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Subletting or assignment of tenancy

Every tenant is entitled to sublet or assign a tenancy , unless the landlord has been exempt from the provision of the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (SA) [s 74]. An exemption applies where the landlord is a registered community housing organisation [s 74(4)].

A tenant may only sublet or assign the tenancy with the landlord's written consent , but a landlord's consent cannot be unreasonably withheld [s 74(1)-(2)]. It would be unreasonable to withhold consent for a discriminatory reason under the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA) [s 74(3)].

A landlord cannot demand or receive a fee or payment for giving consent to the assignment or sub-letting of a lease . To do so would be an offence for which the maximum penalty is $20,000 (expiation fee $1,200).

Assigning or subletting all or part of any premises without the landlord’s consent is invalid unless the South Australian Civil and Administrative Tribunal determines that consent is not required [s 74(5)]. If a tenant believes a landlord has unreasonably withheld consent to assign or sublet a premises, they can apply to SACAT for a determination that consent is not required [s 74A].

The relationship of head tenant (who enters into the original tenancy agreement with the landlord) and sub-tenant (who enters into a tenancy agreement with the head tenant) is, in essence, the same as that of landlord and tenant. The sub-tenant pays rent to the head tenant for the right to exclusive occupation of part or all of the premises for which the head tenant has been granted a similar right by the landlord. A sub-tenancy must be for at least one day less than the head tenant's own term, otherwise it is regarded as an assignment of the tenancy agreement.

It is important to remember that under the original tenancy agreement, and for as long as the sub-tenancy or assignment lasts, the head tenant is responsible and liable to the landlord for the rent and the condition of the premises. The sub-tenant is responsible only to the head tenant and a sub-tenancy agreement automatically terminates on the termination of the main tenancy agreement. If a sub-tenant damages the property the landlord will have an action against the head tenant or assignor, who can then take action against the sub-tenant for rent owing or for the damage to the premises for which the landlord has a claim.

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What is Assignment of Lease and How It Differs from Subletting

The assignment of lease (and rent) is a foggy topic that is often confused with subletting. Let's clear the air once and all right now. Learn the differences between a lease assignment and sublease so you can make the right choice.

What is Assignment of Lease? - The Important Basics

Let's begin by introducing the 3 players in a lease assignment - The landlord, the original tenant (assignor) and the new tenant (assignee). The original tenant has an unexpired lease agreement with the landlord and he wants out. Since the original tenant can't just break the agreement and walk off, what he does is to get a new tenant to swap places... and take over all his rights and obligations for the remainder of the lease period. So if the original tenant signs a 1 year commercial lease and the business goes bust after 8 months, the new tenant will be assigned a 4-month commercial lease (with the same terms and conditions as the original agreement). Now here's the big catch: Even though the original tenant has handed over all his duties and obligations to the new tenant, he is not off the hook... unless the landlord agrees to release him from all liabilities. If the new tenant stirs up trouble, our dear original tenant will find himself in hot soup as well. Of course, whether the original tenant is allowed to pull this assignment trick out of his hat is a whole new matter. Knowing for sure is actually simpler than most people think: First, examine your local landlord tenant laws for any lease assignment rules. Most of the time, landlords are given the right to allow or disallow assignments but once in a while, the local law let tenants have the final say instead. If there's no mention of lease assignments in your law text, then your rental lease agreement shall dictate the terms.

Difference Between Lease Assignment and Subletting

When it comes to subletting vs assignment of lease, there's often a massive mix-up. Sometimes even real estate professional get it wrong by assuming them to be one and same thing. However if you dig deeper, you will find that the differences are not just numerous, but important as well. Let's begin by dragging the landlord into the picture. An assignment of lease launches the new tenant into a direct relationship with the landlord - The landlord collects rent straight from the new tenant and deals with the new tenant directly on all lease issues. So in this case, the original tenant gets to take back seat and doesn't have to manage the new tenant actively. On the other hand, there's no direct relationship between the landlord and new tenant (subtenant) in a sublease. Instead the original tenant plays mother goose and is responsible for collecting rent from the subtenant and making sure that he's following the lease rules. When you compare the two, a sublease is a lot more hands-on for the original tenant. No matter which path you take, you will still want a good new tenant who pays the rent on time and follows the lease rules to the agreement. For the golden rules on screening tenants and running credit checks, Click here for our guide to running tenant credit checks. When you have a lease assignment, the terms and conditions of the lease remains largely unchanged - It's almost like taking the original lease agreement and swapping the tenant's name with another. With a sublease, there's more breathing space - The original tenant can decide how much rent to charge, how long the subtenant is going to stay or even collect security deposit... as long as it stays within the boundaries drawn by the original lease agreement between the landlord and original tenant.

