Commercial Lease Dispute Attorneys 

When Lease Disputes Threaten Your Business, Take Action 

A commercial lease isn’t just another contract—it’s the foundation of a business’s operations. Whether it’s an office space, a retail storefront, or an industrial warehouse, businesses rely on stable leasing agreements to operate efficiently. When disputes arise between landlords and tenants, the consequences can be devastating. 

When these disputes escalate, experienced legal counsel can make all the difference. Our commercial litigation attorneys provide the legal strategies needed to resolve conflicts quickly, ensuring businesses can stay focused on growth instead of costly legal battles. 

Top Causes of Commercial Lease Disputes 

Lease disagreements can arise from a variety of issues, often leading to prolonged financial and legal struggles. Some of the most common causes of commercial lease disputes we see at Horn Wright, LLP, include: 

• Non-payment of rent and lease defaults—When tenants fall behind on payments, landlords seek to recover lost income or terminate the lease. 
• Breach of lease terms—Unauthorized subleasing, improper property use, and violations of lease restrictions can trigger disputes. 
• Maintenance and repair obligations—Conflicts often arise over who is responsible for property upkeep, repairs, and renovations. 
• Evictions and unlawful detainer actions—Landlords may seek to remove tenants who violate lease terms, while tenants may contest wrongful evictions. 
• Lease renewal and termination conflicts—Issues can emerge when landlords or tenants dispute renewal rights or termination terms. 
• Security deposit disputes—Questions over deductions, refunds, or improper withholding frequently lead to legal action. 
• Zoning and land use issues—Changing municipal regulations can impact lease terms, creating conflicts over compliance and permitted use. 

Every Lease Dispute Is Unique 

While some conflicts can be resolved through negotiation, others require formal legal action. Understanding the root of the issue is the first step toward finding a solution. Our attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, are prepared to sit down and develop a winning strategy with you. 

Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants 

Both landlords and tenants have legal obligations that govern commercial lease agreements. Failing to uphold these responsibilities can lead to civil lawsuits and financial losses. 

• Landlord’s obligations: Providing a habitable, legally compliant space; maintaining structural integrity; and adhering to lease terms regarding property management. 
• Tenant’s responsibilities: Timely rent payments, adhering to property use restrictions, and ensuring lease compliance. 
• Legal protections: Both parties are protected under commercial lease laws that outline remedies for breaches, lease modifications, and dispute resolution methods. 

Knowing Your Rights Is a Must 

Whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, understanding your legal standing ensures you can assert your rights and protect your financial interests in any lease dispute. 

Resolving Commercial Lease Disputes Without Litigation 

Not all lease disputes require a courtroom battle. Many conflicts can be resolved through alternative dispute resolution methods that save time, money, and business relationships. 

• Negotiation strategies: Amending lease terms or reaching settlement agreements can prevent costly legal action. 
• Mediation and arbitration: Neutral third-party mediation or arbitration can lead to fair resolutions without the burden of litigation. 
• Lease modification agreements: Adjusting lease terms to reflect changing circumstances can prevent contract breaches and future disputes. 

Early Intervention Prevents Escalation 

The sooner disputes are addressed, the easier they are to resolve. Businesses that take proactive steps can often avoid litigation altogether. 

When Litigation Is Necessary in Lease Disputes 

While out-of-court solutions are ideal, some lease conflicts require aggressive legal action to protect your rights. Litigation may be necessary when one party refuses to negotiate or comply with legal obligations. 

• Seeking damages for financial losses—If a lease violation leads to revenue loss, the affected party can pursue compensation. 
• Enforcing evictions for non-payment or unlawful use—Landlords have legal remedies to remove non-compliant tenants. 
• Defending against wrongful eviction claims—Tenants can challenge eviction actions that violate lease terms or state laws. 
• Lawsuits over lease misrepresentation or fraudulent inducement—If a party entered a lease agreement under false pretenses, legal recourse may be available. 

Handling Commercial Evictions in New York 

Evicting a commercial tenant is a legally complex process. Landlords must follow strict procedures to ensure compliance with state laws. 

• Proper notice and due process: New York law requires landlords to provide formal eviction notices before proceeding with legal action. 
• Landlord remedies for holdover tenants: When tenants refuse to vacate after lease expiration, landlords can pursue legal action to recover possession and damages. 

Avoiding Costly Eviction Mistakes 

Landlords who fail to follow legal procedures risk delays, tenant counterclaims, and financial penalties. Proper legal guidance is can mean the difference between a costly legal war and swift resolution. You’ll want to have one of the best firms in America on your side when the time comes to take action. 

Tenant Defenses in Lease Dispute Litigation 

Tenants facing lease disputes have legal defenses available to challenge eviction claims or unfair lease terms. 

• Challenging lease terms as unconscionable or unenforceable—If a lease contains unfair or illegal terms, tenants can seek to invalidate them. 
• Proving landlord’s failure to meet obligations—If a landlord neglects property maintenance or violates lease terms, tenants may have grounds to challenge enforcement actions. 
• Defenses against eviction, including retaliatory conduct claims—If an eviction is filed in retaliation for a tenant exercising their legal rights, it may be overturned in court. 

Tenants Must Act Fast 

Responding to lease disputes quickly is a huge opportunity you don’t want to miss out on. Failing to present a strong legal defense will almost always result in forced eviction and financial penalties, many of which could’ve been avoided or at least reduced. 

Industry-Specific Commercial Lease Issues 

Certain industries face much more different challenges in commercial leasing, which in turn requires having a legal team like Horn Wright, LLP, that can give you tailored strategies. 

• Retail and restaurant leases: Disputes over property use, foot traffic obligations, and co-tenancy clauses are common. 
• Office space modifications: Economic downturns and remote work shifts may lead to conflicts over lease renegotiations. 
• Industrial and warehouse leases: Zoning, environmental restrictions, and land use regulations create complex lease challenges. 

Industry Knowledge Matters 

Lease disputes are rarely one-size-fits-all. Businesses need attorneys who understand their specific industry’s leasing challenges. 

How Our Commercial Lease Litigation Attorneys Can Help 

Our experienced legal team of New York attorneys at Horn Wright, LLP, provides strategic representation for both landlords and tenants in complex lease disputes. 

• Protecting landlords from tenant defaults and non-compliance—We help landlords enforce lease agreements and recover losses. 
• Defending tenants against wrongful lease enforcement actions—We fight against unfair evictions and lease violations. 
• Negotiating favorable lease terms to prevent future disputes—Our team ensures businesses enter agreements that protect their interests. 

Contact Horn Wright, LLP, Today to Get Started 

Lease disputes can escalate quickly, putting your business at risk. The sooner legal intervention occurs, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. 

Contact our offices today to see how Horn Wright, LLP, can protect your business from costly lease conflicts.