A Straightforward Guide for Cape Town Businesses. Signing an industrial lease is one of the biggest commitments your business will make. It affects your costs, logistics, staffing, and growth potential. Once you sign, you carry the risk. You also carry the long-term financial responsibility. That is why you need to slow down, assess the property properly, and make sure the space supports your operations without creating future problems.
Confirm the Power Supply
Power issues can stop your operations before you even begin.
Check the following:
-
Amps available (60A, 100A, 150A, 250A, 400A)
-
Phase (single or three-phase)
-
Upgrade potential and cost
-
Whether the landlord or the tenant pays for upgrades
-
Lead time for upgrades from the City of Cape Town
If your machinery has a high draw, test the supply before you sign. Ask for proof of available power in writing.
Measure the Height and Check Roof Structure
Many tenants underestimate the value of height.
Verify:
-
Internal height to the underside of the trusses
-
Suitability for racking
-
Sprinkler height (if applicable)
-
Drafting or ventilation requirements
The difference between 6m and 10m can change your storage capacity by 30–60%.
Check the Floor Load Capacity
The floor must handle your equipment, pallets, forklifts, and stock.
Look at:
-
Floor load rating
-
Concrete condition
-
Any cracking or uneven surfaces
-
Turn radius for forklifts
Heavy equipment and racking need a strong, stable floor. Do not assume it is adequate.
Assess Truck Access and Yard Space
Your vehicles must move in and out without delays or safety risks.
Evaluate:
-
Yard depth
-
Turning circles
-
Loading areas
-
Dock levels (if needed)
-
Shared access and congestion
-
After-hours access
The best warehouse becomes a nightmare if trucks cannot get in and out smoothly.
Review Zoning and Compliance
You must be allowed to run your business legally.
Confirm:
-
Zoning category
-
Permitted activities
-
Noise restrictions
-
Storage restrictions
-
Fire and building compliance certificates
If the zoning does not allow your use, you carry the risk.
Review Security and Access Control
Security risks are real in industrial nodes.
Check:
-
Site access control
-
Cameras
-
Fencing
-
On-site guards
-
Remote monitoring
-
Neighboring properties and risk profile
Write down exactly what is included in the rental and what is billed separately.
Want to find out more on the latest Industrial Property Rentals?
Confirm the Landlord’s Maintenance Responsibilities
Avoid future conflict by clarifying responsibilities upfront.
Check:
-
Who maintains the roof
-
Who repairs structural issues
-
Who handles roller door breakdowns
-
Who repairs air-conditioning
-
Who fixes plumbing
Request this in writing. Many disputes come from unclear responsibilities. If you take the time to check these items properly, you avoid cost surprises, operational headaches, and long-term commitments that don’t support your business. Industrial leases reward clarity and planning. Putting in the work upfront protects your business and gives you confidence that you’re choosing the right space. If you want guidance with your next warehouse or industrial lease in Cape Town, I can help you compare spaces, negotiate stronger terms, and avoid the risks tenants often miss.
Before you sign a lease, pause long enough to protect your future self. A good space should support your operations, your team, and your growth plans without surprising you six months later. If anything feels uncertain, get clarity before you commit. A lease is more than a contract. It sets the tone for how your business will function day to day. You deserve a space that feels right, works well, and gives you room to focus on the work that matters.
If you want support through the process, I’m here for it. I help businesses secure commercial and industrial space across Cape Town’s key industrial hubs, manage negotiations with landlords, and make sure every detail lines up before you sign. I also offer office and warehouse space planning services to help you check whether a property actually suits your operational needs. And if the space needs work before you move in, my renovation and fit-out services remove the stress by giving you a single point of guidance from layout right through to handover.
Whether you’re still exploring options or ready to move ahead, reach out. I’ll help you choose the right space, negotiate the right deal, and step into your new premises with confidence.