Should You Choose Assignment of Lease or Sublease?

You are the Landlord - A lease assignment is recommended in most cases. You will have more control over your new tenant (instead of leaving matters in the original tenant's hands and hoping that he would do a good job)... plus you still have the original tenant to cover your back in case anything goes wrong. You are the Original Tenant - Now this is a tricky one. If you want to someone to take over the entire lease and property for its remaining duration (e.g. your business goes belly-up and you no longer need the office), then help yourself to a lease assignment. If the landlord's consent is required for assignment (and he doesn't give the nod), you can always try offering him a lease assignment fee as a deal sweetener. However, if you are looking for someone to share the place (and rent)... or perhaps you need someone to cover the rent while you are overseas for a few short months, then a sublease would be ideal. You are the New Tenant - An assignment of lease works better for you most of the time. You won't be at the mercy of the original tenant (for example if he screws up and the landlord terminates the original lease agreement, your sublease might also go up in flames). But if you only want to rent part of the property... or don't want to tie yourself down for the remaining lease duration, then you are better off sticking to a sublease. Now that we have covered the topic of assignment vs sublease, go ahead and take your pick - Click here for an assignment of lease form or Click here for a sublet agreement instead.

Landlord Tenant Law

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• Federal Fair Housing Act - Avoiding Discrimination
• Security Deposit Laws for All U.S. States
• U.S. State Laws on the Return of Security Deposit
• Sublet Laws - Subletting Laws for All U.S States
• Assignment of Lease and How it Differs from Subletting
• Guide to Commercial Landlord Tenant Law
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Forms and fact sheets for private rental tenancies

Start of tenancy.

By law, the landlord or agent must give certain documents to the tenant. Use this list to follow both the legal and administrative requirements.

When moving in

Notice that sets out landlord/agents contact details (Section 48) (472KB PDF)

Inspection sheet to record the condition of the property (229KB PDF)

Tenants information guide (540KB PDF)

Renting in SA - know your rights (easy read) (1,324KB PDF)

Lease agreements

Fixed term lease agreement (250KB PDF)

Short fixed term lease (Form 1) (150KB PDF) – if the agreement is for 90 days or less

Periodic lease agreement (235KB PDF)

All bonds must be lodged with Consumer and Business Services.

You can lodge, manage and refund a bond using Residential Bonds Online.

RBO Help has tips on how to process your bond using RBO, or use the forms available instead.

Proving rent for SA Housing Trust bonds

Landlords and agents will need to prove the rent amount when SA Housing Trust guarantee a bond and provide rent in advance.

Confirming the rent amount

Online property owner/agent's declaration  (ePod form)

Advice for starting a tenancy

Lease agreement terms inconsistent with the  Residential Tenancies Act 1995 (258KB PDF)

Rent payments (400KB PDF)

Information about rent receipts and records (Fact sheet 3) (1MB PDF)

Information about lifestyle village agreements (211KB PDF)

During a tenancy

Use these forms to legally notify and record when the landlord or agent needs to enter the rental property.

Entering a property

Notice to enter premises (240KB PDF) - to inspect, carry out garden maintenance, other genuine purpose

Notice to tenant to check if breach remedied (Form 2) (240KB PDF) - must be used before a landlord can re-enter the property to inspect items listed in a breach notice (Form 2)

Maintaining a tenancy

Tenant request for repairs form (162KB PDF) Notice of lease extension (224KB PDF) Information about having a neighbour evicted (170KB PDF) Pet application (2.4MB PDF) Pet response (900KB PDF)

Termination notices to end a tenancy

These forms must be used and completed correctly to make sure a valid notice is given.

