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Commercial & Retail Leasing Sydney - Trusted, Fixed-Fee Advice

Guiding Sydney landlords and tenants through reviewing and negotiating commercial and retail leases - with clear advice and fixed-fee pricing.

  • Representing you and your interests, always
  • Experienced and approachable
  • Quality, responsive advice
  • Compassionate, careful listening

Client Reviews

  • "As a first time buyer, I needed careful guidance in my journey to becoming a home owner, I found that in Harriss Jones Lawyers. The efficiency, attention to detail and clear communication from Kathryn and the team meant that I could relax every step of the way until I signed on the dotted line."

    Margi de Ferranti

  • "Cannot thank Kathryn and Annette enough for the help they provided at a tough time. Not only legally but - especially - for liaising with the aged care facility where a loved one is staying. They saved us a significant amount of money and stress. Thank you all so much."

    K Smith

  • "The care and support the team at Harriss Jones gave was outstanding. They genuinely care about their customers and I will be using them again."

    Kate Redpath

  • "As a first time buyer, I needed careful guidance in my journey to becoming a home owner, I found that in Harriss Jones Lawyers. The efficiency, attention to detail and clear communication from Kathryn and the team meant that I could relax every step of the way until I signed on the dotted line."

    Margi de Ferranti

  • "Cannot thank Kathryn and Annette enough for the help they provided at a tough time. Not only legally but - especially - for liaising with the aged care facility where a loved one is staying. They saved us a significant amount of money and stress. Thank you all so much."

    K Smith

  • "The care and support the team at Harriss Jones gave was outstanding. They genuinely care about their customers and I will be using them again."

    Kate Redpath

More reviews on Google Reviews →

Looking for commercial & retail leasing advice?

A lease is a long-term commitment. It sets out rent, outgoings (the running costs of the premises), how long you can stay and what happens at the end. Small details can have a big impact.

We explain every clause in plain English and help you negotiate fair terms. Whether you're renting a shop, an office or a warehouse, or leasing one out, we'll make sure you know what you're signing.

Areas we can help with

  • Reviewing a lease before you sign

  • Negotiating lease terms

  • Lease renewals, options and rent reviews

  • Assigning or ending a lease

  • Lease disputes with a landlord or tenant

Understanding commercial & retail leasing

Our team is experienced in reviewing and drafting retail and commercial lease agreements for both landlords and tenants. You can trust us to make the complex seem simple. A retail lease is generally a lease of a shop covered by the Retail Leases Act 1994 (NSW), while a commercial lease, such as an office or warehouse, is generally governed by what the contract says.

Tailored advice for your situation

Whichever side of the lease you're on, we shape our advice around where you are in yours.

Starting a business? We make sure a new lease suits your business before you commit.

Renewing? We review renewal options, rent changes and new terms.

A landlord? We prepare leases that are clear, fair and protect your investment.

Selling your business? Usually you need the landlord's consent to transfer a lease, and the lease terms matter, so it's best to check early.

Asked to be a guarantor? We help you understand what you are signing.

In a dispute? We help you work out your options, from negotiation to applying to the tribunal for retail lease disputes.

What are the potential risks?

Leases often require the tenant to pay a share of outgoings, such as rates, insurance and maintenance, so it's important to understand what's included. A make good clause requires the tenant to return the premises to a certain condition at the end of the lease, which can be costly. If you sign a personal guarantee, your own assets could be at risk. Time limits can apply to lease disputes, so it's best to act early.

Speak to Sydney's leasing lawyers

Whether you're a landlord or a tenant, Harriss Jones Lawyers has the experience to guide you through every stage. We recommend you call our office first to speak to one of our qualified lawyers.

Call us today on 02 9575 7541 or complete the enquiry form below.

Why choose Harriss Jones Lawyers

Our experienced, approachable team listens first, gives you clear, responsive advice, and acts for you and your interests at every step.

From your first conversation, we take the time to understand your situation, plan ahead and deal with everyone involved on your behalf - so your matter is shaped around you, and the right questions are asked before they become problems.

  • <

    1. Get in touch

    Contact us early so we can understand your situation and goals.

  • 2. Review & advise

    We assess the details and explain your options in plain English.

  • 3. Plan your next steps

    We confirm the approach, timeline and fixed fee upfront.

  • 4. We get it done

    We manage the work and keep you updated through to completion.

Meet Our Team

Two Principal Solicitors and two licensed conveyancers, focused on getting your settlement right.

Kathryn Harriss

Solicitor

Along with Melanie, we commenced our practice with the goal to provide quality legal advice and assist people to navigate through the law. 

Melanie Jones

Solicitor

Harriss Jones Lawyers has been a fulfilling and exciting adventure, and it is great to see our team develop and grow.
 

Nicole Aghabi

Solicitor

I've recently joined Harriss Jones Lawyers that brought our practices together. We're now able to provide support focused on Surrogacy.

Sarah Murray

Licensed Conveyancer

Working at Harriss Jones Lawyers has given me a great start to my legal career and has allowed me to learn so many important skills.

Annette Suann

Licensed Conveyancer

With over 30 years experience in conveyancing, it has been great to be part of a female team where we share a common passion. 

Khajinder Kaur

Senior Associate Solicitor

As a family lawyer and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, I help clients through separation, parenting, property and family violence matters. I focus on resolving disputes through negotiation wherever possible, so families can avoid the stress and cost of court.

Amelie Curley

Legal Clerk

I'm completing a double degree in Laws and Medical Science at UTS while gaining hands-on experience at Harriss Jones Lawyers. I mostly assist with Wills and estate planning matters, and I'm enjoying learning something new every day.

Nicole Thorne

Receptionist / Office Administration

With over 30 years' experience, I'm the first smiling face you'll meet when you walk into our office. I look after the firm's correspondence, safe custody records and staff diaries.

Our Legal Services

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we hear most often about commercial and retail leases.

What's the difference between a retail lease and a commercial lease?

A retail lease is generally a lease of a shop covered by the Retail Leases Act 1994 (NSW). A commercial lease, such as an office or warehouse, is generally governed by what the contract says.

What are outgoings?

They're the costs of running the building, such as rates, insurance and maintenance. Leases often require the tenant to pay a share, so it's important to understand what's included.

What is a make good clause?

It requires the tenant to return the premises to a certain condition at the end of the lease. This can be costly, so check what's required before you sign.

Can I be personally liable under a lease?

Yes, if you sign a personal guarantee. This means your own assets could be at risk. We can explain the guarantee and discuss ways to limit your risk.

Can I sell my business and transfer the lease?

Usually you need the landlord's consent, and the lease terms matter. It's best to check early, as the lease can affect the sale.

What if I have a dispute with my landlord or tenant?

We can help you work out your options, from negotiation to applying to the tribunal for retail lease disputes. Time limits can apply, so it's best to act early.

What is your pricing?

At Harriss Jones Lawyers, our leasing services are fixed fee so there are no hidden charges. For a clear quote tailored to your matter, get in touch with our team.

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Legal advice you can count on

Whatever brings you here - property, family, wills and estates, or business - call us, book a call directly, or complete the form and we'll be in touch.