Renting commercial premises in Geneva
Shop, workshop, practice or office: what to check before renting an “arcade” or commercial premises in Geneva.
Arcade, commercial premises, office: what are we talking about?
In Geneva, an “arcade” is a ground-floor commercial space opening onto the street, with a shop window. Offices on upper floors, workshops, practices and storage spaces are also let. Every listing gives the size, floor, rent and charges.
Location
Footfall past the window, visibility, delivery access, public transport and parking: location brings customers. Pâquis, a short walk from Cornavin station, or the shopping streets of the left bank do not draw the same crowd as residential areas.
The commercial lease
A commercial lease is usually signed for several years, often five or more, with renewal options. The rent can be indexed to the consumer price index when the lease runs for at least five years (art. 269b CO).
The legal notice period for commercial premises is six months (art. 266d CO). Unlike for a home, the deposit is not capped by law: its amount is set in the lease.
Takeover and transfer of lease
The outgoing tenant may ask for a payment for fittings or the business: it is negotiated with them, not with the landlord. Transferring a commercial lease to a new tenant requires the landlord’s written consent (art. 263 CO).
When a takeover is requested, our listings say so and we give you the details at the viewing.
Permits and works
Check that the authorised use of the premises matches your business. A café, a restaurant or some shops need an operating licence from the competent cantonal office, and a sign or fit-out works may need a permit. Do it before signing.
The application
A presentation of your business, a commercial register extract or articles of association being set up, and a debt-collection extract for the company and its partners. A clear application speeds up the landlord’s answer.