For landlords and agents to use

Form 2 - Notice to tenant to check if breach remedied (240KB PDF)

Form 3 - Termination by administrator of sole tenant’s estate or sole tenant’s next of kin following the tenant’s death (Section 79B(3)

Form 4 - Notice of termination by landlord following death of sole tenant section 79B(4)

Form 5 - Landlord's notice of breach to tenant - termination of agreement

Form 6 - Notice of termination by landlord on ground of drug contamination

Form 7 - Notice of termination of periodic tenancy by landlord because possession is required by landlord & Notice of termination by community housing provider (for fixed term or periodic tenancy)

Form 8 - Notice of termination of periodic tenancy by landlord on specified ground (section 83)

Form 9 – Notice of termination by landlord at end of fixed term tenancy (General Form)

Form 10 - Notice of termination by landlord where agreement frustrated

For tenants to use

Form 11 - Notice by tenant to landlord to remedy breach of agreement - Notice of termination

Form 12 - Notice of termination by tenant for successive breaches of agreement

Form 13 - Notice of termination by tenant where residential premises for sale

Form 14 - Notice of termination by tenant where certain circumstances apply

Form 15 - Notice of termination by tenant on grounds of domestic abuse

Form 16 - Notice of termination by tenant for a periodic tenancy (General Form)

Form 17 - Notice of termination by tenant at end of fixed term tenancy (General Form)

Form 18 - Notice of termination by tenant where agreement frustrated

Advice when ending a tenancy

Formula for advertising and re-letting fees (Fact sheet 4) (24KB PDF)

Reclaiming possession of a rental property and how to deal with abandoned goods (PDF 368KB)

Related information

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Retail & commercial leasing

It is critical that you seek appropriate professional legal and financial advice as part of your consideration of entering into any lease or agreement to lease.

It is a legal requirement that lessees are provided with a copy of the 'Retail and Commercial Leasing Guide ' when they are provided with a copy of a proposed lease.

This guide incorporates the amendments passed by the South Australian Parliament in December 2019.

The information is provided as a guide to your rights and obligations under the  Retail and Commercial Leases Act 1995 (the Act), which governs most leases over retail shops and commercial leases where rent does not exceed $400,000 per annum in South Australia.

While the Act sets out your key rights and obligations, most of the day-to-day matters that arise under your tenancy will be contained in your actual lease.

Download a copy of the Retail and Commercial Leasing Guide here .

To view frequently asked questions, please click here .

The guide constitutes the information referred to in section 11(2) of the Retail and Commercial Leases Act 1995.

Whether you are a lessor or a lessee, you should ensure you know whether or not the Act applies to the lease before the lease is signed.

What leases does the Act apply to

Most (but not all) commercial leases in South Australia are subject to the Act. The Act regulates those leases to which it applies in a variety of ways.

Your premises do not have to be “retail” or a “shop” to be a retail shop lease or subject to the Act.

A retail shop lease includes any business premises which are used (even to a small extent) for the sale of goods to the public by retail, or the provision of services to the public, or are business premises to which the public is invited to negotiate for the supply of services.

Accordingly, your lease may still be subject to the Act even if your premises are used for more than one purpose or if your premises include an office, a restaurant or cafe, a showroom or display yard, professional rooms or include other “non-retail” type premises.

It is your use of the premises that determines whether or not your lease is subject to the Act.

The Act does not apply to leases (as excluded in the Act) including:

• Leases where the annual rent exceeds the threshold prescribed by the Act from time to time (the threshold is currently $400,000 per annum exclusive of GST).
• Leases where the lessee is a public company as defined under the Corporations Act 2001 , a subsidiary of a public company, a foreign company registered on an overseas stock exchange, an authorised deposit taking institution or a company authorised to carry on the business of insurance. * Leases where the lessee is a commonwealth, state or local government body, agency or instrumentality.
• The lease is for a short term of one month or less.
• Some registered leases which may, when originally executed, exceed the rental threshold but later are captured by the Act.

Further legal advice should be obtained if there is any doubt over whether a particular lease or proposed lease is or is not subject to the Act.

Leasing a business premises is a very large and complex commitment. It is extremely important that you take time to consider the suitability of the premises and the lease that will cover it.

Before you make any commitment, you should ensure that you have:

• Incorporated any representations made about the premises or how the lease will operate into the lease.
• Inspected the premises. It is advisable for the lessee and lessor to complete and sign a ‘condition report’ recording the condition of the premises, any fixtures, fittings and plant and equipment. This can include an assessment of the utilities provided and how they are metered.
• Received independent financial advice about your financial obligations under the lease.
• Received independent legal advice about the terms of the lease.
• Contacted your insurance broker/company to discuss and clarify your insurance obligations under the lease.
• Contacted the local council to ascertain that the business activity you wish to conduct is allowed under the zoning for the site. You could also ask what development plans the council may have or has received for the area.
• take good quality and comprehensive photos. As there is no standardised condition report, you should have one drawn up.
• you should also clarify with council whether there are any specific health or environmental requirements that you need to comply with.

