Drafting Tip: Addressing Direct Claims in Indemnity Provisions in Commercial Real Estate Contracts
In commercial real estate contracts, indemnity provisions are a foundational risk allocation tool. They are commonly used to shift responsibility for certain claims and losses from one party (the indemnified party) to another (the indemnifying party). At a high level,...
A Beginners Guide to 1031 Exchanges
The replacement property must be equal or greater in value. Paying taxes on a successful real estate transaction can significantly reduce an investor's return. Fortunately, a well-established legal strategy allows investors to defer capital gains taxes while...
What is a Choice of Law Provision in a Commercial Lease and Why is it Important?
When reviewing a commercial lease, the choice of law provision—also known as a governing law clause—is a common element that deserves attention. This clause identifies which jurisdiction’s laws will apply to the interpretation and enforcement of the lease. For...
What is a Memorandum of Lease and Why is it Important in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts commercial real estate, understanding when and how to record lease-related documents can help protect long-term interests. One document that often comes into play for leases longer than seven years is the memorandum of lease—also known as a notice of...
What Happens to Commercial Real Estate Leases When a Property Is Sold?
In Massachusetts, commercial real estate transactions often raise an important question for both landlords and tenants: What happens to an existing commercial lease when a property is sold? The short answer is that the lease typically remains in effect, and the new...
Why Are Landlord and Tenant Indemnity Obligations Different in a Commercial Lease?
Indemnity provisions are an important component of commercial lease agreements, defining the extent to which each party is responsible for damages, claims, and liabilities arising from incidents related to the leased property. In essence, an indemnity provision is a...
What is a Security Deposit Burn Down in a Commercial Lease?
In commercial real estate leasing, security deposits serve as a critical risk mitigation tool for landlords. Unlike residential leases, where security deposits are often limited by law, commercial landlords have significant discretion in setting the amount and...
A Tenant’s Guide to Estoppel Certificates
When a landlord requests an estoppel certificate, commercial tenants should approach the document with caution and understanding. While an estoppel certificate is not intended to modify a lease, it can significantly impact a tenant's future rights and claims. This...
An Introduction to Operating Expenses in Commercial Leases
Introduction Operating expenses (OpEx) in a commercial lease can significantly impact a tenant’s total cost of occupancy. While base rent is typically a fixed expense, OpEx is often variable, unpredictable, and largely outside the tenant’s direct control....
Tips for a Commercial Landlords Dealing with Abandoned Tenant Property in Massachusetts
Commercial landlords in Massachusetts may occasionally find themselves dealing with property left behind by tenants who have vacated their premises, either voluntarily or through eviction. While it may seem straightforward to remove and dispose of these belongings,...