Guides / Costs and leases

Costs and leases

Hong Kong office lease terms explained: length, deposit, break clauses and more

2 min read · 16 Oct 2026 · Ready Office

Horizontal bars of different lengths crossing a vertical marker, like a lease timeline

In short. Office leases in Hong Kong typically run two or three years, with a deposit of two or three months of rent and management charges. Check the break, renewal and redevelopment clauses before you sign.

On this page
  1. Lease length
  2. Security deposit
  3. Break clauses and renewal
  4. Redevelopment or sale clause
  5. Rent-free periods
  6. Costs on top of rent
  7. A short list to negotiate

This guide covers the terms you are most likely to meet in a Hong Kong office lease. It is general information, not legal advice, so take advice from a solicitor before you sign.

Lease length

Office leases are typically two or three years. Retail leases can be longer, because the tenant invests more in the fit-out. Source: Hugill & Ip.

For a team of 10 to 40, a two or three-year term is usually the range to plan around. It is a real commitment, so check whether you are ready.

Security deposit

A security deposit is typically the equivalent of two or three months' rent and management charges. The landlord holds it and can use it for unpaid rent or repair costs. Landlords may also ask for a personal or bank guarantee from weaker tenants.

Break clauses and renewal

  • Break clause. A clause that lets you end the lease early, usually after a set period and with notice. It is negotiable and not always offered, so ask.
  • Renewal. Renewal rent is often set by the market rent at the time, so budget for a change at renewal.

Redevelopment or sale clause

Some leases let the landlord end the tenancy early if the building is to be redeveloped or sold, typically with at least six months' notice. Read this clause carefully.

Rent-free periods

Some landlords offer a rent-free period, especially on longer leases or in a softer market. There is no standard answer, so ask, and get it in writing.

Costs on top of rent

  • Building management fee.
  • Rates and government rent, if passed to the tenant. Explained here.
  • Stamp duty on the lease, customarily shared equally.
  • Utilities.
  • Reinstatement at the end.

A short list to negotiate

  1. Term and any break option.
  2. Rent-free period.
  3. Deposit size, and when it is returned.
  4. Who bears rates, government rent and stamp duty.
  5. Reinstatement scope.
  6. Renewal terms.

Browse spaces, and tell us your preferred terms when you enquire.

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