Lease documentation

A lessor must provide a draft or sample copy of a lease to any prospective lessee as soon as negotiations are entered into. The lease, subject to the Act, contains all the terms and conditions under which the premises are being leased.

If a lessee is offered an “Offer to Lease”, an “Agreement to Lease”, or any other document, with or without a draft copy of the lease, the lessee should proceed with caution as these documents can lead to the lessee being legally bound to accept a formal lease at a later date. The lessee should ensure that they do not, in any way, indicate that they accept the terms in these documents, or sign them, until after they have obtained independent legal advice.

The Act requires that the most recent version of this Retail and Commercial Lease Guide, be provided to the lessee at the same time as the lessee is provided with the draft or sample of the lease. In addition to the lease, the lessor must provide the lessee with a Disclosure Statement before the lease is entered into.

A Disclosure Statement details some of the most important aspects of the lease, including rent, rent reviews, schedule of outgoings, term of the lease, options to renew, lettable area, tenancy mix, permitted use and many other details. Penalties may apply to a landlord and/or agent who fails to provide a copy of the draft or sample lease and/or the disclosure statement and/or the Retail & Commercial Lease guide.

As with the lease, a lessee should seek legal advice as to the contents of a Disclosure Statement.

The Act provides that retail shop leases must be for a minimum of 5 years, including any options to renew. A lease can be for a head term of 5 years, or any combination that totals 5 years. For example a lease with a head term of 1 year, with two rights of renewal for 2 years each would be in accord with the Act, as the total term is 5 years. If this requirement is not satisfied, the Act will change the lease without either party’s agreement.

There are some exceptions to this requirement, including that the:

• lease is a short fixed term lease of 6 months or less
• lessee has already been in possession of the premises for at least 5 years
• lease contains a Certified Exclusionary Clause
• If a lease contains a Certified Exclusionary Clause, the Act requires that a solicitor (who is not acting for the lessor) or the Small Business Commissioner provide a certificate which certifies that they have explained to the lessee that the lessee would, but for this certificate, be bound to a minimum 5 year term.
• The solicitor or Small Business Commissioner must also certify that they have received credible assurances from the lessee, that the lessee, was not acting under any coercion or undue influence in consenting to the inclusion of this clause into the lease. A fee will apply for the issue of a certificate.

You can apply for a Certified Exclusionary Clause Certificate here .

Option to renew

If a lease contains an option to renew, both parties, but particularly the lessee, need to be aware of what the lease provides in relation to when and how an option can be exercised. If a lessee does not exercise the option within the timeline and manner stipulated in the lease, the lessor may not be obliged to renew it.

If the option to renew is to be done at current market rent, then the lessee can request an early determination of the market rent. The lessee must make this request in writing during the period that starts 6 months before and ends 2 months before the last day on which the option may be exercised under the lease. For example, if the option is due to be exercised by 1 January, the lessee must make the request no earlier than 1 July and no later than 31 October.

The market rent is to be determined under the same requirements outlined under market rent review.

Tip – both parties should note these dates in their calendars as a prompt for when they should begin the renewal process.

End of lease

The Act prescribes rules that must be followed when a lease is due to expire.

Lessees in a shopping centre have a preferential right of renewal when their lease expires. The legislation sets out the rules that govern the granting of the preferential right. Unless the lessee notifies the lessor in writing 12 months before the lease is due to expire, that they do not want to renew or extend, the lessor must presume that the lessee wants to exercise their preferential right. Therefore the lessor must begin negotiations with the lessee for a renewal or extension of the lease between 6 to 12 months before the lease is due to expire.

There are some exceptions to this, including:

• the lease is a short term lease for a fixed term of 6 months or less
• the lease contains a Certified Exclusionary Clause
• the lessor reasonably wants to change the tenancy mix
• the lessor requires vacant possession of the premises for demolition, or substantial repairs or renovation.

If a lessee does not have a right of renewal, the lessor must, at least 6 months (but not more than 12 months) before the end of the lease, give the lessee written notice of this and also give reasons to explain why the lessee does not have a preferential right of renewal.

