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Office tenants and finance teams

Rentable vs usable office space

Keep rentable, usable, occupant and gross office areas distinct when comparing space and cost.

Updated 2026-09-12
Fast answerRecord the label, value, unit, plan date, preparer and source for every area. Do not assume marketed, usable, occupant and rentable figures are interchangeable.

Identify the measurement standard

BOMA publishes property-specific measurement standards and editions. Ask which standard and method produced the quoted area and obtain the supporting calculation when it affects rent.

Expose the cost effect

Apply rent and recoveries to each unresolved billed area. A modest area difference can affect recurring rent, tenant allowances and proportionate shares.

Compare floor efficiency

Evaluate how the actual work program fits the premises, including columns, core, circulation, rooms and window line. A lower rentable area is not automatically more efficient.

Control remeasurement

Review who may remeasure, when, under which standard and how any change affects rent, allowances and other calculations.

Evidence boundary: office availability and quoted economics change. Confirm current premises, authority, area, costs, permitted use and documents for the specific transaction. Read the methodology.

Questions about this guide

Scope and evidence boundaries.

What is the purpose of the rentable vs usable office space?

Keep rentable, usable, occupant and gross office areas distinct when comparing space and cost.

Does this guide replace professional advice?

No. Use it to organize questions and evidence, then obtain qualified professional advice where the decision requires it.