To rent out a commercial space without hassle, start with a clear listing with real photos, a price calibrated to the area and size, and a written contract that clearly separates your obligations from the tenant's. Verify the tenant before handover, ask for a deposit, and make a handover report with utility readings.
A commercial space rents differently from a residential one. Here, street visibility, customer flow, number of parking spots, utility connections, and whether the property allows the tenant's intended activity all matter. A dental office needs a different layout than a pastry shop or a phone store. That's why your listing must immediately answer the questions an entrepreneur looking quickly will ask: usable area, street frontage, vehicle access, permitted use, total monthly cost.
This guide walks step by step through the entire process: how to set the rent, how to photograph and describe the space, how to verify a tenant, what the contract must include, how to hand over the space, and what tax obligations you have as an individual owner. You'll also find a comparison table between direct rental, agency, and property management, plus a checklist before publishing.
- The price is set per square meter, comparing 5-7 similar listings in the same neighborhood and same category of space.
- A listing that rents quickly has 8-12 photos in natural light, an indicative floor plan, and the full monthly cost, not just the rent.
- Written contract, 1-3 month deposit, handover report with readings and an inventory of installations.
- Verify the tenant's identity and history before signing; money moves directly between parties, not through the platform.
How to set the rent for a commercial space in Romania
Rent is calculated starting from the price per square meter in that area, then adjusted by factors that matter for a business: ground-floor position, glass frontage, sidewalk width, foot traffic, vehicle access, and the availability of a parking spot.
Use 5-7 comparable spaces as a reference. A 40 sqm ground-floor unit on a commercial street in a central neighborhood has a different price than the same size in a basement in a residential area. The difference can be two or three times. For premium areas in large cities, such as central Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, or Timișoara, you'll see the highest values per square meter. In smaller cities, the price drops noticeably, but demand is also lower.
What goes into the displayed monthly cost
Gross rent is not the real cost. A serious tenant wants to know the total. Add up rent, maintenance, building tax if you pass it on, estimated utilities, and any security or cleaning services. If the space has high energy consumption, say so upfront.
Also decide whether the price is negotiable long-term. For 3-5 year contracts, an annual inflation-indexation clause is common practice and protects both parties. Don't promise a fixed amount for the entire term if you're not sure you can sustain it.
How I answer the price question
Many owners make the mistake of setting a price too high "to leave room for negotiation." The space sits empty for months, and serious tenants don't even call. A fair price backed by two or three concrete arguments (street frontage, parking, three-phase power) brings offers faster.
If you want to see what prices are currently being asked on the market, compare listings from the same city and same category on a listing platform. On EX & GO you can filter by city and radius to see the real differences between neighborhoods. publish a listing
How to prepare your listing to rent out a commercial space fast
A good listing answers all of a tenant's questions before they call you. Photos do half the work, the text does the other half. Without both, you get calls that end with "it's not what I was looking for."
Photos that sell the space
Shoot in natural light between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Take 8-12 shots: the exterior with a neighboring sign visible for orientation, the storefront from the street, the interior from every corner, the restroom, the electrical panel, the water system, and the parking area.
Don't use wide angles that distort proportions and don't hide cracks, dampness, or old installations. The tenant will see them at the viewing, and distrust costs more than a repair. Add a simple floor plan with room areas if you have one.
Description and contact details
Write the usable area, floor, type of access, permitted use according to the property documents, full monthly cost, and availability. Mention whether you accept activities with extended hours or with odors, noise, or heavy traffic. Neighbors matter.
Before publishing, read the rules of the platform you're posting on so your listing isn't rejected. Publishing rules are at /ro/rules, and frequently asked questions about accounts and moderation at /ro/support. Verify your phone number and write a concrete title, not "space for rent."
Verifying the tenant and avoiding scams
Verification happens before signing, not after. Ask for ID, company details if it's a legal entity, and confirmation that the desired activity is permitted in the building. Don't settle for verbal promises.
For companies, check the trade registry and, if applicable, public financial statements. For individuals, a discussion about their activity and previous experience says a lot. Ask for a reference from a former landlord if available.
Red flags
Offers to pay "later, but for sure," refusal to sign a written contract, requests to pay the deposit before seeing the space, or insistence on cash payments without a receipt are reasons to slow down. Don't hand over the keys without a contract and a handover report.
Never send money to someone who says they're the owner but can't arrange a viewing. Ask to see the title deed or power of attorney. If you're unsure about the other party's identity, postpone signing.
The owner's best protection is not the deposit, but the handover report signed by both parties, with meter readings and an inventory of installations. Without it, at the end of the contract you can't prove what was and wasn't damaged.
