Commercial Tenant Rights Against Landlord’s Harassment

Law Offices of Justin C. Brasch, Services, Commercial Tenant lawIn 2016, NYC passed new commercial lease tenant protections to help small businesses retain their space despite landlord pressures to vacate the premises. This is good news for commercial tenants who have not always enjoyed the same protections as residential tenants when it comes to landlord harassment.

Specifically, the law stated commercial lease tenant rights to protect themselves against landlords who try to intimidate them with illegal tactics like harassment. A landlord is prohibited from harassing small business owners or tenants of nonresidential properties in any way that is intended to cause the tenant to vacate the property, give up their lease, or surrender their rights. Outlawed tactics include, but are not limited to:

  • The use of force or real or implied threats against the lease tenant.
  • The repeated interruption or discontinuance of essential services.
  • The interruption or discontinuance of essential services for an extended period of time.
  • The interruption or discontinuation of essential services that substantially interfere with the tenant’s business.
  • The unauthorized removal of personal property belonging to the commercial tenant from the property.
  • The removal of doors and/or the changing or tampering with locks of the unit.
  • Anything that prevents the tenant from accessing the unit.
  • Substantially interfering with the tenant’s ability to operate the business.

Get in touch with Brasch Legal to learn how to protect your commercial tenant rights

If you are a commercial tenant who is being harassed and want to protect your business and rights, contact the attorneys at Brasch Legal at 212-267-2500. We have worked in the field of landlord-tenant law for over 20 years. We have helped many commercial tenants. Just call (212) 267-2500 or email [email protected] for assistance.

Lawsuits and Penalties

Under the law, commercial tenants who are being harassed can file lawsuits against their landlords. If the landlord is found guilty of harassment, the landlord may find themselves paying fines and penalties between $1,000 and $10,000 for each property in which a tenant has been harassed, in addition to have the legal right to receive all services set forth in their lease and the reimbursement of the tenant’s legal fees. Some landlords may even find themselves under a restraining order and liable for compensatory and punitive damages, including the right to be free from discrimination. Landlords now run the risk of suffering significant financial liability due to real or perceived tenant harassment.

Landlord Protections

There are protections for landlords as well, including the law that prohibits “harassment” of commercial tenants. These include certain defenses and clarifications surrounding lawful termination of the tenancy, lawful repossession of the property, and a lawful refusal to renew or extend the lease agreement.

Although the law is a step in the right direction for commercial tenants, it is more important than ever to have experienced legal representation whenever you are involved in a situation involving landlord harassment. While the protections may be stronger, both sides now face potentially higher business risks, including scrutiny from the department.

Although the law is a step in the right direction for commercial tenants, it is more important than ever to have experienced legal representation whenever you are involved in a situation involving landlord harassment. While the protections may be stronger, both sides now face potentially higher business risks.

Landlord and tenant law in New York is complex; the administrative procedures, filing limitations, evidentiary requirements, and other procedural demands can be confusing without the skilled guidance of an experienced lawyer who specializes in real estate and landlord-tenant law.

Justin Brasch has a broad range of services and experience defending tenants in real property and landlord-tenant disputes. From lease interpretation to title trials and hearings, Mr. Brasch and his office have the expertise to prevent the loss of your business premises. If you are a tenant in New York and need legal advice, you can rely on our office to provide you with accurate legal direction, including notice, to resolve your matter in an efficient and affordable manner. Whether you pursue litigation or settlement, Mr. Brasch has handled these cases, including covid, for over 20 years and can apply his proven strategies to efficiently resolve your dispute.

Contact Brasch Legal for advice and representation in Commercial Tenant-Landlord Disputes

The attorneys at Brasch Legal can help you protect your tenant rights, including the benefits that come with them. As a tenant, you have the right to all services set forth in your lease as well as additional new protections against landlords who are trying to deny you those services or coerce you into giving them up. Contact us at 212-2672500 for legal advice and representation!

Testimonials

Justin negotiated a lease for our firm’s new offices and he did a great job. He came up with creative and helpful ideas. He was very accessible as well. He is always available to answer questions and to be helpful. I highly recommend Justin’s services as an attorney.

by Chaim Book, Partner, Head of Employment Law Group at Moskowitz & Book, LLP

When my roommate refused to pay rent and leave my apartment I hired Justin Brasch. He brought a lawsuit, evicted the tenant and I got paid. Justin handled the case in an efficient and affordable manner.

by Andy C.

My landlord tried to evict me from my Rent Stabilized apartment by falsely alleging that it was not my primary residence. I hired Justin Brasch and he defended my rights. Justin handled the case in an efficient and affordable manner and it was dismissed.

by Andy C.

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