By MATTHEW FLAMM

Firms in the market for sublease space are scrutinizing more than the office fixtures these days. They're also taking a close look at the credibility of the companies they may wind up signing deals with.

Tenants are more willing to take space from a major financial service company than from a technology firm that may not have strong prospects for survival over the sublease term, says James Meiskin, president of tenant representation firm Plymouth Partners, Ltd. If a sublandlord extends a significant upfront concession package, including renovation allowances and breaks on rent, the subtenant "wants to have the comfort that obligations can e met," he says.