What is CUSA?

CUSA, stands for Common Use Service Area. This refers to the additional fee that tenants pay on top of their base rental fee to cover the maintenance and operational costs of the building’s common areas. These common areas include lobbies, hallways, elevators, restrooms, and other shared spaces that benefit all tenants in the building.

CUSA fees are typically calculated per square meter of leased office space, and they vary depending on the building’s grade, location, and the services offered.

What Does CUSA Cover?

CUSA is essentially a shared responsibility among tenants to keep the building functional and well-maintained. It commonly includes:

1. Maintenance of Common Areas
   • Cleaning and upkeep of lobbies, hallways, restrooms, and parking areas.
   • Landscaping for outdoor spaces, if applicable.
2. Utilities in Shared Spaces
   • Electricity for elevators, lobby lights, and air conditioning in common areas.
   • Water supply for restrooms and pantry areas.
3. Building Security
   • Salaries for security personnel.
   • Installation and maintenance of CCTV cameras and access control systems.
4. Building Management Services
   • Fees for administrative staff managing the property.
   • Costs for emergency repairs and general upkeep of the building.
5. Miscellaneous Costs
   • Garbage collection and disposal.
   • Insurance for common areas.

Why is CUSA Important?

CUSA ensures that the building is safe, clean, and efficient for all tenants. Without these fees, building management wouldn’t be able to sustain high standards, which could affect tenant satisfaction and productivity.

How is CUSA Calculated?

CUSA is charged on a per square meter basis and varies from building to building. For example:

• CUSA: Php 150per square meter
• Office Area: 100 square meter

To estimate your monthly CUSA, multiply the fee by the size of your leased office space in square meters.

Example:

If your office space is 100 square meters in a building with a CUSA fee of Php 150 per square meter:
CUSA Fee = 100 sqm x Php 150 = Php 15,000/month

Is CUSA Negotiable?

In most cases, CUSA is non-negotiable because it reflects fixed costs incurred by the building’s management. However, it’s essential to clarify what is included in the fee and ensure there are no hidden charges.

How Does CUSA Impact Your Total Lease Cost?

While base rent is the primary expense, CUSA can significantly influence the total cost of leasing an office. When budgeting, always factor in CUSA to get a clear picture of your operational expenses.

Tips for Tenants

1. Ask for a Breakdown: Request a detailed breakdown of what the CUSA covers.
2. Compare Buildings: Higher CUSA doesn’t always mean better services—evaluate what you’re getting in return.
3. Plan for CUSA Increases: Some landlords may adjust CUSA annually due to inflation or rising maintenance costs.

For more details or assistance in finding the perfect office space, or contact us at +63 919 068 6 068

Our Licensed Real Estate Brokers are happy to help you with your requirement.

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