What is office reinstatement in Hong Kong?

Office reinstatement is the contractual obligation for tenants to return a leased workspace to its original “bare shell” or agreed base condition before handing it back to the landlord.

Why do landlords require tenants to carry out reinstatement?

Most commercial leases include a Make-Good Clause that protects landlords from extra refurbishment costs and ensures the premises are ready for the next tenant, avoiding delays, disputes, or deductions from the security deposit.

How much does office reinstatement cost in Hong Kong?

Indicative 2025 rates: small offices (under 2 000 sq ft) average HK$200k–300k; medium (3 000–7 000 sq ft) HK$300k–700k; large Grade-A spaces (8 000 sq ft+) HK$800k and above, depending on fit-out complexity and building rules.

How long does the office reinstatement process take?

A compact office can usually be reinstated within 3–4 weeks, while larger or highly customised spaces may require 5–6 weeks or more, especially when fire-services and HVAC systems must be reverted and inspected.

When should I start planning my office reinstatement?

Begin planning 60–90 days before your lease ends to allow time for site surveys, quotations, landlord or BMO approvals, and smooth scheduling of contractors.

Can I do the reinstatement myself instead of hiring a contractor?

Minor cosmetic tasks can be done in-house, but professional contractors are strongly recommended because they understand building-management rules, hold the right licences, and can complete the job faster and fully compliant.

What happens if I don’t complete office reinstatement?

Failure to reinstate can lead to legal action, loss of your security deposit, and extra costs if the landlord appoints a third party to finish the work at your expense.

How is office reinstatement different from office renovation?

Reinstatement removes tenant-installed fit-out elements to restore the unit to its original condition, whereas renovation upgrades or remodels the space for new functional or aesthetic purposes.

Can I skip reinstatement if I move out early?

Generally no. The Make-Good Clause applies regardless of when you vacate unless you negotiate written consent from the landlord—typically only if the incoming tenant agrees to accept your existing fit-out.

Do I need to restore everything if it still looks fine?

Yes. Leases normally require the premises returned exactly as specified, which means removing partitions, signage, cabling, and repainting even if fixtures appear undamaged.

How can I speed up the office reinstatement process?

Plan early, engage an experienced reinstatement contractor, secure landlord approvals promptly, and keep open communication to resolve snags before they cause delays.

What sustainable options can reduce environmental impact during reinstatement?

Specify low-VOC paints, recycle or donate unwanted furniture, and separate demolition waste for responsible disposal to align with corporate sustainability goals.

How can I reduce my office reinstatement costs?

Provide accurate drawings, allow sufficient lead-time for landlord approvals, avoid late layout changes, and invite bids from contractors experienced with your specific building rules.

Central Tower Office Reinstatement - 7,500 sq ft Retur...

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Central Tower Office Reinstatement - 
7,500 sq ft Returned in Just 5 Weeks

From busy office to pristine bare shell: Agrey’s zero-snag reinstatement of a full Central Tower floor

· Case Studies

Bare-shell 20/F floor of Central Tower after Agrey’s reinstatement—freshly cleaned concrete slab and floor-to-ceiling windows framing a clear CBD skyline with the J.P. Morgan tower in view

↑ Completed hand-back: 7,500 sq ft floor returned to bare shell with clear CBD sight-line to the J.P. Morgan tower.

Work-in-progress interior: stripped office floor at Central Tower with debris, dismantled fittings and windows masked for protection

↑ Week 1 demolition: partitions, ceiling tiles and fixtures removed; debris staged for night-shift disposal.

Demolition stage close-up: ‘Agrey Reinstatement’ written on glass board, construction debris and taped-off windows in background

↑ Progress snapshot—“Agrey Reinstatement” board beside cleared interior; windows masked, VAV ducts exposed for testing.

Street-level, upward view of Central Tower on Queen’s Road Central, façade framed by glass neighbours and a busy pedestrian crossing

↑ Street-level view of Central Tower on Queen’s Road Central, home to Equiom’s five-week reinstatement project.

Evening skyline from Central Tower: Hong Kong CBD buildings lit up, with IFC and colourful The Centre in view

↑ Night-shift skyline—Central’s towers glow while our crew carry out after-hours strip-out works.

Central Tower Office Reinstatement - 7,500 sq ft Returned in Just 5 Weeks

Central Tower Office Reinstatement -
7,500 sq ft Returned in Just 5 Weeks