For retail shop leases that are not in a shopping centre, and do not have any further right to renew or extend the lease, the lessor must give the lessee notice in writing stating whether or not they are offering a renewal of the lease. The notice must be given not less than 6 months or more than 12 months before the lease is due to expire.

For example, if the lease is due to expire on 31 December, the notice must be given sometime between 1 January and 30 June proceeding the expiry.

Tip – you should record these dates in your calendar so you do not overlook it.

Termination for a breach of the lease

Most leases permit the lessor to terminate the lease when there is a breach by the lessee. Landlords are usually required to serve prior notice (usually 14 days) of the breach so that the lessee has an opportunity to remedy the breach before the lease is terminated. The lessor may not always have to serve notice for non-payment of rent before taking action to gain re-entry to the premises.

Termination of the lease can have severe consequences for the lessee and in most cases will include:

• the lessor re-entering the premises, closing the lessee’s business and changing the locks of the premises
• the lessee being liable to the lessor for all of the arrears then owing, all of the lessor’s costs (including the costs of re-letting the premises), interest plus all of the rent and other amounts payable under the lease for the remaining term of the lease
• the lessor calling on any bond or bank guarantee provided by the lessee, or pursuing any personal guarantors.

In addition, the closure of the lessee’s business can result in the lessee not being able to meet legal obligations to other third parties such as banks, suppliers and customers.

Accordingly, not complying with the lease can have long lasting consequences to the financial standing, credit history and reputation of a lessee.

Tip - it is imperative you understand your lease, in particular your financial obligations throughout the term of the lease, and that you plan/budget to ensure such financial obligations are met.

Tip - if it seems likely that you are going to fall behind with your rent payments, you should contact the lessor or their agent as soon as possible to try to negotiate a solution and avoid a breach notice that may subsequently lead to re-entry by the lessor.

Tip - if you fall into arrears under your lease, or anticipate falling into arrears, or if you receive a default notice from your lessor or if your lease is terminated, you should immediately seek advice with a view to resolving the matter as promptly as possible.

The initial rent under a lease is commonly referred to as base rent. The Act does not regulate what the base rent should be. The base rent payable under a lease is negotiated between the lessor and lessee.

A lessee can consult other lessees in the same complex, lessees in neighbouring premises, land agents, commercial valuers, conveyancers or private lease negotiators to help determine what would be a fair rent for the premises.

The SASBC, nor any government agency, can assist with this.

Rent review

Most leases will provide that the rent can be reviewed on a regular basis, usually every 12 months.

The lease will also stipulate the method that is to be used for a rent review. Some common methods are:

• a set percentage increase
• consumer Price Index (CPI) - There are many measures of the CPI. The lease should detail which CPI measure is to be used
• market review
• any other agreed formulae or method.

The types of review can vary over the life of the lease. However the lease cannot allow the lessor to choose between two methods and select the one that gives the greatest return – for example, the lease cannot state that the increase is to be CPI or 5% whichever is the greatest.

Market rent review

There is no set time for when a market review of the rent can be undertaken. A market review is usually undertaken when exercising an option to renew. However a market review does not have to be undertaken if the parties can agree on what the new rent should be.

The Act provides that if rent is to be changed to reflect the current market rent, it must be done on the basis that the premises are unoccupied and the value of the lessee’s goodwill and fixtures and fittings is to be excluded in any assessment.

If the parties cannot agree on a new market rent, the Act provides that the rent will be determined by a valuation carried out by a person appointed by the parties.

If the parties cannot agree on who this should be, they can apply to the Australian Property Institute which will appoint an independent valuer to undertake the assessment. The costs of this are to be shared equally between the parties.

The Disclosure Statement must list all the outgoings that the lessee is liable for and explain the basis under which they are to be apportioned.

Examples of outgoings include council rates, water charges, utilities, insurance, pest control, cleaning, emergency services levy, management fees and audit fees.

A common, but not exclusive, measure used as the means of apportioning outgoings to lessees is the lettable area of the premises. For example, if you are leasing 100 sqm and the total lettable area for the complex is 1000 sqm, you would be liable for 10% of the outgoings.

The amount allocated to each outgoing is to be the estimated budget for each outgoing for the current accounting period (usually the financial or calendar year). Apart from including this information in the initial Disclosure Statement (when the lease is entered into), the lessor must provide this estimate of outgoings at least one month before each accounting period.

