Rockville Landlord/Tenant Dispute Attorneys

Lawyers for Commercial Lease Disputes in Rockville, MD

Landlords and tenants enter into leases with the expectation that both sides will honor the terms of the agreement. However, there are many situations where disputes between landlords and tenants can develop over time. Over multiple years of a commercial lease, the circumstances affecting a business or property can change in ways that may not have been expected when the original agreement was signed. When disputes arise, landlords and tenants will need to understand their rights and obligations and the options that may be available to resolve conflicts without unnecessary expenses or delays.

At Fox & Moghul, our lawyers can provide the representation clients need to address disputes involving commercial and residential leases. We work with landlords and tenants to resolve a wide range of disputes, from disagreements over the terms of a lease to eviction proceedings. With our experience in real estate litigation, we can provide clients with insight into how these matters are handled and what outcomes they can expect. We can develop strategies for success while working to protect our clients' long-term financial interests.

Our attorneys have received numerous awards that recognize our comprehensive understanding of the law and the value we provide to our clients. They have also published articles on topics related to real estate law and presented seminars and other forms of education to help other legal professionals represent clients effectively. We are leaders in the field, and this ensures that we can provide the representation clients need as they address complex legal disputes.

Key Issues Addressed in Commercial Leases

A commercial lease is a detailed contract, and many disputes may be traced back to how certain provisions were written or how they have been interpreted by a landlord or tenant. Some of the issues addressed in commercial leases that may lead to disputes include:

• Operating Expenses and Taxes: A lease will typically specify which party is responsible for paying property taxes, insurance, utilities, and common area maintenance charges.
• Improvements and Alterations: An agreement may detail whether the tenant may make physical changes to the space, who will own improvements at the end of the lease, and how the costs will be handled.
• Subleasing and Assignment: A lease may specify whether the tenant may sublease the space to another business or transfer the lease to a new owner.
• Exclusivity Rights: A landlord may agree not to lease other space in the same property or nearby properties to a competing business.
• Renewal Options: Terms will typically specify whether the tenant has the right to extend the lease and under what terms.
• Permitted Use of Property: A lease may detail what types of business activities the tenant is allowed to conduct on the premises.

Why Disputes May Arise About the Terms of a Lease

Landlord-tenant disputes may occur because a lease used general terms rather than providing specific details about how certain issues would be addressed. For example, a lease that requires the tenant to pay a share of common area maintenance costs may not clearly define which expenses qualify, which can lead to disagreements when a landlord submits a bill that a tenant believes is excessive.

Exclusivity clauses can also become a source of conflict if a landlord later leases space to a business that a tenant believes is a competitor. Disputes over subleasing may arise when a tenant wants to reduce their financial exposure by subleasing part of the space, only to learn that the lease requires the landlord's consent. In these situations, the specific wording of a lease can play a central role in determining which party is in the right.