Choosing a workspace

Is a flexible office agreement the same thing as a lease?

Asked by the spacebly teamspacebly team· 4 Nov 2026

The paperwork for a serviced office can look different from a lease. This explains the difference.

1 answer

1. spacebly teamspacebly team4 Nov 2026

   Often not. The rent direct guide on spacebly (October 2026) explains the difference.

   A serviced or flexible office usually comes with a licence or membership. It's often monthly or a fixed term. A conventional lease is usually for several years.

   Many serviced office agreements are licences rather than leases. That affects which rules apply. The RICS code for leasing business premises in England and Wales (in force since September 2020) covers lettings of business premises. It doesn't apply to lettings of six months or less.

   So ask the operator what kind of agreement you're signing. Ask whether the RICS code applies to it. Then read the notice period and what's included in the price carefully.

   More here: https://spacebly.com/rent-office-direct-from-landlord