Occupancy cost
Rent and outgoings
Read the base rent, increases, review method, operating expenses and payment dates.
Commercial lease review and advice
Commercial lease lawyers in Sydney
Aquarius Lawyers advises landlords, tenants and business purchasers on commercial lease review, drafting and negotiation for premises in Sydney and NSW. Start before you sign, renew, assign or exit.
Send the lease or heads of agreement, identify your role and state the next deadline. Aquarius Lawyers will confirm the available work in writing.
- Your role
- Landlord, tenant or business purchaser
- Lease stage
- Heads, draft, renewal, assignment or exit
- Next date
- Signing, option, notice or handover deadline
Your written lease scope can include
- Documents and clauses to review
- Advice or negotiation work included
- Professional fees, GST and likely external charges
This page covers commercial leases in Sydney and NSW. Aquarius Lawyers provides conveyancing across Australia. For property in another state or territory, explore our national conveyancing services or send a national property enquiry and select your property's jurisdiction. Aquarius Lawyers will confirm the available work and costs in writing.
What commercial lease lawyers review
Know your lease obligations before you sign or act
A commercial lease sets the rent and other occupancy costs. It can also control how you use the premises, who pays for work and what happens when the lease is transferred or ends. Your written scope will identify the clauses and questions Aquarius Lawyers will review.
The premises, business use and negotiated document determine which obligations need attention.
Time
Term, options and renewal
Check the lease term, option conditions, notice dates and any renewal process.
Premises
Permitted use and fit-out
Examine the authorised use, approvals, works, access and reinstatement obligations.
Risk
Security and guarantees
Identify the bond, bank guarantee, personal guarantee and insurance requirements.
Change
Assignment and subleasing
Review consent conditions, transfer steps and continuing obligations.
Exit
Default, exit and make-good
Read the notice, remedy, termination, surrender and end-of-lease clauses.
Identify the lease type
Commercial lease or retail lease?
The premises and proposed use can change the legal framework. Send the draft, the property address and a plain description of the business before relying on the document title.
Office, warehouse or industrial premises
Start with the negotiated document.
The lease may allocate rent, outgoings, repairs, security, permitted use, assignment and exit obligations in detail.
- Send the lease or heads of agreement.
- Describe the business use and proposed fit-out.
- Flag the signing, renewal, assignment or exit date.
Retail premises
Check whether NSW retail leasing rules apply.
A covered retail lease can involve statutory disclosure and limits that sit alongside the negotiated terms.
- Identify the premises and proposed use.
- Share any disclosure statement already received.
- Check the Act before agreeing who pays a preparation cost.
How to get legal help
Four steps to a written lease scope
The help you need depends on whether the lease is being reviewed, drafted, negotiated, renewed, assigned or ended. Start with the document and the decision date.
Request a commercial lease scope- 1
Share the lease context
Provide the property, parties, business use, your role and the current lease stage.
- 2
Send the documents
Include the lease or heads of agreement, variations, disclosure material and relevant correspondence.
- 3
Name the decision
State whether you need review, drafting, negotiation, renewal, assignment, make-good or exit advice.
- 4
Review the written scope
Check the proposed work, professional fees, GST, likely external charges and exclusions before instructing Aquarius Lawyers.
Common questions
Answers about lease reviews, costs and ending a lease
These answers are general. Your advice will depend on the lease, premises, business use and work Aquarius Lawyers agrees to complete.
What can a commercial lease lawyer review?
The agreed review may cover rent and outgoings, rent reviews, the lease term and options, permitted use, fit-out work, repairs, security, guarantees, assignment, subletting, default, termination and make-good. The written scope will identify the documents and clauses included in your matter.
Should I get advice before signing heads of agreement?
Heads of agreement can record commercial terms that shape the lease negotiation. Send the heads of agreement before signing if you want legal advice on the proposed term, rent, outgoings, options, permitted use, security or other obligations.
How much do commercial lease lawyers charge?
The fee depends on the document, lease stage and work requested. A review, new draft, negotiation, assignment or exit advice can involve different work. Ask Aquarius Lawyers for a written scope showing professional fees, GST, likely third-party charges and exclusions before you proceed.
Can a lawyer help me assign, sublease or end a commercial lease?
Yes, subject to the documents and accepted scope. The lease may contain consent, notice, guarantee, make-good, default or termination requirements. Send the signed lease, variations and relevant correspondence so Aquarius Lawyers can assess the next legal step.
Who pays the legal costs of preparing a commercial lease in NSW?
The answer depends on the lease, the work and whether NSW retail leasing rules apply. The Retail Leases Act 1994 (NSW) limits recovery of some lease-preparation expenses for covered retail leases. Obtain advice on the document before agreeing who will pay a cost.
Is a retail lease different from another commercial lease?
A retail lease may be covered by the Retail Leases Act 1994 (NSW) and related disclosure requirements. Coverage depends on the premises, use and statutory rules, not only the document title. Share the proposed use and premises details when you enquire.
Content reviewer
Reviewed by Katherine Hawes
LLB, LLM · Principal Solicitor, Aquarius Lawyers
Katherine reviewed this page's commercial lease, retail lease and scope information for Sydney landlords, tenants and business purchasers.
Last reviewed 13 September 2026. General information only; obtain advice about your contract and transaction.