Subleasing, service provision, and registered address: What are the differences?
June 16, 2026
Sharing office space does not necessarily involve subleasing. There are several legal frameworks, each with very different implications. Understanding the distinction can help you avoid many mistakes. This article is intended for educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized legal advice.
La différence sous-location prestation de services est fondamentale : l’une transfère un droit d’occupation, l’autre facture un usage sans créer de droit au bail. S’y ajoutent deux autres formules — la convention d’occupation précaire et la domiciliation — qui obéissent chacune à un régime distinct.
Subletting: Transferring the Right to Occupy
Subletting involves transferring to a third party the right to use all or part of the premises that one is oneself renting. It falls under the provisions governing commercial leases and, as we have seen, requires the landlord’s authorization. It creates a tenancy relationship between the primary tenant and the subtenant, with the obligations that arise therefrom.
This is the most strictly regulated option. Its rules are detailed in the article “Commercial Leases and Subleases: What the Law Says.”
Service Provision: Billing for Usage, Not Space
The service agreement—often referred to as a coworking agreement—represents a radical shift in approach. Rather than renting a space, the provider charges for the use of workstations along with related services (reception, internet, meeting rooms, cleaning, coffee). Legally, the user does not occupy a specific space as a tenant and does not acquire any rights under a lease.
This model offers much greater flexibility: no fixed term, no commercial lease requirements to comply with, and easy reversibility. It is the preferred framework for coworking spaces and flexible offices, and one that an operator like Coworkea uses consistently.
This distinction is far from theoretical. Because it does not create a right to a lease, providing services does not expose you to the risk that an occupant will settle in permanently against your will or claim a right to remain on the premises. This is precisely what reassures business leaders concerned about being able to reclaim their spaces. In return, the arrangement must genuinely constitute a service agreement, with actual services provided: a simple lease disguised as a service agreement could be reclassified by a judge.
The provision of services (coworking agreement) involves billing for the use of workstations and services, without transferring any right of occupancy or leasehold rights. It is more flexible than subleasing and is not subject to commercial lease regulations.
The Precarious Occupancy Agreement: A Temporary Assignment of Use
La convention d’occupation précaire permet de mettre un espace à disposition pour une durée limitée et pour un motif particulier justifiant la précarité. Elle échappe au statut des baux commerciaux, mais son usage est strictement borné : si la précarité n’est pas réelle, elle peut être requalifiée en bail. À manier avec prudence et conseil.
Business Address Service: An Address, Not an Office
A registered office service involves providing a company with an administrative and registered office address, which may include additional services (mail handling, telephone answering). It does not provide access to permanent workspaces and is a regulated activity that requires a license. It addresses a different need: having an address, not occupying office space.
Which plan is right for which need?
Le choix dépend de votre objectif, de votre bail et de la durée envisagée. Pour partager durablement des bureaux en gardant de la souplesse, la prestation de services est souvent la plus adaptée. Pour une mise à disposition relevant clairement de la logique locative, la sous-location s’impose — avec ses contraintes. Un opérateur spécialisé saura déterminer le montage qui correspond à votre situation et à votre bail.
To help you find your way around quickly, keep the following connections in mind:
- Want to share a few workstations with flexibility? → Service agreement (coworking contract).
- You are transferring the use of the premises on a rental basis → sublease , with the landlord’s consent.
- You make a space available for a short period of time and for a specific purpose → temporary occupancy agreement .
- You only want to provide a registered office address → business address (for an approved business activity).
Ces formules ne sont d’ailleurs pas toujours exclusives : un montage peut combiner mise à disposition de postes et services. L’essentiel est que la qualification juridique corresponde à la réalité de la relation, sous peine de requalification en bail commercial.
Which plan is right for your office? Coworkea identifies the solution that best fits your lease and your goals, and implements it for you. Let's discuss it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between subleasing and providing services?
Subleasing transfers the right to occupy the premises and is governed by commercial lease laws; the provision of services involves billing for the use of workstations and services without creating a right to a lease. The latter option is more flexible and reversible.
Is a coworking agreement considered a sublease?
No. A coworking agreement is a service contract: it provides workspaces and services without transferring any leasehold rights, and is not subject to the provisions governing commercial leases.
What is a temporary occupancy agreement?
This is a temporary provision of space for a reason that justifies its precarious nature. It is not subject to the provisions governing commercial leases but may be reclassified as a lease if the precarious nature is not genuine.
Does a registered address allow you to occupy office space?
No. A registered office service provides a registered office address and any related services, but not permanent workspaces. It meets the need for an address, not for a physical space.