Retail and Commercial Leases

The Fine Print on Your Biggest Contract

A commercial lease is one of the biggest commitments your business will make. For landlords, it’s the document that protects your most valuable asset. A single missed clause can be incredibly costly.

Irvine Lawyers provides clear, practical advice on retail and commercial leases. We review the contract, explain your risks in plain English, and help you negotiate terms that protect your future.

Why Legal Advice Matters

Signing a lease without legal advice is risky. A hidden “make good” clause could cost thousands, or poorly worded terms could lock you into an unfair deal. We provide strategic advice to tenants and landlords across Melbourne, Warrnambool, and South Morang.

Commercial Leases: What It Covers

For Tenants (Lessees)

Lease Reviews: Review every clause, including rent reviews, outgoings, ‘make good’ clauses, and renewal options.
Lease Negotiations: Negotiate unfair terms with the landlord’s lawyer to secure a fairer deal.
Dispute Advice: Advice on landlord issues and how to resolve disputes effectively.

For Landlords (Lessors)

Drafting Leases: Clear, enforceable Retail and Commercial Lease Agreements.
Preparing Disclosure Statements: Ensure compliance with Victorian retail lease law.
Breach & Default Notices: Advise and issue formal notices for non-payment or lease breaches.

Why Choose Irvine Lawyers for Your Lease

Tenant & Landlord Expertise: Acting for both sides, we understand tactics, pitfalls, and sticking points from every angle.
Fixed-Fee Lease Reviews: Certainty for standard lease reviews with upfront costs.
Commercially-Minded: We provide practical solutions to help you negotiate your lease successfully.
Victorian Law Specialists: Expertise in Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic) and other commercial property laws.

How It Works: Our Simple Process

Free Initial Consult

30-minute discussion and fixed-fee quote for lease review.

Detailed Legal Review

Thorough review of clauses for compliance, risks, and fairness.

Comprehensive Report

Simple explanation and recommendations.

Negotiation (If needed)

We negotiate amendments with the other side’s lawyer on your behalf.

Final Sign-off

Approval to sign once you are fully confident in the lease terms.

Pricing & Transparency

Fixed fees for standard lease reviews. Complex negotiations or drafting get a clear cost estimate upfront. No hidden surprises.

Common Situations We Handle

Reviewing a retail lease for a new shop, café, or restaurant.
Negotiating office or warehouse lease terms.
Advising landlords on their legal obligations.
Explaining ‘make good’ clauses to tenants.
Drafting commercial leases for investment properties.
Resolving commercial lease disputes, breaches, or lock-outs.
Providing local advice in South Morang, Warrnambool, and Melbourne.

Meet Our Team

Our commercial property lawyers are practical, business-minded, and focused on achieving the best outcomes for tenants and landlords alike.

Google Review

    
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t recommend Laurie highly enough.

We had a very urgent situation where a loan needed to settle within two days, and we desperately needed a solicitor to review guarantor loan documents to make settlement happen on time. Laurie stepped in immediately and was willing to help even outside of normal working hours, which made all the difference.

As a mortgage broker, I understand how critical timing and responsiveness are in these situations, and Laurie was not only incredibly professional but also genuinely lovely to deal with throughout the process.

Thanks to his help, everything was reviewed in time and the settlement went through smoothly. We’re extremely grateful and I’ll definitely be sending more clients his way.

Thank you again, Laurie!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   JESSIE BOYCE 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They are always there to support with my family circumstances changing. I am grateful for the personal feel and professional service. Thank you Laurie.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   natalieboughosn 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best lawyer I have come across in years, very thorough, very informative and just an all round honest and genuine bloke
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   nadia costello 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Luary great service knowledge of the situation excellent
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Charlie Scicluna 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very good advice from Laurie.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Mark Russell

Service Areas & Contact

From Warrnambool and South Morang, we provide lease advice across greater Melbourne and regional Victoria. Protect your business or assets before signing.

Call us on (03) 9422 5439 for South Morang or (03) 5562 9196 for Warrnambool, or book your free 30-minute case assessment online.

FAQs: Retail & Commercial Leases

What’s the difference between a retail and a commercial lease?

Retail leases are mainly for selling goods or services (shops, cafes) and are protected under the Retail Leases Act 2003. Commercial leases include warehouses, offices, and other premises not covered by the Act.

Why do I need a lawyer to review my lease?

A lease is a binding contract. Lawyers check for unfair terms, hidden costs, and ensure you understand obligations before committing.

What is a 'make good' clause?

Requires the tenant to return the property to its original condition at lease end. Can be costly, often negotiable to limit tenant liability.

What is a Landlord's Disclosure Statement?

Retail leases in Victoria require landlords to provide a Disclosure Statement before signing. It details property, rent, and costs; non-compliance can have legal consequences.

Can I break my commercial lease?

Breaking a lease is difficult and costly. You may assign the lease to another tenant with landlord consent, but must get legal advice before stopping rent or leaving the premises.