Buying commercial property and then renting it out can be a sound financial move. If you do so for long enough, though, you're inevitably going to face some kind of dispute with one of your tenants. Commercial landlord attorneys can attest that issues with renters are not uncommon, even when the terms of the lease are both unambiguous and ironclad. If you own commercial property, here's what you should know if a landlord-tenant dispute ever arises. 

What Constitutes a Landlord-Tenant Dispute?

When a landlord and tenant find themselves in disagreement over the terms of the lease or some associated aspect of the arrangement, they may be able to arrive at a compromise that both parties find satisfactory. If that proves impossible, however, they may have no choice but to commence legal proceedings, which constitutes a landlord-tenant dispute. When the only way to resolve an issue is to involve the court—or, at the very least, attend mediation—the parties are said to be in dispute. 

What Kinds of Issues Give Rise to Landlord-Tenant Disputes?

As seasoned commercial landlord attorneys can attest, there's no shortage of disagreements, misinterpretations, breaches, and slights that can lend to legal disputes. Withholding rent, which tenants often feel they're entitled to do when their landlord has failed to maintain the unit to their satisfaction, is one of the most common causes of landlord-tenant disputes. 

Disagreeing over security deposit deductions is another common cause of disputes between renters and owners. Naturally, when a tenant violates the terms of the lease—or wants to break it entirely—it will lead to a dispute. 

When Should Commercial Landlords Seek Legal Counsel?

As a commercial landlord, it's wise to hire an attorney if a tenant ever takes action against you. Whether they claim you withheld their security deposit or wrongfully evicted them, a knowledgeable lawyer can help you resolve the situation as quickly—and favorably—as possible. 

You should also seek legal counsel if you want to take action against a tenant. Scenarios that might warrant doing so include when the tenant has failed to pay rent, breached the terms of the lease, remained on the premises after the lease ended, or isn't actually a renter at all and is instead a "squatter." In any of these cases, an attorney can help you file the associated motions, compile the necessary evidence, and present your side before a judge. 

If you're facing a dispute with one of your tenants, turn to the commercial landlord attorneys at Cyruli Shanks & Zizmor LLP for guidance. Located in Midtown Manhattan with a satellite office in New Jersey, this firm is well-versed in structuring, negotiating, and enforcing commercial leases. To schedule a consultation today, email Andrew Pistor, Esq. at Apistor@cszlaw.com or visit them online to learn more about their services.