Signing a lease for a shop or office is one of the biggest commitments a small business makes. Once signed, you are usually bound to pay rent and outgoings for the full term. Business Victoria notes that leases usually cannot be cancelled and ending one early can be costly. A few hours spent checking the details first can save years of regret.
The rules depend on what kind of premises you are leasing and where. Retail shops are covered by special laws in each state and territory. Other commercial leases rely mostly on the contract itself. Knowing which category you fall into is the first job.