Renting an office in London can be exciting, but it’s easy to get caught out by the small print. That “perfect” office listing might look simple on paper, but behind the rent, there are often extra costs waiting that will show up as a nasty surprise later.

So before signing anything, here’s how to spot those hidden fees early and keep your budget in check.

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1. Don’t skim the lease, really read it

It’s tempting to skim through and focus on the headline numbers, but the sneaky stuff tends to be hidden in the fine print. Go through your lease carefully and if you spot phrases like “subject to change” or “extra charges may apply”, make sure to ask about them.

If something sounds unclear, get it clarified in writing before you commit. A good landlord or office provider will happily walk you through everything, if they’re vague or avoid giving details, that’s a red flag.

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2. Know exactly what’s included in the rent

Not all offices are created equal when it comes to what’s actually included in the price. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Serviced offices usually bundle most things together like rent, furniture, cleaning, Wi-Fi, even utilities. So what you see is what you pay.
  
  
• Managed offices often include a lot too, but details can vary. Always double-check whether you’re covering things like maintenance or the internet yourself.
  
  
• Leased offices are typically bare-bones. You’ll need to factor in the cost of furniture, cleaning, utilities, and sometimes repairs or fit-outs.
  
  

Taking the time to understand what’s covered (and what’s not) upfront can save you from a few unpleasant surprises later on.

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3.  Ask about service charges

If you’re renting space in a shared building, you’ll likely pay a service charge - a fee that covers things like cleaning, maintenance, security, and shared facilities.

The tricky part? These charges can change every year. Ask for a breakdown of what’s included, how the total is calculated, and whether there’s a cap on future increases.

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4. Check for business rate responsibilities

Business rates can be one of the biggest ongoing costs for office tenants in London. In a leased office, you’ll usually pay them directly to the local council. In serviced or managed spaces, they’re often included in your rent - but not always.

Always confirm before signing. You don’t want to budget for one number and suddenly owe thousands more each year.

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5. Watch out for “extras”

Here are a few common hidden fees to look for:

• Internet setup fees (especially for private leased offices)
  
  
• Cleaning and waste removal charges
  
  
• Repairs or dilapidation fees at the end of your lease
  
  
• Access or security card replacements
  
  
• Meeting room or printing charges in coworking spaces
  
  

It’s worth asking for a full breakdown of every potential add-on. Even small fees can add up quickly.

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6. Negotiate before you commit

Almost everything is negotiable - even fees. If you’re unsure about a charge or feel it’s unfair, raise it before signing. You can:

• Ask to include cleaning or utilities in the rent
  
  
• Request a cap on annual service charge increases
  
  
• Get confirmation that the rent is “all-inclusive” in writing
  
  

It’s much easier to agree on terms upfront than to dispute them later.

Conclusion

Leasing an office in London doesn’t have to be complicated but it does pay to be cautious. Always read your lease carefully, clarify what’s included, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Understanding the full picture from day one means no hidden surprises - just a workspace that fits your business and your budget.

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