---
title: "Record whether an unsigned retail arrangement has started"
url: "https://ailawframework.com/practice/commercial-property-and-leasing/record-whether-an-unsigned-retail-arrangement-has-started"
type: "task"
site: "AI Law Framework"
id: "A10-TM20261022-14"
practice_area: "Commercial Property & Leasing"
tier: "yellow"
lawyer_review: "required"
last_reviewed: "2026-10-22"
---

# Record whether an unsigned retail arrangement has started

> Record whether both parties have signed. If they have not, record whether the lessee has taken possession or has begun to pay rent, and whether keys were handed over for a pre-lease inspection or as the start of the…

Canonical page: https://ailawframework.com/practice/commercial-property-and-leasing/record-whether-an-unsigned-retail-arrangement-has-started  
Last reviewed: 2026-10-22

Site index for agents: https://ailawframework.com/llms.txt

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Practice area | [Commercial Property & Leasing](https://ailawframework.com/practice/commercial-property-and-leasing.md) |
| Human involvement | Yellow: Lawyer and AI draft together |
| How AI is used | Record whether both parties have signed. If they have not, record whether the lessee has taken possession or has begun to pay rent, and whether keys were handed over for a pre-lease inspection or as the start of the lease. Do not say that a lease exists. |
| What the lawyer must review | The lawyer decides whether a lease has started and on what terms. The Act was not opened. |
| Written for / versions | 1 jurisdiction versions below |

## Checking plan

**Source-by-source verification**

Trace relied-on content to independent sources and check for relevant material the output has missed.

- What the AI does: Record whether both parties have signed. If they have not, record whether the lessee has taken possession or has begun to pay rent, and whether keys were handed over for a pre-lease inspection or as the start of the lease. Do not say that a lease exists.
- What the lawyer does: The lawyer decides whether a lease has started and on what terms. The Act was not opened.
- Who reviews: Responsible lawyer with competence in the matter
- Basis: Practical workflow informed by the linked primary sources; the traffic light and working checks are editorial guidance, not a court classification.
- Why: The level reflects what the work is, the consequence of an error, and how much of the output the lawyer must independently re-derive.

## Checks the lawyer makes

1. The guide says a lease typically starts when both parties sign.
2. It also says a lease can start even if an agreement has not been signed, if the lessee takes possession or begins to pay rent.
3. Accepting the keys may be enough. Record whether the handover was for a pre-lease inspection or was meant to start the lease. Do not choose.
4. Do not use this note as a decision that retail leases legislation applies. That question is a separate task.

## Notes

- These are suggested working checks. Confirm the required checking with the responsible lawyer before work starts; the checking approach does not establish permission to use AI.

## Sources

- [NSW Small Business Commissioner, Retail tenancy guide](https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/about-retail-leases/retail-tenancy-guide) (checked 2026-10-22)

## Jurisdiction versions

| Jurisdiction | Level |
| --- | --- |
| [United States](https://ailawframework.com/practice/commercial-property-and-leasing/record-whether-an-unsigned-retail-arrangement-has-started/united-states.md) | Yellow |

*Practice guidance for planning and review. Confirm current primary sources and the requirements of the actual matter. This is general information, not legal advice.*