Within 3 months after the end of each accounting period, the lessor must give the lessee a report that shows all expenditure for the outgoings that the lessee is liable for. This report must be prepared by a registered company auditor. However the report does not have to be audited if the lessee is only liable for water and sewerage rates and charges, local government rates and charges, and insurance. However the report must then be accompanied by receipts for this expenditure.

Under a retail shop lease, land tax cannot be charged to a lessee, however, the lessor can incorporate it in setting the rent for the premises.

Tip - you should discuss the composition of, and the basis for, the apportionment of outgoings with your advisor.

Which other financial obligations can be passed on to the lessee?

In addition to rent and outgoings, lease preparation costs - only 50% of the costs incurred by the lessor, can be passed on to a lessee.

Tip – be aware that there is no set figure for what this could cost. When you begin negotiations, you should ask how much this is likely to be and incorporate this into the terms of the lease.

A lessor can request that the lessee pay a security bond of up to three months’ rent.

If a bond is requested the lessor or agent must :

• be lodged with the SASBC.
• lessor must lodge the bond within 7 days of receiving the payment. A registered agent must lodge the bond within 28 days of receiving the payment.
• the payment must be lodged with a Retail and Commercial Lodgement of Security Bond Form, signed by both parties. Only original signatures will be accepted.

At the end of the tenancy, a claim can be made for the bond by either or both parties. If both parties agree on who should receive the bond, they can lodge a Retail and Commercial Security Bond Refund Form with the SASBC. If the parties cannot agree, either party can lodge the refund form and the SASBC will attempt to negotiate a settlement between the parties. If an agreement cannot be reached the matter will be referred to the Magistrates Court for a determination.

Bond lodgement and return forms are available by clicking here .

Tip – do not sign a blank refund form.

A lessor can request a guarantee as security under the lease. There is no limit to the value of the guarantee, but it is common practice for bank guarantees to be set at the equivalent of one to six months rent. Lessors must return a bank guarantee within 2 months after the tenant has fulfilled any obligations required at the end of the lease.

Tip – as there is no legislated limit, you should negotiate on the amount of the guarantee as well as the conditions for its release at the end of the tenancy and incorporate this in your lease terms. The guarantee may be a bank guarantee, security bond, personal and/or director’s guarantee.

Lease registration benefits

As the lessee, you will be responsible for the cost of registering a lease. It is not a compulsory requirement to register a lease. However it is advisable for a lessee to have their lease registered as it protects their leasehold interest in the property if the premises are sold.

If a lease is to be registered, the lessor must lodge the lease for registration within one month after the lease is returned to the lessor or the lessor’s lawyer or agent following its execution by the lessee (if it is agreed that the lease will be registered) and provide a copy of the registered lease to the lessee within one month after it is returned following registration

Tip - your legal adviser or conveyancer can tell you what the estimated cost would be.

Registration of a lease that falls outside the scope of the Act

A lessor may decide to protect a lease that falls outside of the rental threshold when the lease is entered into by lodging the lease for registration within 3 months after both parties have executed the lease and providing written notice to the lessee within 1 month of lodgement.

The lease shall remain outside the Act regardless of any increase to the threshold that would bring the lease within the scope of the Act. Any renewal of the registered lease is also protected provided that the renewal is registered no later than 2 months after the date the lease would expire if not renewed and the lessor provides written notice to the lessee within 1 month of lodgement.

Condition of the premises

Repairs and maintenance.

Most commercial leases do not require the lessor to provide or maintain premises in any particular standard or condition, nor do they require the lessor to undertake ongoing repairs or maintenance (including repairs or maintenance to building services such as plumbing, drainage or airconditioning).

While the Act implies a statutory warranty from the lessor that the premises are suitable, in the majority of cases the lessor is able to exclude such warranty. Most leases will in fact make the lessee responsible for the condition, repair and maintenance of the premises.

The lease and Disclosure Statement should be comprehensively reviewed before the lease is entered into so that you are aware of the obligations imposed upon you in respect of cleaning, maintenance and repairs to the premises. Just because the lease says a particular repair or maintenance obligation is not a lessee responsibility does not mean that it is a lessor responsibility. The lessee should assume the lessor will not do anything that the lease does not say the lessor must do.

The Act prohibits a lease requiring a lessee to incur “capital expenditure” unless such expenditure is disclosed in the Disclosure Statement and is of the sort permitted by the Act.

