Astute landlords, property managers and real estate professionals are always in the know.

Is a merchant's obligation to pay rent accrued during the heart of the pandemic excused because of COVID-related government edicts and shelter-in-place orders? 

In a victory for commercial landlords, courts rule in favor of SVAP III Poway Crossings, LLC when a fitness center claimed that they could not perform their contractual duty to pay rent.

More from around the web

New law floating would change the calculus in security deposits

In this opinion piece, the author bemoans the cost of security deposits while recognizing the concerns of landlords who have to pay for damages. What we take exception to is the notion that if a tenant destroys an apartment, "they are still liable for every single dollar." True statement, but like unpaid COVID rent debt, does anyone believe that the landlord will recoup the money owed? This is a fantasy.

An inventive LA City Council votes to expand tenant rights on the eve of COVID-19 protections expiring

Will this spread to the Bay Area? Among the increased tenant protections the L.A. City Council implemented: the landlord cannot evict unless the tenant owes more than one month's worth of "fair market rent" as determined by HUD. 

Could a 54-year-old civil rights law be revived? 

Among the many monumental changes we recently celebrated on MLK day is Dr. King's contribution to fair housing laws, but much work remains. One author makes the argument that exclusionary zoning continues to divide us.

Struggling to find a Bay Area roofer after recent winter storms? You're not alone

After years of drought when leaky roofs were a freak of nature, the deluge of rains propelled roof repair crews into the status of highly sought-after rock stars. Although rental housing providers are hard-pressed to find roofers, we urge them to make "band-aid" fixes if they can be done safely, in order to comport with the obligation to provide a habitable dwelling. 

A heartfelt thanks to endeared clients, colleagues, referral partners, and others who join us on the path to accomplishing the goal of avoiding and resolving disputes, building real estate wealth, and powering through any challenges that stand in the way. 

You can always use me as a springboard by emailing daniel@bornstein.law.