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New retail leases brochure helps tenants make informed decisions from the start



A new edition of the Retail Leases Information Brochure for Tenants is now available from the Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC), giving prospective retail tenants more accessible information before they enter into a lease.

How it helps small business owners

Entering into a retail lease is a major business decision. For many small business owners, leasing a shop, café, salon or other retail premises can be the largest financial commitments they make.

This brochure encourages prospective tenants to:

  • ask questions in order to understand the lease
  • be aware they have rights and responsibilities, per the Retail Leases Act 2003
  • identify and budget for the full costs of leasing a retail premises
  • check a premises’ permitted use and required council permits
  • know which documents they should receive before entering into a lease
  • avoid common misunderstandings that can lead to disputes later
  • know where to go for help if a dispute arises.

When tenants know what questions to ask and what obligations they may be taking on, they are in a stronger position to make decisions that suit their business. This not only benefits tenants, but landlords too.

Landlords are required to share the new brochure with prospective tenants

From 1 July 2026, landlords in Victoria must provide this updated brochure to prospective retail tenants for any new retail lease negotiations starting on or after that date. This is a requirement of the Retail Leases Act 2003.

The brochure is available from 1 June 2026, giving landlords and their representatives time to update their leasing packs and prepare for the change.

Download the updated brochure

You can download the updated Retail Leases Information Brochure for Tenants in Word or PDF formats.

The brochure is also available in 14 languages: