Entering into a commercial lease is a major undertaking for any business. As a result, it is important to ensure that all terms of the contract have been thoroughly reviewed before all parties agree to sign. However, it is common for certain issues in a lease to be left ambiguous, which can lead to a commercial lease dispute in the future. If your business has entered into a commercial lease dispute that is difficult to resolve, consult with an experienced Baltimore commercial lease dispute attorney.
At the Heyman Law Firm, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the legal representation needed to complex commercial law issues that can substantially impact their business. To schedule a confidential case evaluation, contact the Heyman Law Firm at (410) 305-9287, or contact us online.
Common Commercial Lease Disputes in Baltimore, MD
Commercial lease contracts are extremely complex as there are many more legal issues to consider in comparison to a lease for a residential property. If a landlord and tenant cannot agree on terms set in the contract or if a contract is silent regarding a particular issue, this could easily lead to a dispute between the two parties. Commercial lease disputes should be resolved as soon as possible, as it could affect many aspects of a company’s business.
The following is a list of common commercial lease disputes that commercial landlords or commercial tenants may encounter.
Ambiguous Lease Terms
Many commercial lease disputes arise due to a poorly drafted contract. An experienced attorney will ensure that a contract is fair while also meeting the needs of each party. For example, every commercial lease should discuss the method of renewing a lease. Failure to discuss this issue can result in a serious dispute if a tenant wishes to renew a lease in a manner that a landlord believes is incorrect. This is especially true if conditions for a lease have been altered during a company’s tenancy.
Breach of Lease Agreement
The breach of a commercial lease may occur if a commercial tenant or landlord fails to adhere to the terms of the contract. For example, a commercial lease may provide that a landlord is responsible for handling maintenance requests for the property. If a landlord fails to perform maintenance on their property within a reasonable timeframe or the timeframe stipulated in the contract, they could breach the lease agreement.
The breach of a commercial lease may occur for a variety of other reasons. A well-drafted commercial lease should provide remedies for a breach of contract regarding a number of issues. If the contract is silent regarding the remedy for a breach, a commercial litigation attorney can help you determine your legal options.
Subleasing
Subleasing is when a tenant wishes to rent a portion of their leased property to a third party that is not in privity of contract with the landlord. A commercial tenant may seek to sublet property in order to decrease the expenses associated with leasing the property. However, there are several issues that could arise when a tenant decides to sublet their property. For example, the tenant that subleased the property may cause serious damage to the property, which could make it difficult to determine who is responsible for repairing the damage.
Many commercial leases will contain anti-subletting provisions to prevent a tenant from moving in a third party. However, if a commercial lease does not discuss the issue of subletting, the dispute may require litigation to resolve.
Landlord and Tenant Rights
A commercial lease should provide the various rights of a landlord and tenant regarding the property. In some cases, these provisions may grant a landlord too much power in the operation of the property and even in the business of the tenant. Alternatively, a tenant may attempt to push the limits of their rights by making improvements to the property or other actions that were prohibited by the lease.
There are many other commercial lease disputes that may require litigation to resolve. Our firm understands how a commercial dispute can interfere with the business of a landlord or tenant, and we are here to help you determine the appropriate way to proceed with your particular contract dispute. The Heyman Law Firm is ready to work with you.
Consult with an Experienced Baltimore Commercial Lease Dispute Lawyer to Discuss Your Claim
If your business is in the midst of a commercial lease dispute, contact an experienced Baltimore commercial lease dispute lawyer. The legal team at the Heyman Law Firm possesses extensive years of experience litigating complex commercial law issues, and we are ready to use this knowledge to help you seek a desirable resolution to your case. To schedule a confidential legal consultation, contact the Heyman Law Firm at (410) 305-9287.