How does TenantBase work?

TenantBase reverses the traditional commercial real estate model. Instead of spending weeks searching listings and contacting landlords, tenants share their requirements — location, size, budget, and timing — and TenantBase matches them with qualified local tenant-rep brokers and relevant market options.

What does a tenant-rep broker actually do?

Tenant-rep brokers provide market expertise, advocate exclusively for tenant interests, and manage the leasing process from start to finish — space selection, negotiations, and concessions — helping reduce risk and improve outcomes at no direct cost to the tenant in most U.S. markets.

What's the difference between a gross lease and a net lease?

In a gross lease, one all-in rent payment covers most building expenses. In a net lease, tenants pay base rent plus some combination of property taxes, insurance, and CAM charges on top. Those pass-throughs can add 30–100% above the face rate, so understanding the structure before you tour is critical.

Who are the Partner Broker Highlights?

Partner Broker Highlights feature trusted tenant-rep brokers in TenantBase's network — their background, market expertise, and approach to representing tenants. It's designed to help businesses find and vet the right local advisor before starting a search.

How does TenantBase help me find the right space for my business?

TenantBase combines technology with local tenant advisors to match searches based on headcount, growth plans, budget, and timing — streamlining discovery and helping teams lease space that fits their operational and financial goals.

Press

GlobeSt | How do Startups Search for Office Space?

Chelsea Cain

May 6, 2016

TenantBase CEO Bennett Washabaugh discussed trends in startup and small business office search with Carrie Rossenfeld, reporter at GlobeSt.com.

Here are some main takeaways from the article.

Startups have an apartment search mindset...

New businesses searching for office space have never leased an office before! Unlike older, larger, more established companies, they don't have experience leasing multiple offices over a long period of time. Many are beginning their search 15-45 days prior to needing to a space, according to our data. This means finding a move-in-ready, plug-and-play option, but it also means that startups may need some help understanding the market and negotiating points when signing a lease. That's why TenantBase's office search technology is supported by a team of commercial real estate experts that help each tenant along the discovery and leasing process.

....and need space based on stage of growth!

We find that companies 0-2 years old are often interested in co-working spaces and executive suites. TenantBase itself just graduated from prominent Southern California incubator EvoNexus! Some buildings also offer spec suites, which maturing startups tend to prefer. Here in Orange County, notable developers such as the Irvine Company provide excellent options for growing businesses.

Bennett's advice for startups looking for office space? Don't get discouraged, start early, and hire a broker. There are so many potential additional costs and unpredictable obstacles when leasing an office. Whether you're a new business owner or a veteran entrepreneur, it is important to speak with an expert that knows and understands your surrounding office space marketplace intimately.

Thank you to Carrie Rossenfeld and GlobeSt.com for the wonderful feature. Read it here!

TenantBase is a free search platform and service available to startups, small businesses, and local entrepreneurs looking for office space.