FAQ

What is BSMNT Studios and what do you offer?

BSMNT Studios is a London-based provider of purpose-built, professionally soundproofed creative workspaces. We offer long-term let music production and recording studios, as well as creative office spaces for professionals in music, film, television, and other creative fields.

What are the benefits of joining the BSMNT Studios community?

Joining BSMNT comes with several key benefits that set us apart from other studios:

High-Quality Studios & 24/7 Access: You get a professionally soundproofed studio that you can access 24/7, giving you total freedom to create on your own schedule. Each space is purpose-built to meet professional audio standards (ideal for music production, recording, and post-production).
Creative Community & Personal Service: BSMNT is a family-run business with a warm, homely vibe. We are selective with tenants to maintain a respectful, highly creative community, so you’ll be surrounded by like-minded professionals. Our small team provides a personal, responsive service – no corporate red tape, just friendly support when you need it.
Affordable Pricing: Our rates are competitive for the quality provided, and we keep costs transparent. Utilities, high-speed internet, and other bills are typically included (apart from electricity in selected sites), and we do not charge VAT on our fees. We also take advantage of small business rate relief so that most studios don’t incur business rates for our tenants. This means no hidden fees – you pay one simple monthly price for your space.
Flexible Terms with Trial Period: We offer flexibility and peace of mind to our members. Licenses are long-term but come with a trial period – your first month is essentially a trial to ensure the space suits your needs. If you find it’s not the right fit, we strive to be accommodating. Otherwise, you can enjoy a stable long-term home for your creative work with the option to give notice (see details on minimum term below).

Where are your studios located?

We have studios across North and East London. BSMNT locations include Archway, Finsbury Park, Hackney (Clapton), Hornsey, and Leyton (Lea Bridge). Each location is well-connected by public transport and situated in vibrant creative communities. (Visit our Locations page for detailed addresses)

What’s included in the monthly rent?

Our studio rent is generally all-inclusive (apart from electricity in selected sites), covering the space and most standard amenities so you can focus on creativity. For example, your monthly fee includes:

Utilities and Bills: High-speed Wi-Fi internet, electricity (apart from Hornsey, Lea Bridge and Finsbury Park locations), heating and water are included in most of our studios’ rent.
Business Rates: In almost all cases, business rates are covered or exempt due to small business relief (meaning you likely won’t owe business/property taxes for your studio). We handle any applicable business rates so you don’t have to.
24/7 Access & Security: You receive 24-hour secure access to your building and studio (see more on security below).
Facilities: Access to communal areas like kitchens or lounges, and basic amenities such as restrooms and any shared facilities are included. Many locations also provide perks like coffee/tea and snacks in the kitchens and cleaning of common areas as part of the package.

In short, the price you pay covers your studio space plus all the key bills and services – there are no hidden fees or surprise surcharges in the standard setup. (Do note that in a few special cases, such as certain locations or very large units, electricity might be metered separately, but this will be clearly communicated in advance.)

Are the studios furnished or equipped with recording gear?

No – our studios are offered as dry hire spaces, meaning they come unfurnished and without recording equipment by default. Each studio is delivered as a clean blank canvas: you’ll have finished walls, flooring, proper soundproofing, ventilation, and often air-conditioning, but you bring in your own gear and furniture to set the space up exactly as you need. This allows you to install your preferred studio equipment, instruments, and decor to make it truly your own. (We do not provide communal musical equipment, and we recommend bringing any desks, chairs, or special furniture you require – aside from basics that might be present in co-working areas.) The upside is that you have full control to customize your studio’s setup, and you won’t pay extra for gear you don’t need. If you have questions about whether a particular piece of equipment or furniture will work in the space, we’re happy to advise.

Do I have 24/7 access, and how secure are the studios?

Yes – as a long-term tenant you will have 24/7 access to your studio. You receive keys and/or electronic key fob access to enter the building and your private room at any time, day or night. Our facilities are designed with security in mind: we have CCTV in place and secure entry systems controlling access to the premises. Each studio door has its own lock, and only you (and any authorised collaborators you designate) have access to your individual space.

In addition, many of our locations feature alarm systems, intercoms, and on-site staff presence at select times for added peace of mind. The buildings are located in safe areas and we foster a community of responsible creatives – since we are selective with tenants, everyone in the building is someone who values the space and respects their neighbours. You can confidently leave your equipment in your studio. Overall, you’ll have the freedom to come and go 24/7 while knowing that the studios are secure and monitored around the clock.

What is the minimum rental term? Is there a trial period?

We offer flexible long-term licenses. Typically, the minimum commitment is on the order of a few months. In practice, our standard agreement is a rolling annual license with an initial minimum term of about 3 months, and a 60-day notice period thereafter. This means after the first three months, you can terminate the agreement with two months’ notice at any time. Many of our members stay for 12 months or longer by renewing annually, since our goal is to provide a stable long-term home.

