Recorded Webinar: COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Retail and Commercial Leases - The New Code of Conduct and the NSW Government Measures

The COVID-19 outbreak, coupled with the economic downturn and shift to online commerce, has resulted in the increasing closure of businesses operating in the “bricks and mortar” space. The Federal Government is expecting landlords and tenants to negotiate a fair way forward, however what does this mean in practice? The NSW Government has also announced a range of measures to assist landlords and tenants.

This session will provide practical guidance on managing key changes in tenancy arrangements, with a focus on the new mandatory Commercial Leases Code of Conduct and the newly released Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2020, and advise on proactive steps to take to protect landlords in times of uncertainty, including:

• The different ways a tenant can end the lease early – surrender, breach, mutual agreement
• Achieving a win/win: assignment, sub-letting and licensing options to assist the tenant
• Negotiating fair outcomes – what does this look like?
• Receiving or giving notice – form and content, and other legislative obligations
• Dispute resolution options
• Right of entry, make good and forfeiture
• The Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2020
• Unpacking the Commercial Leases Code of Conduct – how will it apply in NSW?
• NSW land tax concessions for landlords
• Case studies on lease termination
• Proactive risk management – protecting the interests of landlord and tenant through reasonable negotiations and fair leasing terms