Ten Red Flags to Watch for in a UK Office Agreement

Many serviced licences roll over automatically unless you give notice. If that notice period is three months and you miss it, you have committed to another full term. Diarise the date the moment you sign.

On managed and leased space, ask for a cap or at least a historic three year record of the service charge. An uncapped charge can move significantly year on year.

Anything requiring you to return the space in better condition than you found it is a problem. Insist on a photographic schedule of condition at the start, agreed by both sides.

On anything longer than twelve months, push for a break. Then check the break conditions carefully, because a break that is conditional on full compliance with every clause is often unusable in practice.

Meeting room credits, printing, out of hours air conditioning, parking, guest access and upgraded internet should all be listed with prices before you commit.

Newer companies are sometimes asked for a director's personal guarantee. A larger deposit is usually negotiable as an alternative and keeps the liability with the company.

Some agreements let the operator move you to another suite or building at short notice. Ask for a like for like guarantee and reasonable notice in writing.

Index linked increases are normal, but an uncapped review is not. Cap it, or fix the rate for the full term.

Check how long the operator has to return your deposit after you leave, and what they can deduct. Thirty days is reasonable, ninety is not.

If your team works late or across time zones, confirm 24/7 access in writing rather than assuming it. Out of hours access sometimes carries a separate charge.

We review terms with clients as part of every search and negotiate the points above before you get to signature. Our fee is paid by the operator, so the service costs you nothing.