The Law Association of New Zealand



Commercial Lease Disputes: Prevention and Cure (2025) (On Demand)

Buy Now

This On Demand was recorded on 27 November 2025.

Commercial leases are a key document for many businesses. When things go awry, clients expect lawyers to be able to provide clear advice on liability, remedies, and process. Focussing on some of the usual friction points between landlords and tenants, this On Demand will assist property lawyers, general practitioners and litigators to develop their understanding of some common areas of commercial lease disputes and how to resolve them or possibly avoid them in the first place.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand the scope of landlords' and tenants’ repair, maintenance, and make-good obligations.
  • Learn about what happens when premises are damaged.
  • Gain insights into some related forms of liability outside the terms of the lease, such as the Building Act, Health and Safety at Work Act, and tort law.
  • Get to grips with the basics of arbitration, mediation, and expert determination and how to “right-size” your dispute resolution process for the dispute.


Who Should Watch?

Property lawyers and general practitioners looking to develop their understanding of some common areas of commercial lease disputes and how to resolve them. Litigators wanting to develop an understanding of some of the unique aspects of commercial lease disputes.


Presenters

Edward Scorgie, Partner, Chapman Tripp
William Cheyne, Senior Associate, Chapman Tripp


William Cheyne

William is a commercial litigation and dispute resolution specialist. He has a broad commercial practice with a particular emphasis on contentious property matters.

He frequently advises clients on their rights and obligations under commercial leases, including issues around repairs and maintenance, make-good obligations and rent reviews.

Clients also ask for his advice on acquisition and development agreement disputes, tort claims, and matters arising under the Public Works Act and Unit Titles Act. 

William has appeared in the Court of Appeal, High Court and District Court, including as sole counsel. Before joining Chapman Tripp, he was a judges’ clerk at the Auckland High Court.

Outside the court system, William has helped secure commercial settlements through a range of alternative dispute resolution methods.


04befb6b-58af-ee11-a569-000d3ad2920b
Edward Scorgie

Edward specialises in disputes arising from construction and infrastructure projects, as well as in building regulation and building product liability.  He also regularly advises and represents clients in contentious leasing issues, particularly relating to building condition, dilapidation, repair and maintenance obligations, and rent reviews.

He represents clients in all forms of formal and informal dispute resolution processes, and under all major standard forms of construction contracts.

Edward is a director of the New Zealand Building Industry Federation and is also Chair of Chapman Tripp’s Community Committee, which administers the firm’s substantial portfolio of pro bono work, as well as its community, sustainability and environmental initiatives.


05c26e5e-58af-ee11-a569-000d3ad2920b

Details

CPD Hours: 1.00hr

Pricing Details

Ticket Price

Member: $115 plus GST
Non-Member: $160 plus GST





This On Demand includes the video and materials, and will earn CPD. 

Click here to access materials only.



Loading...