Author: Augustine Marquez

Leasing commercial space and office space is a big decision for any business, formalizing your company in a physical property or expanding, leasing office space isn’t a decision to rush into. Office leases can also be complex and are radically different than leasing residential property, so if you are unfamiliar with renting office space there are specific tips and questions to keep in mind before signing a lease. 

Read below to learn about the 5 things to consider when leasing office space and get a headstart with having office space that suits your business and budget. 

Office Space Rent and Operating Costs

The first thing to consider is the rent itself and how it factors into your company’s operating expenses. This part of shopping for office leases could’ve been skipped over, as the price of the space would be in any business person’s mind, but worth repeating. While the cost of leasing commercial space may be obvious, it’s also important to know the current market rate to ensure you’re getting a fair deal.

Research the market rate in the area you’re interested in and the rates being offered by competing commercial properties. Also, when comparing rentals, don’t forget to factor in your operating costs. 

The Building Location

When looking for office space, many business owners don’t consider the location as the commercial property isn’t for customers to attend. Where the company’s office is should be convenient for employees and clients as well since ease of transportation is important when people are looking for jobs and you want people to see your company to attract clients. An undesirable location can be off-putting to both potential employees and clients.

Depending on the type of business you have, look for a property that has access to parking, and transportation, and is near other businesses. 

Lease Agreement

Reviewing any lease is important and good to do with your lawyer or an office leasing broker, but it’s also important to consider how long you want to keep the office space. Commercial property leases can be much longer than residential ones and is easily a long-term commitment. Before signing any lease, talk with the landlord or property manager about lease timetable flexibility and any rental discounts tied to them. 

Office Space Amenities

The size of your office space is important, making sure your staff and equipment can fit within it, but the happiness of your employees is also important when looking at leasing an office. What amenities are provided in the office and on the commercial premises that will appeal to your employees and the caliber of talent you want to hire. Does it have on-site parking, cafes or restaurants in the building, a fitness center, WiFi, conference rooms, etc? Also, when was the space or building last renovated, is there Security or door access control? These are all important factors, not just for your employees but for company safety.

Don’t neglect the amenities of an office space and know what appeals the most so that you can factor that in while looking at property to lease. 

Room to Grow

What office space satisfies now may not be the case in six months or a year, or several years and office leases can have a long life. Before signing any long-term offer for office space, consider the square footage to support any expansion demands and growth goals you have. Also, ask any potential landlords about a “right of first refusal clause” in the lease, which will allow you to take any newly vacated adjacent space before it’s listed. 

Important Commercial Lease Tips & Questions

When looking at a commercial lease agreement and office space to lease, it’s important to have professional guidance to help you secure the space that fits your needs while ensuring you’re protected from poor leases. We at Goodale & Barbieri one of the largest developers, property managers, and leading commercial real estate firms, we understand how to sell commercial property and protect clients when looking to lease office space. Since 1937 we’ve handled properties of all sorts and currently have over 4 million square feet of commercial property. Discover more about working with an experienced commercial real estate broker by aligning with us.

Click below to learn more.

Goodale & Barbieri

When landlords screen would-be tenants, they look for financial reliability and safety around their property and other tenants. To be financially reliable, the tenant applicant must prove they’re financially stable and manage their income well. Safety considerations involve proving character through effective communication, proactive effort, and reliable references.

This guide explores the 12 circumstances that can disqualify you from renting an apartment. We’ll explore why landlords may reject an application based on these factors and provide actionable steps to address and remedy each situation.

4 Factors to What Can Disqualify You From Renting an Apartment

Being transparent about any of these factors is crucial during the application process. Failure to disclose significant details to the landlord may lead to complications and potential eviction later on.

#1 Your Income is Not Enough for Rent

According to the Office of Policy Development and Research, US housing costs must be 30% below income to afford housing. For instance, the average monthly rent is $1, 377 in Spokane, Washington. Therefore, applicants are generally expected to earn at least $4, 590 monthly to afford rental expenses comfortably.

