From the Nolo Business & Human Resources Center
Finding and Renting Space for Your Business FAQ
Answers to commonly asked questions about choosing
and registering a successful business name.
What's Below:
Should I rent or buy space for
my business?
How do I pick a location for
my business?
What is a commercial
lease?
Are commercial lease terms
negotiable?
How do I determine if the
location I want is properly zoned for my business?
Should I rent or buy
space for my business?
Almost all small businesses start out in leased (rented) premises, and most
use leased space throughout the life of the business. By leasing rather than
buying, you avoid tying up valuable working capital, and it's easier to move to
new quarters if your space needs change.
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How do I pick a location
for my business?
Commercial real estate brokers are fond of saying that the three most
important factors in establishing a business are location, location and
location. While true for some businesses, for others, locating in a popular,
high-cost area may be a mistake. To make sure your space will suit the financial
and physical needs of your business, ask yourself these questions:
- Is location important for the success of your
business?
- What type of location is best for your business?
- How much rent can you afford?
- Is your proposed location appropriate for what
you plan to do there?
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What is a commercial
lease?
A commercial lease -- as opposed to a residential lease -- is a contract
between a business and a landlord for the rental of building space. A lease can
be for a short term (as little as one month) or long term (up to ten or 15
years), and it can be written or oral (spoken) -- although an oral lease for
more than a year will generally not be enforced by a judge after the first year.
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