FAQ’s

Our studios are ready to move in for all types of businesses from architects to weavers. Now that you’ve found us, you may have some questions. Please find the most commonly answered questions below. 

Drop us an email at studios@arbeit.org.uk with anything at all. Please check our terms and conditions for detailed answers. And talk to us - we’re always happy to help make your space work for you.

WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE CAN HAVE SPACE AT ARBEIT?    

We welcome all creatives into our spaces. From fashion designers, music producers and graphic designers, to start-up companies, photographers, furniture designers and set designers. Music studio applications are also welcome for our Hackney Wick and Dagenham spaces.

CAN I SHARE MY STUDIO?  

You can use your studio alone or share it. Arbeit will need to approve any studio share and your contract will be amended accordingly.

HOW MUCH DEPOSIT WILL YOU NEED?    

We require 2 months' deposit.

WHY TWO MONTHS DEPOSIT?    

Two months protects against any unpaid rent, or for example, any failure to pay electricity. It’s rarely the case that the full deposit is not returned at the end of a tenancy. If a tenant has left the studio in a poor condition then the deposit is used to fix these problems.

ARE THESE STUDIOS LIVE/WORK?    

Our studios are just for work. They are not live/work studios.

HOW SECURE ARE THE STUDIOS?    

All of our studios have locks. However, the safety of the studios relies on its tenants double locking doors and closing windows before leaving. We’re unable to take any liability for your belongings stored in the studio. It’s your responsibility to provide your own insurance for contents. 

IS THERE ANY MINIMUM CONTRACT PERIOD?    

There is a 3 or 6 month minimum contract period, depending on the site.

WHAT IS THE NOTICE PERIOD?    

The notice period is 1 calendar month.

WHEN DO I GET MY 2 MONTHS DEPOSIT BACK?    

We endeavour to give the full deposit back to tenants within 14 days of moving out. This period allows us to calculate any outstanding monies owed in respect of unpaid electricity bills and other costs which may have been incurred with the studio under your tenancy,  such as clearing your space of all items and returning your keys.

IS THERE VAT ON THE RENT?     

No, we are not VAT registered and we do not charge VAT. 

DO I HAVE TO PAY BUSINESS RATE?      

Most of our units are eligible for Small Business Rate exemption so you will receive 100% reduction on business rate, provided that you comply with the criteria (no other commercial unit). You should apply for the Small Business Rate exemption but we are happy to support you in the process.  

DO YOU HAVE SERVICE CHARGES AND WHAT DO THEY INCLUDE?    

There is a £15 pcm per user service charge on top of the rent which includes: weekly standard waste collection and communal areas cleaning, building maintenance and general administration and, wifi. It excludes utilities.

ARE BILLS CHARGED ON THE TOP OF THE RENT?     

Yes, monthly charge excludes utility bills (water, gas and electricity). This will be charged based on a monthly fixed rate or the meter installed in the studio. You will either receive a regular invoice or there will be a set charge.

DO THE STUDIOS HAVE HEATING?    

Only some of our studios have central heating, most of the studios have electrical heating and we provide wall-mounted heaters.