What Does a Serviced Office Agreement Include?
What Does a Serviced Office Agreement Include?
Choosing a serviced office is often the easy part. Before you move in, the agreement should make it clear what you are paying for, how you can use the space and what happens when your needs change.
A serviced office agreement typically sets out the workspace, services, payment terms and conditions of occupation. The details vary between providers, so checking the written terms helps you compare offices properly and avoid surprises later.
The office you are taking
Start with the space itself. The agreement should identify the location and office, the start date and the length of your commitment. Check that the agreed furniture and workstation layout match the office you viewed.
If your team needs extra monitors, storage or a particular desk arrangement, have those requirements confirmed before signing. A room that accommodates five desks may work differently once everyone brings their equipment.
For a broader introduction to the workspace model, read our guide to what a serviced office is and what it includes.
The services included in your fee
The agreement or an attached service schedule should explain which services are included. Check utilities, internet, cleaning and maintenance, along with the arrangements for reception, mail handling and IT support.
Shared facilities deserve the same attention. Access to a meeting room does not necessarily mean unlimited bookings. Ask whether your package includes an allowance, how additional hours are charged and whether unused hours carry forward.
At Sentinel, serviced offices include furnished workspace and core services such as utilities, internet and daily cleaning. Your chosen package should confirm any additional services and allowances.
Payments, deposits and additional charges
Look beyond the monthly figure. Confirm the payment schedule, any amount due before move-in, the security deposit and whether quoted charges include applicable VAT.
The deposit terms should explain when it can be returned and which deductions may apply. Ask how the office condition is recorded at handover and what counts as damage rather than normal use.
Also check charges for extra meeting-room hours, printing, parking, additional access cards or specialist IT requirements. Comparing these details makes it easier to understand the actual cost of occupying the office.
Our serviced office versus traditional lease cost comparison explains why the full operating cost matters when reviewing workspace options.
Access and everyday use
Check when your team can enter the building and when staffed support is available. Office access, air conditioning, reception and meeting-room availability may follow different schedules.
The agreement should also address visitors, deliveries and use of shared areas. If you expect evening calls, weekend working or frequent client visits, explain that before committing. Knowing the practical arrangements is just as useful as knowing the office size.
Business address and licensing support
Ask whether the office can support your company’s specific licensing requirements and which documents the provider will supply. Workspace access and an approved registered address should be checked separately.
For a DWTC Free Zone setup, refer to the Authority’s official business setup process, which includes choosing an office solution and signing a lease. Avoid assuming that every office package supports every licence.
Renewal, notice and moving to another office
Before signing, understand what happens at the end of the term. Check renewal arrangements, the notice deadline and how notice must be delivered. Ask about early termination and any charges that could arise.
If growth is likely, discuss the process for moving to a larger office. Establish how a change would affect your fee, deposit and existing commitment, and whether it depends on availability.
Frequently asked questions
Does a monthly payment mean a monthly agreement?
Not necessarily. Monthly payments can form part of a longer commitment. Check the contract term separately from the payment schedule.
Are meeting rooms always included?
The allowance varies by package. Confirm included hours, booking conditions and charges for additional use.
Can I add my company’s branding?
Ask which changes are permitted, whether approval is required and whether the office must be restored when you leave.
Ready to review your office options?
Share your team size, preferred location and move-in date with Sentinel. We can help you compare suitable spaces and understand the proposed package before you sign.
Contact sales@sentineldubai.com or call +971 4 305 0600.
