Defining Unconscionable Conduct Protect Yourself Against Unreasonable Landlords

When it comes to doing business, the life mantra applies – do business with others as you would want to be done business with. Treating your customers, employees and tenants with respect is one of the most effective strategies to a successful enterprise and it makes sound business sense.

However, some commercial property owners are guilty of unconscionable conduct in their dealings with tenants, which has resulted in a crackdown by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) in order to protect tenant rights and ensure businesses conduct their affairs in a fair and appropriate manner.

Take the recent case with ACCC v Dukemaster Pty Ltd [2009] FCA 682 (Dukemaster). The landlord was found guilty of unconscionable conduct and taking advantage of tenant ignorance, including:

-taking unfair advantage of the tenants limited English language skills to gain advantage;

-using unfair tactics, such as demanding immediate responses, which prevented the tenants from obtaining legal advice;

-sending unwarranted letters of demand, threatening eviction and refusing to negotiate on the terms of the lease;

-falsely representing that rent was reasonable and below market value, when the landlord did not believe this
Dukemaster was ordered to pay the tenants $275,000 to compensate for loss of business and damages.

What can tenants do to protect themselves?

Unconscionable conduct is not tolerated, but hopefully you wont have to go through a legal battle to demand respect and fair treatment. Tenants need to arm themselves with knowledge on how to protect themselves against unreasonable commercial real estate lease demands:

-Approach the landlord if you believe that a commercial property owner is being unreasonably harsh with lease terms, approach your landlord to negotiate. Many landlords will be quite reasonable in negotiations as theyll be keen to keep on a good tenant.

-Get an independent valuation if you believe that the rent is too high or unreasonable, request an independent valuation of the market. Sydney commercial property valuations are available from expert consultants to paint you an unbiased and fair picture of the commercial landscape.

-Seek legal advice if you have any doubts about your lease terms and contract, seek legal advice. Keep a thorough written record of all negotiations and agreements.

-Refer the matter to a Small Business Commissioner the state and federal government offers services and advice for small businesses that may need help. The Dukemaster case was referred to the ACCC by the Small Business Commissioner of Victoria while NSW tenants can find out more at smallbiz.nsw.gov.au.

Possession drug lawyer Sydney – How To Find A Reputed Criminal Lawyer In Sydney

A criminal lawyer works for people who are accused of felonies such as assault, family violence, murder, embezzlement etc. generally, the service of a criminal lawyer is essential to make sure that all your legal rights are sheltered throughout the judicial process. As the criminal consequences may include imprisonment, mandatory treatment, fines and probations it is always advisable to hire a defense criminal lawyer with adequate expertness and experience in the field. There are various resources available out there to find a competent and experienced criminal lawyer.

Always referrals are considered to be as the most important source. The name of a reputed and competed criminal lawyer may comes from any circle such as family, colleagues, friends etc. the public defender’s office in your state will also be able to suggest a competent criminal lawyer for you.

Another best way of finding an expert criminal lawyer is observing public sessions when criminal cases are being held in the court. If you find a particular competent lawyer who is enough to handle your case, you can certainly approach his or her. Professional organizations are also an excellent source of finding a criminal lawyer. Office of organizations in your region will also be able to provide lists of competent lawyers in your area. Some of the organizations will offer several referral services even though internet. In addition to it, the service of local bar associations can be utilized to gather information on a perspective criminal lawyer such as how many experience a particular criminal lawyer has in this field. Through telephone directories, newspapers and yellow pages are other sources to find proficient lawyers.

The internet is undoubtedly the most valuable tool to search for a reputed lawyer. A quick internet search will give you a wide range of websites of different criminal lawyers and their personal information. It will allow you to compare the different potential choices and to opt for the lawyer who seems to be best to defend your rights. Apart from your information, you can also use websites to contact the lawyer directly and ask anything you wish. It is possible to obtain a free consultation session with lawyer of your choice so that you can be able to get to know how they approach your case. Choosing the right criminal lawyer will be instrumental in your case.

If you have been arrested in Sydney country, you will need the representation of a Trimmer Defense Criminal Lawyer in Sydney.

Making The Grade Understanding Commercial Property Ratings

If you’re looking to start up a business in Sydney CBD, one of the greatest challenges is finding suitable office space. Unlike looking for a flat or home, your commercial real estate is critical to your business – location and appearances are everything; but how do you balance the best expensive costs of prime commercial with your operations budget?

Australia has a commercial property rating system that helps businesses determine which type of property is best suited for their needs. From the most expensive Grade A Sydney CBD locale, to Grade D bare bones facilities, find out what grades of commercial property are out there and what it all means for your business.

Which Grade of Commercial Property is best suited to your business needs?

