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.

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?

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 a lease for more than a year must be in writing to be legally enforceable.

Are commercial lease terms negotiable?

Most landlords start out asking for lease terms that aren't in a business owner's best interest, but they are almost always willing to make concessions. Of course, your bargaining power depends on your local rental market -- if the market is tight, you won't have a lot of leverage.

While rent isn't usually negotiable, your landlord may agree to limit annual rent increases and possibly pay for utilities, repairs, taxes and insurance. You might also be able to negotiate a shorter lease term, perhaps with one or two options to renew the lease, and the authority to sublease or assign the space. Finally, landlords are often willing to pay for necessary improvements to the building before you move in, especially if you're agree to sign a long-term lease.