Commercial Lease Review Services
A commercial lease review ensures that the lease agreement you are signing is fair, legally compliant, and suitable for your business. Many leases contain hidden costs, legal risks, and complex terms that can impact your financial and operational stability. Before committing to a lease, it’s crucial to have a thorough review to identify risks and negotiate adjustments where needed.
Key Takeaways
- A commercial lease review protects businesses from financial risks and unfavourable terms.
- Ensures compliance with Australian leasing laws.
- Identifies hidden costs and excessive obligations.
- Provides clear, actionable insights into the lease agreement.
- Additional services such as negotiation or drafting are available on request.
Why a Commercial Lease Review is Essential
A commercial lease is a long-term commitment that affects your business operations and financial security. Without a proper review, you risk signing an agreement that includes unreasonable rent increases, excessive maintenance obligations, or restrictions that limit business flexibility. Many landlords draft leases in their favour, and without legal expertise, tenants may unknowingly accept terms that put them at a disadvantage.
At Blaze Business & Legal, we undertake dozens of commercial lease reviews each year, helping businesses understand their obligations, avoid hidden costs, and secure fair terms before signing.
What’s Included in Our Commercial Lease Review
Lease Term and Renewal Clauses
The length of a lease can have significant implications for business planning. We assess whether the lease term aligns with your needs and whether renewal options are reasonable. We also review notice periods and any rent adjustments that apply upon renewal.
Rental Costs and Increases
Rent terms in a lease are not always straightforward. We examine:
- Base rent structure and how it compares to market rates.
- Rent review clauses, including CPI increases and market rent reviews.
- Additional costs such as outgoings, service charges, and hidden fees.
Legal and Compliance Issues
We assess whether the lease meets Australian leasing laws and state-specific regulations. This includes:
- Compliance with the Retail Leases Act (if applicable).
- Fair contract terms under Australian Consumer Law.
- Dispute resolution clauses and how they may impact your rights.
Maintenance, Repairs, and Outgoings
Understanding repair obligations is critical to avoiding unexpected costs. We clarify:
- Who is responsible for repairs and maintenance.
- The extent of make-good requirements at the end of the lease.
- Whether outgoings are reasonable and how they are calculated.
Usage Restrictions and Business Impact
Some leases include restrictions on how the premises can be used. We review:
- Permitted use clauses to ensure your business activities are allowed.
- Signage restrictions and renovation limitations.
- Exclusive use clauses and competition risks from other tenants.
Exit Strategy and Termination Conditions
Leases should provide a reasonable exit strategy in case business circumstances change. We examine:
- Early termination clauses and associated penalties.
- Subletting and assignment options.
- The process for vacating the premises, including make-good obligations.
Additional Services: Lease Negotiation and Drafting
A lease review helps identify issues, but businesses often need additional support to negotiate or draft new terms.
We offer:
- Lease Negotiation – We assist in negotiating more favourable lease terms based on our review findings.
- Lease Drafting – For businesses entering a new lease agreement, we provide expert drafting services to ensure fair and compliant terms.
These services are optional, and you can decide whether to proceed after reviewing our findings.
Steps to Take for a Commercial Lease Review
- Step 1: Submit your lease agreement for review.
- Step 2: We assess key terms, costs, and compliance issues.
- Step 3: Receive a summary outlining risks and recommendations.
- Step 4: Choose additional services (if needed) for negotiation or drafting support.
- Step 5: Sign your lease and get ready to open your business in your new premises.
Why Choose Blaze Business & Legal?
Our team understands commercial leases inside and out. We offer:
- Clear, actionable advice – No legal jargon, just straightforward explanations.
- Fixed fees – No surprises, just clear pricing based on lease complexity.
- Business-focused solutions – Our advice is practical, considering your long-term business goals.
- Fast turnaround times – We work within your timeframe to ensure lease reviews are completed before deadlines.
Contact Us for a Commercial Lease Review
Before you commit to a lease, ensure you understand every clause and its impact on your business. A professional commercial lease review can save you from financial pitfalls and legal disputes down the track.
Contact Blaze Business & Legal today for expert advice on your lease agreement.
FAQs
1. What is a commercial lease review?
A commercial lease review is a professional assessment of a lease agreement to identify financial risks, legal compliance issues, and unfavourable terms.
2. Why do I need a commercial lease review?
A lease review helps you avoid hidden costs, negotiate better terms, and ensure your business is protected from legal risks and excessive obligations.
3. Can I get help negotiating my lease?
After reviewing your lease, we can assist with negotiations to improve terms or reduce risks.
4. How long does a commercial lease review take?
The timeframe depends on the complexity of the lease. Urgent reviews are available if required.
5. What are common hidden costs in leases?
Common hidden costs include outgoings, repair obligations, make-good clauses, and penalty fees for early termination.
6. Can I change my lease after signing?
Lease modifications require mutual agreement between tenant and landlord. We can help negotiate changes where necessary.
7. What happens if I break my lease early?
Early termination penalties vary. We review lease exit clauses to identify the best strategy for minimising costs.
8. Do I need a lawyer to review my lease?
A lease is a legally binding document, and professional legal advice ensures you fully understand your obligations before signing.
9. Can a landlord refuse lease negotiations?
Landlords are not obligated to change lease terms, but a well-prepared negotiation strategy increases the chances of securing better terms.
10. How much does a lease review cost?
We offer fixed fees based on page length and lease complexity. Contact us for a quote.
11. How do I get started?
Simply contact us to discuss your lease requirements in a free 30-minute Strategy Session. We will provide a fixed price quotation for you to accept. You can then email us your lease document, and we’ll take care of the rest.
