Renting A Warehouse: 6 Key Considerations

There are numerous important issues to consider when you decide to rent a warehouse. Renting a warehouse is different from other types of commercial property, so it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with all of the various issues involved before you start your search for a suitable property.

1. Create a Checklist of Your Requirements

It is important to come up with an extensive checklist of requirements when you first start looking for warehouses to let. Wimbledon firms who are looking for a property to let may have various requirements, such as whether the property has enough space to keep their machinery and equipment, whether it has adequate power and water sources, the heating that is in place, whether it will be used for storage or for working, and a range of other issues. Once you have your list of requirements this will make it a lot easier to start finding a suitable warehouse.

2. Location & Access

The location of your warehouse will probably be one of the most important considerations for you. If you are simply renting a warehouse for storage it may not be such a big issue, but if you will have staff working there then you should make sure that it is in a convenient location for them to travel to work, so you may have to consider public transport links.

You should also make sure that it has adequate access for larger vehicles if you will be receiving regular deliveries. It may also be a good idea in this case to find a warehouse located near to a port or a motorway.

3. Staff Facilities

If you will have staff working in your warehouse you will need to make sure that the warehouse you rent comes with the right facilities. This will include parking space, bathrooms and a separate area where they can have their breaks.

4. Lease Details

It is very important that you understand all of the details of the lease before you sign it. Make sure that you read it all through very carefully or, even better, have your solicitor read it through for you. The lease may state that you are responsible for repairs and maintenance of the property during your time renting it, so you need to make sure you know exactly what your duties are.

5. Hire a Surveyor

A professional surveyor will check over the entire property to find any problems before you go ahead and sign the lease. This is important because if you miss any problems you may end up having to pay for them yourself depending on the details of the lease, so the expense will be well worth it for your own peace of mind.

6. Warehouse Insurance

You should not forget to take out warehouse insurance when you rent your new commercial space. This may only consist of contents insurance for all of your equipment, but it may also include building insurance depending upon your responsibilities as covered in the lease.

You may also want to find an insurance policy that covers employers’ liability insurance for your staff and the public, products liability, business interruption cover in case you are affected by a flood or other disaster and cannot work, goods in transit cover and cover for legal expenses such as disputes with employees.

Find the Right Warehouse for Your Firm

Use the tips above to help you when you start looking for a warehouse to rent. Take your time and don’t rush into anything because this is a very important decision for you and your firm and you do not want to get it wrong.