helpline

1800 413 828

Leases and Rent

Rent for commercial premises can be one of the biggest expenses for a small business.

If your cash flow is in trouble, paying rent on time can become more and more difficult – and stressful.

Even if you’re locked into a commercial lease, there are ways to reduce financial pressure to help your business keep operating.

When to seek help

Losing income can leave you feeling stuck: you need to keep your business open to make money, but you need money to keep your business open. You don’t have to struggle alone – get advice as soon as you can.

Act now if:

  • you can’t make your next rent payment
  • your business has closed and you need to get out of your lease
  • your rent has increased a lot and you can’t afford it
  • your landlord or agent is treating you unfairly or refusing to negotiate
  • you’re being threatened with legal action or repossession, or you’ve received a court order
  • your landlord or agent has changed the locks on your building.

Get free and confidential advice from a professional financial counsellor.
CALL THE SMALL BUSINESS DEBT HELPLINE TODAY ON 1800 413 828.
The sooner you call, the sooner we can help.

How we can help

No one expects you to have all the answers. But you do need to ask for help. That’s where we come in.

We can give you advice on:

  • your rights and responsibilities as a small business owner
  • what to do if you can’t pay your bills
  • negotiating a repayment arrangement with your landlord – for example, getting an extension or paying in instalments
  • dealing with disputes if your landlord refuses to negotiate
  • prioritising debts so you know what to pay back first
  • government grants and concessions.

We can also connect you with services that provide support in other ways, such as legal advice, face-to-face financial counselling and emotional support.

Who you'll talk to

When you call us, you’ll speak to a trained financial counsellor who specialises in debt management, negotiating and counselling for small business. Our service is free, independent and confidential.
We’ll give you options, tips and advice to manage your debts and get your finances under control. Find out more About us.

Get help today

We’ve helped hundreds of small business owners just like you. Don’t wait to get help, start taking control of your finances today. Call the Small Business Debt Helpline on 1800 413 828.

Don’t wait to get help, start taking control of your finances today.

Call the Small Business Debt Helpline on 1800 413 828

Support Line Hours

  • Mon to Fri: 9am to 5.30pm AEDT

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ABOUT US

  • The Small Business Debt Helpline was set up in 2020 by Financial Counselling Australia (FCA) with funding from the Australian Government. The Helpline was originally established as the Small Business Bushfire Financial Counselling Support Line.