Commercial & retail leasing

Understand the lease before it shapes the business

A lease affects cost, operational freedom, personal exposure and the ability to sell or relocate a business. We assist landlords and tenants with Victorian commercial and retail leasing matters.

Before signing

Lease documents should be considered as a whole, including any disclosure statement, incentive deed, guarantee and fit-out arrangement. Review may address:

Rent and rent reviewsOutgoingsPermitted useLease term and optionsPersonal guaranteesFit-out provisionsRepairs and maintenanceMake-good obligations

During the lease

We can assist with lease variations, renewals, exercise of options, assignments, subleases and proposed changes to the premises or business. Time limits and notice requirements can be decisive, so early advice is preferable.

Lease-related disputes

Matters may involve unpaid rent, outgoings, repairs, make-good, termination, guarantees or a proposed assignment. The first task is to identify the operative documents, required notices and practical business objective.

Commercial leases and retail leases are not interchangeable. Whether the Victorian retail leasing regime applies can materially affect rights and obligations.

A dispute has arisen?

Define the legal position and commercial objective before escalating

Commercial disputes