The Victorian Small Business Commission (VSBC) has published an updated Retail Leases Information Brochure for Tenants, which landlords in Victoria are required by law to give to prospective retail tenants. The updated brochure provides important information in plain English and common community languages in Victoria. This helps Victorian retail businesses and landlords understand their rights and responsibilities
The updated brochure is available from 1 June 2026, giving landlords and their representatives four weeks to prepare before it becomes mandatory on 1 July 2026.
For any new retail lease negotiations starting on or after 1 July 2026 in Victoria, landlords must provide a copy of the new brochure. This edition replaces all previous versions.
Under the Retail Leases Act 2003, landlords entering negotiations for a new lease must give prospective tenants a copy of the proposed lease and a copy of the Retail Leases Information Brochure: For Tenants.
The updated brochure helps tenants make informed decisions and avoid common issues that can lead to costly leasing disputes.
Landlords and their representatives are encouraged to download the updated brochure and start providing it to prospective tenants. Landlords who fail to provide the brochure may face a fine if the VSBC investigates and decides to prosecute.
To support Victoria’s diverse small business community, the updated brochure is available in 14 languages:
- Arabic
- Dari
- Farsi
- Chinese (Simplified)
- Chinese (Traditional)
- Spanish
- Turkish
- Vietnamese
- Hindi
- Punjabi
- Tamil
- Greek
- French
- Italian
The updated brochure can be downloaded now by visiting vsbc.vic.gov.au/new-brochure.
Quotes attributable to Interim Commissioner Tim Symons
“This guidance helps prospective tenants enter a lease with their eyes wide open. We’ve updated the Retail Leases Information Brochure for Tenants to clearly explain tenant rights and responsibilities, and the questions people should ask to help avoid disputes.”
“We’ve published this guidance in plain English and commonly used community languages so that more people can understand it. This supports a fair and competitive business environment in Victoria.”
“I thank landlords for doing their part by sharing the Retail Leases Information Brochure for Tenants at the start of lease negotiations. A clear understanding of the premises and lease terms helps both parties.”
“I strongly encourage landlords and their representatives to download the new brochure now so they are ready to comply from 1 July 2026.”
About us:
The VSBC is the statutory authority on retail leasing in Victoria and administers alternative dispute resolution services for retail landlords and tenants.
Contact details:
Nick Edrington [email protected] 0488 565 058
