Renovating commercial premises for rental purposes: what are the rules?

When you want to carry out renovation work on your home, you are subject to specific rules that you must be aware of before taking action. When it comes to commercial property, specific legislation applies to owners of premises being renovated. Your Airbnb concierge service reminds you of these rules to follow to help you stay on track. Beyond marketing rules, the law sometimes requires a declaration or a building permit application. It is also mandatory to implement systems for people with reduced mobility. In the event that renovation work takes place in the middle of a rental period, rules govern the distribution of expenses.

‍

Renovation work that must be declared

‍When work is carried out in premises where the activities remain the same, a declaration is not necessary. However, a change of activity requires a declaration of the renovation actions to be performed. The same applies to projects for the extension of commercial premises. In the latter case, a building permit is also required. The owner of a property sometimes plans to carry out work affecting the load-bearing structures of the building. A building permit is then necessary. Special provisions apply to commercial premises receiving the public, and fire safety is required. When applying for a renovation permit, plans must be submitted. You are required to include the accessibility notice for the premises. Work carried out on an area of less than 20 m2 is subject to an application to the town hall using Cerfa form no. 13404. Beyond this area, you must use Cerfa form no. 13409.

‍

Accessibility standards to follow

‍Since 2015, public authorities have implemented mandatory accessibility standards. Any Person with Reduced Mobility (PRM) must be able to enter the premises without too much difficulty. The law therefore requires you to install entrances wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through. When renovating your commercial space, consider wide aisles. Safety standards govern the installation of stairs and ramps. Did you know that fitting rooms must have a diameter of one and a half meters? A sturdy seat should normally be found in these cabins. Standards for restrooms include the existence of side supports and accessibility for PRMs. They must not be excluded from using sinks, toilets, and hand dryers, and when your premises receive the public, whether it is a store, a restaurant, a beauty salon, etc., it must follow these accessibility standards.

‍

Work for more attractive premises

‍Renovation covers both the interior and the facade. A space intended for commercial use must have a respectable exterior image. Facade restoration is among the work you cannot overlook. The renovation must make the storefront presentable. You must clear any clutter from the front of the premises. When renovating the interior, think about the layout to make things easier for future occupants. Do not forget lighting, as it plays an important role in the beauty of your space. Well-executed renovation work allows your premises to be rented out quickly.

‍

A clear distribution of expenses in the contract

‍To renovate a commercial space, if it is already made available to a tenant, the distribution of renovation expenses must be clear. Several scenarios are possible, given the freedom to divide tasks. Depending on the contracts, tenants may ask owners to carry out roof and gutter renovations. Work undertaken by landlords also concerns shutters and windows. This involves repairs to the building's envelope. In other cases, tenants are responsible for all renovation work, with the exception of major work. These major renovations concern:

• Walls and vaults;
• Roofs and structural frames;
• Dikes;
• Fencing.

These remain the responsibility of the owner.