Landlord Tenant Law

Section 22-1005 of the New York City Administrative Code provides relief for individuals who guaranteed commercial leases when the tenant defaulted as a result of government orders issued during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent months, however, litigation has emerged about the scope of that relief.

Law firms are increasingly opting for relocations rather than renewals, as firms look to sell talent on their unique identity and flexible approach to work.

The U.S. economy is "still strong" and will support commercial real estate space demand, though inflation will remain a multi-year headwind, forcing the Fed to tighten monetary policy. And though rising interest rates may restrain CRE transaction activity, it won't be on a broad basis, with effects most visible in the property types and markets with the most aggressive pricing run-up over the last few years.

Inflation revs up the acceleration engine and, as a response, the Fed makes the biggest single hike in interest rates in four decades, with the promise of more to come. The changes in monetary policy are causing rising issues for capital markets and financing for commercial real estate.

In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court applied strict scrutiny to a sign regulation as it related to directional signs placed by a local congregation that held services at different locations each week. In April 2022, the Court took another look at the issue of strict scrutiny relating to "off-premises" signs in City of Austin, Texas v. Reagan National Advertising.

Habitability and Harassment Claims Survive Motion to Dismiss COVID-19 Does Not Trigger Frustration of Purpose or Impossibility Defenses Tenant Entitled to Actual Damages for Landlord Breach, But Not to Suspension Payment Renovations Qualified Apartment for High-Rent Vacancy Decontrol COVID-19 Does Not Excuse Failure to Pay Rent

Unit Owner Not In Possession Cannot Prevail on Wrongful Ejectment Claim

Keystone Specialty Services Co. v. Ebaugh Practitioners should take note that depending on the jurisdiction, a well-drafted exculpatory clause may afford additional protections to a commercial landlord, even from its own negligent acts.