HELP ADVICE Question Regarding Commercial Lease
So recently I have been looking to lease a new space for my retail store.  Prices are extremely high in my area (Los Angeles) and the rent rate in our area has tripled since our last lease.  We have found a new space that can work for us but it is half the size and equal to the amount of rent we pay now. The space comes with nearly 5,000 sq Ft of basement space with pretty high ceilings in the basement.  It was previously used as a showroom for the previous furniture company that occupied the space.  I was wondering if my lease allows me to sublet am I allowed to lease the basement space as Office Space to a company.  The basement has great ventilation and has lighting and is very clean and high ceilings.  I believe it also has its own bathroom.  Any advice would be appreciated.  Im wondering if there are any permits or any documentation we have to file to rent this space as office space or if it is even possible at all.  THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!
[{"id": "fk4qhzd", "text": "Depends what\u2019s in the lease. Generally commercial landlords want one tenant per space. I would first look to see if there was a way to have that portion excluded in exchange for a reduced rate", "replies": [{"id": "fk4stfp", "text": "Thanks for the response.  The landlord told us he would allow us to do this.  Im just wondering if you are allowed to lease the basement as office space.", "replies": [{"id": "fk4u3zx", "text": "The best advice I think you\u2019ll likely get is pointing you in the right direction. I would call the cities zoning department and ask if you were to sublet the basement what commercial permitted uses would be applicable and make a decision from there. Before doing all this though I would heavily recommend thinking it over as this will impact you significantly.", "replies": [{"id": "fk4v114", "text": "If the city does allow this, get your landlord's permission in writing in advance, as well as executing a sublease with the tenant including them adding both the landlord and you to their insurance as additional insureds. Your landlord should be provided with a copy of the sublease along with their certificate of insurance. This will help protect you should this all go sideways.", "replies": [], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "fk4thv9", "text": "I would say not, and the lease should spell out that it is not allowed. Is the bathroom ada compliant? Is it zoned for office? Is there parking that would allow office use per the zoning restrictions? Is there hvac in the basement? Is there separate meters? Is there private access? \n\nIf you pull any permits it will need to be brought up to code. And does it meet building and safety code, specifically the part about energy efficiency and lighting? \n\nI would say you are stretching to make it work financially and any sane landlord would likely disqualify you and not go along with this scheme. Sorry. \n\nI would focus on getting more affordable retail space, proper parking and signage. Those would likely be more important than you trying to be mini office landlord to whoever you brought in.", "replies": [], "depth": 1}]