8 Things To Consider

When Sharing Your Space With Another Massage Therapist


Welcome back to another Monday with the Mavens. We created the Massage Mavens blog to connect with and educate self-employed massage therapists working to grow as business owners.

It can be lonely working for yourself – and we’re here to remind you that while you’re in business for yourself, you don’t have to be in business by yourself.

While we cater our content to independent MTs, all massage therapists are welcome here; whether you run your own independent massage therapy studio, you contract in a clinic, work in spa, or you are still in school.  


A great way to cut down on the cost of running a massage therapy business is to share your room with another massage therapist.

A great way to add to the cost of runnig a massage therapy business, however, is to share your room with the wrong therapist.

woman expressing frustration over having chosen the wrong massage therapist to share her room wtih

Don’t be this person. Before you give anyone the keys, make sure you have all your ducks in a row.


Here are 8 things to consider when renting your massage therapy studio space to help you save time, headaches, and oodles of money.

  1. Create ( and sign ) a Lease.

    Handshakes and verbal agreements sound friendly, approachable, and easy….but your studio is your livelihood, and you deserve to understand exactly what you are agreeing to.

    A lease ensures not only that you and your renter are on the same page, but it ensures that if your renter disrespects those terms, you are protected.


  2. Include an Early Termination / Buyout Clause IN the Lease.

    What happens if you two sign a 1 year lease but your new renter gets injured? Or moves out of state? Set a clear Plan B so you still get paid if things outside of your control end up changing.


  3. Agree on the Schedule of Use IN the Lease

    Who has the office when? Start your arrangement off on the right foot by clearly outlining who has the space when. Amendments are easy later on if schedules change.

  4. Agree on Shared / Not Shared Equipment IN the Lease.

    If you expect the renter to use your table, but don’t want them to touch your cups, make it clear what furniture & equipment is included in your agreement, and what is not.

  5. Outline Office Closing Policies IN the Lease.

    Do you expect them to turn off lights? Turn down the heat? Re-stock the toilet paper in a shared restroom? Outline what state the space should be left in at the end of the day.


  6. Consider Utilities Agreements & Fail-Safes

    Do you pay for Power? Consider a clause in the Lease that agrees to a set temperature on the thermostat, or add a bit to the monthly rent to cover renter-induced fluctuations in power, water, and etc.

    Consider purchasing outlet timers. You’ll have peace of mind that your studio and equipment is safe even if your renter forgets to turn off their hot stones.


  7. Get Yourself Added To Their Insurance Policy.

    Your renter should absolutely carry their own professional liability insurance. Consider having them add you as an AIE (additional insured entity) as a layer of protection in the event that a client is injured on your premises during one of your renter’s sessions.

  8. Get A Copy Of Their Credentials.

    Profession License, Liability Insurance, Contact Information at bare minimum. Consider Driver’s License as well if you’re nervous about taking the leap.    

woman pocketing extra cash saved by sharing her massage thearpy room with another therapist

Keep more money in your own pocket.

*There are plenty of free leases floating around on the internet. There are also many attorneys who specialize in things like this. This article does not endorse one route over another, nor is it giving legal advice. It is just an independent massage therapist sharing what she has learned over the years of renting rooms to MTs.


Thanks for stopping by!

As always, we’d love to hear how our content has helped you improve either your studio, your mindset, or your revenue as a self-employed massage therapist.

photo of Mavens author, Rachel, wearing a blue baseball hat while in her massage therapy studio.

Rachel Martin, LMT, is an independent massage therapist living in Denver Colorado. Having built her solo massage studio to capacity, she now spends her free time helping other massage therapists do the same. Check out The Bodyworkers Business Collective, Queen Street Marketplace, and The Techy MT to learn more.


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Dressing The Part Of A Massage Therapist