Importantly, we do offer a trial period: the first month is essentially a trial month. We want you to love your new studio, so if you move in and find that it isn’t the right fit for any reason, we will try to be flexible (for example, allowing you to exit or find a better suited space). This trial month gives you peace of mind. After that, if all is well, you continue with the long-term license. In summary, while we are a long-term rental service, you won’t be locked into an unbearable year – 3 months minimum is expected, and then it’s a rolling contract with notice, with the first month helping ensure the space meets your needs. (Always refer to your specific license terms for exact details, as occasionally they may be tailored to individual arrangements.)

How much is the deposit, and are there any additional costs like business rates or VAT?

Deposit: We typically require a security deposit equal to one month’s rent for the studio, payable when you sign the agreement. This deposit is held for the duration of your license and is refundable at the end of your stay, provided no damage or outstanding fees remain. (For example, if your studio rent is £950 per month, the deposit would be £950.)

Business Rates: In most cases, you will not pay extra business rates for your studio. BSMNT structures its contracts and unit sizes such that many studios qualify for 100% small business rate relief, meaning the local council business rates (property tax) are waived. If by chance business rates do apply to a unit, we will inform you beforehand; otherwise, assume that no council tax or business rate will be billed to you as a separate cost. This is a big cost saver compared to a traditional commercial lease.

VAT: BSMNT is not VAT-registered, so we do not charge VAT on your rent. The price we quote is the price you pay, with no additional 20% tax added. This keeps your monthly studio cost lower.

Other Costs: There are no agency fees or finders’ fees. The only other potential costs would be electricity. Studios in our Hornsey, Finsbury Park and Lea Bridge locations have separate electricity meters, you would pay for the electricity you use (billed quarterly) rather than it being included. We will always clarify if any unit has a metered utility. Regular maintenance of the building is on us; you would only incur costs if you requested something outside normal use (e.g. requesting a deep clean of your personal studio, or if you caused damage that needed repair). In summary, aside from your deposit and monthly rent, you shouldn’t expect surprise charges – no VAT, no hidden fees.

Can I share my studio or have a partner use it with me?

Yes, absolutely – studio sharing is allowed and even encouraged in our community. If you don’t need to use the space 24/7, you can split the studio with a friend or collaborator to share the time and costs (as long as all parties are officially on the license). Many of our members successfully co-own or co-rent studios, dividing the schedule or setting up a joint workspace. We simply ask that any co-tenant or partner is vetted and approved by us (to maintain security and community standards), but we’re very open to arrangements where two or more people team up on a studio.

In fact, we have a Studio Share program to help connect individuals who are interested in sharing a studio. By sharing, you still get a top-notch studio environment but at a lower personal cost, and you build great relationships in the process. Community is at the heart of BSMNT: having trusted studio mates can expand your network and inspire collaboration. So yes, you can share a studio (just coordinate with us to add the additional member to the agreement), and many artists do!

Do you offer hourly or short-term studio rentals?

No, BSMNT specializes in long-term rentals (think months and years, not hours) for dedicated private studios. We are not a day-hire or hourly rehearsal facility – all our studios are rented on a monthly rolling basis for exclusive use. This long-term model ensures that you can truly make the studio your own creative home without time limits, and it fosters a stable community of professionals. If you’re looking for one-off hourly sessions or short studio bookings, our service may not be the right fit.

However, we understand not everyone is ready for a full-time private studio. If you only need part-time access to a studio, consider our aforementioned studio sharing options or collaborative memberships. Through sharing, you might arrange to use a studio on certain days while someone else uses it on others, effectively creating a part-time schedule – all while enjoying the same quality space. This can be a great stepping stone for those who aren’t ready to commit to a full monthly rental on their own.

In short, we do not offer public hourly rentals at BSMNT. Our focus is on providing a consistent long-term creative workspace for each client. This approach offers far more privacy, customisation, and reliability than hourly spaces – your gear can stay set up and you can work whenever inspiration strikes, without watching the clock.

Can I decorate or customise my studio space?

Yes! We want you to feel at home in your studio and set it up to meet your needs. You are welcome to decorate, paint, and acoustically treat the room as you wish – with a few common-sense conditions. If you plan to make significant alterations (for example, painting walls a new color or mounting acoustic panels), we ask that you return the studio to its original condition when you move out, unless otherwise agreed. Minor pinholes or screw holes from installing acoustic treatment are generally expected in a studio and fine by us – we just don’t want permanent damage or structural changes without approval.

Many of our tenants bring in its own acoustic panels, bass traps, wall art, LED lighting, rugs, etc. to personalise the space. That’s completely fine. Feel free to bring your furniture and equipment (desks, chairs, studio racks) as needed; we don’t provide furniture, so it’s your blank canvas to fill. We love to see each studio reflect the style and vibe of its occupant – it turns the studios into creative, inspiring environments.

The bottom line: as long as any decor or installation is safe and won’t cause damage beyond normal wear-and-tear, you have a lot of freedom to customise your studio. If in doubt, you can always check with us before making a big change. We’re pretty flexible and understand the importance of proper sound treatment and comfort in a creative space.