What the lease contract must include
A written contract is mandatory for any serious rental. It must identify the parties, the space, the term, the rent, the deposit, and each party's obligations. Without it, you have no basis to recover debts and you can't record income correctly.
Essential clauses
Include complete party details, the address and area of the space, permitted use, term and renewal conditions, rent amount and due date, deposit and return conditions, who pays utilities and repairs, termination conditions, and late-payment penalties.
Add a clause on subletting and one on modifications to the space. Establish who bears major repairs (structure, roof, common installations) and who bears routine ones. A clearly written 2-3 page contract prevents most conflicts.
Deposit and handover
The usual deposit is 1-3 months' rent, depending on the value of the space and the risk of the activity. Set in writing how long after contract termination it will be returned and what may be deducted. Make a handover report at the start and end, with dated photos.
What tax obligations does the owner have
Rental income is declared to the tax authority. As an individual, you owe income tax on rental income and, under certain conditions, the health insurance contribution. Rules change, so verify current thresholds and rates before calculating.
Official documents and information are published by the competent institutions. For consumer protection, ANPC explains rights and complaint channels. For identity and civil status documents, DRPCIV is not related to rentals but remains the official source for identity documents. The listing rules are at EX & GO.
Don't forget the building tax, paid to the local council, and any local fees. If the space is owned through a company, the tax regime is different and worth discussing with an accountant.
Comparison: direct rental, agency, or property management
The choice of rental method depends on the time you have, the type of space, and how involved you want to be. Each option has different costs and risks.
| Criterion | Direct | Agency | Property management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Zero commission, just your time | Commission usually one month's rent | Monthly percentage of rent |
| Control over tenant | Total | Partial, agency filters | Reduced, manager decides |
| Time invested | High initially | Medium | Low |
| Risk of vacancy | Depends on listing | Lower, client portfolio | Lower |
| Best for | Small spaces, involved owners | Busy owners | Multiple spaces, investors |
If you have a single space and time to answer calls, the direct option keeps all the rent for you. If you have multiple properties or live in another city, property management may be worth the percentage. commercial spaces
We see in the EX & GO catalog that listings with real photos, full monthly cost, and verified contact details get the most messages, while those without a price or with generic photos are the first to be ignored.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to rent out my commercial space?
It depends on the area, price, and type of space. A well-positioned ground-floor unit with a fair price can receive offers within a few weeks. Upper-floor spaces without a storefront or priced above market can sit empty for months. Season also matters: many entrepreneurs search before a season opens or at the start of the year.
What deposit can I ask from the tenant?
The usual practice is one to three months' rent. The higher the risk of damage to the space, the higher the deposit can be. Set the amount, retention conditions, and return deadline after contract termination in writing. Ask for a receipt for the deposit.
Do I need to register the contract somewhere?
The lease contract is concluded in writing, and the income is declared to the tax authority. Rules on registration and taxation can change, so verify current information with the competent institutions or an accountant. Don't rely on what you read a few years ago.
Can I rent out a commercial space without a company?
Yes, an individual can rent out a commercial space. The tenant can be a company or an authorized individual. What matters is having clear ownership documents, a written contract, and declaring the income. Check that the property allows the intended use.
What do I do if the tenant doesn't pay rent?
Contact them in writing with acknowledgment of receipt and request payment within the contract deadline. If they don't pay, you can apply the agreed penalties and ultimately terminate the contract according to its clauses. For large amounts, consult a lawyer. Do not enter the space or change the lock without legal procedure.
How do I set the correct rent price?
Compare 5-7 similar spaces in the same neighborhood with the same size and position. Adjust the price based on street frontage, parking, technical condition, and permitted use. Consider the full monthly cost, not just rent. A realistic price brings serious tenants faster than an inflated one.
Checklist before publishing
Go through the list before you hit publish. Each item you check saves you unnecessary calls and time wasted on viewings that don't lead anywhere.
- You have 8-12 photos in natural light, including exterior, storefront, interior, restroom, and electrical panel.
- You've written the usable area, floor, access, permitted use, and full monthly cost.
- You've verified that the desired activity is permitted in the building and that neighbors have no relevant restrictions.
- You've prepared the contract, the deposit, and the handover report template.
- You've read the platform rules and verified your phone number before publishing.
- You've prepared short answers to common questions: parking, utilities, hours, term.
Conclusion
To rent out a commercial space without risks, order matters more than speed. Set a realistic price based on local comparisons, prepare a listing with real photos and complete details, verify the tenant before signing, and put everything in a written contract with a deposit and handover report.
Tax obligations don't disappear because you rented directly. Declare the income, pay the building tax, and keep the documents. If you handle each step carefully, the process becomes predictable, and your space is more likely to reach a serious tenant with clear terms for both parties.