An office in **Salt Lake Sector V, New Town or EM Bypass** can support a growing Kolkata business, but a low quoted rent does not automatically mean a cost-effective lease. Commercial space is typically negotiated through several variables: area measurement, maintenance or CAM charges, fit-out responsibility, security deposit, escalation, lock-in and exit rights. Owners and occupiers should compare the **effective cost over the full lease term**.
Start with the correct area basis
The advertised area may represent carpet, built-up, super built-up or a chargeable floor-plate measure. Ask for a marked plan showing the office you can physically use, shared corridors, toilets and any allocated pantry. Evaluate lift capacity, access during working hours, power backup, data connectivity, fire exits and loading access. A corner office with panoramic views is not helpful if employees lose significant time to unreliable lifts or a difficult commute.
Rent is only one payment line
Ask for a written commercial quotation with base rent, common-area maintenance (CAM), electricity, HVAC charges, parking, signage, security and applicable taxes or charges separated. CAM may include lobby upkeep, central air conditioning, facility management and common services. Seek the basis for escalation and annual reconciliation, including whether vacant floors or unsold units bear their appropriate share. Check whether meters are direct or submetered.
Fit-out and rent-free period
A bare-shell office might require partitions, lighting, flooring, data cabling, air-conditioning distribution, access control and fire-safety coordination. Obtain a fit-out budget from a specialist before comparing the space with an already finished office. Clarify the handover condition, the **fit-out period**, whether rent and CAM start on different dates, the approvals needed for alterations and who must restore the space at exit. Make sure installed equipment does not breach structural or fire requirements.
Security deposit and lock-in clauses
Negotiate the deposit amount, permitted deductions, refund timeline and handover inspection. A lock-in period can limit early termination and create substantial exposure if your headcount or business model changes. Check renewal options, rent escalation, notice period, subletting rights and what counts as a landlord or tenant default. Do not rely on a broker's informal description; these are written contractual issues that a commercial property lawyer should inspect.
