If you’ve found the perfect executive suite but aren’t ready to move in just yet, you may be wondering if a business center will allow you to place a “hold” deposit. The answer is: it depends on the center. Some centers might be open to the idea of accepting a deposit to hold the suite, particularly if they aren’t at full occupancy. However, many centers operate on a first-come, first-served basis and may prefer to lease the space immediately if another potential tenant is ready to commit.

In cases where a center does agree to take a deposit, it’s often for a limited period, typically around 30 days. Be aware that if you decide not to go through with the lease, you may forfeit your deposit.

If you’re confident that the suite you’ve found is the best fit and you’re concerned about losing it to someone else, placing a deposit might be worth considering. That said, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons—particularly the financial aspects. Think about your budget and whether you can manage an extra month or two of rent before you’re ready to fully utilize the space.

Another option is to negotiate. You could ask if signing a longer-term lease might result in incentives, such as a free month’s rent, which can help alleviate the financial pressure while you’re preparing to get your business fully operational.