Commercial lease disputes we handle
A lease dispute can threaten rental income, an established business location or a substantial investment in the premises. We evaluate the lease, amendments, notices and payment history together, whether the objective is to enforce the agreement, preserve occupancy, recover damages or negotiate an orderly exit.
Lease defaults and unpaid rent
Disputes over missed payments, alleged breaches and the amounts due under a commercial lease. We examine the claimed default, contractual notice requirements and financial records supporting the demand or defense.
Termination, eviction and possession
Contested lease termination, commercial eviction proceedings, holdover disputes and disagreements over the right to occupy or recover business premises. Early review is important when a notice, hearing or threatened interruption could affect operations.
Early departures and lease guaranties
Claims arising when a tenant leaves before the lease expires, disputes over negotiated exits, and enforcement or defense of personal and corporate guaranties. We assess the relevant agreements, claimed damages and available defenses.
Repairs, improvements and operating expenses
Disagreements over maintenance, tenant improvements, restoration obligations, common-area maintenance charges, taxes, insurance and other costs allocated under the lease. The contract and supporting records determine what each side is claiming and why.
Renewals, assignments and other lease rights
Disputes involving renewal options, assignments, subleases, permitted uses, exclusivity provisions and purchase options contained in a lease. We review the contract language alongside the notices, consents and communications bearing on the disputed right.
Work with Kyle Bear
Kyle Bear represents commercial landlords and business tenants in disputes involving Minnesota premises. He is the primary contact for commercial lease disputes at MJB Law.
Before joining MJB Law, Kyle's Texas practice included representing plaintiffs in JMR Future v. Ramji, a Dallas County dispute involving an office lease, disputed rental obligations, eviction issues, and related building-ownership and financing agreements.
We also work with out-of-state property owners, business tenants and law firms when a dispute involves Minnesota premises. Kyle can discuss handling the Minnesota matter directly or working alongside your existing attorneys as Minnesota local counsel.
Commercial lease questions
Do you represent both commercial landlords and business tenants?
Yes. MJB Law represents commercial landlords and business tenants, subject to a conflict review. Kyle Bear is the primary contact for these matters. The initial discussion should identify the parties, the property and whether you are pursuing a claim or responding to a demand or lawsuit.
Can a business get out of a commercial lease early?
That depends on the lease, any amendments, the circumstances and applicable law. We examine termination provisions, alleged breaches, assignment or sublease options, and the possibility of a negotiated resolution. Moving out does not necessarily end the tenant's obligations.
What should I do after receiving a default or termination notice?
Preserve the notice and record when and how it arrived. Gather the lease, amendments, payment records and relevant correspondence. Arrange a prompt review of any contractual deadline or pending proceeding. Do not assume that ongoing negotiations extend a deadline.
Can a landlord pursue a personal or corporate guarantor?
A guaranty may create obligations separate from those of the tenant, but its scope and enforceability require review. We examine the guaranty, the lease, relevant amendments, any conditions on enforcement and the amounts being claimed.
What should I have available for an initial discussion?
Start with the parties' names, the property address, a short description of the dispute and any approaching deadline. Relevant records may include the lease, amendments, guaranties, notices, payment history and correspondence. After checking for conflicts, the firm can arrange an appropriate way to review confidential materials.
Discuss your commercial lease dispute
Contact Kyle Bear about a disputed commercial lease, a default or termination notice, or an approaching court date. Tell us who is involved, where the property is located and what outcome you need. Please arrange with the firm before sending confidential documents.