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Coworking Space Contracts: What to Check Before You Sign

A coworking membership agreement looks simpler than a traditional office lease, but missing a detail on pricing or cancellation terms can turn into an unexpected cost later.

  1. Confirm how pricing is calculated

    Check whether the rate is per seat or per space, whether the listed price includes tax, and what the per-seat rate is if you add more people later.

  2. Check the minimum term and cancellation terms

    Note the minimum commitment period, any early-termination penalty, and how much notice is required to cancel. Also check for an automatic renewal clause.

  3. Check meeting room and facility usage limits

    Find out how many hours of meeting-room credit are included per month, what the hourly rate is once you go over, and whether items like video-conference rooms or phone booths are billed separately.

  4. Check the deposit return conditions

    Confirm when the deposit is returned after move-out and what counts as damage requiring restoration, such as moved furniture or wall fixtures, and how any unpaid fees are deducted.

  5. Check terms for scaling up or down

    Ask about the process and cost of adding seats as your team grows, or reducing them if it shrinks, and whether you get priority for a bigger space at the same location.

Read the fine print before you sign

A coworking agreement can look like a simple, low-commitment form, but skipping over pricing details or cancellation terms is one of the most common ways members end up paying more than they expected.

You may need this contract again later

A coworking membership agreement often doubles as proof of business address when opening a business bank account, so keep a signed copy on hand well beyond the day you move in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are verbal promises from a coworking sales rep enforceable if they are not in the contract?

They are hard to enforce if a dispute comes up later, since there is nothing in writing to point to. Any special terms you agree on should be added to the contract or a separate written confirmation.

Can early-termination penalties be negotiated?

It depends on the location and timing, but it is often possible to negotiate a lighter penalty in exchange for committing to a longer contract. It is worth asking directly before signing.