How Much Control?
February 27, 2008
There appears to be an increasing trend in municipalities in the United States to regulate aesthetics and use through the development of 'chronic nuisance' statutes that permit property closure, and regulation of vacant properties.
An Exculpatory Clause Is Not a 'Get Out of Jail Free' Card
February 27, 2008
Until recently, it appeared that exculpatory clauses could exonerate a party from liability under all circumstances. According to case precedent, in a landord/tenant context, it seemed as though a landlord need only cite economic self-interest as the basis for its non-performance under the lease agreement and enforce the exculpatory clause against its tenant, thereby limiting the tenant's remedies to specific performance, injunctive relief, and/or arbitration.
In the Spotlight: Considerations for Payment of a Construction Allowance
February 27, 2008
Several issues arise when contemplating the payment of a construction allowance to the tenant. In particular, issues such as the manner and timing for payment of the construction allowance, documentation required for the payment, and repayment in the event of a default by the tenant, should all be considered when addressing the issue of the construction allowance in the lease. This article discusses the foregoing issues and addresses various manners in which these issues can be dealt with in the lease.
The Best Way to Resolve Real Estate and Construction Disputes
February 27, 2008
For parties to real estate transactions and those involved in construction projects, alternative dispute resolution methods, including binding arbitration and non-binding mediation, offer proven and successful alternatives to an often inefficient and expensive court system. As this article illustrates, alternative dispute resolution requires utilizing trained, experienced, and cost-conscious mediators or arbitrators who are much better at resolving real estate disputes than are the inefficient and often ineffective courts.
Cleaning up After Debtor/Tenants
February 26, 2008
The Ninth Circuit has created a dubious distinction between tort-like damages and other non-rent damages that will undoubtedly spawn uncertainty and litigation. The authors explain why.
The Leasing Hotline
January 31, 2008
Highlights of the latest commercial leasing cases from around the country.
Using a License Agreement Instead of a Lease
January 31, 2008
Given the need of landlords to be relieved of the onerous burdens and frustrations of traditional landlord-tenant litigation, a license agreement may be useful for the right business plan.This article discusses the license agreement — its limitations and its powers. It also dissects and explains when and how to use a license agreement, and the ability to effectuate self-help properly.
