Commercial Leases in Western Australia during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Acknowledging small business, including the retail sector, have been hard-hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, changes to commercial tenancy laws in WA are providing some relief through what is defined as this “emergency period”. Solomon Brothers partner, Chris Williams, provides a summary of these legislative changes and their impact on both landlords and tenants.
ASIC’s beef with Westpac over responsible lending duties
On 13 August 2019, the Federal Court of Australia handed down its judgment in Australian Securities and Investments Commission v Westpac Banking Corporation (Liability Trial) [2019] FCA 1244 (“the Liability Trial”).
Commercial Rent Reduction Negotiation: Getting a great result for all parties
What to do when a commercial tenant asks for a rent reductionThe starting point for a landlord is to understand what new regulations may apply to the lease. Currently (as at 1 May 2020) in Western Australia the only change to commercial tenancy laws that has been made to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic comprises the enactment of the Commercial Tenancies (COVID-19 Respons...