Retail shop leases

The Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 (the RSL Act) sets out laws which apply to retail shop leases in Queensland. It is important that as a retail landlord or tenant you are aware of your rights and obligations under the (the RSL Act) before entering into a retail shop lease.

Guidelines are being prepared and will be published here shortly to help you understand your rights and obligations under the Act and key aspects of leasing a retail shop.

Learn more about:

• Retail Shop Leases Act 1994
• Retail Shop Leases Regulation 2016
• retail shop leases forms required under the RSL Act.

The Retail Shop Leases Amendment Act 2016 commenced on 25 November 2016. The Small Business Commissioner Act 2022 commenced on 3 May 2022 and made further amendments to the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994.

Tenants and landlords should seek legal advice on what these changes will mean for new or existing leases and their individual rights and obligations under the Act.

Retail shop lease disputes

Before seeking alternative dispute resolution (ADR) assistance from a third party, you should always attempt to resolve the dispute yourself.

The Queensland Small Business Commissioner may be able to assist with mediating commercial lease disputes. You could also be eligible for assistance from the:

• Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman for informal ADR support and mediation of retail shop lease disputes
• Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) for arbitration of retail shop lease disputes.

Also consider.

• Learn more about leasing premises.
• Read the legal guide to business leases from the Queensland Law Society.
• Learn about resolving business disputes.
• Find out how to negotiate successfully.

• Last reviewed: 3 May 2022
• Last updated: 3 May 2022