Leasing Medical Office Space And The Finer Points

The business owner who leases medical office space has quite a bit more to think about when leasing this type of an office building over all others. Since the medical profession is unique in the office setting it needs and the work which is performed there, there are certain finer points which an individual must consider prior to leasing medical office space.

Medical Use Issues

Certain issues relating to usage of the leased office space will come into play, especially in the case of medical use. There will often be requirements relating to the disposal of hazardous waste materials, the proper office usages and how many individuals will be allowed in the office space at one time. The presence of different pieces of medical equipment may also have to be discussed so that the landlord is agreeable to the medical office space use and what services may be offered in the leased premises.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Issues

Since you will be operating a medical facility, you should make sure that your leased office premises meets the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements and are accessible for patients and other individuals who visit your facility. This ADA issue should be addressed in the lease and it is quite important so be sure to pay close attention to this factor before you sign a lease for medical office space.

Exclusivity Provisions in the Lease

Many medical professionals like to be the only medical provider in the office building or commercial building. Therefore, it is a good idea to make sure there is an exclusivity provision in the lease which states that there will only be one medical office within the development or office building. This outlines the request of the office tenant and makes sure that there won’t be competition for the office tenant down the road with the landlord leasing out other office space in the building to another medical professional.

Clause in the Lease Which Pertains To Death and/or Disability of the Office Tenant

In the case of solo medical practitioners, some may wonder what would happen to their lease should there be death or disability during their lease term. A death and disability clause within the office space lease will help to ensure that the lease can be canceled or will expire upon such an occurrence and there will no longer be any requirement to pay rent on the lease. This may take some persistence on the part of the office space tenant but one should attempt to have such a clause included within the lease if at all possible.

Renting medical office space may take a different route than renting regular business office space. A tenant advisor can help with the process to make it go more smoothly. The office space tenant who is a medical practitioner must do everything possible to ensure that the office space which they lease is suitable for their medical practice needs and that the lease contains all of the necessary provisions which will benefit them and protect them in the long run.

What You Must Know About Leasing Medical Office Space

Many medical professionals choose to lease rather than buy medical office space. Doing so allows the professional to ensure the spot is right for them and gives them access to medical office space without the hassle of a purchase. However, due to the type of office use, medical companies and corporations must know a few things prior to choosing office space to lease for medical purposes.

Find Out About Allowable Usage of the Leased Premises

Landlords may only allow certain activities to go on within the premises. Although your future landlord knows that you want to use it for a medical office, you must inquire about the finer details prior to leasing the office space. As you are a medical entity, you will be disposing of hazardous waste and perhaps using various x-ray machines to properly evaluate patients. You should provide this information to the prospective landlord and review the tentative lease thoroughly to ensure that all things related to your medical practice are ones which will be allowable under the lease agreement.

Issues Related to Hours of Operation

If you are going to operate a 24/7 urgent care facility, you want to ask the landlord if any special provisions will apply to you in this case. For example, utility issues may come into play for those tenants who need 24/7 access, especially if the landlord pays the utility bill. Always ask the landlord about this if you fall into this category and double-check the lease to see whether it speaks of this issue or not.

See What the Prospective Office Was Previously Used For

Since it is often timely and expensive to convert a once non-medical office building into a medical office, you want to inquire as to the previous use of all offices you are considering to lease. You will find that by leasing an office which was previously used in the medical profession as well will make the transition much easier on you and your staff. There will already be the necessary exam rooms, waiting areas, bathrooms and other necessities of the medical field. If you can lease an office space which was once a medical office, you are ten steps ahead in the game already.

Landlord’s Right to Inspect

A landlord has certain rights with regard to the premises, even when the tenant is in there. One is the right to inspect. This can present some issues for medical offices as there are patients coming and going and they have a right to privacy. Therefore, always ask the landlord when they can enter the premises and make sure they can do so without stepping on the privacy rights of others.

When you lease medical office space, there are often more issues involved than with a regular office space lease used for general office duties. Know that by asking questions related to hazardous waste containment/disposal, hours of operation issues and the landlord’s right to inspect along with making sure the office suits your medical office space needs, you will be sure to pick the right location for your medical office.