Melbourne Commercial Leasing Lawyers

A lease is often one of a business's most important assets. The term, rent reviews, options to renew, repair obligations and assignment conditions all affect how the business trades and what it is worth when you sell. We review, negotiate and draft retail, office, warehouse and industrial leases for tenants, landlords and investors, and explain every clause in Mandarin, Cantonese or English.

Tenants

• Reviewing the lease and landlord's disclosure statement before you sign, and explaining rent, outgoings, options, fit-out and make-good obligations
• Negotiating rent, rent-free periods, fit-out contributions and guarantees with the landlord
• Lease assignments and landlord consent when buying or selling a business
• Subleasing, ending a lease early and disputes with landlords

Landlords and investors

• Drafting commercial and retail leases and lease templates
• Preparing disclosure statements for retail leases
• Rent reviews, renewals and lease variations
• Recovering unpaid rent, breach notices and re-entry
• Reviewing existing leases and tenants before you buy a tenanted commercial property

Special rules for Victorian retail leases

Retail shop leases in Victoria are governed by the Retail Leases Act 2003, which differs from general commercial leasing in important ways. For example, the landlord must generally give the tenant a disclosure statement at least 7 days before the lease is entered into; the term (including options) must generally be at least 5 years unless the tenant waives this with a certificate from the Small Business Commission; and most disputes must go to mediation with the Victorian Small Business Commission before an application can be made to VCAT. Understanding these rules before you sign can prevent disputes later.

To have a lease reviewed or for advice, call 03 9602 3988 orcontact us online.