Recent changes to Australia’s unfair contract terms laws have significantly increased the risks for businesses using standard form contracts — including commercial and retail leases. Penalties now apply for proposing or relying on unfair contract terms, making it more important than ever for business owners to understand how these laws may affect their leasing arrangements.
This practical presentation will provide small business owners with an overview of the unfair contract terms regime, how it applies to leases, and the types of clauses that commonly create legal and commercial risk for both landlords and tenants.
Topics covered will include:
- An overview of Australia’s unfair contract terms laws
- When a lease may be considered a “standard form contract”
- How the laws apply to small business leases
- Examples of lease clauses that may be considered unfair
- Risks associated with automatic renewals, unilateral variations and broad indemnities
- Penalties and consequences for non-compliance
- The impact of recent legislative changes
- Negotiating lease terms more effectively
- Practical tips for reviewing and managing lease risk
- Steps business owners can take before signing a lease
This session is designed for small business owners, landlords, tenants, and advisers seeking a clearer understanding of unfair contract terms laws and how they can affect leasing arrangements and commercial negotiations.
Thursday, 19 November 2026
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
RSVP
For more information, please contact:
e: events@dwfoxtucker.com.au
p: 8124 1811
Venue
DW Fox Tucker Lawyers
Level 14, 100 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Cost
No charge – event provided compliments of DW Fox Tucker Lawyers.
A light lunch will be provided from 12.45 pm.
