Our team have a wealth of experience in commercial leasing. Our core areas of expertise include:
- preparing leases and licences;
- reviewing and advising on leases and licences;
- advising on fit-out arrangements and incentive deeds;
- negotiating renewals, variations and surrenders;
- assisting with rent relief arrangements; and
- dealing with landlord / tenant disputes.
We act for landlords and tenants. Whichever side of the fence you are on, we will work tirelessly to protect your best interests.
We adopt a nuanced approach. The specific circumstances of your matter may create unique opportunities or threats. For this reason, we work hard to understand the commercial setting so that we can obtain the best possible outcome.
Our usual process is to:
- provide you with a clear and transparent fee quote;
- discuss your requirements, goals and desired outcomes; and
- tailor a solution with your specific circumstances in mind.
Commercial Lease Lawyers in Melbourne: Protecting Landlord and Tenant Rights Since 2016
A commercial lease agreement is a contract between a landlord and a business tenant. This legally binding document typically outlines how much rent the tenant is expected to pay to the landlord, how they can renew or cancel the contract, and which party is responsible for arranging maintenance and repairs within the property. Read More
One of the main services offered by commercial property lease lawyers is the review of agreements to ensure that the clauses are clear and cannot be misinterpreted. They will also confirm if there is any legal reason that the agreement cannot be enforced.
Common Hurdles in the Commercial Property Leasing Process
A commercial lease dispute lawyer might need to intervene in the following situations during a leasing procedure:
- Ambiguous wording in the agreement: If there is anything in the contract that is vague or open to interpretation, misunderstandings can happen, subsequently leading to contract breaches, lawsuits, and penalties. A solicitor’s role is to review the contract and identify any clauses that are unclear and cannot be enforced.
- Unexpected rental increases: Sometimes landlords put their rent prices up without their clients being aware until the time comes for them to pay the new prices. In these situations, a commercial lease lawyer will examine the original agreement and confirm whether the increase complies with the terms both parties initially agreed to. They might also negotiate updated terms with the other party to resolve the dispute.
- Allocation of building maintenance obligations: Before the landlord and tenant sign the agreement, they should consult a commercial lawyer experienced in the complexities of leasing to review the terms thoroughly. Without proper legal counsel, a client may unknowingly agree to take on responsibilities for maintenance and repairs, potentially incurring significant costs later to fulfil them. A commercial lease lawyer can provide clarity by sitting down with both parties to explain the allocation of maintenance responsibilities in detail, helping to avoid misunderstandings and ensuring the business relationship is successful.
- Termination of the agreement: A solicitor plays a significant role in the lease termination process. They thoroughly review the contract to identify any early termination clauses and notice period requirements, ensuring they are complied with. They might also provide support during negotiations and work to mitigate potential financial liabilities, protecting their client's interests throughout the process.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Commercial Lease Lawyers in Melbourne
Melbourne-based landlords and businesses should select the right legal team to oversee situations that can arise. They should partner with a firm of solicitors who specialise in commercial property law and have a good reputation for resolving disputes between landlords and their tenants. Having a good understanding of the property market in Melbourne is also essential.
A good lawyer will be able to explain complex legalities in plain language and be transparent with their clients throughout their professional relationship.
Whether you are a landlord or you are looking to rent a commercial property, we at Velocity Legal can set you up for a successful business relationship with support from our professional commercial lease lawyer in Melbourne. Schedule an appointment with us today. Read Less
