Reservoir — serving all of Victoria, online⚡ Free 2-min call back☎ 0485 016 752💬 Text us
Legal guide · Victoria

What should I know before signing a commercial lease in Victoria?

A lease is a major, long commitment. Before you sign, the term, rent reviews, outgoings and make-good all deserve a proper look — we review leases before you’re bound.

Business & commercial

A commercial or retail lease is a major, long-term commitment, and the fine print can cost you badly. Getting it reviewed before you sign is the cheapest time to fix a problem.

What to check

The term and options to renew, how rent is reviewed (fixed, CPI or market), what outgoings you pay, permitted use, and the "make-good" obligation when you leave — which can be expensive.

Retail leases have extra protections

Retail leases in Victoria carry disclosure and other requirements under the Retail Leases Act, which can affect your rights and the landlord’s obligations.

How we help

We review the lease, explain the risks in plain English, and negotiate better terms before you commit. Book a consult and we’ll go through it with you.

Common questions

Good to know

What’s the “make-good” obligation?

It’s your obligation to return the premises to a set condition when the lease ends — it can be costly, so understand it before signing.

Do retail leases have extra protections?

Yes — retail leases in Victoria carry disclosure and other requirements under the Retail Leases Act that can affect your rights.

General information only — for advice about your situation, see more guides or book a consult with ORLA Legal.

Signing a lease? Get it reviewed first.

Speak with an experienced Victorian lawyer — book online, or call us 24/7.

The ORLA group · one team

Buying, selling or refinancing? We handle the whole move.

ORLA Legal works hand-in-glove with our sister services, so your loan, your conveyancing and your property search are coordinated by one team — all the way to settlement.