Agrey Office Contracting Limited has served Hong Kong’s commercial sector with office reinstatement services for over 15 years. This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page is designed to address the most common inquiries received from corporate clients, project managers, and relocation consultants planning for lease termination and property handover.
Understanding the office reinstatement process, pricing variables, compliance requirements, and project timeframes is critical to ensuring a smooth and penalty-free transition. The following guide provides in-depth answers to the most frequently asked questions about office reinstatement in Hong Kong for 2025.
1. What does “office reinstatement” mean in a commercial lease context?
Office reinstatement is the contractual obligation for commercial tenants to restore their leased premises to its original condition before handing it back to the landlord. This process may include the removal of internal partitions, electrical systems, ceilings, flooring, built-in furniture, and any other modifications made during the lease period.
The required condition is typically defined in the original lease agreement or detailed in a reinstatement guideline issued by the landlord or the building management office (BMO).
2. Why is office reinstatement a legal and financial obligation in Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong’s commercial leasing framework, office reinstatement clauses are standard. Landlords expect tenants to return the property in a predefined “bare shell” or original state, ensuring it is ready for future tenancy or redevelopment.
Failure to comply can result in:
- Full or partial forfeiture of the rental deposit
- Extension of rental liability beyond lease expiry
- Legal disputes and additional reinstatement charges imposed by the landlord
Professional execution of the reinstatement scope safeguards against these risks and ensures contractual compliance.
3. Who determines the reinstatement scope of work?
The scope of work is usually defined in two primary documents:
The Tenancy Agreement, which outlines general reinstatement terms
A Reinstatement Instruction / Requirement Letter issued by the landlord or BMO, detailing specific expectations (e.g., removal of raised floors, reinstatement of air-conditioning, fire system compliance)
These documents should be reviewed by the appointed reinstatement contractor to generate an accurate quotation and ensure full compliance with the building’s technical standards.
4. What is typically included in an office reinstatement project in Hong Kong?
A standard reinstatement project may include the following works:
Dismantling of all internal partitions, glass walls, and drywall structures
- Removal of false ceilings, raised flooring, carpet tiles, and flooring adhesives
- Disconnection and removal of power sockets, data points, trunking, and conduits
- Reconfiguration or removal of air-conditioning units and ductwork
- Restoration of sprinkler heads, smoke detectors, and fire alarms to original layout
- Removal of window blinds, signage, curtains, and built-in cabinetry
- Repainting of all walls and ceilings to original white or neutral color
- General cleaning and waste removal to meet BMO handover inspection standards
Agrey ensures all works are executed in accordance with BMO requirements and safety protocols.
5. What factors influence the cost of office reinstatement in Hong Kong?
Reinstatement costs can vary significantly depending on:
- Quality of existing fit-out (luxury, professional, economy, or basic)
- Size of the premises (larger units typically offer economies of scale)
- Grade of building (Grade A vs. B/C or industrial properties)
- Scope and complexity of reinstatement works
- Access conditions and working hour restrictions enforced by the BMO
- Urgency of delivery (tight deadlines may require overtime or night shifts)
For reference, reinstatement costs in 2025 for Grade A commercial buildings may fall within the following ranges:
These figures are for general reference only and are subject to site-specific conditions.
6. How long does it take to complete an office reinstatement project?
A typical reinstatement timeline can be broken down as follows:
- Initial consultation and site assessment: 1–2 weeks
- Preparation of quotation: 1 week
- Building management approval process: 1–2 weeks
- Execution of on-site reinstatement works: 3–4 weeks (for offices between 2,000 – 4,000 sqft)
Tenants are strongly advised to begin planning their reinstatement works at least three months before their lease termination date to ensure smooth handover without incurring additional rental obligations.
7. Can reinstatement be done during standard office hours?
Most commercial buildings in Hong Kong enforce strict working hour regulations, often restricting noisy or dusty work to evenings, weekends, or public holidays. A permit or deposit may also be required to access service lifts and disposal areas.
Agrey coordinates directly with BMOs and landlords to schedule reinstatement works within permitted times and to ensure proper documentation is submitted and approved.
8. How can commercial tenants reduce their reinstatement costs?
Tenants can achieve cost-efficiency in reinstatement by:
- Engaging a specialist contractor early to avoid rush fees
- Providing clear documentation and access to site drawings
- Allowing sufficient lead time for BMO approval
- Avoiding modifications late in the lease period that require expensive reversal
- Choosing a contractor with direct experience handling reinstatement works in their building
Agrey offers expert guidance at every stage of the project to minimize cost and risk.
9. Does Agrey handle reinstatement in Grade B, C, and industrial buildings?
Yes. Agrey has successfully completed reinstatement projects across a wide range of commercial and industrial property types throughout Hong Kong. We are experienced in managing the diverse technical, regulatory, and logistical requirements that vary by building category and landlord.
Our completed projects include:
Grade A Commercial Towers
- The Centre, 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central
- Central Tower, Queen’s Road Central, Central
- Prosperity Tower, 39 Queen’s Road Central, Central
- Man Yee Building, 68 Des Voeux Road Central, Central
- One Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central
- St. George's Building, 2 Ice House Street, Central
- Sino Plaza, 255-257 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
- Technology Plaza, 651 King's Road, Quarry Bay
- South Island Place, 8-10 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang
Grade B/C and Fringe CBD Buildings
- KOHO, 75 Hung To Road, Kwun Tong
- Guardian House, 32 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai
Science and Industrial Parks
- Hong Kong Science Park, 15 Science Park West Avenue, Shatin
10. What sets Agrey apart from other reinstatement contractors?
Agrey Office Contracting Limited distinguishes itself through:
- Over 15 years of proven commercial reinstatement experience in Hong Kong
- Transparent and itemized pricing with no hidden charges
- Dedicated project managers overseeing each phase from quotation to handover
- Full insurance coverage and BMO-compliant documentation
- Consistent on-time delivery backed by a track record of successful inspections
- A reputation built on professionalism, precision, and integrity
Request a Quotation or Site Visit
To discuss your office reinstatement needs or to arrange a free on-site consultation, please contact our team:
Email: info@agreyoffice.com
Website: www.officereinstatement.com.hk
