advertised. Once you include syour total outgoings, prices can rise by 30–50%. Understanding these hidden costs before […]

Business rates are a local tax on commercial properties that every London office tenant must pay to their council. The amount depends on your office’s rateable value, which reflects its rental market worth, and the government multiplier, which determines how much you owe per pound of value. For 2025, most businesses will pay between £20

As a tenant, you don’t need to hold sustainability certifications yourself — but choosing an office in London that has one can make a real difference to your running costs, employee wellbeing, and corporate image. The three main certifications you’ll see on the market are BREEAM, WELL, and LEED, each covering different aspects of environmental

You size and design for flexible working teams by planning for part-time occupancy, typically 60–80% of traditional desk space, based on how often employees are in the office. Analyse attendance patterns, implement hot-desking, and create adaptable layouts with collaboration zones, meeting rooms, and quiet work areas. This ensures you provide enough space when teams are

You have strong legal rights to adequate ventilation under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, with landlords required to maintain minimum air quality standards. Poor ventilation can breach your lease’s quiet enjoyment provisions whilst creating health and safety liability. Air quality in London offices has become critical following increased awareness of indoor environmental

You should budget £8-15 per square foot annually for utilities and service charges in London offices, though costs vary significantly by location, building specification, and included services. Central London premium buildings typically demand higher charges than outer zones, with modern buildings often providing better value through energy efficiency. Service charges represent a substantial ongoing cost

No, your landlord cannot evict you from commercial premises without proper notice and following strict legal procedures. Commercial tenants enjoy stronger protection than residential tenants under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954, though the specific notice period depends on your lease terms and grounds for eviction. Understanding your rights as a commercial tenant could save

Yes, you can bring your dog to the office if your lease permits it and your landlord consents, but most commercial leases don’t explicitly address pets. You’ll need written permission from your landlord and must ensure compliance with building regulations and insurance requirements. The rise of flexible working has sparked growing interest in pet-friendly offices

Yes, you can share your leased office with another company through various arrangements, but success depends on your lease terms and landlord approval. Office sharing differs from subletting and often provides more flexibility for modern collaborative working. Shared Costs Typical Split Your Responsibility Their Contribution Base Rent By space ratio Full liability Agreed portion Service

No, you cannot sublet without explicit landlord permission. Most commercial leases prohibit subletting without written consent, making unauthorised subletting a serious breach that could terminate your tenancy. Responsibility Head Tenant Subtenant Landlord Rent Payment Ultimate liability Direct to head tenant From head tenant Repairs Depends on agreement Limited Building structure Insurance Building & contents Contents

There are six essential steps when moving from one office to another: planning, equipment assessment, data migration, physical relocation, setup, and post-move optimisation. With proper preparation, businesses can minimise downtime and ensure continuity during their office transition. How Long Does Office Moving Take to Plan? Office moving takes 12-16 weeks to plan properly. Research shows

Yes, you can add things to your rented office, but you need landlord consent for most modifications. Most commercial leases allow minor alterations but require written permission for significant installations like air conditioning or gym facilities. Modification Type Landlord Consent Planning Permission Building Regs Air Conditioning Required Possibly Yes Internal Gym Required Unlikely Possibly Partitioning