Fixed-fee lease review, negotiation, and advice for tenants and landlords across Victoria.
A commercial lease lawyer helps you review, negotiate, and manage lease agreements for retail, office, and industrial premises. Whether you're a tenant signing your first lease or a landlord preparing one, we provide clear, fixed-fee advice so you understand your obligations before you commit. At Reid+Alexander, we act for both tenants and landlords across Melbourne and Victoria, covering everything from initial lease review through to rent disputes, assignments, and end-of-lease make good obligations.
We cover every stage of the leasing lifecycle, from first review to lease surrender.
We review your proposed lease in full, flag unfavourable clauses, and negotiate amendments. We focus on the terms that matter most: rent escalation, outgoings, permitted use, security deposits, bank guarantees, and early termination rights.
We draft clear, balanced lease agreements that reflect the commercial deal and comply with the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic). For retail premises, we also prepare the required disclosure statement.
We advise on exercising lease options, negotiate renewal terms, and ensure you don't lose your right to renew through a missed deadline or technical non-compliance under the Retail Leases Amendment Act 2020.
Selling your business or restructuring? We manage landlord consent for lease assignments and subleases, prepare the documentation, and advise outgoing tenants on their ongoing liability.
Market rent reviews and CPI adjustments are a common source of conflict. We check whether a proposed increase is consistent with your lease, represent you in the review process, and where needed, brief valuers or pursue dispute resolution.
Make good clauses are frequently misunderstood. We clarify your reinstatement obligations at lease end, advise on fit-out removal, and help resolve disputes over the standard of works, or negotiate a deed of surrender where early exit is appropriate.
We act for both sides of the leasing relationship with the same rigour and commercial focus.
Most commercial leases are drafted by the landlord's solicitor, and they favour the landlord. We review every clause, negotiate stronger protections, and make sure you understand your obligations before you sign.
A well-drafted lease clearly allocates risk and minimises disputes. We prepare lease agreements and licence agreements that protect your property's value while remaining commercially reasonable.
You're not legally required to, but it's strongly advisable. Commercial leases are typically 30 to 60 pages and create obligations lasting years. A fixed-fee lease review is a modest cost relative to the financial commitment involved, and it's far cheaper than dealing with a dispute later.
Under the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic), landlords must give tenants a disclosure statement at least seven days before the lease is signed. It summarises key financial terms including estimated outgoings, incentives, and rent. If the statement is materially deficient or missing, tenants may have the right to terminate the lease.
Outgoings are the operating costs of a property (rates, land tax, building insurance, management fees, and maintenance) that a landlord may pass on to tenants. Whether you're liable, and to what extent, depends on your lease. Some pass all outgoings through; others cap them or exclude certain categories.
Most commercial leases don't include an automatic right to terminate early. If you vacate, you generally remain liable for rent and outgoings until a replacement tenant is found or the lease expires. Some leases include a break fee or early termination clause. We can help negotiate a deed of surrender if you need to exit.
A lease grants exclusive possession of premises for a fixed term. A licence agreement gives permission to use a space but without exclusive possession. This is common for shared offices, market stalls, or pop-up arrangements. The distinction affects your legal rights significantly, including whether the Retail Leases Act applies.
Make good clauses require you to restore the premises to an agreed condition when your lease ends. This may mean removing fit-out, repairing damage, or full reinstatement to the original state. The scope varies widely between leases, so it's important to understand and negotiate these terms before signing.
We offer fixed-fee lease reviews, so you'll know the cost before we begin. The fee depends on the length and type of lease. Contact us with your details and we'll typically provide a quote within one business day. There's no obligation and no charge for the initial conversation.