Business disputes in New Mexico can take many different forms, and business litigation can involve a wide variety of legal issues affecting companies in Santa Fe. Commercial leases are one frequent area in which business disputes arise, and there are a wide variety of disputes that can pertain to commercial leases. As your business likely knows, commercial leases are significantly more complicated than residential leases, and if a commercial landlord breaches the terms of the contract, your business can suffer harm. If your company has experienced a breach of your commercial lease and you need help determining how to resolve the breach or to file a claim, one of our Santa Fe business litigation lawyers can assist you. In the meantime, the following are some common causes of commercial lease disputes and breach of contract claims.
Failing to Maintain the Commercial Property
Commercial landlords have a duty to maintain the commercial property, and there may be specific maintenance terms in the commercial lease. If your commercial landlord failed to maintain the property according to particular terms in your commercial lease, or if your commercial landlord has not responded to maintenance requests and concerns, your business could be losing money as a result.
Disregarding a Right of First Refusal
Many commercial leases include a clause known as a right of first refusal, which gives a commercial tenant the first chance to lease adjoining or additional commercial space that becomes available in the commercial property. If your commercial lease includes a right of first refusal but your commercial landlord leased neighboring commercial space to a new tenant without offering it to you first, you could be eligible to file a claim against the commercial landlord.
Increasing the Rent on the Commercial Property
Commercial leases include information about the rental rate for the term of the lease. In some cases, commercial leases may include clauses concerning the percentage or amount by which a commercial landlord can increase the rent upon a lease renewal. Whether a landlord increased the rent during the lease term or failed to abide by the agreement concerning future increases, a breach of the contract may have occurred.
Refusing to Renew the Commercial Lease
Many commercial lease agreements include clauses concerning renewal. If a landlord breaches such a clause and refuses to renew a commercial lease according to the terms of the agreement, the commercial tenant may be able to file a claim.
Contact a Santa Fe Business Litigation Lawyer Today
If your business has suffered a financial loss because of your commercial landlord’s breach of contract or breach of the commercial lease agreement, you may be eligible to file a claim in order to seek a remedy. One of our experienced Santa Fe business litigation attorneys can speak with you today about your options. Depending upon the specific facts of your case, it may be possible to resolve the dispute without litigation. If you do ultimately need to file a lawsuit, our firm is prepared to advocate for your right to a remedy. Contact Slate Stern Law for more information.