A Lease may be one of the most financially significant or long term agreements that you or your business will enter into. If you are a Tenant it is so important that you go into that agreement with your eyes wide open. Leases can be long and complicated documents. Whether you are a Landlord or Tenant, you should ensure that the Lease meets your specific requirements before you sign anything. Something as simple as the Tenant’s obligations to reinstate premises at the end of the Lease could have major financial consequences if the Lease is not properly drafted.

A large part of HRL’s commercial practice is leasing. When we act for Landlords we prepare commercial, retail and industrial Leases. Landlords with retail shops must comply with significant obligations under the Retail Shop Leases Act (1994) (“RSA”) or potentially face significant liabilities.  Clients are sometimes surprised when we identify a need to comply with the RSA and when we explain that potential risks of failure to comply.

When we act for Tenants we explain to Tenants, in simple to understand language, their obligations under Leases. We negotiate and draft Lease terms tailored to suit our client’s specific requirements both Landlord and Tenant.

HRL also has extensive experience in resolving lease disputes. Because of our knowledge and understanding of Landlord and Tenant disputes, when we prepare your Lease or advise you about your Lease, we can reduce the risk that your Lease will be the subject of a dispute. Given the length and cost of litigation, obtaining proper advice and having a well drafted Lease is time and money well spent.

Contact us to find out more or to arrange an appointment.