In the current post-pandemic environment, many workers continue to work remotely, and most tenants don’t need as much space as in pre-pandemic days.
The impact is higher vacancies in the office sector and owners desperately trying to retain and attract tenants. Many landlords in the war for tenants have turned to offering new workplace amenities such as conference room services, fitness centers with nutritionists, and high-end food and beverage offerings.
To provide these services, landlords engage with third-party vendors and these arrangements present the potential for some thorny legal liability, according to a column at GlobeSt.com. To prevent that, both parties must hash out details over responsibilities for the engagement to ensure that it works as expected.
For example, a contract should include clauses about who can access bank accounts and who provides accounting support for expenses and revenue. Also, the vendor must be in tune with requirements in the landlord’s insurance to prevent inadvertent actions that could negate coverage.
In addition, amenity vendors may be unfamiliar with the coordination needed to operate the building when it comes to things like elevator usage, HVAC, access to loading docks, trash disposal, and parking. Details like that, if not spelled out in advance, could lead to rancor between the landlord and vendor, or worst case, a legal confrontation.
Design and construction firms should be aware of this dynamic when renovating space for upgraded office enhancements, as it could complicate the programming process or even derail a project.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Feb 12, 2015
New Appraisal Institute form aids in analysis of green commercial building features
The Institute’s Commercial Green and Energy Efficient Addendum offers a communication tool that lenders can use as part of the scope of work.
Office Buildings | Feb 12, 2015
Is Houston headed for an office glut?
More than 13 million sf could be completed this year, adding to this metro’s double-digit vacancy woes.
Architects | Feb 11, 2015
Shortlist for 2015 Mies van der Rohe Award announced
Copenhagen, Berlin, and Rotterdam are the cities where most of the shortlisted works have been built.
Office Buildings | Feb 6, 2015
6 factors steering workplace design at financial services firms
Grossly underutilized space and a lack of a mobility strategy are among the trends identified by HOK based on its research of 11 top-tier financial services firms.
Contractors | Feb 6, 2015
Census Bureau: Capital spending by U.S. businesses increased 4.5%
Of the 19 industry sectors covered in the report, only one had a statistically significant year-to-year decrease in capital spending: the utilities sector.
Office Buildings | Feb 3, 2015
5 trends transforming workplace design
RTKL's workplace design expert Jodi Williams foresees healthier and more technologically enabled offices that allow productive worker interaction, wherever they happen to be.
Office Buildings | Feb 3, 2015
Bjarke Ingels' BIG proposes canopied, vertical village for Middle East media company
The tensile canopy shades a relaxation plaza from the desert sun.
Office Buildings | Feb 2, 2015
Study shows modern workers struggle to leave work at the office
Study findings indicate that more than half the respondents holds tight to their smartphones, checking and responding to email and taking phone calls, all or most of the time.
Office Buildings | Jan 28, 2015
Sustainability’s missed opportunity: small commercial buildings
The real opportunity for shrinking the nation’s energy footprint lies in the mundane world of small commercial buildings, writes BD+C's David Barista.
Office Buildings | Jan 27, 2015
London plans to build Foggo Associates' 'can of ham' building
The much delayed high-rise development at London’s 60-70 St. Mary Axe resembles a can of ham, and the project's architects are embracing the playful sobriquet.
