What Is Included When You Rent Commercial Office Space?

One of the first things you'll notice when you begin comparing listings is the monthly rent. It's also the least reliable number to use when comparing two buildings. You could end up paying for utilities, janitorial service, and parking at one property, while another property that appears more expensive covers most of those things.

So, if you've ever asked yourself what is included in office rent, you're asking the right question. The answer varies from building to building, and understanding what to expect can prevent you from being caught off guard by an unexpected bill. If you're looking at office space for rent Colorado Springs has to offer or comparing a couple of buildings, here are the common costs and questions to ask before making a decision.

Base rent is the monthly fee for your space. It is typically given as an annual or monthly rate per square foot, so be sure you understand which one you're comparing before you decide.

The base rent varies depending on the type of lease. With a "full service" lease, you pay one set price that covers most operating costs. With a triple net lease, base rent is lower, and you are responsible for your share of the property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. Two properties with equal base rent can have vastly different costs, so the first question to ask is always what kind of lease you're being offered. Knowing exactly what's included in the rent is the most effective way to compare properties fairly.

One of the largest expenses that can differ between properties is the cost of utilities. Your rent may cover electricity, water, gas, and garbage collection, or these costs may be shared between tenants or charged according to usage.

Ask whether utilities are included in the rent or billed separately. If they are separate, ask about their average monthly cost for a similar suite. If you have a meter in your suite, you'll be charged for what you use. If it doesn't, ask the landlord how the costs are divided, since that could make a significant difference to your bill.

From heating and cooling systems to plumbing and roofing, there are numerous things that require maintenance in every building. As a tenant, you need to know who's going to pay for it and who's going to handle it.

In most leases, the landlord is responsible for repairs to the building's major systems and structural repairs, while the tenant is responsible for the inside of the suite. However, this is not always the case, so make sure to get it in writing. Find out who's responsible for HVAC repairs, how quickly requests are handled, and whether there is a limit on the amount that may be charged for repairs.

All hallways, doorways, restrooms, elevators and any other common areas including kitchenettes should be clean, well lit and maintained, and this is typically done at the expense of the tenants. Common area maintenance fees, often referred to as CAM charges, are common charges included in these expenses.

If you're considering a commercial office lease, pay attention to the way common area costs are determined and whether they're included in your lease or added on. Inquire about the annual charges, and if the landlord can increase them without giving much advance notice.

You may be able to park for free, as part of your lease, or as part of a separate monthly fee for every parking space. For you and your clients, parking can be quite expensive in some areas, particularly downtown.

Inquire about the number of spaces included in your suite, and whether they're assigned or first come, first served, and if there's parking for visitors. If your clients see you regularly, easy parking is part of your price, so it is not an afterthought.

There are some buildings that have a robust internet infrastructure in place, and others where the tenant will have to arrange it themselves. Check if internet access is included, what internet providers are available, and if wiring or installation will be charged before network access is available.

This one is significant for any company that utilizes cloud software, client portals or video calls. A low-priced lease and high-priced or poor internet connection is still not cheap.

Cleaning can be a positive or negative. Many landlords offer regular janitorial services for common areas, and some offer cleaning services for individual suites as well. Other tenants are expected to arrange and cover the costs of their own cleaning.

Inquire precisely what is covered, how frequently it occurs, and if it is possible to have additional fees for items such as carpet cleaning or window washing. Little things can total up over a year.

Signage is important if clients are to find your office easily. Ask whether or not you can post a sign on your suite door, in the building directory or on an exterior monument sign, and if there are fees or approval procedures involved.

Some buildings have directory listings included in the rent, while others charge extra for custom signage. This is important to note if you are dealing with visibility as an element of your business.

Security can range from keycard entry, cameras, after-hours monitoring, well-lit parking areas, and much more. Make sure you know which systems are already available, if they come at an additional cost and what you need to take care of within your own suite.

This is particularly important when handling confidential records and valuable equipment, or working outside of business hours. Understanding what the building offers will allow you to know if you are going to need to make any additional investments.

In addition to the major costs, there are some other expenses that can surprise tenants.



1. Security deposits and the amount required upfront.
2. Rent increases included in the lease that are scheduled to occur annually.
3. Buildout or tenant improvement costs and who pays for them.
4. Insurance requirements, including any landlord-specific liability coverage that might be required.
5. Extra charges for after-hours HVAC use, additional keycards, or conference room facilities.

None of these expenses is unreasonable on its own, but they all affect your actual monthly and yearly costs. Ask about each one directly before signing a commercial office lease.

If you're checking out office space for rent Colorado Springs has available, it will be helpful to take the same list of questions to each property tour so you can make a fair comparison.

1. What kind of lease is this, and what does the base rent include?
2. What utilities are covered, and which ones are not?
3. Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs, and how quickly are they handled?
4. How are common area charges calculated, and how much have they been in the last few years?
5. How much parking is available, and is any parking reserved for visitors?
6. Does internet come with the space, or must I set it up myself?
7. Who provides cleaning, signage, and security services?
8. What other fees or annual increases should I expect?



If the landlord cannot give clear answers to these questions, that tells you something. A transparent property manager will be happy to answer these questions and help you understand the real costs before signing.

Know the Full Picture Before You Sign

When looking for office rentals, comparing commercial office rent Colorado Springs listings is easier when you consider the complete package instead of just the monthly rental price. The lowest-cost listing does not always provide the greatest value, and the highest-cost listing does not always offer the most services. The important thing is knowing what you're paying for and what you're not.

At Springs Center Building, we understand that businesses shouldn't have to face unexpected costs when paying commercial office rent Colorado Springs. We're glad to guide you through what's included, answer your questions, and help you feel confident about your choice. Schedule a tour today to discover what your next space has to offer.