Renting an office in Kyiv: what to look out for

The rate per square metre is only part of the decision. Here is what we advise clarifying before you sign an office lease.

Floor area

• Leasable or usable. Business centres often quote area including a common-area factor — a share of corridors, lobbies and washrooms. Check how many square metres you actually occupy.
• Layout. Open space or private offices, the number of meeting rooms, a kitchen — and whether the layout can be changed, at whose expense.

The full cost

• What the rate includes. VAT, service charges, utilities, cleaning and security are often billed separately.
• Parking. Whether there are spaces for staff and visitors, and what they cost.
• Indexation. How and when the rate can change.

Backup power

• Generator. What it can carry: emergency lighting only, or lifts, air conditioning and sockets too.
• Connectivity. Several internet providers and how long they stay up without mains power.
• Shelter. In the building or nearby, and how quickly you can get there.

Fit-out and move-in

• Condition. Fully fitted or shell & core.
• Who does the fit-out. The landlord to your design or you — and whether a rent-free period covers that time.

The lease

• Term and termination. Minimum term, early exit terms, the security deposit.
• Formalities. Depending on the term, the lease may need notarisation and state registration — check with a lawyer.

Mingrand brokers work with offices in central Kyiv and its business districts: we will shortlist options for your team and budget and show them in a single day.