Commercial Lease Review Checklist

Confirm the exact premises, including car parking, storage and any exclusive-use areas.

Check the term, and whether any option to renew is properly documented with exercise dates.

Diarise the option exercise window — miss it and the option usually lapses.

Confirm the starting rent, review mechanism (CPI, fixed percentage or market) and review dates.

Ask for a written outgoings estimate and check which outgoings are recoverable from you.

Check the security required: bank guarantee, cash bond, or personal guarantee — and when it is returned.

Check the permitted use is wide enough for how the business may change.

Confirm who is responsible for structural repairs, air conditioning and plant.

Read the make-good clause carefully — this is the single most expensive surprise at the end of a lease.

Check fit-out obligations, landlord approvals and whether any contribution is offered.

Confirm insurance obligations and required levels of public liability cover.

Check whether the landlord can relocate you or redevelop the site during the term.

Check assignment and subletting rights — essential if you may sell the business.

Confirm what the landlord can require from an incoming assignee.

Check any demolition, termination or early-exit clause.

Confirm whether the guarantee survives an assignment.

For retail leases, confirm you have received the disclosure statement and the required lease copy.

Check the dispute-resolution clause and which tribunal or court applies.