2 minutes to understand a professional lease

Professional leases are attracting growing interest from professionals and companies looking for more flexible solutions than the classic commercial lease. But behind this somewhat vague name lies a well-defined legal framework, often misunderstood, but highly relevant to the self-employed, practices or consultants.

In 2025, when flexibility and speed of installation have become key criteria in the choice of office space, the professional lease has emerged as an attractive alternative. Whether you're a lawyer, architect, freelancer or even a small business looking for suitable office space, this type of contract can meet your needs with greater flexibility than traditional commercial leases.

What is a professional lease?

A professional lease is an office rental contract intended exclusively for the liberal professions, whether regulated or not. It is governed by article 57 A of the law of December 23, 1986.

It applies only to premises used for professional purposes, to the exclusion of any commercial, craft or industrial activity. The occupant must be primarily engaged in a non-commercial activity.

Characteristics of a professional lease

Duration

The contract is signed for a minimum of 6 years, renewable by tacit agreement.

Termination

The tenant may vacate the premises at any time, subject to 6 months' notice, without justification. The lessor, on the other hand, may not terminate before the end of the lease term, unless otherwise stipulated.

Contractual freedom

The parties are free to set the amount of rent, the distribution of charges, the duration of the lease beyond 6 years, or the work to be carried out by the tenant. In the absence of specific provisions, the system is generally favorable to the lessor.

Right to renewal

Professional leases do not entitle the lessee to automatic renewal or eviction compensation. This is one of the major differences with commercial leases.

Who can sign a business lease?

Professional leases are reserved for :

• Regulated professions: lawyers, doctors, notaries, chartered accountants, architects, etc.
• Unregulated professions: coaches, consultants, freelance graphic designers, independent developers, etc.

💡 If the activity is mixed (e.g.: liberal + commercial), a commercial lease will be required. A mixed lease can also be envisaged, but this remains rare and more complex to set up.

⚠️ A company with a commercial activity, such as a digital marketing agency, cannot sign a professional lease. Even if the work is done in an office and is of an intellectual nature, only a non-commercial activity on a principal basis gives the right to a professional lease.

The advantages and limitations of a professional lease

Advantages :

• Flexibility: 6 months' notice, termination possible at any time
• Fewer legal constraints than a commercial lease
• Often lower costs
• Ideal for the self-employed or small businesses

Disadvantages :

• No right to renewal or eviction indemnity
• Little protection for the tenant in the event of disagreement
• Requires contractual vigilance to avoid tricky clauses

Ready-to-work comfort

What if renting an office no longer meant managing the unexpected? Today, there are a number of offerings that are totally rethinking the classic approach to renting, by proposing ready-to-work offices. Such is the case with Deskeo, which designs turnkey spaces for companies and freelancers.

Rather than starting with empty premises, you can move into a space that's already been fitted out, furnished, connected and operational. You avoid long weeks of construction work, managing suppliers and multiple contracts. Everything is managed for you: furniture, cleaning, internet, maintenance, shared services...

In other words, you arrive with your computer, and you can start working from day 1! This is what we call a flexible serviced office, a formula that combines the best of a traditional lease with the flexibility of a shared space.

Concrete benefits include:

• Time savings: no work, no installation to manage
• Less paperwork: one contract, one invoice
• Budget control: charges included, no hidden costs
• Professional image: a well-kept setting to welcome your customers

Above all, you stay focused on your business, while Deskeo takes care of the rest.

Business leases as part of a modern real estate strategy

Today, the professional lease can be integrated into a more global strategy, based on flexibility, modularity and agility. It's for people who don't want to lock themselves into a 3-6-9 model, or opt for the very short term.

• Choosing this type of lease in a well-designed environment means taking advantage of :
• Privatizable offices in strategic neighborhoods
• Spaces designed to promote well-being at work
• Solutions adapted to business growth (extension, coworking, team room...)

🧠 Read also: Trends 2025: what will tomorrow's operated offices look like?

The professional lease: a flexible framework to be exploited to the full

The professional lease remains a flexible, appropriate and strategic legal framework for the liberal professions. Although less protective than the commercial lease, it offers welcome contractual freedom for those seeking a place to practice without rigid constraints.

In today's fast-changing working environment, combining a professional lease with an operational and stimulating work environment, such as those offered by Deskeo, enables you to combine the right legal framework for your business with optimal working conditions.