Commercial Lease Checker
Answer 18 questions about your lease and get an instant risk assessment across six key areas — term and renewal, rent and escalation, maintenance, exit rights, landlord protections, and compliance.
How it works
Work through each section. At the end you will receive a risk score for each area and an overall assessment with recommended next steps.
This tool provides a general risk overview based on your answers. It does not constitute legal advice. Have your lease reviewed by ClauseWise before signing or renewing.
Term & Renewal
Lease duration, renewal rights, and notice obligations.
1.1Is the lease term longer than 3 years without a break clause?
1.2Does the lease renew automatically unless you give notice?
1.3Is the renewal notice period longer than 3 months?
Rent & Escalation
Rental amount, escalation formula, and additional charges.
2.1Does the lease allow the landlord to increase rent by more than CPI?
2.2Are operating costs (rates, levies, utilities) charged separately and uncapped?
2.3Is there a turnover rent clause (rent linked to your business revenue)?
Maintenance & Fit-out
Repair obligations, fit-out rights, and reinstatement.
3.1Are you responsible for structural or major repairs under the lease?
3.2Does the lease require you to reinstate the premises to original condition on exit?
3.3Does the lease restrict your right to make alterations without landlord consent?
Exit & Assignment
Early termination, subletting, and assignment rights.
4.1Is there no break clause or early termination right in the lease?
4.2Does the lease prohibit subletting or assignment without landlord consent?
4.3Are the penalties for early termination not clearly defined in the lease?
Landlord Protections
Suretyship, deposit, and landlord remedies.
5.1Are you required to provide a personal suretyship for the lease?
5.2Is the deposit more than 2 months' rent?
5.3Does the lease give the landlord the right to cancel for any breach without a cure period?
Compliance & Use
Permitted use, regulatory compliance, and CPA applicability.
6.1Is the permitted use clause narrowly defined (limiting your business activities)?
6.2Does the lease place all regulatory compliance obligations on you (including zoning)?
6.3Is your annual turnover below R2 million (making the CPA potentially applicable)?
Answer all 18 questions to see your results