Seek professional advice if the lease does not clearly set out who is responsible for particular maintenance or repair obligations, or if you have any concerns about the condition of the premises you are leasing.

Tip -before you sign any document or take possession of any premises you should have the premises properly inspected to ensure (amongst other things):

• the premises are suitable for your use of them
• the premises are structurally suitable and sound
• building services are in suitable and working order
• the premises comply with relevant legislation and building standards, particularly those that apply to your intended use of them.

Tip -  many lease disputes arise over whether a lessee caused damage to the premises or whether the premises were damaged before the lease began.

It is prudent for the lessor and the lessee to jointly inspect the premises before the lease commences and to document/photograph any pre-existing damage.

Warranty of fitness for purpose

The Act provides that if, prior to entering into the lease, the lessee notifies the lessor of the business activity they propose to undertake in the premises, the lease is taken to include a warranty that the premises will be structurally suitable for that purpose. However the warranty can be excluded if, before the lease is executed, the lessor gives notice of the exclusion in the manner required by regulation.

Other information

Permitted use/exclusivity.

The permitted use clause in a lease describes the business and associated activities that can be undertaken on the premises. In addition to checking with the local council a lessee should consider what future plans they have for the business and whether the permitted use allows for this, for example:

• For a hair salon, is the activity limited to hair treatments, or can the lessee subsequently expand to include beauty treatments?
• For a dog grooming business, can the lessee subsequently sell pet food and accessories?
• For a food outlet, can the lessee change or expand the menu at will?

The description in the permitted use clause does not mean that the lessee has exclusive rights to carry on that particular type of business or associated activity in the shopping centre or group of shops. This is a separate issue and needs to be discussed between the parties.

Any arrangement struck around exclusivity should be incorporated into the lease.

If a lessee (assignor) wants to sell their business, relocate their business, or cease operating, it is common practice to have their lease assigned (transferred) to a new lessee (assignee). Another option, particularly if the lease is close to the end of the term, is for the new lessee and lessor to enter into a new lease. However the lessor is not under any obligation to agree to this.

Under the Act, both the lessor and lessee have obligations to fulfil before an assignment can happen.

The assignor (the current lessee) must provide the assignee (the proposed new lessee) with a copy of the Disclosure Statement provided to them by the lessor. If the assignment relates to an ongoing business, the assignor should, to obtain the benefit of the assignor’s release from liability set out below, provide the assignee and the lessor with an assignor’s Disclosure Statement which contains all the information required by regulation.

The lessor can also withhold consent if the proposed assignee:

• wishes to change the permitted use for the premises
• is unlikely to be able to meet their financial obligations under the lease
• has retailing skills are inferior to those of the assignor
• if the lessee has not complied with procedural requirements for obtaining the lessor’s consent.

If the lessor withholds consent, they must give the lessee a written statement detailing the reasons for this.

However a lessor must deal with a request for consent expeditiously and is deemed to have given consent, if they have not responded within 42 days after the request was made.

Provided all procedural requirements under the Act have been complied with , an assignor’s liability following the assignment of a lease is limited to:

• 2 years after the lease was assigned
• the date that the lease expires
• the date on which the lease may subsequently be renewed or extended
• whichever occurs first.

The lessee is usually liable for the lessor’s reasonable expenses (including legal fees) incurred in the granting of the consent to assign the lease.

Sub leasing

A lessor, under the Act, can reserve the right to refuse consent to granting a sublease.

However, if a lease allows for subleasing, both parties must ensure they follow the process outlined in the lease.

Under a sublease arrangement the sublessor’s (formerly the lessee) obligations under the existing lease remain unchanged. In addition the sublessor incurs the same obligations that their lessor has to them, including the obligation to provide a draft lease and Disclosure Statement (refer page 4).

Tip – both parties should ensure that they seek independent legal advice to clarify these responsibilities and prepare the documentation necessary to give effect to the sublease arrangement.

A retail shop lease in a retail shopping centre can contain a relocation clause which allows the lessor to relocate the tenant to other premises.

If a lease contains such a clause the following rules apply:

• the lessor must provide the lessee with sufficient information that shows there is a genuine proposal to refurbish, redevelop, or extend the premises and that the proposed works cannot be carried out practicably without vacant possession of the premises
• the lessor must give the lessee 3 months notice in writing, that also includes details of the alternative premises being offered
• the lessee must be offered a new lease on the same terms and conditions (excluding rent), for the remainder of the term
• within one month of receiving the relocation notice, the lessee can terminate the lease by giving written notice to the lessor and the lease is therefore terminated 3 months after the relocation notice.

