The Retail Leases Act 2003 applies to all Victorian retail leases signed after 1 May 2003 (subject to certain exclusions outlined in the Act and by the Regulations and Ministerial Determinations). The Retail Leases Act 2003 (which incorporates amendments introduced by the Retail Leases (Amendment) Act 2005 from 23 November 2005) can be accessed by clicking here.

The Victorian Parliament second reading speech about the Retail Leases Act 2003 can be accessed here (this speech details the key elements of the legislation and the reasons behind its development).

Some Victorian leases are still covered by the Retail Tenancies Reform Act 1998 and the Retail Tenancies Act 1986 (these Acts were also amended by the Retail Leases (Amendment) Act 2005).

The Retail Tenancies Reform Act 1998 can be downloaded by clicking here. 
The Retail Tenancies Act 1986 can be downloaded by clicking here.

In 2005 the Retail Leases Act 2003, Retail Tenancies Reform Act 1998 and Retail Tenancies Act 1986 were all amended by the  Retail Leases (Amendment) Act 2005, which was introduced to implement practical improvements to retail leasing legislation. The second reading speech for the Retail Leases (Amendment) Act 2005 can be found by clicking here.

Other relevant pieces of leasing legislation relevant to Victorian retail leases are:

- section 146 of the Property Law Act 1958 (Restrictions and relief against forfeiture of leases and under-leases). Click here for details.

- section 42A-42F of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1958 (Removal and Disposal of Goods left on Vacated Premises). Click here for details.

If you have queries about any aspects of retail leasing legislation, please contact the VSBC on (03) 9651 9316.