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Lease · 03

Lease to opening

A lease is not a purchase. Occupancy can still need registration, fit-out consent and a lawful use.

First job Separate the lease file from a purchase, then map what must be true to occupy.

Start here

Key considerations

  1. Residential or commercial?
  2. Who must sign, and is the landlord the registered owner?
  3. What must be true to open or move in?

Decision map

Keep the question bounded.

  1. Confirm the landlord’s titleThe register still matters.
  2. Scope the leaseTerm, use, fit-out, restoration.
  3. Map openingRegistration and licences that sit after keys.

Timeline

Sequence and clocks that change the next action.

  1. Before signingTitle and who may grant the lease.
  2. After keysRegistration, fit-out, opening licences if commercial.

Curated resources

Open the asset that matches this job.

Helpful to prepare

Facts that make the next conversation clearer.

These items are orientation aids, not a legal requirement list.

  1. Use: live or operate
  2. Whether the counterparty is the registered owner
  3. Target occupancy date

Local context

Add the city — eligibility is local.

Purchase eligibility, registration and bureau practice are city-specific after the national title question is identified.

Open city and province guides

Counsel hand-off

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This hub organises title, lease, purchase and remittance questions. It does not transfer title, register a lease or move funds on your facts.

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Directory and legal information only — not legal advice. Confirm current rules with qualified counsel.

Editorial policy · Last reviewed August 2026 · Real Property