Legal services
A new lease or renewal for your commercial property?
Cimino & Cimino assists landlords with Victorian retail and commercial lease preparation and renewals. Discuss the premises, proposed terms and timing with Ian Cimino, Principal Lawyer.
Enquire directly with Cimino & Cimino
This is an initial enquiry. Engagement is subject to conflict checks, costs disclosure and confirmation that we can act.
Direct answer
How can a lawyer assist with a commercial or retail lease?
A lease lawyer can prepare or review the lease documents, explain the rent, outgoings, use, option, repair, make-good, security and assignment provisions, and assist with negotiations and signing. This enquiry service assists Victorian landlords with lease preparation and renewals, subject to conflict and engagement checks.
When to act: Obtain advice before signing an offer to lease, heads of agreement, disclosure statement, lease, renewal, assignment or guarantee. Early advice provides the best opportunity to address unacceptable terms.
Published professional fees
Pricing
Victorian retail or commercial lease
$1,650 + GST + disbursements
For the standard lease scope where annual rent is less than $75,000, excluding GST and outgoings.
These fees apply to the stated standard scope. We will confirm the retainer, inclusions, exclusions, likely disbursements and any additional work before accepting instructions.
Lease work we can assist with
- Preparing a new lease, renewal and associated disclosure documents for the landlord
- Advising on rent review, outgoings, permitted use, options and security
- Considering repairs, maintenance, insurance, assignment and make-good obligations
- Negotiating agreed amendments and documenting the final terms
- Assisting landlords with lease renewals and agreed terms
- Identifying when the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic) may affect the transaction
How the matter usually progresses
Send the proposed terms
Provide the offer, heads of agreement, disclosure statement, draft lease and any existing lease or renewal documents.
Confirm the scope
We identify the client, premises, annual rent, transaction type, deadlines and work required.
Review or prepare
We prepare or review the documents and explain material obligations and risks within the agreed scope.
Negotiate and finalise
We address agreed amendments, coordinate the execution documents and confirm any immediate next steps.
What to send for an initial lease discussion
- Offer to lease or heads of agreement
- Draft lease and disclosure statement
- Any current lease, renewal, assignment or transfer documents
- The legal names of the landlord, tenant and any guarantors
- Annual rent, outgoings, term, options and proposed commencement date
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Does the advertised fee cover every lease matter?
No. It applies to the stated standard scope and rent threshold. Complex negotiations, unusual documents, assignments, transfers, renewals, disputes, registration and additional work require a separate scope and fee.
Should a tenant obtain advice before signing an offer to lease?
Yes. An offer or heads of agreement may create obligations or materially influence the lease negotiations. Advice should be obtained before signing.
What is a make-good obligation?
It is an obligation concerning the condition in which the tenant must leave the premises at the end of the lease. Its extent depends on the agreed documents and should be checked before signing.
This page contains general information only and is not legal advice. The legal work and advice required depend on the documents, parties, transaction and current law. Other professional advice may also be required.