What type of lease do I need for a restaurant or cafe?

If you're starting a restaurant or cafe, you'll need to enter into a Retail Lease Agreement. This agreement should set out key matters like the duration of your lease, the kind of business activities you're allowed to conduct on the premises, sub-letting rights and how you can extend or terminate the lease.

It's important that you get a legal professional to review your Retail Lease for you before you finalise anything as certain terms can restrict your business plans. For example, you want to ensure that your lease allows you to conduct business on the premises as a cafe (under the 'permitted use' clause).

This way, you can be supported in your negotiation of those terms.

Here are some key things you should look out for in a cafe or restaurant lease.