Office Checklist Items to Look for Before Signing a Lease

Signing a lease for an office can be a daunting task, especially when addressing the range of considerations that span across all aspects of a business. From personnel needs to facilities and layout, decision makers need to evaluate rental spaces with a broad perspective while also paying attention to the fine details.

To ensure nothing gets overlooked, it’s best to make a few simple office checklists - nothing fancy, just thorough lists of what you can’t afford not to have. Having helped so many businesses find office space that fits their needs, we’ve put together a few things that will help you in your search process.

Here's what you should consider before committing to any office lease.

Build Your Office Checklist First

Before you even consider touring properties, ask and answer these questions: How many desks do you need? Will clients visit regularly? Do team members need 24/7 access? The answer to this forms the basis for making future decisions.

Every modern office for lease will provide WiFi access, but do your due diligence on the speed and security of the system. If your team runs video conferences or handles large files, your work demands a fast and secure network. Offline security is also important for some industries, so ask about lockable storage and confidential meeting spaces should your company need it.

Finally, add meeting rooms, mail handling, and reception services to your office checklist. Clarify whether you can book conference room space when needed or compete with other tenants for slots.

Define "Fully Furnished" and Other Terms

There are ranges to the definition of “fully furnished”, especially when it comes to offices. One landlord's “furnished office” might include ergonomic chairs and monitor set ups, while another’s comes with only a desk. Get specifics in writing; the more thorough the better.

Utilities might not also be included in the cost of the lease, so ask directly who pays for internet, cleaning, and electricity. Some spaces charge flat rates, others meter usage and send invoices. And understand what is shared versus exclusive with regard to facilities, such as kitchen usage and bathrooms.

Once you know what you are getting with the lease, create an office supplies checklist for anything not included. Budget for monitors, cables, whiteboards, or specialized equipment upfront, as well as pens, paper, and other small office tools.

Location Location Location

Bangkok traffic is notoriously bad, and you’ll want your office to be accessible by both employees and guests. Prioritize offices near BTS or MRT stations, as public transit reduces commute stress and simplifies client visits. That said, it’s likely that some staff will prefer to drive to work, so find out what parking arrangements can be made, if any. Not all buildings have available space.

The ecosystem surrounding the office building is more than you expect, especially if you plan to hire Thais. Thai staff prefer to eat together and use their breaks to run small errands, so check about proximity of lunch spots, coffee shops, banks, etc. Sathorn is one such popular neighborhood for private office space in Bangkok because it delivers both business infrastructure with accessibility.

Demand Flexibility in Lease Terms

Business needs are rarely static, especially in the first few years of operations or expansion. Your five-person team might double within six months, or you might need to scale back. If you can, prioritize adaptability within the lease even if it means paying slightly higher monthly rates. In other words, see if your office space can scale as you do, without penalty. Some providers let you add desks or expand into larger suites as you grow, while others treat modifications as grounds for renegotiation with fees.

Month-to-month contracts typically cost more than annual commitments, but they provide crucial flexibility for startups and growing companies. On the other hand, annual leases offer better rates but can trap you in commitments that no longer align with reality. It’s here you need to make an honest assessment of your growth trajectory and risk tolerance.

Deposits and setup fees should be on your office relocation checklist and they range from reasonable to exploitative (with the latter being a glaring red flag). Compare costs across multiple properties to understand what's standard. If the commitment feels significant, inquire about trial periods for testing a private office in Bangkok before signing long-term agreements.

Office Standards Reflect Your Business

The physical environment of your office communicates messages about your business before clients ever meet your team. Professional spaces with visible security measures such as reception desks or keycard access systems signal stability and legitimacy, which matters for client-facing businesses. If your team works flexible hours, insist on 24/7 keycard access and air conditioning rather than relying on building security.

Onsite reception services further distinguish professional operations from basic rentals. When staff receive packages, greet visitors, and provide hospitality, you create polish without hiring full-time reception personnel.

Walk through the space critically. Conference rooms should feel comfortable and well-maintained. Common areas (lobbies, elevators, bathrooms) should appear cared for rather than neglected. These elements shape first impressions in ways you can't control, but that doesn’t mean you should compromise.

Verify Everything on Your Office Relocation Checklist

If you’ve made a thorough office checklist, it’s time to start checking the boxes. Here are a few final tips:

• Schedule your walkthrough during peak building occupancy (e.g. mid-morning on a weekday) rather than during quiet periods, and thoroughly check amenities.

• Test WiFi throughout your actual workspace, as signal strength can vary significantly across a floor.

• Confirm keycard access functions for all team members during weekends, evenings, and holidays, and that air conditioning is on.

• Confirm your space qualifies for business address registration in Thailand. Professional office spaces will provide the necessary documentation.

• Assess the actual condition before moving day, including bathrooms, cleanliness of common areas, and condition of furniture.

Trust ClubCo for Seamless Office Rentals

ClubCo provides private office space for rent in Bangkok designed around practical business needs rather than traditional landlord models. Located in Sathorn near BTS Chong Nonsi, our spaces come fully furnished and serviced, allowing you to plug in and start working immediately.

Our pricing structure is transparent, with month-to-month flexibility allowing you to scale alongside business growth or contraction without gambling on long-term commitments. True 24/7 access accommodates flexible work schedules, and secure internet plus administrative support handle reception, mail, and facility concerns.

For companies seeking a private office room for rent that understands the needs of small businesses, ClubCo eliminates the common complications of Bangkok office hunting. Start your search with a clear office checklist, ask direct questions about costs and terms, and prioritize operational flexibility – we’re more than ready to help.

Book a tour of ClubCo today and learn more about how our office space amenities, benefits, and membership plans can be a boon to your growing business.