The rent per m² is only the headline number. When companies compare offices, the hidden costs of renting an office often decide which option is really cheaper. This guide lists every cost that can appear on top of the rent in Vietnam, so you can compare buildings on the full monthly price.
Use it alongside your shortlist when you find an office for rent in Da Nang, and ask each landlord to fill in the same cost table below.
Hidden costs of renting an office: the full list
| Cost | One-off or monthly | Who usually pays |
|---|---|---|
| Service charge | Monthly | Tenant |
| VAT on rent and service charge | Monthly | Tenant |
| Electricity in your unit | Monthly | Tenant |
| Overtime air conditioning | Monthly, when used | Tenant |
| Car and motorbike parking | Monthly | Tenant or staff |
| Internet and phone lines | Monthly | Tenant |
| Deposit | One-off, refundable | Tenant |
| Fit-out and furniture | One-off | Tenant (negotiable) |
| Reinstatement at exit | One-off | Tenant |
| Insurance | Yearly | Tenant |
Monthly costs on top of rent
Service charge
Most office buildings charge a service fee per m² per month for security, common-area cleaning, lifts and standard-hours air conditioning. It is often quoted separately from rent, so two buildings with the same rent can have very different total costs.
VAT
Commercial rent and service charge in Vietnam are usually quoted before VAT. Always add VAT when you compare offers, unless the quote clearly says it is included.
Electricity and overtime air conditioning
Electricity used inside your unit (lights, computers, split air conditioners) is normally metered and billed separately. In buildings with central air conditioning, using it outside standard hours or at weekends can be charged by the hour.
Parking
Car and motorbike parking are commonly charged per vehicle per month. For a team that drives or rides to work, this can add up quickly, so ask for the rates and how many spaces are available.
One-off costs at the start and end
Deposit and advance payment
Expect a refundable deposit, often around two to three months of rent and service charge, plus the first payment period in advance. That is cash you need on day one. Our office lease in Vietnam checklist explains how to negotiate these terms.
Fit-out and furniture
Partitions, meeting rooms, flooring, lighting, cabling and furniture are usually paid by the tenant. A semi-fitted or previously fitted unit can reduce this cost significantly, so ask about the handover condition of each unit.
Reinstatement
At the end of the lease you may need to remove your fit-out. Budget for it, or agree in writing which items can stay.
How to compare offices on total cost
- Convert every offer to the same area basis (net or gross).
- Add service charge and VAT to the rent to get a monthly total per m².
- Estimate electricity, parking and overtime air conditioning for your team.
- Spread one-off costs (fit-out, reinstatement) over the lease term.
- Compare the total cost per person per month, not the rent per m².
For example, a riverside Grade A tower such as ThaiGrand Casa Riva may have a higher headline rent than a Grade B building, but if it is delivered in better condition, the gap in total cost can be smaller than it looks.
When a flexible office is cheaper
For small teams or short projects, a serviced office or coworking space can be cheaper overall because fit-out, furniture and many services are included. See our comparison of serviced office vs coworking spaces and traditional offices.
Frequently asked questions
What costs are included in office rent in Vietnam?
Usually only the base rent for the space. Service charge, VAT, electricity inside your unit, parking and overtime air conditioning are often charged separately.
What is a service charge in an office building?
It is a monthly fee per m² that covers shared services such as security, cleaning of common areas, lifts and standard-hours air conditioning.
How much should I budget beyond the base rent?
It varies by building, but it is safer to model the full monthly cost, including service charge, VAT, utilities and parking, rather than rent alone. Ask each landlord for a complete cost breakdown.
Are fit-out costs paid by the tenant?
In most traditional leases, the tenant pays for interior fit-out such as partitions, furniture and cabling. Some landlords offer a rent-free period or a contribution, which you can negotiate.
Do serviced offices have hidden costs too?
They can. Printing, extra meeting-room hours, after-hours access and additional internet lines are sometimes charged on top of the monthly fee.
Conclusion
The hidden costs of renting an office include service charge, VAT, utilities, parking, deposit, fit-out and reinstatement. Ask every landlord for a complete breakdown and compare total cost per person, not rent alone. Fees and taxes change, so confirm current figures with the landlord and your accountant.
About Top Office
We send a full cost breakdown for every building on your shortlist, so you can compare like for like.
Top Office is an office leasing advisor in Da Nang with a database of 50+ office buildings, from Grade A riverside towers to compact spaces for small teams.
- Free consulting for tenants: we shortlist offices that match your team size and budget.
- Transparent quotes: we help you negotiate rent and lease terms.
- Remote viewings: photos and videos before you arrive, site visits when you are here.
- Fit-out support: planning, interior design and building permits.
📱 Looking for an office in Da Nang? Message us on WhatsApp or call +84 706 779 777.