Grade A: Grade A properties are prime locations in highly sought-after addresses. The properties will be in the heart of the financial or business districts and be relatively new or recently refurbished, with state-of-the-art fixtures and fittings. Rents in Grade A offices will naturally tend to be higher, catering to the executive classes of Fortune 500 companies. Traditionally, Grade A property tends to be leased or bought by banks, brokerage houses and high-profile law firms. Meanwhile, with the latest boom in the demand for sustainable and ecologically advanced premises, many of the newest “green” buildings tend to fall within the A Grade. Cities like Sydney always growing and Grade A property is now available in many outside of the immediate CBD to business districts in the City Fringe, including Surry Hills and Pyrmont.

Grade B: As Grade A property tends to be scarce and relatively pricey, the majority of businesses, especially newer ventures, will opt for Grade B office space. Grade B buildings will be less expensive but include all your standard amenities to make a good impression. Grade B offices tend to be a little bit away from the prime markets, but they could be on a main strip in a smaller city fringe suburb. Smaller law firms, independent investment consultants or doctors’ offices make great use of Grade B buildings. Many cities have Grade B office building clusters near airports or other transportation hubs, but away from the central “downtown” areas and business districts.

Grade C: Grade C properties are inexpensive, functional buildings. Furniture and fittings tend to be older and buildings are maintained to a lower standard than higher grade buildings. Grade C offices are best suited to call centres, small firms and start-ups and will tend to be older and located farther out of the central business districts. Don’t look for pretty lobbies or plush carpeting in Grade C buildings; these are about function over form.

Grade D: Grade D office space is the least expensive commercial property grade – and for good reason. Office space in Grade D buildings tends to cramped, furnishings and fixtures are relatively shabby. Most of the space in the facilities will be used for storage or manufacturing. Grade D buildings are well outside the standard business areas, often located in industrial parks. Grade D properties are suited for manufacturing or distribution companies that require large warehouse industrial real estate in Sydney or storage space as adjuncts to office space.

Meanwhile, some central CBD areas have gone beyond the traditional grading system. Some of the most exclusive property is now considered “Premium” property above Grade A. Look for these at prime locations with “Harbour Views” and exceptional quality.

Keep in mind that when you pick your commercial real estate, it’s more than just the grade that matters. Consider for example whether you need a store front. You can often go a grade up in your choices by downsizing your space requirements or looking outside the CBD to outer suburbs, such as the City Fringe.

Real Estate Auctions Sydney Basics and Benefits that you should Know

An auction is a method of selling wherein goods and services are offered for bidding to the public. The person who offers the highest bid wins. Real estate auctions Sydney on the other hand are auctions mainly focusing on real estate properties within and around Sydney. This is an innovative and effective way of selling real estate properties. All kinds of properties are sold here from luxury homes to foreclosures and this is done through an open and competitive bidding.

Real estate auctions Sydney do not only work for those who want to sell property. It is also a good venue for buyers who are looking to buy property for different reasons like investment or personal use. Even realtors or real estate agents can take advantage of these auctions. In fact, these can benefit everyone involved in the business transaction.

Here are benefits of real estate auctions Sydney for sellers of property:

Buyers go to the venue prepared to buy

The property is exposed to a bigger number of potential buyers

The property can be sold at shorter period of time

When the property is sold quickly, it lessens the costs involved in maintenance, taxes and fees

The process is easier for the seller because it eliminates numerous showings. The seller is not involved in the negotiation process as well.

There is focus on marketing and advertising of the auction that can benefit the seller’s property and its exposure

Competitive bidding can increase the bids and get the seller a good price for the property. Seller can get more profit

Benefits for the buyers:

Assurance that the seller is willing to sell

Property can be bought at a good or even bargain price

No need to go through a long negotiation process

Saves the buyer time to go to each individual viewing. Multiple properties can be seen at one time

Buyers can determine the price based of the bids they give

There is transparency so the buyer knows that he or she is competing with other interested buyers fairly Benefits for the realtor or real estate agent:

Has more options to offer to clients

Property is exposed to more people

The auction can bring in people who can look at other property listings aside from the auction listing

The amount of time spent to sell the property is relatively shorter

A successful auction can be good for the reputation of the agent or realtor. It can mean return business or referrals.

All of the benefits mentioned above just show that these are the reasons why more and more people prefer real estate auctions Sydney as a way to buy, sell or deal property. It is important though that you also choose the real estate auction house or auctioneer properly. This will also be a good way to determine the success of selling or buying a property. Be sure that you do not make any decisions without checking your options.

When looking for an auction company, you can do no better than Auction Works Online. We offer you the best deals and the best services so visit us at our website.

The Importance of Seeking Professional Help for Purchase of Real Estate in Sydney

Sydney is one of the major international hotspots in the real estate
market. It is due to this fact that a large number of investors from
across the globe are attracted by the prospects of buying real estate in
this world class city. However, getting the right property at the right
location and within the right price range is not that easy, especially
for people who possess little or no knowledge about the real estate
market in Sydney. It is advisable for such people to seek the assistance
of professionals who can help buying real estate to match the taste and
budget of individual clients. Given the increasing value of property in
this part of the globe, it is not difficult to find professional agents
and developers who can help clients get the best deals.