The landlord will ask for pay stubs, bank statements, and employer references to verify income. These documents help confirm whether the applicant has a steady and reliable income to meet rental obligations. Failure to demonstrate adequate income may result in the application being disqualified.

What to Do:

Make sure that your required income documents (pay stubs or bank statements) match the income listed in your application. Any discrepancies between the stated income and supporting documentation could result in automatic disqualification. 

Fabricating or inflating income information also risks potential legal consequences. It’s essential to accurately and honestly fill out the rental application to avoid such pitfalls.

#2 Poor Credit Score

Landlords assess applicants’ credit scores to measure their financial responsibility and management. A low credit score can signify a history of late payments or economic hardships, raising concerns if the applicant can meet rent obligations promptly.

A favorable FICO credit score typically falls around 670. FICO, or Fair Isaac Corporation, scores are widely used to evaluate creditworthiness based on credit history.

What to Do:

If your credit score is low, consider alternative arrangements to secure the rental. Options include offering a higher Security deposit or rent upfront for several months. Doing so gives your landlord more cushion to fall back on if you default on your lease.

Another approach is to enlist a guarantor who commits to covering rent payments in the event of default. Guarantors can be trusted family members or third-party services. However, they typically need to meet higher income requirements than tenants.

Additionally, actively work on improving your credit score over time. Credit scores can be improved with on-time bill payments and maintaining low credit card balances. Consider exploring credit builder loans and rent reporting services. These services enable credit improvement without the risks of maxing out your credit card.

We also recommend contacting a second chance approval service company. This service refers to properties that accommodate credit issues.

#3 Your Debt-to-Income Ratio is Outside a Landlord’s Threshold

The ratio of your monthly debt payments to your monthly income is called debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. A high DTI suggests that most of your income goes to debt repayment. It signals potential financial instability and challenges in meeting rental obligations on time.

Landlords determine their DTI thresholds, guided by the Fair Housing Act. Their regulations prohibit them from setting disproportionately high thresholds that may discriminate against low-income renters.

According to the Motley Fool, an ideal DTI typically falls at or below 35%. If your DTI ranges between 36% and 49%, it may still be acceptable, but landlords may scrutinize additional factors to assess your suitability as a tenant.

What to Do:

You can lower your DTI ratio by taking care of smaller debts. Consider augmenting your income to facilitate higher debt repayments.

Negotiating reduced interest rates with creditors or obtaining a loan co-signer can also help alleviate financial strain and reduce one’s DTI ratio.

#4 Presence of Evictions in Rental History

A history of previous evictions can lower the chances of being approved as a tenant.

A landlord checks for eviction history by asking the applicant for their previous landlords’ contact information.

They can also check an applicant’s eviction history by checking their court records. Court records can be accessed by visiting the courthouse, their state’s website, or asking the courthouse for a mailed copy.

What to Do:

If you have a history of evictions, it’s advisable to be transparent with your landlord. Providing context, such as a job loss or medical emergency, can mitigate the negative perception associated with evictions.

Additionally, furnishing references from previous landlords, employers, or other reputable individuals can prove your reliability.

Offering increased financial security can remedy landlord concerns in cases where references are limited. Consider proposing a larger security deposit, advance rent payments, or securing a financially stable co-signer. You can also show your commitment to pay on time by having automatic payments.

Alternatively, explore second-chance leasing programs tailored for individuals with eviction histories to find a suitable apartment within the area.

Successful Apartment Renting Where You and Landlords Will Benefit

Applying for apartments can be exhausting but rewarding: you’ll have an apartment you can call home. There are reasons to what can disqualify you from renting an apartment. Still, with good references, assistive services, and actionable steps, you’re bound to find an apartment that meets your needs and preferences. Trust is a two-way street. Don’t forget that you can negotiate with your landlord where both of you would benefit when renting with them.

Ready to embark on your apartment search? Explore our range of apartments in Spokane, W,  to kickstart your journey towards finding your perfect home.

Goodale & Barbieri | Renting an Apartment