For your organisation

Commercial Leasing Advice.

Practical legal support for landlords and tenants in commercial leases

From negotiating lease terms to resolving disputes, we help businesses understand their rights and obligations in commercial leasing. Whether you're leasing office space, a retail site, or an industrial property, we’ll guide you through the process and protect your interests.

Leasing Services for Landlords and Tenants

Leasing is one of the most important legal relationships in business. The right terms protect your income, property value, and flexibility as markets change. We advise on:

Drafting and negotiating TLA (formerly ADLS) standard form or bespoke lease agreements

Renewals, variations, subleases, and assignments

Rent reviews, outgoings, and maintenance responsibilities

Insurance, access, make good, and reinstatement terms

Renewal options and clear exit pathways

We align every lease with your property type, tenant profile, and long-term strategy so you stay protected, compliant, and confident throughout the lease term.

Minimising Leasing Risks and Resolving Disputes

Issues can escalate quickly if process or notice requirements are missed. We support you with:

Early review and negotiation to prevent problems

Practical guidance on maintenance, rent, and renewal obligations

Correct notices and timeframes to protect your position

Resolution through negotiation or mediation, with representation in arbitration or court if required

Our focus is to safeguard your position while preserving working relationships where possible.

Support at Every Leasing Stage

We provide clear, practical advice when you are:

Negotiating a new lease

Renewing or restructuring an existing lease

Expanding into new premises or adding sites

Exiting a lease, assigning rights, or managing make good

You gain clarity, confidence, and a legally sound path through each stage.

Where We Work

Our commercial leasing lawyers are in Wellington, Lower Hutt, and Masterton, supporting landlords, tenants, and property managers across New Zealand.

Questions We Often Get Asked About Commercial Leasing

What should a commercial lease include?

A commercial lease should set out rent, outgoings, maintenance duties, access, insurance, renewal rights, and termination clauses. Each term defines the practical relationship between landlord and tenant. We make sure these provisions are clear and balanced to reduce the risk of disputes later on.

Can lease terms be changed after signing?

Yes. Lease terms can be changed through a written variation agreed by both parties. Variations often arise after rent reviews, business sales, or changes to premises use. We prepare and document these updates so the lease remains accurate, enforceable, and consistent with current obligations.

What if rent is unpaid or a term is breached?

Your options depend on the lease and the nature of the breach. In most cases, the lease sets out a process for issuing formal notices and allowing time to remedy the default. We assess the risk, prepare the correct notices, and help you resolve the issue through negotiation or enforcement if necessary.

Do I need advice for a standard TLA (formerly ADLS) lease?

Yes. A standard TLA lease may look straightforward, but every clause carries financial and legal risk if it is not tailored to your situation. Small wording changes can shift liability for repairs, rent reviews, insurance, or termination costs. We review and adjust each term so your lease protects your interests and supports your long-term goals.

Who pays for maintenance and repairs?

Responsibilities for maintenance and repairs depend on the lease structure and the type of building. In most commercial leases, tenants cover day-to-day maintenance and outgoings, while landlords handle structural repairs. We review the wording to clarify responsibilities for capital items and reinstatement so you can budget accurately and avoid disputes.