A commercial property is often the biggest asset a business owns or the biggest bill it pays every month. So when something goes wrong with a lease, a sale or a partnership, the stakes are high. A tenant stops paying. A buyer backs out after months of work. A partner wants to sell a building you want to keep.
At the Law Offices of Mark Murad, we represent property owners, landlords, business tenants and investors in commercial real estate disputes across Pasadena, Glendale, Los Angeles and Ontario. This page explains the disputes we see most often, what you can do early to protect yourself, and how the process usually works.
Common Commercial Real Estate Disputes
Commercial Lease Disputes
Most of the cases we handle start with a lease. Typical problems include unpaid rent, disagreements over CAM charges and operating costs, repair and maintenance responsibilities, use restrictions, assignment and subletting, and personal guarantees. Commercial leases are long and detailed, and small wording choices can decide who wins.
Commercial Evictions
When a business tenant defaults, a landlord usually needs to serve the proper notice and then file an unlawful detainer case. Commercial evictions follow different rules from residential ones, and a mistake in the notice can force you to start over. We help landlords move quickly and correctly, and we help tenants who believe the eviction is improper.
Breach of Purchase and Sale Agreements
Deals fall apart for many reasons: financing problems, disputes over inspections, hidden defects or a seller who changes their mind. Depending on the contract, remedies may include damages, return or keeping of the deposit, or a court order requiring the sale to go through.
Partnership and Co-Owner Disputes
When two or more people own a building together and stop agreeing, things get complicated fast. We handle disputes over management, profits, buyouts and partition actions, where a court can order the property divided or sold.
Construction and Property Condition Claims
Disputes with contractors, defects that were not disclosed, and conflicts over tenant improvements all fall here.
Title, Easement and Boundary Issues
Access rights, shared driveways, parking areas and unclear property lines can block a sale or limit how a business uses its space.
Many of these disputes can be avoided with careful paperwork at the start. Our business and real estate transactions team drafts and reviews leases and purchase contracts so problems are less likely later.
What to Do When a Dispute Starts
The first few weeks of a dispute often shape the outcome. Here is what we suggest:
- Gather your documents. The lease or purchase agreement, amendments, emails, invoices, payment records and photos.
- Read the notice and deadline sections of your contract. Many commercial agreements require written notice before you can take action.
- Keep communication in writing. Phone calls are hard to prove later.
- Do not stop paying or walk away without advice. Withholding rent or abandoning a property can create new liability.
- Speak to a real estate litigation attorney early. Early advice is usually cheaper than fixing a mistake.
How the Litigation Process Works
Every case is different, but most commercial real estate disputes follow a similar path.
First, we review your documents and give you an honest view of your position, including the risks. Then we often try to resolve the matter through a demand letter or direct negotiation. Many cases settle at this stage.
If that does not work, the case may go to mediation or arbitration, especially if the contract requires it. If it goes to court, the process includes filing the complaint, exchanging evidence in discovery, motions and, if needed, trial. Throughout, we keep your business goals in focus. Sometimes the best result is a quick settlement that lets you get back to work. Sometimes it is worth fighting all the way.
Learn more about our wider real estate litigation and transaction practice.
Who We Represent
- Commercial landlords and property managers
- Business tenants, including retail, restaurant, office and industrial users
- Buyers and sellers of commercial property
- Investors and co-owners
- Small and family owned businesses
When a property dispute is tied to a family estate or trust, we also work alongside our estate litigation attorneys.
Why Clients Choose the Law Offices of Mark Murad
Mark Murad has practiced law in California for about two decades and leads a firm based in Pasadena with offices in Glendale and Los Angeles. Clients come to us because we answer the phone, explain things in plain English and give straight advice about whether a fight is worth it.
We serve clients throughout the San Gabriel Valley and greater Los Angeles, including Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Arcadia, Alhambra and Ontario. You can also read about our other practice areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a commercial real estate lawsuit take?
A commercial eviction can move in weeks to a few months. A contract or partnership dispute that goes to trial can take a year or more. Many cases settle well before that.
Can I recover attorney fees?
Many commercial leases and purchase agreements include an attorney fee clause, which can allow the winning side to recover fees. We will check your contract during the first review.
My tenant stopped paying rent. What should I do first?
Do not change the locks or remove their property. Contact an attorney so the correct notice can be served and the eviction is done properly.
Do you represent tenants as well as landlords?
Yes. We represent both, depending on the case and any conflicts.
Talk to a Commercial Real Estate Attorney Today
If you are dealing with a lease dispute, a failed deal or a conflict with a co-owner, the sooner you get advice, the more options you usually have. Contact the Law Offices of Mark Murad to schedule a consultation at our Pasadena, Glendale or Los Angeles office.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney client relationship.