Commercial and Residential Leasing Lawyers in Balwyn
Lease advice for landlords and tenants
A lease sets the rules for a relationship that may last many years. Grice Legal prepares and reviews commercial, retail and residential leases, explains your rights and obligations in plain English, and advises on renewals, assignments and disputes. We act for landlords and tenants and help you understand the commitment before you sign.
How we help with leases
We prepare leases for landlords of offices, shops, warehouses, and other commercial premises, reflecting the agreed terms and applicable legislation.
Preparing commercial leases
We advise on exercising options, renewing leases and assigning or subletting a lease, including when selling or buying a business.
Renewals, options and assignments
Before you sign, we review the lease and explain rent reviews, outgoings, options, make-good obligations, guarantees and other key terms.
Reviewing leases for tenants
We advise on residential tenancy agreements and on rights and obligations under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic).
Residential tenancy advice
We advise landlords and tenants on retail leases, including disclosure statements and the additional protections under Victorian retail leasing laws.
Retail leases
We help resolve disagreements about rent, repairs, outgoings, defaults, and the end of a lease, aiming for practical outcomes.
Lease disputes
Most leasing matters involve the following steps
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Step 1 – Understand the premises and the deal
We discuss the property, the proposed terms and your plans, and review any heads of agreement or offer to lease.
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Step 2 – Prepare or review the lease
We prepare the lease or review the draft provided, and identify the terms that need attention or negotiation.
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Step 3 – Negotiate
We raise the necessary changes with the other party or their lawyer and explain the effect of any counter-proposals.
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Step 4 – Finalise and sign
We confirm that disclosure and other requirements are met and arrange signing, guarantees and any bank guarantee or bond.
Costs for leasing matters
Once we understand the lease and the assistance you need, we will discuss the likely costs with you and provide the required costs disclosure. This explains how our fees will be calculated and gives you an estimate of the likely legal costs, based on the information then available.
Costs usually depend on the type of lease, whether we prepare or review it, and how much negotiation is needed. If the scope changes, we will discuss any material change in the likely costs with you.
Leasing advice for local businesses and property owners
Shopping strips such as those along Whitehorse Road and in nearby centres host many small businesses, medical practices, and service providers. Their landlords are often local investors or families.
Grice Legal advises landlords and tenants across Boroondara and eastern Melbourne, with a practical understanding of the issues that arise in smaller commercial and retail premises.
Why Clients Trust Grice Legal
Grice Legal has been based in Balwyn since 1974. We are a boutique firm advising on family law, property and conveyancing, and wills, estates and structures, with a personal, senior-led approach.
Our Whitehorse Road office in Balwyn has served clients across Boroondara and eastern Melbourne for more than 50 years.
Local since 1974
You will know who is looking after your matter and can speak with them directly when questions arise.
Direct access to your lawyer
Conferences are available in person at our Balwyn office, by telephone or by video.
Meet in the way that suits you
Plain-English, practical advice
We explain your options, the risks and the next steps clearly, so you can make informed decisions.
We discuss the likely costs at the start and let you know if the estimate changes.
Open about costs
From Our Clients
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"Nicholas was a patient and a very good listener. He understood my concerns and gave advice accordingly. I feel that I am in good hands."
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"After my appointment with Rachael I am confident that I now have the right person handle my legal issues."
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![Five maroon stars aligned in a row.]()
"Our initial appointment certainly met and exceeded expectations. It was extremely informative and we received the advice we needed. Thank you!"
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![Five maroon stars in a horizontal row.]()
"Anna was very professional, friendly and very helpful"
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![Five maroon five-pointed stars in a row]()
"Rachael gives clear, informed goals. She shows understanding and empathy for your particular needs and sets outs steps to achieve them."
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![Five red stars arranged in a horizontal row.]()
"Nicholas provided me with excellent, timely, professional service and I am confident he will continue to do so should I require it."
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![Five maroon-colored stars in a row]()
"Anna was just a pleasure to have working for us. She was always clear and thorough, advocating for us and advising us along the way of buying our new house. We would totally recommend her and her service."
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"I found Grice Legal to be extremely helpful and efficient with their advice and prompt with all the required paperwork in completing my will requirement, veery approachable staff. I can fully recommend their services"
Leasing FAQs
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In Victoria, a lease of premises used wholly or mainly to sell or hire goods or provide services to the public is generally a retail lease covered by the Retail Leases Act 2003 (Vic). That Act gives tenants additional protections, such as disclosure requirements and limits on some costs a landlord can pass on.
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Get advice first. These documents are often described as non-binding, but they can still create obligations or set expectations that are difficult to change later. They also commonly require a deposit. A review before signing can avoid surprises when the full lease arrives.
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For a retail lease, the landlord must give the tenant a disclosure statement and a copy of the proposed lease at least seven days before the lease is entered into. The statement sets out key information, such as rent, outgoings and the landlord's obligations. Missing or inaccurate disclosure can have consequences for the landlord.
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An option gives the tenant the right to extend the lease for a further term, provided it is exercised correctly and within the required period. The timing and notice requirements are usually strict, and missing the window can mean losing the option. Diarise the dates carefully.
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Most leases allow assignment with the landlord's consent, which cannot always be unreasonably withheld but may be subject to conditions. The outgoing tenant and any guarantors may remain liable in some circumstances, so the terms of the assignment should be reviewed carefully.
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A personal guarantee makes a director or other person personally responsible if the tenant company does not meet its obligations. A bank guarantee is security provided by a bank that the landlord can call on if the tenant defaults. Both are significant commitments and should be understood before signing.
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That depends on the lease. Commercial leases often require tenants to pay a share of outgoings. For retail leases, the law limits some costs, such as land tax, that can be recovered from the tenant. Check the lease and disclosure statement carefully.
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These require the tenant to return the premises to a specified condition at the end of the lease, which may include removing fit-out. The cost can be significant, so the obligation should be clearly defined and, ideally, linked to a record of the premises' condition at the start.
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Residential tenancies in Victoria are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act 1997 (Vic), which uses the terms "rental provider" and "renter". The Act sets minimum standards and rules for rent increases, repairs, bonds and notices, and some terms cannot be excluded by agreement. The rules have changed several times in recent years, so current advice matters.
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It depends on the lease and the law that applies. Commercial leases usually allow early termination only in specific circumstances, such as a serious tenant default. Residential tenancies can only be ended for reasons and with notice periods set by legislation. Obtain advice before giving or acting on any notice.