A commercial lease is a big commitment for your business. Before you sign anything, let us read it with you. We'll explain what it actually means and flag anything that could come back to bite you.
Totally understandable. They're not written for normal people. Send it to us and we'll go through it with you in plain English.
Good that you're thinking about it now. Early is the best time to sort this out. We'll tell you exactly what you're up for and how to manage it.
You might have more say in this than you think. We'll check how it was worked out and tell you honestly whether there's a case to push back.
It's a common sticking point, but a solvable one. We'll handle the whole thing so your sale can keep moving without the lease getting in the way.
Don't sit on it. Let us have a look first. More often than not it's manageable, but you need to know what it means and respond the right way.
A renewal is your chance to get a better deal for the next stage of your business. We'll help you go into those conversations knowing exactly where you stand.
We'll go through the whole thing, explain what it means for your business and make sure you know exactly what you're signing up for.
We'll do the negotiating for you: rent, rent-free time, make-good, the personal guarantee and anything else worth pushing on.
We'll check that the review was done correctly. If the numbers don't stack up, we'll push back.
We'll handle the lease side of the sale: the landlord's approval, the paperwork, all of it, so it doesn't derail your deal.
We'll tell you early what you actually have to do when you leave, and stand up for you if your landlord asks for more than they're entitled to.
We'll read it, explain what it means and respond in a way that protects your right to stay.
We'll make sure you exercise your option at the right time and lock in terms that give your business a good run for the next period.
If it needs to go to tribunal, we'll go with you: to NCAT, VCAT, QCAT, SAT or SACAT, wherever your premises are.
If you're in a retail space, the law gives you more protections than most tenants realise. We'll make sure you're getting every one of them.
What you actually have to do when you move out, and how to cap the cost before you sign.
Read the guideWhat you're actually putting on the line when a landlord asks a director to guarantee the lease personally.
Read the guideHow to exercise an option the right way, on time, and on terms that still work for you.
Read the guideWhat each form of security actually commits you to, and which suits your cash position.
Read the guideThe real ways to exit before the term ends, and what each one actually costs.
Read the guideRent changes, extra time, a new use. How to get lease changes recorded so they actually stick.
Read the guideYou don't need the right words or even know whether there's a legal problem yet. If something about your lease is on your mind, just reach out. We're genuinely glad when people do.
We get back to most people the same day.
Just so you know: sending us a message or having a chat doesn't mean we're officially your lawyers yet. That happens once we've agreed in writing to work together. Everything you share with us at this stage is kept completely confidential. The information on this website is general in nature. It's a good starting point, but it's not the same as advice for your specific situation. The Leasing Lawyer is a trading name of Docet Legal.