Retail & Commercial Leasing
Melbourne Retail and Commercial Leasing Lawyers
At Whelan Lawyers, we provide trusted legal services in retail and commercial leasing matters across Melbourne. We understand that leases are more than just legal documents, they establish how your business operates, manages risk, and achieves long-term commercial objectives. Our experienced Melbourne leasing lawyers deliver clear, practical, and commercially focused advice tailored to landlords, tenants, franchisors, franchisees, and property managers throughout Victoria.
Comprehensive Commercial Lease Services in Melbourne
We assist clients with all aspects of retail and commercial leasing, ensuring your agreements are legally sound and commercially effective.
Our services include:
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Lease negotiation and drafting - Structuring leases that reflect your commercial objectives and minimise risk.
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Lease review and risk assessment - Identifying clauses that may impact your operations, obligations, or liability.
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Lease renewal and assignment advice - Helping you maximise opportunities and navigate complex lease transitions.
Whether you are securing your first site or managing a large property portfolio, our team ensures your lease arrangements support your business strategy.
Acting for Landlords and Tenants Across Victoria
We provide legal guidance for both sides of the lease table. Whether you are a landlord seeking to protect your property interests or a tenant negotiating favourable lease terms, our advice is practical, risk-aware, and aligned with your broader commercial objectives.
Our clients include:
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Landlords and property owners
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Tenants and business operators
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Franchisors and franchisees
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Commercial property managers
We understand the unique challenges each party faces and work to deliver solutions that protect your interests while fostering productive commercial relationships.
Dispute Resolution and Compliance
Disputes or non-compliance can be costly and disruptive. Our Melbourne commercial lease lawyers provide:
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Dispute resolution and enforcement - Resolving lease disagreements efficiently through negotiation, mediation, or litigation if required.
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Compliance advice - Ensuring your leases comply with Victorian retail and commercial tenancy laws, including statutory obligations and regulatory requirements.
By addressing issues proactively, we help minimise risk and protect your business operations.
Why Choose Whelan Lawyers for Commercial Leasing
Partnering with Whelan Lawyers Melbourne gives you access to legal advice that is:
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Commercially focused - Practical guidance that supports your business decisions.
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Tailored - Solutions customised to your industry, business size, and lease type.
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Experienced - Skilled Melbourne leasing lawyers with extensive knowledge of retail and commercial lease law.
We combine legal expertise with commercial insight to ensure your leasing arrangements are structured, secure, and aligned with your long-term business goals.
Contact Whelan Lawyers today to discuss your commercial or retail leasing needs in Melbourne. Our team will provide trusted legal advice and practical solutions to protect your interests and maximise the value of your property investments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between a retail lease and a commercial lease in Victoria?
Retail leases are governed by the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic) and generally apply to premises used wholly or predominantly for the sale or hire of goods or services to the public. Commercial leases fall outside this Act and are subject to general contract law principles. We’ll help you determine which applies and ensure compliance.
What should I watch out for before signing a lease?
Key areas include rent review clauses, make-good obligations, permitted use, options to renew, and whether the landlord can relocate or terminate early. Our checklist and legal review process identify hidden risks that could affect your operations.
Can I get out of a lease early?
This depends on the terms of your lease. We assist tenants in negotiating early exits, subleases or assignments, and can help you understand any penalties, break fees, or risks.
What happens if there's a lease dispute?
We offer practical advice on how to resolve disputes without escalating to litigation. Where needed, we represent clients in VCAT, the Supreme Court of Victoria, or in negotiated outcomes. Early legal advice can often help you resolve matters efficiently and cost-effectively.
