Renting rather than buying business premises can make good financial sense. It can also reduce your exposure to risk, as this free Business Gateway guide on the subject explains. But there are a number of other factors to think about before deciding whether renting or buying property is the best option for your business.

The guide examines various aspects to consider:

• the advantages of renting
• finding the right premises
• types of property rental agreement
• practicalities of renting
• financial factors
• alterations to the property

Yes, if you are thinking about starting, or already run, a business in Scotland.

This is a free and impartial service.

Any business based in Scotland, at any stage in its life cycle.

Set aside 7 minutes to read the Business Gateway guide to renting business premises.

You will need to factor in the cost of business rates, utilities and insurance as well as the rental price. Some landlords expect tenants to also cover maintenance and repair costs.

Visit the Business Gateway website for more advice on renting business premises.