What is the minimum commitment for a managed office?

Signing a managed office contract: commitment period

"We don't want to lock ourselves in for years again." It is the number one objection to managed offices, and it often rests on a misconception. Here are the real commitment periods, the notice periods in practice and the room for negotiation we see on the ground.

Real terms, option by option

OptionTypical minimum commitmentNotice period
Coworking (desk or private office)From 1 month, sometimes by the dayOften 1 month
Private floor in a coworking spaceA few months to 12 months1 to 3 months
Managed officeUsually 12 months, shorter terms negotiable depending on the situation1 to 3 months depending on the listing
3-6-9 leaseFixed 3-year term6 months before the three-year break

A managed office therefore sits between the flexibility of coworking and the stability of a lease: a one-year commitment, rarely more restrictive, and always without the long-term obligations of a traditional lease (which remains the right answer for stable companies with a long horizon). Beyond the term itself, the 7 benefits of a managed office for SMEs will help you judge whether the format is right for you.

Why 12 months? The operator's logic

A managed office is a dedicated space fitted out for you. The operator ties up an entire floor area, so it wants a minimum of certainty to recoup that customisation. That is exactly what makes it a negotiating lever.

Your commitment: your best bargaining chip

A rule we see on the ground: the longer your commitment, the more open the operator is on price. Conversely, a very short commitment usually comes at full price. Term, notice period, meeting room credits, branding: all the levers (and the average 15% gap between list price and signed price) are detailed in our guide negotiating your flexible office.

3 situations, 3 answers

  • You are testing a market or a team: coworking, 1-month commitment. You can decide later.
  • You want a place of your own, but the next 2 years are uncertain: a 12-month managed office with a negotiated short notice period, or a private floor in a coworking space.
  • You are stable and well established: a longer commitment in exchange for a better price, or even a 3-6-9 lease if your horizon goes beyond 3 years (see our lease vs service agreement comparison).
What is the minimum commitment for a managed office?
Usually 12 months. Depending on the situation (space already fitted out, time of year, operator), a shorter commitment can be negotiated.
What notice period applies when leaving a managed office?
Between 1 and 3 months depending on the listing, a far cry from the 6-month notice period and three-year break dates of a 3-6-9 lease.
Does a longer commitment really bring the price down?
Yes, in most cases: the operator secures its occupancy rate and accepts an adjusted rent in return. It is the number one negotiating lever, with an average gap of around 15% between list price and signed price across all negotiations.
What if my headcount changes during the contract?
That is the strength of flexible options: expansion within the same building, or an adjustment at renewal or through an amendment. Set out your expected headcount growth in your initial brief.

Check what YOUR situation allows you to negotiate

Every listing has its own margins. Describe your needs and your time horizon: we identify the compatible spaces and negotiate the terms. Let us find your office or explore the listings.

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