Searching for a commercial property to rent is a crucial step for any entrepreneur or professional looking to grow their business. A well-prepared visit ensures that the premises meet the specific needs of the company and comply with current regulations.
Prepare Your Visit by Listing Your Needs
Before even scheduling a visit, it's essential to clearly define the needs of your business. Careful preparation saves time, prevents unpleasant surprises, and makes it easier to compare different options to find the right commercial property.
Determine Operational Requirements
Every business has its specific needs, and the commercial premises must meet them optimally.
The first thing to assess is the required floor space: a retail store won’t have the same needs as a consultation office or a logistics warehouse.
You should also think about the layout: Do you need partitioned offices for more privacy, or an open space to encourage collaboration?
Ceiling height can also be crucial, especially for activities that require shelving, vertical storage, or tall equipment—like gyms, children’s play areas, or dental practices.
Lastly, depending on your sector, having a reception area for customers or a secure storage space may be essential.
Anticipate the Overall Budget
It’s important to consider all the costs associated with occupying the premises. Rental charges, which can be high in certain buildings, may significantly affect your cash flow. You should also anticipate any renovation or compliance work, whether it is your responsibility or the landlord’s.
Don’t forget additional expenses, such as property tax (if passed on to you), the local economic contribution (CFE), or the household waste collection tax (TEOM), which are often overlooked but very real.
By drafting a comprehensive forecast budget, you ensure sound financial management from the outset.
Check Compliance with Regulations
During the visit, it’s crucial to make sure the property complies with current legal and safety standards. This not only ensures the safety of your employees and customers but also compliance with legal obligations.
Accessibility for Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM)
Accessibility is a legal requirement, especially for businesses open to the public.
- Physical access: Check for ramps for wheelchair users, wide enough doors, and unobstructed pathways. If the property is on an upper floor, an accessibility-compliant elevator must be available.
- Adapted restrooms: Accessible toilets must be provided, with appropriate dimensions, equipment, and signage to ensure comfort and independence.
- Signage and visual markers: Use clear, legible, and high-contrast signage. Include pictograms and, if possible, braille for visually impaired or blind individuals.
- Auditory accessibility: Provide visual communication devices (light signals, induction loops, etc.) for deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals.
- Reception and assistance: Train staff to welcome all types of disabilities and ensure that assistance solutions are available if needed.
Fire Safety and Technical Installations
Fire safety is essential in any workplace. Ensure that emergency exits are clear and accessible, and that materials used in the building meet fire safety standards. An unsafe property can pose major risks and lead to fines.
Technical installations must comply with safety and operational standards.
- Ensure the electrical system meets your usage needs (single-phase or three-phase) and current standards (Q18 report, for example. See our article)
- Check that heating and ventilation systems are functioning properly, as they are crucial for occupant comfort
- Inquire about the availability of high-speed internet and telephone networks to ensure adequate connectivity for your business activities.
Assessing the Location of Commercial Premises
The location of a commercial property plays a crucial role in the success of your business. A good location can attract new customers and facilitate access to services, while a poorly chosen one may limit your opportunities. Here are the main criteria to consider when evaluating a location.
The Neighborhood
The location should match your target clientele. A high-end neighborhood will be ideal for a premium customer base, while an area with heavy foot traffic or good public transport connections will be more suitable for general business activities. Your brand image should also be taken into account.
Accessibility
Access should be easy for both clients and employees. Check the proximity of public transport, parking availability, and accessibility for people with reduced mobility. Also consider traffic flow and delivery access.
Competition
Analyze the presence of similar businesses in the area. Too much competition can harm your visibility, but a certain level of proximity may attract a shared customer base.
Neighborhood Development
Inquire about upcoming projects in the area. A developing district can offer interesting prospects, whereas a declining one may affect footfall and demand.
Analyzing the Commercial Lease
The commercial lease defines the rules of your relationship with the landlord. Here are the key points to check.
Duration and Termination Conditions
It is important to have a good understanding of the commercial lease (known as 3/6/9) and to seek assistance from a lawyer or business notary if needed (standard 3-6-9 lease or temporary lease), including notice periods and termination procedures. Also ensure that the lease includes a renewal right.
Cost and Responsibility Allocation
Since 2014, some expenses are legally required to be borne by the landlord, such as major structural work (Article 606 of the French Civil Code). Make sure the lease complies with this legal distribution. Also check service charges and maintenance costs. Finally, review the rent adjustment terms: since 2014, the Commercial Rent Index (ILC) is mandatory for most commercial leases.
Specific Clauses to Watch Out For
Pay attention to specific clauses such as the leasehold right, subletting options, and any activity restrictions imposed by the lease.
Asking the Right Questions During the Visit
When visiting the premises, it is essential to ask the right questions to gather complete information. Here are the key questions to ask to assess the space:
- Property history: How long has the property been for rent? Who were the previous tenants?
- Recent or planned work: What renovations have been done recently? Are there any expected refurbishments in the near future?
- Monthly charges: What is the amount of monthly charges? What is included (heating, maintenance, water, etc.)?
- Lease termination conditions: What are the lease termination terms? What is the notice period, and are there any penalties for early departure? For a commercial lease, there are no penalties, but it must be terminated within the proper timeframe and procedure.
Documenting the Visit
To effectively compare properties and make an informed decision, it is essential to document each visit.
- Photos: Take pictures of rooms, fixtures, and any defects (cracks, worn equipment, poor insulation, etc.). This will help assess the overall condition and keep a visual record.
- Notes: Write down your impressions of the layout, brightness, and general atmosphere. Identify strengths (location, equipment) and weaknesses (noise, accessibility issues). Be sure to record any information provided by the real estate agent or owner.
Conclusion
Visiting a commercial property is a crucial step in your real estate project. By carefully reviewing the criteria discussed, you maximize your chances of finding premises that suit your needs and comply with regulations.
Our expert advisors are available to guide you through the process and offer the benefit of their in-depth knowledge of the local market.
FAQ
What documents should I request when visiting a commercial property?
Request the technical diagnostics, floor plans, the latest co-owners’ meeting minutes (if in a condominium), and the current lease if taking over a business or lease rights.
Can I negotiate the terms of the commercial lease?
Yes, some lease terms are negotiable. It is recommended to seek assistance from a professional during this process.
Author:
Bernard Schustermann – Head of the Retail & Business Division
With 20 years of experience in the real estate sector and dedicated expertise in the Retail and Business division, my goal is to share practical information and in-depth analysis to help every professional make the best decisions for their real estate projects. Because a well-thought-out project is a successful one.
