Commercial Lease Review Melbourne
Signing a commercial lease in Melbourne is one of the biggest financial commitments your business will make — don't do it without knowing exactly what you're agreeing to. A fast, plain-English review could save you from costly surprises buried in the fine print.
Why Commercial Lease Reviews Matter in Melbourne
Melbourne's commercial leasing market is one of the most active in Australia, and Victoria's Retail Leases Act 2003 provides some of the strongest tenant protections in the country — but only if you know how to use them. Key rights around outgoings disclosure, lease terms, and rent reviews are often poorly reflected in the landlord's draft, and it's worth checking that your lease actually lines up with your statutory entitlements before you sign. If a dispute does arise, the Victorian Small Business Commissioner must attempt mandatory mediation before any claim can proceed to VCAT, so understanding your position early makes a real difference. With Melbourne rents holding firm across retail strips, suburban precincts, and CBD fringe locations, there's little room to absorb a clause you didn't see coming.
What We Check in Every Commercial Lease
- Make-good cost and scope at end of term
- Bank guarantee size versus typical Melbourne market benchmarks
- Outgoings itemised and capped versus uncapped exposure
- Demolition clause notice period and your compensation rights
- Option to renew conditions and exercise notice deadlines
- Permitted use wording and how broadly it covers your business
- Assignment rights and landlord consent conditions
- CPI versus market rent review and when each applies
- Personal guarantee scope and whether it survives company wind-up
- Rent-free period, fitout contribution, and incentive clawback triggers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a commercial lease review cost in Melbourne?
Our flat fee is $79 — no hourly rate, no surprise invoice, just a clear plain-English PDF report delivered in minutes. It's a practical first step before you decide whether to engage a lawyer for negotiation or further advice.
How quickly will I get my lease review back?
Your plain-English PDF report is delivered in around 15 minutes from the time you upload your lease. The service runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can get a review back at 10pm the night before a meeting with your landlord if you need to. No waiting for a lawyer's diary to open up.
Does the Retail Leases Act 2003 apply to my Melbourne lease?
The Retail Leases Act 2003 (VIC) applies to most retail premises leases in Victoria where the tenant occupies the premises wholly or predominantly for retail purposes, with some exclusions around lease term and premises type. If your lease is covered, it gives you specific rights around outgoings disclosure, rent reviews, and dispute resolution — including mandatory mediation through the Small Business Commissioner before any VCAT claim. It's worth checking whether your lease correctly reflects those protections, as landlord-drafted documents don't always get it right.
Is this a legal advice service?
No — this is a plain-English contract review service, not legal advice, and it doesn't create a solicitor-client relationship. Our report explains what your lease says, flags clauses that may be worth negotiating, and highlights areas worth a closer look. For high-value leases, disputed terms, or anything you're uncertain about, we recommend following up with a qualified Victorian solicitor.
Who in Melbourne typically uses this service?
We see a wide range of Melbourne business owners uploading commercial leases — café and restaurant operators taking on a new tenancy, retail franchisees reviewing a franchisor-arranged lease, startup founders signing their first office space, and experienced directors who just want a fast second set of eyes before committing. Whether you're opening your first premises in Fitzroy or renewing a warehouse lease in Tullamarine, a quick plain-English review is a sensible step before you sign.
Ready to Review Your Commercial Lease?
Flat $79. 15 minutes. 24/7. Every trap flagged before you sign. Delivered to Melbourne businesses every day.
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