A period at the start of a commercial lease, after the keys are handed over, during which the tenant builds its interiors. It is often rent-free; whether maintenance charges are payable during it depends on the lease.
How it works and what to check
Offices and shops are often handed over bare, and the tenant needs time to build cabins, wiring and air conditioning. The lease records how long this period is, what the tenant pays during it, and when rent starts.
Common questions
Is the fit-out period always rent-free?
Often, but not always. The lease decides, and maintenance may still be payable.
How long is a fit-out period?
It is negotiated, depending on the size of the space and the work needed.