What to Check Before Signing a New Retail Lease in a Sunshine Coast Shopping Centre

Leasing in the Sunshine Coast’s Growing Retail Market

From the bustling Sunshine Plaza in Maroochydore to Kawana Shoppingworld, Noosa Civic, and boutique coastal centres in Mooloolaba and Caloundra, retail leasing opportunities on the Sunshine Coast continue to expand.

But before you commit to that dream shopfront or café location, it’s crucial to understand what you’re signing. A retail lease defines your financial obligations, operational restrictions, and long-term business security — often for five years or more.

At Greyson Legal | Leasing Lawyers Sunshine Coast, we help tenants review and negotiate retail leases across Queensland, ensuring they understand every clause before signing.

Confirm Whether the Lease Falls Under the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 (Qld)

Most shopping centre tenancies on the Sunshine Coast are governed by the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 (Qld).This legislation protects tenants by:

• Requiring disclosure statements from both landlord and tenant.

• Prohibiting certain unfair lease terms.

• Providing dispute resolution processes.

Review the Landlord’s Disclosure Statement Carefully

Before signing, the landlord must provide a Lessor Disclosure Statement outlining key lease terms and estimated costs.Check for:

• Rent and outgoings (including marketing levies and common area maintenance).

• Fit-out obligations and deadlines.

• Centre trading hours and restrictions.

• Any planned redevelopment or renovations.

• Permitted use of the premises (what goods or services you can sell).

If the landlord provides incomplete or misleading disclosure, you may have rights to terminate the lease or claim compensation under Queensland law.

Understand All Costs and Outgoings

In addition to rent, tenants in shopping centres are often responsible for:

• Marketing contributions or promotion fund levy (for centre-wide advertising).

• Outgoings such as cleaning, security, air-conditioning, insurance, and common area maintenance.

• Fit-out costs and compliance upgrades (fire safety, signage, disability access).

  
  

Always request a detailed breakdown of outgoings and compare it against similar Sunshine Coast centres.

Clarify Fit-Out and Refurbishment Obligations

Shopping centre leases often require tenants to complete a fit-out before trading — and sometimes refurbish mid-term or at the end of the Lease.

Before signing, check:

• Who pays for the fit-out and any base-building works.

• Whether the landlord contributes via a fit-out incentive or rent-free period.

• The timeframe for completing the fit-out.

• Whether you must use approved contractors or designers.

Make sure rent doesn’t commence until your fit-out is completed and you’re ready to trade.

Check Lease Term, Options, and Renewal Rights

The term of your lease (and whether you have options to renew) affects your business security and resale value.Ask:

• How long is the initial lease term?

• Is there an option to renew, and what notice period applies?

• Will rent increase automatically during renewal?

• Does your lease align with your business plan or franchise term?

Verify Rent Reviews and Escalation Clauses

Rent reviews can be structured as:

• Fixed percentage increases (e.g., 3–4% per year).

• CPI increases tied to inflation.

• Market rent reviews at renewal.

Understand Make-Good Obligations at Lease End

When your lease expires, you may be required to “make good” — restoring the premises to its original condition.These obligations can include:

• Removing signage and fixtures.

• Repainting or repairing walls.

• Restoring floors, lighting, and fittings.

Check Trading Hours, Signage, and Centre Rules

Shopping centre leases usually impose mandatory trading hours and compliance with a tenant handbook or centre rules.These cover:

• Trading hours (including public holidays).

• Music volume, lighting, uniforms, and displays.

• Restrictions on signage and promotional activities.

Breaches of centre rules can lead to fines or breach notices. Ask for a copy of the tenant handbook or Centre tenant rules before signing.

Personal Guarantees and Security Deposits

Landlords often require personal guarantees from directors of corporate tenants. This means you may be personally liable for rent or damages if the business fails.

At Greyson Legal we can seek to:

• Limit guarantees to a specific period or cap amount.

• Ensure bank guarantees or security deposits are returned promptly after the lease ends.

Get Independent Legal Advice Before Signing

Before you sign a retail lease in a Sunshine Coast shopping centre, it’s essential to have your documents reviewed by a retail leasing lawyer. At Greyson Legal, we:

• Review lease terms and disclosure statements.

• Identify hidden risks and unfair clauses.

• Negotiate with landlords or their agents.

• Ensure your lease complies with the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 (Qld).

• Provide advice tailored to Sunshine Coast retail environments — from local markets to major shopping centres.

Why Choose Greyson Legal | Leasing Lawyers Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast retail landscape is diverse — from boutique surfwear stores and cafés in Mooloolaba to professional retailers in Noosa Civic.Our local legal experience helps clients navigate complex leases with clarity and confidence.

We focus on practical, commercial advice — ensuring your lease supports your success, not your stress.

Need Retail Leasing Advice on the Sunshine Coast?

Before signing any retail lease, get expert legal advice to protect your investment and secure your business future.

Greyson Legal | Leasing Lawyers Sunshine Coast

📞 0411 248 885 📧 mail@greysonlegal.com 🌐 https://www.greysonlegal.com/leasing-lawyers-sunshine-coast