Join us on LinkedInBusiness Location notes from a San Francisco & Oakland Commercial Attorney
If you’re starting up or expanding a small business, you may need to buy or rent storefront property or other commercial space. This can be exciting, but it can also necessitate the services of a commercial real estate attorney. Here are a few tips for choosing the right commercial space for your small San Francisco or Oakland, Bay Area business:
- Decide whether to rent or buy. Renting involves one easy payment every month with utilities and maintenance typically handled by the landlord. However, any disagreements with the landlord could impede your workflow, create labor issues, and possibly even force you to hire a landlord tenant attorney.
- Evaluate the condition of the space. If you are looking for a simple space to warehouse your products or store a few desks that won’t be regularly occupied by employees, you can consider cheaper buildings with fewer amenities. However, a small business that needs to impress customers and bring them in off the street has to look the part. But, spending too much money on renovations could leave you in the red. Can you negotiate with the landlord to have them make the changes for you?
- Evaluate practical considerations. Consider the HVAC setup, the lighting, electricity, security and internet access arrangements, as well as ease of access to the building by people with disabilities before you commit to making an offer. Check the zoning and signage laws too.
Contact an Expert San Francisco & Oakland Commercial and Real Estate Attorney
If you have legal needs at any point during your small business venture—whether you’re purchasing or leasing a building, conducting collections, evaluating potential contractor services, or entering into a merger or negotiation—please contact a Real Property attorney or commercial attorney at PLP (510) 881-8700.