Q:

I've been talkig to another chiropractor about renting space in his 
office and we're trying to come up with a rental agreement. His 
office is fairly new and he only has part-time staff. I would have 
one room that is exclusively mine but I will have use of the rest of 
the office ie. PT equipment, x-ray, etc. as well. I will have to do my 
own billing and will have my own phone lines. He wants to make my 
rent a percentage of what I collect. If we set it up that way, what do 
you think would be a fair percentage? If we do it as a set monthly 
rent instead of a percentage, how do we go about determining what a 
fair rent would be? We're trying to come up with an arrangement 
that will be fair for both of us.

Thanks.

A:

Thanks for the e-mail and question. I was speaking at the Fernandez 
Seminar this weekend and asked for an answer by Dr. Pete. This is 
his answer:

"First of all, if you pay him a % of your income you are violating fee 
splitting laws. Independent Contractors cannot share each others 
income, associates within a practice can. I think you should pay one 
half of the rent, utilities and leasae/rent payments on the x-ray and 
equipment. What else is this doctor providing you .. nothing. If his CA 
makes your appoinments, you may wish to pay half her salary as 
well. 

Sounds good to me

Have a Great Day

Dr. M