Renting a commercial building is a huge commitment. Not every commercial building is made equally, so it’s important that you’re careful about which one you pick.
These are some of the best things to consider or look for when you’re ready to rent.
The Building is Quiet and Relaxing
There’s a lot of possibility for noise in a commercial building. If your tenants have kids, they can cause a ruckus, so can pets, arguing couples, or more, so it’s important that you have a building with volume dampers and other tools to keep the sound down. Check the NRC ratings of materials to ensure your tenants won’t call you wondering why they can hear their neighbor’s television all night. The quieter you can get it, the fewer complaints you’ll face.
The Property Has Been Well Maintained
A well-maintained property matters! When you’re considering renting a property, check to make sure that it’s been well cared for and that it doesn’t need any major repairs or changes. If there are repairs needed, be realistic about how much you can afford to take on. Although you may think you can handle a lot, don’t rent a building that can take over six months to a year to repair if you want to start using the building sooner than that.
The Location is Good for Employment
The best way to get great tenants is to have your building somewhere where high-paying jobs are easy to access. This means close to business districts in cities or near a highway for people to drive into the city if you don’t want to have your building within the city itself.
It doesn’t matter how great the building is. If it’s an hour from anything great, it’s going to be hard to convince people to use your building.
There’s A Good Mail System
Our mail is important! Not only does it bring us cards from loved ones, but also packages of purchases, bills, and so much more. Take the time to create a property with a great setup for multi-unit mailboxes!
This doesn’t have to be an entire mail room, but instead a space where tenants can stop and check their mail, a trash can where they can throw away or recycle spam, and locks on their mail, so they don’t have to fear their items getting stolen.
Current or Past Occupancy Rates
The occupancy rates are a big deal. How many of the spaces were left unoccupied? Why? How common is turnover? Check the building’s reviews online as well, but keep a grain of salt with this check. Most people don’t review their apartments unless they feel like they’ve been wronged, so you’ll possibly find the worst of the worst while reading these.
If most complaints are about the management, you’re fine, and the building can be a great choice. However, if the complaints are about the buildings or location, it could be a bad choice.
There Are Common Areas for Tenants
You want your tenants to feel like they’re in a community! One reason a lot of tenants rent for far longer than is necessary is because they feel connected to the community they live with. Inspire this confidence and comfort by creating areas where tenants can hang out, work, or enjoy socializing. Remember, you’re building a home for them, so give them a chance to feel excited to live here.
Safety Features for the Tenants
You want your tenants to be as safe as possible, so take steps to look for buildings that offer that. This means having smoke baffles, plenty of safety features in case of a fire, and sturdy windows and doors that will protect them in case of a storm or someone trying to break in.
The safer your tenants feel, the more likely they’ll stay for longer and be happy to call the building home.
Have the Property Thoroughly Inspected
Before you sign anything, have at least two different inspections. Although you may think one inspection is enough, it’s good to have a solid confirmation to let you know the building is safe and able to be a great match for your needs.
You don’t want to rent a building and then find out a month later that it’s filled with black mold or termites. Have them carefully look through it, and then take your time reading through their reports. This would be a good time to include a real estate lawyer who could help you make sure the property is a good choice.
Commercial Buildings Are Great Investments
When you’re ready to rent a commercial building, it’s vital that you find the perfect match for your needs. Get a building that has the size and perks you need while still giving you the best chance at finding great tenants.
Sam Willis is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise on commercial real estate. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys spending time with his wife and researching real estate trends in his free time. Sam’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a new construction industry resource launching in the New Year.