As an owner or tenant, property rental or operating expenses for working space can be one of the most significant costs for your business. Luckily, we’ve got documents and guidance to help you share these costs. If you are thinking about sharing space then you need to consider these things:
- Who wants to share the space - you as owner or your tenant?
- Where is the space? At home or in the office?
- What facilities are you providing with the space? Photocopying, Internet, telephone?
- How long will the arrangement last?
- How much will you charge?
If you have a lease of the property, you need to check this for anything stopping or restricting you from sharing the property with another business. Your landlord may have included an absolute or qualified prohibition in your lease. If the ban is qualified, you will need your landlord’s consent, usually in writing, before you can share or sublet (sharing on a long-term basis).
In Scotland, the lease will usually include a qualified prohibition, with details on the specific circumstances in which the landlord will give their consent for subletting and sharing occupation. It is important to note that if a lease simply states that subletting is allowed with the landlord’s consent, the landlord is completely free to withhold consent.