When you rent a physical storefront, you need to be staying on top of your commercial property to ensure that it is the kind of space you want to continue doing business in. Just like with residential properties, commercial landlords are trying to make the most money possible, which means collecting the most rent from you while keeping their costs, like maintenance and repair costs, as low as possible. So, you should be aware of warning signs that there are issues with the property so you can get your landlord on it as fast as possible, or find a new property. Here are three warning signs to beware of.
Pest Infestations
Pest infestations are a major concern when you are renting property for your business. Pest infestations are a problem no matter who you are, but when you are a business the risks go up exponentially. If your business is a restaurant, this is only worse. When there are pest infestations in the property you are renting, you are exposing customers and clients to exposure to pests, which can ruin your reputation, and possibly lead to regulatory issues for your business. Make sure you are not renting a commercial property that is suffering from a pest infestation.
Water Leaks
Roof leaks in any property, but especially commercial property, is a big deal. A small roofing leak can lead to disaster if you don’t take quick action to fix it. When your roof leaks you are only a short period of time away from a collapsed roof. Not only that, but if your roof is leaking and then you have a major storm, you could have flooding, which can destroy the property and your inventory. Leaks can also contribute to mold growth which can be dangerous to customers and lead to regulatory problems. Get water leaks fixed immediately.
Unresponsive Landlord
Just like with residential properties, you should always be wary of unresponsive landlords. If your landlord is difficult to get a hold of, they are likely avoiding something, because they know more about the property than you do. If a landlord is difficult to get a hold of, you should find another property to rent as soon as possible. You need to have good working communication open with your landlord.
Renting commercial property can often feel like navigating a minefield. But if you know the right factors to look out for, you can find the right commercial property for your business. Be aware of these three warning signs and you’ll be on the right track.
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