Lease side letter support for the extra deal points your lease does not spell out well

A side letter is often used where the parties have agreed on one specific arrangement and want to record it without replacing the full lease. That might involve temporary rent relief, a short extension, a landlord permission, an occupancy point or an assignment-related concession. It can suit both landlords and tenants where the lease largely stays the same but one issue needs its own written terms. The key question is whether a side letter is enough for the arrangement, or whether a more formal lease variation or deed would be safer.

The biggest issues usually come from mismatch and ambiguity. A side letter may say one thing while the lease says another, leaving uncertainty about which document controls. Problems also arise when the letter does not clearly state dates, conditions, notice requirements, payment changes or whether the arrangement is temporary or ongoing. Even where the commercial deal seems simple, loose wording can cause confusion later if there is a dispute about rent, use of the premises, assignment rights or landlord approval. Legal review helps test those pressure points before signing.

The work can include reviewing the lease alongside the proposed side letter, identifying conflict points, and suggesting wording that better reflects the deal the parties have actually reached. For example, if the side letter deals with rent concessions, occupancy changes or assignment conditions, we can comment on how those points interact with the lease terms already in place. The If extra support is needed, we will explain it upfront and quote it separately before you proceed. It does not include tax advice, direct negotiations with the other side or ongoing representation after completion.

Sometimes a template helps as a rough starting point, but side letters are highly dependent on the lease they sit beside. A generic form may not deal properly with the existing rent clause, default provisions, consent requirements or the exact commercial concession being given. That can matter if the arrangement is later questioned by the landlord, tenant, assignee or guarantor. A tailored draft or review is usually more useful where the side letter affects payment, possession, use of the premises, assignment, timing or any condition that needs to line up with the lease wording.

Once the wording is settled, it is important to check that the right parties sign and that the side letter is kept with the lease and related correspondence. You should also make sure the people handling rent, occupancy or site operations know what has been agreed, especially if the letter changes how the lease works in practice. In some cases, the side letter may be only one part of a larger lease change, and further documents may be needed. Ongoing representation is not included in this fixed-fee, but additional help can be arranged if required.

As an online law firm, we eliminate the headaches of paying us by the hour and finding time to meet with a lawyer in person. We charge a fixed fee, with upfront quotes and transparent pricing, and communicate via phone, email and video chat - whichever suits you! You'll be guided through our process by our expert lawyers, who are Australian-qualified and specialise in technology, intellectual property, contract drafting, corporate and commercial law.

At Sprintlaw, our pricing is transparent and designed for startups and small businesses. Many one-off legal services, including document drafting and reviews, are provided for a fixed fee with an upfront quote before you proceed.

Prices typically range from $250 to $2,500 AUD depending on the complexity and scope of the work. For ongoing support, Sprintlaw Memberships include options such as legal templates, consultations, a legal helpline and credits for services.

If your project is larger or more complex, we will provide a tailored quote after understanding what you need.

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