Serving Melbourne's Chinese community since 1990 · Mandarin-speaking lawyers · Queen Street, Melbourne CBD
Book a 30-minute paid consultationMessage us on WhatsAppCall 03 9602 3988
When you book, you can send photos of the contract, lease or business documents by WhatsApp so the lawyer can review them during the consultation.
In Victoria, a retail tenant is generally entitled to a minimum term of five years including options. If you only want one or two years, for example to trial a business, you need a five-year waiver certificate before the lease is signed, or the term may be extended to five years by law.
Who issues the certificate?
Under the current rules, the five-year waiver certificate is issued by the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) at the tenant's request, for leases of at least 12 months but less than five years. It must be obtained before the lease is entered into.
How we help
- Explaining what a shorter term means for you before you apply
- Reviewing the draft lease and the landlord's disclosure statement
- Making sure the application and signing are timed correctly
- Negotiating options so you can stay if the trial succeeds
Frequently asked questions
What if I sign a short lease without a waiver certificate?
The lease is generally not invalid, but the term may be extended to five years by law. That has major consequences for both tenant and landlord, so get advice.
Can the landlord apply for me?
The certificate is issued at the tenant's request. The landlord should not make the decision for the tenant.
Does a lease under one year need a certificate?
Leases under one year are generally outside most of the Retail Leases Act, but there are exceptions, so check before signing.
Who handles your matter
Justin Chua, lawyer and mediator. He holds a commerce (accounting) degree, worked in finance in Hong Kong, previously held a real estate agent's licence and ran an agency, has run restaurant and accommodation businesses himself, and is an accredited family business advisor and nationally accredited mediator. He reads contracts and leases from an operator's point of view.
More about Justin Chua, lawyer and mediator
Tan Chua has more than thirty years of property law experience and handles property, retail lease and related transactions.
Book a consultation
Speak with us before you sign. Book a paid consultation online, call +61 3 9602 3988, or message us on WhatsApp at +61 490 369 102. We work in English and Mandarin.
- Buying or selling a small business in Victoria
- Retail leases in Victoria
- Commercial contract drafting and review
This page contains general information only and is not legal advice. You should not rely on it for any specific matter. Please book a consultation for advice on your circumstances.
简体中文 
English (Australia) 
繁體中文