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Retail tenancy

A retail lease defines the relationship between a landlord and a tenant of retail premises.  It is important to fully understand your rights and responsibilities as a retail tenant or landlord.

Unless you have experience in commercial/retail leasing, we recommend you seek professional legal and/or financial advice before entering into an agreement.

Bonds

Retail/commercial tenants are normally required to provide the property owner with some form of security such as a bond or bank guarantee. This is to cover any outstanding debts, damage or other issues with the condition of the premises at the end of a tenancy.  You are not required to lodge retail or commercial bonds with the Rental Deposit Authority (RDA).

Ending a lease

Generally, your lease will determine the requirements for vacating the premises or renewing your lease. Your lease agreement should outline timeframes for a notice to vacate or offer to extend your lease.

When a lease ends it is normal for a tenant to return the premises to the condition it was in when the lease started. This generally includes such things as:

  • repainting
  • removal of fixtures and fittings and
  • repairs of any damage caused throughout the tenancy.

The tenant is usually responsible for these costs. However, you should review your specific lease agreement for any requirements relating to vacating the premises.

Dispute resolution

We recommend retail tenants and property owners first attempt to resolve disputes negotiating with each other. If unsuccessful, either party may ask Consumer, Building and Occupational Services to assist to negotiate a solution. If needed, seek professional legal advice. Either party may refer the matter to a court for hearing.

Progress of the Retail Leases Act 2022

The Retail Leases Act 2022 received Royal Assent in December 2022. However, only two sections (ss.2 and 88) have been proclaimed as commenced.

  • Section 88 continues the application of the Fair Trading (Code of Practice for Retail Tenancies) Regulations 1998.  Effectively, that Code is now a regulation made under the Retail Leases Act 2022.
  • The Code continues to regulate retail lease arrangements in Tasmania and it will apply until the more detailed provisions contained in the rest of the Act, and new Retail Leases regulations, are made and commence.

The date of the commencement of the rest of the Act has not been decided as regulations under the Act need to be developed.  When these matters are progressed, the commencement date of the rest of the Retail Leases Act will be advised to stakeholders and the public.

Last updated: 17 Mar 2023

This page has been produced and published by the Consumer Building and Occupational Services Division of the Department of Justice. Although every care has been taken in production, no responsibility is accepted for the accuracy, completeness, or relevance to the user's purpose of the information. Those using it for whatever purpose are advised to verify it with the relevant government department, local government body or other source and to obtain any appropriate professional advice. The Crown, its officers, employees and agents do not accept liability however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information and/or reliance on its availability at any time.