NSW retailers are invited to comment on a discussion paper that proposes a series of changes to the Retail Leases Act 1994 to correct the power imbalance between retail tenants and landlords.

Among the proposals are:

• a rent reduction during the period between a lease ending and landlord and retailer agreeing on a new lease
• scope for rent reductions when a landlord introduces competition or changes the tenancy mix in an unanticipated way that affects a tenant’s profitability
• the establishment of a Retail Advocate to investigate and advocate on behalf of retailers
• a requirement that the landlord's access to a tenant guarantee depend on agreement between landlord and tenant or an order from the Administrative Decisions Tribunal.

Download the discussion paper, Issues Affecting the Retail Leasing Industry in NSW. Submissions must be made by 26 May 2008.