Professionals operating as buyers advocate Sydney are well aware of the
current trends in the market and the best properties for profitable
investments. Their extensive experience plus the contacts developed
through years, help them to remain updated about the latest developments
in the market. This in turn proves extremely beneficial for the
clients, who just need to follow the advice of a trusted real estate
agent or developer to grab the best and the most profitable deals. In
fact it is not unusual for real estate agents to help their clients get
favorable deals on properties that have not even been put up in the
market for sale.

Another benefit of hiring professionals to help
buying real estate in Sydney is that they are well aware of the local
laws and regulations applicable to foreign investors. Although this
information can e easily obtained online or through other source, the
ability and the knack of dealing with government officials is something
that is learned only through experience. Moreover, even in case the
foreign investors overlook any rule or clause, the professional buyers
advocate Sydney can handle the same without creating any additional
complication in the completion of the deal.

Most professional real estate dealers believe in building a strong and
transparent relationship with their clients. That is why they make
sincere efforts to ensure that every individual client property that
suits their requirements as well as their pockets and also offers a god
profit margin in case of people for whom, buying real estate is just
another means of investing their money. They not only keep track of the
ups and downs of the market but also the specific needs of every
individual client, which is important for ensuring total happiness of
the clients. Moreover, a satisfied client often ensures good publicity
for their business, which is turn help the estate agents too realize
their own long term business and career goals.

Things That Real Estate Agents Need To Consider While Providing Guidance About Buying Property In Sy

Sydney besides being a major commercial hub is also one of the most
populated cities of Australia and the world. With an increasing number
of people willing to migrate to the city for ensuring a better career
and future, the demand for real estate Sydney is definitely on the rise.
Consequently, the profession of real estate agent or developer has
become one of the most preferred and well paid jobs. However, in order
to truly achieve success as a real estate agent, these professionals
need to have a deep understanding of not only the real estate market but
also the diverse clients they deal with. The task of providing help
buying a property in Sydney to clients is one of great responsibility
and involves the consideration of following factors.

The Type of Property:
The real estate agents need to truly understand the requirements of the
clients in term of the size and the style of the property they are
seeking. This knowledge helps them to direct the client to the right
kind of properties and win their trust, which is extremely important for
a strong working relationship.

Purpose of Buying Property:
Many people buy property just for investment purposes, while others
want to buy real estate Sydney for building their home. Being clear
about the intention of the clients with respect to the property plays a
critical role in determining which properties would suit them the most.

The Preferred Location:
People, who seek help buying property in Sydney for residential
purposes are generally quite sensitive about its location. Professionals
seek a property that is close to their place of work, even if it means
paying a considerably higher amount. There are still others who like to
sty away from the hustle and bustle of the city and seek a quite little
place away from the crowd but well within the city limits.

The Structural Aspects:
A good real estate agents also takes into consideration the structural
aspects preferred by the clients. This includes understanding whether
the clients prefer a newly constructed house/apartment or can settle for
one that has passed through the hands of various owners. Moreover, they
also need to know if he clients are willing to undertake minor repair
work in case of second hand houses/apartments.

The Budget Limit:
Budget definitely plays the most important role in determining the type
of property that the clients can get. As such it is important for the
real estate agents to consider the maximum budget limits of different
client before suggesting relevant property options to them. The real
estate agents also need to educate the clients about the various factors
that affect the price of a property to help them get the best deal.

What Are Gen Y Looking For In Office Space

Todays employers looking to invest in the future know that hiring and keeping fresh talent is a must. Gen Y workers are highly coveted in the employment space for their unique skills, including computer proficiency and an in depth understanding for Web 2.0 and digital media. Attracting young talent is a must for any growing business, so here are a few ideas to keep in mind when looking for office space in Sydney.

Location Gen Y arent just choosing a job theyre deciding on a lifestyle. This means their work facilities are extra important. If youre looking for Sydney commercial real estate, find a location that is close to public transport and a thriving neighbourhood. Look for restaurants, pubs and a community atmosphere.

Update your technology this generation is tech savvy and theyll expect the technological support for their work. Upgrade your computers and adapt Wi-FI, video conferencing and other tools to streamline your operations. Look into smart phones to keep your workers up to speed.

Work and Play turn your workplace into a nurturing environment. By giving your staff break out areas that include a bit of fun, such as a gaming console or ping pong table, youre showing your consideration for their needs. Gen Y workers, especially, are generally willing to work longer hours to get the job done but it means taking well deserved breaks throughout the day.

Be Socially Responsible with the media abuzz about climate change and corporate fraud, workers are looking for their employers to be accountable for their actions and to do something for the community. Donating to charity, having an environmental policy and participating in community events makes workers, young and old, feel good about the organisation they work for. Most of all show your appreciation for your workers contributions. A thriving team supports one another.

Be Unique distinguish yourselves from the rest. Having a creative space, such as a converted warehouse, gives your organisation personality. Young workers love creative and unique working environments something just a little bit off the beaten path. Get your business to stand out from the crowd.