Menuko Pty Ltd v Tinine Group Pty Ltd [2007] NSWADT 149

Menuko Pty Ltd v Tinine Group Pty Ltd [2007] NSWADT 149

The ratchet provision in clause 8 is void because s.18(4) of the Retail Leases Act 1994 applies to changes in rent at the commencement of a renewed lease, preventing any clause that limits rent reduction to market rent.

Parties
Applicant: Menuko Pty Ltd; Respondent: Tinine Group Pty Ltd
Jurisdiction
Australia
Judgment Date
25 July 2007
Procedural Posture
Retail Lease Dispute / Principal Matter Decision
Outcome
declaration granted; ratchet clause void
Legal Topics
Retail Leases, Rent Review, Ratchet Clauses, Statutory Interpretation

Case Brief

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Parties

Menuko Pty Ltd

Applicant

Tinine Group Pty Ltd

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Retail Lease Dispute / Principal Matter Decision

  1. 1 Whether the 'ratchet' provision in clause 8 of the lease is void under s.18(4) of the Retail Leases Act 1994
  2. 2 Proper construction of clause 8 of the lease regarding rent payable on renewal
  3. 3 Applicability of s.18 of the Retail Leases Act 1994 to ratchet provisions on lease renewal

Ratio Decidendi

The ratchet provision in clause 8 is void because s.18(4) of the Retail Leases Act 1994 applies to changes in rent at the commencement of a renewed lease, preventing any clause that limits rent reduction to market rent.

Court Disposition

declaration granted; ratchet clause void

Orders

  • Declare that the final sentence of clause 8 of the lease is void by reason of s.18(4) of the Retail Leases Act
  • Parties wishing to make an application for costs to file and serve written submissions within 28 days of this decision, failing which there will be no order as to costs