In recent years, Belarus has attracted the attention of domestic and foreign entrepreneurs seeking to develop their businesses in this region. One of the critical steps on the way to a successful start is choosing and renting an office space. Removing an office may seem complicated and confusing, but knowing the main steps and requirements can significantly simplify the task. In this article, we will look at the key points to consider when choosing an office in Belarus, including legal aspects, financial investments and practical advice.
Where to find an office for rent
Finding an office space in Belarus requires a careful approach and knowledge of the available resources. Here are a few ways to help you with this process:
1. Online platforms
Many websites and platforms specialize in real estate. Popular resources include:
https://realt.onliner.by/ – offers a wide range of office space.
https://realt.by/rent/offices/ – includes ads from both owners and agencies.
Real estate agency websites – Many agencies have websites with up-to-date offers.
2. Social networks and groups
In social networks such as Facebook or VKontakte, you can find specialized groups for renting real estate, where they often publish relevant offers.
3. Ads in print media
Remember other search methods, such as newspapers and specialized magazines. They are still relevant and may contain ads for office rentals.
4. Real Estate Agencies
Contacting professional agents directly will save you time and effort. They can offer you options that fit your requirements and budget. Usually, real estate agencies provide such services for a fee under a contract.
5. Network business centers
Consider using business centers or coworking spaces if you need a small office. They can offer flexible rental conditions and the possibility of short-term cooperation.
6. Personal appeal
When interested in specific areas, you can walk along the streets and pay attention to the rental ads placed directly on the buildings.
What risks should I pay attention to when renting an office?
When renting an office in Belarus, you should pay attention to the following risks:
1. Problems with documents
Ensure the landlord has all the necessary documents for the offices, including a certificate of ownership and use permits. Incorrect or missing documents can lead to legal disputes.
2. Unclear terms of the agreement
Please read the rental conditions carefully. Ensure that all critical aspects, such as the lease term, the amount of rent, the procedure for changing it, and the contract termination terms, are spelt out.
3. Room quality
Check the office’s condition—engineering systems, windows, doors, and general condition. Defects may result in additional repair costs.
4. Hidden expenses
Know all the additional payments, such as utilities, taxes, building maintenance fees, etc. This will help you avoid unexpected financial costs.
5. Violation of the terms of the agreement
Pay close attention to the points about penalties and sanctions for violating the lease terms. These can lead to significant financial losses.
6. Neighboring tenants
Pay attention to the neighbors. If there are companies with noisy activities or other potentially conflicting tenants in the building, this can create problems for your business.
7. Changes in legislation
Keep an eye out for changes in laws and regulations that may affect the rental conditions or use of the property.
|8. Landlord’s reputation
Research the landlord’s reputation. Firms with a bad reputation may not meet their obligations or create communication difficulties.
9. Problems with access and parking
Ensure that the office is easily accessible to your clients and employees and that parking spaces are available.
10. Terms of return of premises
Read the terms and conditions for returning the office after the end of the lease. This will help you avoid undesirable situations when completing the lease.
A thorough assessment of all these risks will help you avoid future problems and save your resources.
Features of business property rental in Belarus
To rent an office space (such items belong to business or commercial real estate), you must enter into a lease agreement with the owner of the premises. To get an idea of the lease agreement for office space, you need to pay attention to some critical points:
1. Office rental features
Rent is the fee-based transfer of property for temporary possession and use. The plan is called “rent,” and its amount is specified in the lease agreement. Usually, the rent is set for one square meter of the office. The parties to the lease agreement are referred to as the “lessee” and the “lessor.”
State registration of an office lease agreement is only required if the landlord is an individual who is not an individual entrepreneur.
2. Description of the premises in the lease agreement
For the lease agreement to protect the tenant’s interests, it is essential to specify its subject matter: describe the property being leased.
When considering a rental property, you should check whether the following critical data is included in the contract:
- Purpose — the contract specifies that an office space is being leased.
- Description of boundaries — when office space in an open space or coworking space is leased, you must specify the limits of the leased object in the lease agreement.
- Address — the exact address of the office’s location. Usually, specify the room number, floor, and address of the building where the room is located.
- The land area may be necessary for paying land tax, which may be part of the rent (the landlord pays the tax).
- Inventory number — a number used in the accounting department of the lessor company.
- The party to the contract that pays utility bills bears the cost of maintaining the building where the office is located.
The lease agreement usually includes a copy of the official plan of the premises from the technical passport with the inventory number.
3. The amount of rent and the procedure for its payment
You need to pay attention to the amount of rent in the lease agreement and the procedure for paying it. Usually, indicate the rental rate for 1 square meter of premises and the total rent for the premises that the tenant must pay.
4. What property is leased together with the office
Together with the office, air conditioners, office furniture, keys to the premises, appliances, blinds and other property that the tenant will use can be rented out. This property is listed in the lease agreement and transferred to the lessee when the lease agreement is concluded. Determining which of the parties to the lease agreement will be engaged in repairing or replacing this property and in what order is essential.
5. What is the condition of the room
In the lease agreement or the act of acceptance and transfer of office space, you must describe the condition of the premises. We recommend checking the operation of lighting, appliances, heating, plumbing, the absence of drips from flooding, finishing flaws, and the operation of air conditioners. Because in the event of breakdowns, repair costs can become a matter of dispute and negatively affect the company’s work and its relationship with the landlord.
6. How is the office lease confirmed?
Renting a property requires more than a single lease agreement. Usually, the parties sign a transfer certificate or similar document that records the transfer and acceptance of property for rent and the exchange of documents and keys related to the office.
A transfer certificate is required if you rent an office in a state-owned building. Such an act usually indicates the condition of the property and the terms and procedures for eliminating identified defects.
After signing the document transferring and accepting real estate, the property is considered to have been transferred to the tenant for rent.
7. Tax on the income of foreign organizations
When an office lease agreement is concluded with a foreign organization, the landlord must pay tax on the foreign organization’s income from the rent.
8. Property tax
In 2024, in Belarus, the lessee pays the real estate tax for renting an office when the lessor is a foreign company that does not have a representative office in Belarus. To do this, specify the cost of the office space in the lease agreement.
Tips for choosing an office
1. Determine your budget and set the following parameters in advance: area, location, and infrastructure.
2. Make sure that the documents are legal and check the condition of the premises before signing the contract.
3. Pay attention to transport accessibility and availability of necessary amenities.
Following these guidelines, you can easily find an office that meets your requirements and plans!
How to contact us
For more information or advice on issues related to office rent in Belarus, do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and support you.
Phone and email communication options are available for your convenience:
- +375293664477 (WhatsApp/Telegram/Viber);
- info@spex.by.
