For many commercial landlords, the ‘Make Good’ clause is treated as a problem for the end of the lease.
That approach is costing owners money.
In reality, ‘Make Good’ is one of the most powerful financial protections available to landlords — but only when it’s managed proactively. By the time a tenant vacates, the opportunity to properly protect asset value has often already passed.
Protecting your investment isn’t a final clean-up job.
It’s a Day One strategy.
Why ‘Make Good’ Fails for So Many Landlords
Most disputes, delays and value leakage at lease expiry can be traced back to one issue:
a lack of clarity from the beginning of the lease.
When documentation is incomplete, responsibilities are unclear, or compliance has been poorly tracked, landlords are forced into reactive, expensive negotiations at exit — often under time pressure and with limited leverage.
A proactive asset management approach removes this risk entirely.
How We Future-Proof ‘Make Good’ From Day One
Lock Down Day One Data
End-of-lease outcomes are built on Day One documentation.
Before a tenant takes possession, we secure:
- Construction Documentation Certificates (CDC) or Development Approvals (DA)
- A comprehensive condition report
- Clear records of the property’s original state
This removes subjectivity and dispute by establishing an indisputable baseline for ‘Make Good’ obligations.
Know Your Asset — In Detail
A simple question creates massive liability if unanswered:
Who owns what?
We maintain a live, detailed register that tracks:
- Owner vs tenant assets
- All tenant installations
- Relevant certification and approvals
Documentation isn’t left until lease expiry — it’s actively maintained throughout the lease term.
Make the Exit Straightforward
Clarity is the cheapest form of protection.
When ‘Make Good’ expectations are clearly defined and agreed upon from the outset, tenant exits become structured handovers — not stressful, last-minute negotiations that delay reletting.
Keep the Asset Market-Ready
Ongoing compliance and essential services reporting is not optional.
By actively managing compliance throughout the lease, the property remains genuinely market-ready at expiry — reducing downtime, minimising vacancy risk, and preserving capital value.
Turning ‘Make Good’ Into a Financial Advantage
A proactive Day One strategy transforms ‘Make Good’ from a potential liability into a powerful financial tool.
It protects capital.
It reduces disputes.
And it shortens vacancy periods between tenants.
Is Your Portfolio Truly Protected?
If your ‘Make Good’ strategy only starts when a tenant is leaving, you may already be exposed.
If you’d like to understand whether your lease documentation and asset management processes are protecting your position, speak with our Director of Asset Management.
A short review today can prevent significant cost at the next tenant exit.