Are pets allowed in the studios?

We are pet-friendly – within reason. Well-behaved dogs are welcome at all of our locations, as long as they do not disrupt others. In fact, a number of BSMNT community members do bring their dogs to the studio. If you plan to have a pet with you, it should be house-trained, quiet, and friendly. Remember that our spaces are professional environments; a barking dog or a wandering pet could disturb your neighbors, so it’s important that any pet stays under your supervision and doesn’t cause any damage or mess in the facility.

We ask that you notify us if you intend to regularly bring a pet, just so building staff and other tenants are aware. Pets should be kept within your private studio or on a leash in common areas. Unfortunately, we cannot allow animals that are aggressive or consistently noisy, as we have to maintain a comfortable environment for everyone. Other types of pets (cats, etc.) are generally handled on a case-by-case basis – the key is that any pet must not pose a nuisance or safety issue.

In summary, yes, dogs (and pets) are allowed as part of our friendly, community vibe – as long as your furry friend is considerate of the space and others. Many people find having their dog around makes the creative process more enjoyable, and we’re happy to accommodate that culture at BSMNT!

Can I have clients or guests visit my studio?

Yes, you may bring guests or clients to your studio. As a tenant, you can invite collaborators, bandmates, writers, or other visitors to work with you or listen to sessions in your space. There is no formal sign-in required for guests – it’s your private studio, so you control who enters. That said, a few guidelines apply to keep things running smoothly:

You must be present with your guests. For security, please meet your guests at the entrance and do not give out your access fob or keys to people who aren’t on the license. You are responsible for letting them in and out.
You are responsible for your guests’ conduct while they are on the premises. This simply means ensuring they respect the studio rules (no smoking inside, no causing damage or excessive noise outside your studio). Essentially, treat it as if you’re hosting them in your office – they should behave accordingly.
Guests should remain in your studio or common areas and not wander unescorted in restricted parts of the building. After your session or meeting, kindly ensure they exit the building with you or that you accompany them out.

Our community is used to seeing new faces as artists bring in collaborators or management for sessions, so having visitors is perfectly normal. We just ask everyone to be mindful of the shared environment. If you plan to hold a larger gathering or event in your studio, please discuss with us first (mostly so we can coordinate things like parking or any facility needs). Otherwise, day-to-day visits are fine. In short: feel free to host guests, just accompany them and make sure they respect the space.

What if there are no studios available that fit my needs right now?

If we don’t have a studio open in the size or location you want, you should join our waitlist (register your interest). We maintain a waitlist of prospective tenants and will reach out as soon as a suitable space becomes available. It’s very common for studios to be fully occupied, but also for some turnover to happen throughout the year as people’s situations change. By signing up on the waitlist, you’ll be the first to know when a studio opens up that meets your requirements.

To join the waitlist, simply fill out the Register Interest form on our website or contact us with your name, what you’re looking for (preferred location, studio size or budget), and your contact info. When a current tenant gives notice or a new studio is built that matches your needs, our team will promptly notify you and give you an opportunity to view and secure the room.

We understand you might be eager to get started, so we do our best to accommodate serious inquiries quickly. Tip: In the meantime, if you’re really keen to be in a creative environment, consider our Studio Share option as a temporary solution until a private one is free. This way you can start working on-site with us sooner, then transition to your own space when possible.

Rest assured, the demand for studios is high, but we are also actively expanding. BSMNT plans to open new locations in the future (looking toward South and West London in the long term), so more studios will be coming online. Joining the waitlist helps us gauge interest in new spaces as well. So, don’t be discouraged if you have to wait a bit – sign up, and we’ll do everything we can to get you into your ideal creative space as soon as we can.

How do I apply for a studio or book a tour?

It’s easy to get started. If you’re interested in renting a studio with BSMNT, the first step is to reach out and schedule a tour. You can contact us via the “Register Interest” form on our website, or simply email/phone us directly – whichever you prefer. We’ll promptly get in touch to discuss what you’re looking for and what we currently have available.

Usually, we’ll arrange an in-person tour of the studios so you can see the space and facilities firsthand. During the visit, you can meet us, check out the building’s vibe, and ask any questions. If you’re not in London or need a remote option, we can also do a virtual video tour.

Once you’ve found a studio that suits you, we’ll guide you through a straightforward application/licensing process. There’s no complicated bureaucracy – since we’re a small team, it’s often just a matter of confirming details, signing the license agreement, and sorting the deposit and initial payment. We do require standard things like proof of identity and that you agree to our terms (which we’ll provide for review). After paperwork, we hand over the keys and the studio is yours!

To summarise: contact us to register your interest or book a visit – we’ll take it from there in a friendly, no-pressure manner. You’ll be creating in your new studio before you know it, and joining our thriving community in the process. Feel free to reach out with any questions at all; we’re here to help make the process smooth and to get you set up in a space where you can do your best work.