Tip – at the lease negotiation stage, a lessee should discuss with the lessor whether there are any plans to refurbish, redevelop or extend the premises, and if so when. This information should be written into the lease and Disclosure Statement.

A retail shop lease can contain a demolition clause which allows the lessor to terminate the lease if the premises are to be demolished.

If a retail shop lease allows the lessor to terminate the lease on these grounds the following rules apply:

• the lessor must give the lessee sufficient information that shows that there is a genuine proposal to demolish the building within a reasonably practicable time after the lease is terminated
• the termination notice must be in writing and gives at least 6 months notice
• during this time, the lessee can terminate by giving at least 7 days notice in writing.

Tip – at the lease negotiation stage, a lessee can discuss with the lessor whether they have any plans to demolish and if so, when. This information should be written into the lease and Disclosure Statement.

Marketing plan for advertising and promotion

Applies to shopping centre leases only

Retail shop leases in a shopping centre cannot require a lessee to undertake advertising or promotion of their business. However a lessee can be required to contribute to a marketing plan for advertising and promoting the centre.

If the lease does provide for this, the following rules apply:

• the lessor must, at least 2 months before the start of each accounting period of the lessor, make available to the lessee, a detailed marketing plan including the proposed expenditure
• within 3 months after the end of each accounting period, the lessor must provide a written report that details all expenditure for advertising and promotion. This report must be prepared by a registered company auditor

The Act provides for the Magistrates Court, responsible Minister or the Small Business Commissioner to provide the parties to a lease with an exemption to part, or all, of the Act where appropriate and reasonable.

Information on how to apply for an exemption can be found here .

Dispute resolution

If a lessee or lessor has a dispute, the SASBC can assist through our dispute resolution process.

Information can be found here .

Checklist for both lessees and lessors can be found on page 18 of the guide. You can download a copy here .

Glossary of key terms

Certified exclusionary clause Is a clause of a retail shop lease which requires a certificate signed by a legal representative who does not act for the lessor or the Small Business Commissioner, and who endorses the lease stating that, at the request of the lessee, the provisions of the lease have been explained and that credible assurances have been given by the lessee that they have not been coerced or placed under undue influence to accept the inclusion of a provision. This mostly relates to the term of the lease (usually being less than 5 years).

Disclosure statement A written statement containing information relating to the premises, use of the premises, term of lease, tenant mix, all associated costs involved with the lease (often referred to as “outgoings”) and consequences of breaching the lease. Information contained in this document must not be false or misleading.

Lease A binding legal document between two parties. A lease must be provided to a potential lessee at the negotiating stage by the lessor.

Lessee Person who has the right to occupy premises as permitted to do so by the lessor.

Lessor Person who grants permission for a lessee to occupy premises.

SASBC The Office of the South Australian Small Business Commissioner which has been established (in relation to the Act) to:

• administer the Act;
• assist parties who have a complaint/dispute with another party in regard to the Act
• facilitate a mediation service for disputing parties
• provide information relating to the Act;
• manage security bonds.

Note – The SASBC does not provide legal and/or financial advice.

Party The persons involved in a lease.

Preferential right of renewal If the premises are to be re-leased and an existing lessee wants to renew or extend the lease, the lessor must give preference to the existing lessee over others. The lessor is to presume that the lessee is seeking to renew or extend the lease unless the lessee has notified the lessor in writing within 12 months prior to the expiration of the lease. A few clauses surround the lessor not having to grant preferential right including if the tenancy mix is to alter, the existing lessee is guilty of a substantial breach(es), the lessor requires vacant possession, renewal of the lease would substantially disadvantage the lessor or if the lessee’s right of preference is excluded by regulation. These rights only apply to a lease in a retail shopping centre.

Retail shop Business premises where:

• goods are sold to the public by retail
• where services are provided to the public
• the public are invited to negotiate for supply of services
• classified by regulation as premises to which the Act applies.

Retail shopping centre A group of premises whereby at least 5 are retail shops, that they are all owned by the same person, are located in the same building or other buildings which are adjoined or separated by common areas and that the area is generally promoted as a shopping centre, mall, court or arcade.

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