News & Insights

NEW YORK CITY PROTECTS PERSONAL GUARANTORS OF COMMERCIAL LEASES IN COVID-19 DEFAULTS

New York City

On May 26, 2020, New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio signed a new law addressing the liability of personal guarantors for the debts of commercial tenants that defaulted due to COVID-19. Governor Andrew Cuomo had previously issued Executive Orders which prohibited the imposition of late charges and temporarily halted evictions of commercial tenants. As a … Read more

Does a Lease’s “No Pet” Provision Apply to Emotional Support Animals?

All landlords should know they cannot discriminate against those who are disabled. The New York Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination throughout the State on the basis of disability, including in housing situations. However, many landlords may not be aware of how broadly the law applies especially in light of a recent court decision protecting disabled … Read more

When Negotiating a Commercial Lease Be Careful Not to Waive Your Rights

Negotiating a commercial lease

Tenants negotiating a commercial lease often face “landlord-friendly” contract clauses. A recent decision (issued on May 7, 2019) addressed one such provision which stated that the Tenant waived its right to bring a declaratory judgment action with respect to the lease or any notice sent pursuant thereto. The Tenant filed a declaratory judgment action and … Read more

Let the Broker Beware – A Breach of Your Duty of Undivided Loyalty Will Cost You Your Commission

New York law provides that brokers have a duty of undivided loyalty in a real estate transaction and as such, they must disclose and get consent of the parties if they are working as a dual agent. A recent decision by the New York Appellate Division First Department demonstrates that courts take this rule seriously … Read more