A coworking agreement is short, but a few clauses decide what you really pay and how easily you can leave. Use this checklist before you sign. It is general guidance, not legal advice; for a large or long commitment, have a lawyer read the agreement.
1. Term, lock-in and notice
- Lock-in: the period during which you cannot leave without paying. Ask what you owe if you leave early: the rest of the lock-in, part of it, or the deposit.
- Notice period: how much notice you must give to leave after the lock-in, and whether it runs from any day or only from the start of a month.
- Renewal: does the agreement renew automatically? On what terms?
2. Price and escalation
- Get the price per seat or per cabin in writing, with the seat count.
- Ask whether GST is included or extra. See GST on coworking and office rent.
- Find the escalation clause: when the price can rise, by how much, and whether there is a cap.
- Check what happens if you add or remove seats mid-term.
3. Security deposit
- How much, and how it is calculated.
- When it is refunded after you leave, and what can be deducted from it.
- Whether it can be adjusted against the last months' fees.
4. What is included
- Internet: speed, whether it is shared, and whether a dedicated line is possible.
- Meeting rooms: hours or credits included each month, and the rate for extra hours.
- Access hours: weekdays, weekends and holidays; whether 24-hour access costs extra.
- Printing, parking, storage, mail handling, visitor passes, tea and coffee.
- Housekeeping, electricity and air-conditioning, including any after-hours charges.
5. Address and registration
- Can you use the address for company and GST registration on this plan?
- Which documents will the operator provide (agreement, consent letter, utility bill or ownership proof), and when?
- What happens to your registered address when you leave?
6. Moving out
- The condition you must leave the space in, and any reinstatement charges.
- How long you have to move your address, mail and registrations.
- Whether the operator can move you to another cabin or centre, and on what notice.
Visit checklist
Visit at the time of day your team will use the space. Check:
- Noise and phone-call privacy at your desk or cabin.
- Mobile signal and the internet speed on your own device.
- Air-conditioning, light and how crowded the shared areas are.
- Meeting-room availability on the days you need them.
- Washrooms, pantry, parking, lifts and security at the entrance.
- The commute from where your team lives, including the nearest metro station.
Before you pay anything
Pay only the operator, against a written agreement or invoice in the operator's name. Desk Daddy never asks for advances, tokens or deposits on WhatsApp or UPI.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a lock-in period in a coworking agreement?
The period during which you cannot end the agreement without paying a penalty, usually the fees for the rest of the lock-in or part of them. Ask for the exact exit cost in writing.
What is the difference between lock-in and notice period?
The lock-in is the minimum time you are committed for. The notice period is how far in advance you must tell the operator you are leaving once you are allowed to leave.
Is the security deposit refundable?
Usually it is meant to be, but the agreement sets when it is returned and what can be deducted. Read that clause and ask how long the refund takes.
Can the operator increase the price at renewal?
Check the escalation clause. It should say when the price can rise and by how much. If there is no cap, ask for one before you sign.
What should I check when I visit a coworking space?
Visit at the hours your team will use it, and check noise, call privacy, internet speed on your own device, meeting-room availability, air-conditioning, washrooms, parking, security and the commute.
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