Artist Studio Checklist: What to Ask When Renting an Artists Workspace.

Welcome to Artists' Union England's Artist Studio Checklist, designed to help artists navigate the complexities of renting a workspace. Our aim is to provide you with the essential questions to ask when searching for a workspace for rent. As a Union, we understand the challenges of finding a suitable studio space, which is why we have produced this resource for all artists, regardless of whether you are just starting out or a seasoned professional.

Use this checklist before you rent a studio or if you already have a workspace and have any concerns. You can download the questions that apply to you today and keep coming back to use it again. Our checklist covers all the important areas such as studio space, terms of lease, insurance and security, accessibility, and health and safety.

Why should I use the Artist Studio Checklist?

Renting a studio space can be a daunting process, especially for artists renting a studio for the first time. However, using the Artist Studio Checklist can help simplify the process and ensure that you find the ideal studio workspace for rent that meets your accessibility, safety, and artistic requirements. Plus, knowing what you are signing up for can also prevent unexpected costs and disputes down the line.

By using the Artist Studio Checklist, you can be confident that you are renting a space that is right for you and your artistic practice. So let’s get started!

  ABOUT THE LEASE 

Who owns it? Who owns the building? Is it a local authority, private landlord or collective? Who collects rent? Who collects and manages the rent of the studio space? Is the rent fair? How is rent determined? By square meter? If so, what is the rate? Are the terms transparent? Business rates? Are business rates included in the cost of the studio rental? Extra power costs? Are there extra costs for electricity usage, for example for kiln firings or power tool usage? How is rent paid? Do you pay rent by BACS transfer? Cash? Application process? Do you believe the landlord has a fair and non-discriminatory approach in the application process and choosing tenants? Is there a contract? Do you have a written agreement stating the terms of the lease, eg. an email? Space restrictions? Are there any restrictions on what you can and can't do in your space? Studio furnished? Does the studio come furnished or unfurnished? Studio inventoried? Have your and your landlord inventoried the premises before you sign a contract?

  ACCESSIBILITY       

Access needs met? Are your personal access needs met? Opening times? Is access to your studio limited to certain hours or is it 24 hour access? Do you feel safe? Would you feel safe working alone in the space? Off-peak access? Is the studio open on weekends and bank holidays? Events limit access? Do studio management ever hold public events in communal areas? If so, is access to your studio limited? Accessible evacuation? Are there accesible fire safey provisons like refuge spaces, evacuation chairs and flashing beacons? Complaints process? Is there a complaints and disciplinary procedure established? Code of conduct? Is there a code of conduct that outlines acceptible behaviour? The code of conduct should be in your contract or posted in a communal area of the building.

  THE FUTURE           

Tenancy duration? Do you have the length of the tenure and the notice period clearly stated in written form? Renewal expected? Is the current lease likely to be renewed and are there any break clauses?

  HEALTH & SAFETY  

Your responsibiltes? Who is responsible for cleaning and buying supplies within your studio? Communal spaces? No paint fumes? Do any paints used in the studio or within the building emit headache-causing fumes? Fire regulations? What are the fire regulations for the building? Fire evacuation plan? Is there a fire evacuation plan clearly posted communally? In your written agreement? Are there regular fire drills? Are fire doors clearly indicated? Fire extinguishers? Is fire extinguisher information posted communally? In your written agreement? Does it state where they are and who services them and when? Is this a requirement of your studio insurance? Emergency lighting? Check there is emergency lighting? Studio fire door? Does the studio have a fire door? This may affect your insurance. Who does repairs? If something in your studio breaks, who does the repair, you or studio managers? If management makes the repair, is it covered in your rent? Studio security? Who is responsible for the security of the building? Environment safe? Check for damp, heating, mould, pests (particularly rats and mice), and asbestos. Does management keep of these?