Landlord & Tenant Law
October 01, 2020
MCI for New Carpeting Upheld
Tenant Breach by Making Renovation Without Permit Entitles Landlord to Possession
Issues of Fact Preclude Summary Judgment on Subtenant's Succession Defense
Density and Dimensional Bonuses Allowed for Mixed-Used Properties Under the Philadelphia Zoning Code
October 01, 2020
Part One in a Series
Over the years, the city government has amended the Philadelphia Zoning Code to include incentives to increase the amount of housing units as well as the size of such building structures. Over the course of several articles, we will be discussing the "zoning" bonuses a property owner can take advantage of when developing a property within city limits. This part delves into the Mixed Income Housing Bonus, Green Roof Bonus, and the Fresh Food Market Bonus.
Unforeseen Consequences for Bankruptcy Practice In CARES Act
October 01, 2020
This article highlights several of these outcomes and discrepancies of the CARES Act stimulus package, including how accepting crisis funding could lead to a company becoming more distressed, how bankruptcy courts are inconsistently ruling on the ability for Chapter 11 debtors to receive PPP loans and how changes to the Bankruptcy Code altered the rights of equity holders and debtholders.
New York's Commercial Lease Defenses to Paying Rent
October 01, 2020
Few landlords and commercial tenants have been completely immune from the governmentally imposed economic shutdown and COVID-19's wrath. Not including what may have been negotiated in a commercial lease, there are three traditional theories under which commercial tenants could seek to assert entitlement to forgiveness of their rent.
COVID Shutdown Orders vs. Statutory Rent Obligations
October 01, 2020
Even though payment of post-petition rent under a nonresidential lease (prior to rejection) has historically been an absolute requirement, bankruptcy courts, as courts of equity, have the ability during these extraordinary times to take a more flexible approach. This clearly is an evolving trend that should continue for at least the duration of the pandemic and perhaps beyond, as bankruptcy judges and practitioners seek out creative and unique responses to difficult issues.
Do COVID-19 Rent and Eviction Protections Just Delay Inevitable Bankruptcy?
September 01, 2020
In attempts to alleviate the impact of job losses and business disruption due to COVID-19, state and local governments have passed emergency orders and regulations temporarily prohibiting evictions and extending deadlines to pay rent, among other restrictions. When those restrictions are lifted, there is no guarantee that they will have done more than delay the inevitable: eviction and bankruptcy.
COVID-19 Related Governmental Shut Down Order Triggers Force Majeure Provision In Restaurant Leases
September 01, 2020
As we all expected, cases are being brought and decided on the issue of whether the COVID-19 pandemic and related governmental shut down orders trigger force majeure clauses in commercial leases and operate to excuse the performance of commercial tenants. While force majeure clauses vary widely, a recent decision from an Illinois Bankruptcy Court may provide guidance to help resolve disputes without resorting to the courts.
Landlord & Tenant Law
September 01, 2020
Landlord Did Not Waive No-Assignment Provision
Lease Renewal Option Unenforceable In the Absence of a Rent Term
Issues of Fact Remain About Landlord Tampering Recertification Process
Landlord Must Accept Security Deposit Vouchers from Human Resources Administration
Loft Unit Subject to Rent Regulation, But Four-Year Lookback Period Applies
Tenant Engaged In Illegal Short-Term Rentals
NYC Law Providing Relief for Commercial Tenants Faces Constitutional Scrutiny
September 01, 2020
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio delivered another striking blow to property owners when he signed into law N.Y.C. Council Int. No. 1932-A (2020) on May 26, 2020. The new legislation prohibits landlords from enforcing personal guaranties on certain commercial leases for defaults occurring between March 7, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2020.
