Dispute Insights & Case Examples
The best decisions are often made when you have gathered as much information as possible relevant to the issue. The Queensland Small Business Commissioner provides insights and information on different types of disputes to help those in dispute decide what to do next.
Unexpected Cost Increases in Commercial and Retail Leases: How to Respond (and How to Prevent Them)
For many small businesses, lease costs are one of the biggest fixed expenses. When a landlord or their ...
Before You Sign: Understanding Council Planning Rules for Your Business Lease
Before you sign a lease or invest in fit-out works, it’s crucial to understand council planning rules that ...
GST Charges in Commercial Leases
The Office of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) has provided information to callers enquiring about the application ...
Leaking Roof Disputes in a Commercial Lease
In the 2025/26 financial year the Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) held mediations for multiple cases involving leased ...
How a retail and commercial tenant advocate can help you
A retail and commercial tenant advocate simply put is someone who gives professional advice to commercial or retail ...
Struggling to Pay Rent on Your Commercial Lease
If you’re finding it hard to pay rent on your commercial lease, you’re not alone. Many small businesses ...
Understanding the Return of a Commercial Lease Bond in Queensland
When a commercial lease ends, one of the final matters to resolve is the return of the bond ...
Understanding Outgoings in Your Non-Retail Lease in Queensland
When you are running a business in Queensland and leasing a non-retail space, it is crucial to understand ...
Ending a Lease Early – What’s in it for either party?
There may come a time when a commercial or retail tenant or landlord wants to end their lease ...
Form 7 Lease Breach Notices
A commercial lease breach notice is a formal notification from a property owner that the tenant has failed ...
What is a Retail Shop Lease in Queensland?
Understanding the term retail shop lease and whether it applies to your lease can be crucial (and complex). ...
Asking for rent relief if commercial property is damaged or unusable
If you believe you are entitled (under your lease or legislation) to rent relief (also known as a ...
Unpaid Invoices: Practical Steps to Help You Recover What’s Owed
Running a small business is no small feat, and when a client or customer doesn’t pay an invoice, ...
Seeking Legal Advice: Your Compass in Dispute Resolution
Disagreements and legal disputes are often fraught with intense emotions and complex legalities. Understanding where you stand legally ...
Understanding Interim/Injunction Orders in Lease Disputes
Navigating conflicts over your retail shop lease isn't just challenging—it's often time-sensitive. For urgent issues that demand immediate ...
Signed a Contract but Want to Exit? What You Need to Know
Whether it’s for digital services, supply of items for resale, partnerships, or another business agreement, signing a contract ...
Meta shutdowns: The Risks of Relying on One Platform
Have you heard about small businesses having their Facebook and Instagram accounts instantly shut down, in some cases ...
Queensland’s New Property Law Act: What Commercial Tenants, Landlords and Property Agents Need to Know
From 1 August 2025, the Queensland Property Law Act 2023 (The Act) introduced changes to how some leases ...
How Energy Brokers Can Help Small Business Owners
In today’s unpredictable energy market, small business owners face rising costs and shifting tariffs — often without the ...
Cyberattacks on small business
Cyberattacks are common. According to the latest report from the Australian Signals Directorate, one occurs every six minutes, ...
Retail Shop Lease Forms for Queensland Retail Tenants and Landlords
Navigating retail shop leasing can be challenging for both tenants and landlords, but having the right forms and ...
Resolution through mediation
The two most common topics of dispute that our Assistance team receives are security deposit returns and disputes ...
Decision makers in a dispute
When parties go to mediation the best outcomes are always achieved when the decision-makers participate in the process. ...