Bethesda Commercial Landlord-Tenant Attorneys

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Great lawyers and their staff is amazing. They take care of all of your needs fast and for a great price!

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JOSEPH MALOUF

Dedicated Lawyers for Commercial Landlord-Tenant Issues in Bethesda, MD

As a business owner, your commercial lease may be important for reaching a certain customer base or operating out of a location that suits your daily operations. However, issues with your landlord can disrupt your business, and it may take precious time and resources away from your company. If you need help resolving a dispute, consider working with a Bethesda, Maryland commercial landlord-tenant lawyer.

At Salvado Law Offices, we provide strong representation to address disagreements between landlords and tenants, drawing on decades of legal experience. We can work toward solutions outside of court, but we are also prepared to proceed with civil litigation when it is necessary to protect your interests.

Drafting and Review of Commercial Leases

A commercial lease sets the rules for how a landlord and a business tenant will share responsibility for a property, sometimes for a decade or longer. Commercial leases in Maryland receive far fewer protections under state law than residential leases, which means the written terms carry most of the weight. A vague clause or a missing provision can leave either side exposed to costs no one planned for.

Several key terms deserve close attention before anyone signs. These include rent escalation clauses, common area maintenance charges, the length of the lease and any renewal options, permitted uses of the space, and who pays for taxes, insurance, and repairs. Personal guarantees also call for a careful look, as a business owner who signs one may be personally liable if the company falls behind on rent. Our attorneys can draft new contracts, review agreements presented by the other side, and suggest changes that protect your interests before problems develop.

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Carlos Salvado is an excellent attorney and litiga-tor. He is very thorough and great to work with - Highly recommend!

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ASADUR TUFEKCI, CPA

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Questions?

Find clear answers to common concerns about Commercial Landlord-Tenant and other legal matters.

Breaches of Contract in Commercial Leases

Breaches of contract in commercial leases can come from either the landlord or the tenant. Tenants most often face claims for unpaid rent, repeated late payments, unapproved changes to the space, or using the property for a purpose the lease does not allow. Landlords may breach a lease by failing to provide promised services, interfering with the tenant's use of the property, or locking a tenant out without following the proper legal process.

The consequences of a breach depend largely on the lease itself. Many commercial leases include notice requirements and a set period to cure the problem before the other side can take action. A landlord may seek back rent, damages, or possession of the property, while a tenant may be able to recover business losses or, in some cases, end the lease early. Acting quickly after a breach can preserve options that might otherwise slip away. Both parties should keep records of every payment, notice, and conversation related to the dispute.

Disagreements Over Repairs and Commercial Tenants' Rights

Disagreements over repairs are among the most frequent sources of conflict between commercial landlords and tenants. In residential housing, Maryland law places clear duties on landlords to keep a home safe and livable. Commercial tenants generally do not receive the same built-in protections, so responsibility for repairs usually comes down to the language in the lease.

Some leases place nearly every repair cost on the tenant, including roof, HVAC, and plumbing work. Others divide the burden, with the landlord handling structural elements and the tenant covering interior upkeep. Disputes tend to arise when a major system fails and the lease does not clearly say who must pay. A broken air conditioning unit in a restaurant or a leaking roof over a retail store can shut down operations, leading to lost income on top of the repair bill.

Commercial tenants still have rights, even with fewer statutory protections. A landlord who agrees to maintain certain parts of the property must follow through on that promise, and a landlord generally cannot interfere with a tenant's ability to use the space as the lease allows. When repairs are delayed or refused, a tenant may have grounds to seek damages or other relief.

Meet With Our Bethesda, Maryland Commercial Landlord-Tenant Lawyers

Whether you own a commercial building or run a business out of one, a lease dispute can threaten your income and your plans for the future. At Salvado Law Offices, we represent landlords and tenants in lease negotiations, contract disputes, and litigation throughout Montgomery County. Call 301-933-1814 or contact our Bethesda, MD commercial landlord-tenant attorneys to schedule a consultation.

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