Renovating a rented office: What is allowed and what is not?

In many cases, businesses may rent their office space instead of owning it. This means that just like a house, there may be limitations in regard to renovations. The easiest way to find out what and what can’t be done is to ask the landlord or property manager. Although often discussed in the initial selling process, there may be different options and limitations that need to be asked later down the line.

To find out more about renting an office, have a read through our office rent guide.

When it comes to a leased property, you are typically allowed to make alterations to the premises without needing a permit or permission. For more advanced renovations such as expanding, rebuilding or renovating external features, you usually need an environmental permit and comply with particular rules and regulations. There are also a number of other things to consider such as health and safety, the surroundings and environment and the neighbours.

Whether you are planning to decorate with your brand colours or want a new washroom installed, it is strongly recommended that you discuss these plans with your landlord as different landlords will have different preferences. No permanent changes should be made without confirming this first, for example, flooring, new fixtures, window frames and so on.

If your contract states that there are limitations to where you can decorate, there are always ways to work around it and get your office looking how you envision. For example, instead of nailing artwork onto the walls, you can use command strips which won’t damage the space or leave any marks.

If you’re limited in what you can do to update your office or you don’t think it’s financially viable to make huge amendments, there are a wide range of different options that can make it feel like your own. Here are some easy yet effective ways to upgrade a rented or leased office space.

“Renting an office presents a number of benefits for businesses seeking flexible, cost-effective solutions.One big advantage is the ability to scale space according to the needs of your business, without the commitment of ownership. Rented office space can be a great option for startups or small companies with fluctuating spatial requirements. The inherited maintenance services, utilities and security also relieves tenants of these responsibilities, enabling them to simplify their operations by focusing on core objectives rather than property management concerns. Another significant benefit is the potential cost savings compared to owning a property. Renting eliminates upfront expenses like down payments and ongoing costs related to property tax and insurance. In my experience, leasing agreements tend to have more stable and predictable expenses, allowing companies to budget without fear of unexpected maintenance or repair costs. Renting an office also gives companies the freedom to establish a presence in prime areas that may be unaffordable for ownership. This strategic positioning can work wonders for a company’s image by helping them attract clients they otherwise wouldn’t have access to.”

Lewis Jaundrell, Mortgage and property specialist at Landlord Vision.

Adding artwork and branding is one of the simplest ways of decorating an office space whilst adding colour, personality and flair. This could include fine artwork, graphics, company photographers or digital art. You can also add other aesthetic layers including ornaments, florals and furniture fixtures.

Decorating your office with plants and other nature is one of the most timeless and cost-effective ways to make a space your own without any extreme measures or high costs. Whether they’re real or faux plants, plants not only look aesthetic but also offer medical and psychological benefits.

Textiles can add a special element to any space, bringing texture, colour and comfort into an office without any huge investment. This might include a patterned rug, cushions for breakout areas and seating, sofas and carpet tiles.

Dividers and office partitions are now a popular feature in many modern-day offices due to an influx of ambience, collaborative working space optimisation and innovation. Partitions can also provide business and employee benefits such as privacy, productivity, efficiency and communication.

Office furniture comes in all shapes and sizes, providing both an aesthetic and practical benefit. Adding furniture such as sofas, shelves, desks and chairs, brings colour and comfort into the office whilst also contributing to modern commercial design.

Looking to create a new, modern workspace for your employees to thrive in and turn your old workplace into a place of opportunity?

ACI is based in Nottingham, covering the whole of the UK including Derby office fit-outs, Birmingham, Leicester office refurbishments and Manchester. We’ve created a wide range of office design solutions for our clients across many different industries. Our work is completely tailored to each client, so whether you know exactly what you have in mind or if you’d like our experts to point you in the right direction you’re in the right place.

Give us a call on 0115 939 7572 or drop us an email with your project enquiry and we’ll be in touch.