Massage & Bodywork

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2021

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to negotiate with the landlord for an upgrade (more on that coming up) to a surface that can be easily cleaned. Note where the electrical outlets are, how many, and if you have access to your own electrical panel. Keep an eye out for emergency exits that can't be blocked. Finally, check your cell signal, and confi rm that the offi ce is wired for the internet if that's important for you. EXPENSES You'll want to know how much rent is and what's included in that rent. If you will be paying utilities like gas or electric, fi nd out the average cost for that space. If the previous tenant or landlord can't tell you, call the utility company to fi nd out. Note who is responsible for landscaping and snow removal (including shoveling walkways and entrances) and what the schedule is for snow removal. If you're the only person in the complex working on a snowy Sunday, will the lot be plowed? WHEN THINGS BREAK Ask about what happens when things break. Because things will break. If the toilet overfl ows or the hot water heater leaks, who will handle the situation? Maybe a tenant just needs to call the landlord or property manager, or maybe the tenant is responsible for fi nding a plumber and being at the offi ce and paying for small repairs. THE LEASE Finally, be sure you understand all the terms of the lease. If there's a "triple net" clause, you'll get a bill a few times a year for property taxes and building fees. Sometimes annual rent increases are built into a lease in the form of an escalation clause, and sometimes fi xed rent is part of the agreement. Be sure you know which you have. When it comes to triple net leases and obligations to pay common area maintenance (CA M) fees, it's sometimes possible to protect yourself against open- ended increases. You can negotiate a cap on CA M fees to ensure you won't be paying astronomical fees if the property incurs high maintenance costs in a given year. It should also be clear if the lease will obligate you to pay rent even if the building is damaged and unusable, and if the landlord has the right to make you move to another similar space in the building on demand. NEGOTIATE Everything is negotiable. Everything. If the space needs some construction to be workable for you, you can negotiate how much the landlord will cover, and who will be responsible for hiring a contractor and overseeing the work. If a landlord will not pay for upgrades up front, maybe they will allow you to do the work and give you rental credits for the fi rst year to equal the cost of the work. When negotiating, always get conversations in writing. Either have the conversations via email or follow up on every verbal conversation with an email recapping what was decided. Remember that even if something was agreed upon in an email, it still needs to be in the lease. Make sure everything ends up in the lease or it won't be enforceable. Also remember that when negotiating, the willingness to walk away is the most powerful negotiating tool you have. Don't seem too eager to get the space. Keep your cool and be willing to walk away if you don't get the things you need. You may be surprised at what a landlord is willing to offer when you push back a little. GET HELP It is worth the time and money to consult an attorney to review the lease. It may cost you a few hundred dollars in legal fees up front, but it's a small price to pay to avoid costly issues later. ENJOY THE PROCESS Opening a new offi ce is a wonderful, if slightly scary, part of running a massage business. The process of putting all your business ideas into action is exhilarating and so very satisfying. Don't forget to enjoy the fun parts and be proud of yourself for learning and working through the challenging parts! Allissa Haines and Michael Reynolds can be found at massagebusinessblueprint.com, a member-based community designed to help you attract more clients, make more money, and improve your quality of life. L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 65 Remember that when negotiating, the willingness to walk away is the most powerful negotiating tool you have. SCAN AND DOWNLOAD AN OFFICE SPACE CHECKLIST 1. Open your camera 2. Scan the code 3. Tap on notification 4. Watch!

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