Thread: what would you do?

Sorry to hear Dave. From my one law subject I'm pretty sure that any contract that has anything illegal in it is invalid. Ie you could ask someone to do a hit on someone and get them to sign it. But, because the contract is contrary to the laws of the country it is, of course, invalid and not enforceable.

Move premises or work from home Dave. I have just shut down one of our offices in SA for similar reasons as the real estate agent was just being plain greedy and unreasonable. Totally changed the way we operate the business in SA and aside from the office running costs, outgoings and staff, have added a flat $25K p/a to our bottom line now that we don't have to pay rent.
Sounds like there are few positives in your situation either now or down the track if you decide to sell, so as asked, my opinion would be to change the way you operate, assuming you can still service your existing clients albeit slightly differently and look to control as much of your outgoings as you can.

One other point which may be relevant, with the changes I have made to our SA operation (which was operating from an office for 7 year) we have injected a breath of fresh air into the business as this gave us the opportunity to dismantle the current structure (based on a 10 year old business model) and piece it back together again. Things are now running far more efficiently as I was forced to look at each process from a work/return point of view. i.e, does this need done like this and is it earning me money.

I seem to have gone off a bit but to sumise, move

Well, I would have no hesitation in presenting a written complaint about the agent's conduct complete with copies of all documentation to the relevant Dept demanding they take action about an agent acting illegally. Copies to your state member and the relevant minister requesting they supervise the Dept's actions on your behalf and keep you informed of progress. They are, after all, your elected servants. Keep in mind the future possibility of forwarding the same documents to your local paper and The Courier Mail and the television do-gooders.

I think the relevant Department is now the Dept. of Tourism and Fair Trading, but your attorney should know which.

Next, research vacant shops in your preferred location, and if there are quite a few, inform the agent that there are a lot of long vacant shops around and a reduction in rent might keep a good tenant in the premises. Tell the landlord direct as well. Suggest to the landlord that a change of agent to one who operates legally and ethically might be preferable to being involved in legal actions brought about by his agent's misconduct.

Originally Posted by incisor

anyone need a 53 yr old fitter/welder ...

Get back on the tools and head west, buckets of money to be made!!!

Seriously though, unless you really need a shop front, I'd be trying to set up office at home.

after all this time it is finally sorted..

they eventually capitulated on all bar one clause which i finally got watered down to my satisfaction..

signed the new lease yesterday and while i was there it looks like i have picked up the legal eagles computer work as a bonus...

i can feel a contra coming on..

I hope it works out better than the last contra,,,,

Glad to hear it's sorted out Inc........took a while.

Aye, Mick

Glad you have it sorted Dave

I should tell you some stories dealing with Centro Properties and Westfieldthey are all a bunch of f.....wits to deal with

But thats how it is aye..can't do anything about it

Camo