WHAT WE DO
Commercial lease disputes can severely impact business operations, cash flow, and long-term strategic planning. Whether you’re a landlord protecting your investment or a tenant defending your business rights, these conflicts require experienced legal counsel who understand the intricacies of commercial real estate law and business operations.
At The Pettit Law Firm, we approach commercial lease disputes with the understanding that every case affects real businesses with real consequences. Our trial-ready preparation and strategic expertise position our clients for favorable outcomes whether through negotiated resolution or courtroom victory.
Contact UsCommon Commercial Lease Disputes We Handle:
- Lease termination and eviction proceedings
- Rent escalation and payment disputes
- Breach of lease covenant claims
- Property maintenance and repair obligations
- Use restrictions and compliance issues
- Assignment and subletting disputes
- Security deposit and escrow conflicts
- Common area maintenance (CAM) charges
- Percentage rent calculations and audits
- Early termination and surrender disputes
- Tenant improvement disputes
REPRESENTATIVE EXPERIENCES
Obtained emergency temporary injunction restoring possession for Dallas wellness clinic – Successfully secured TRO and temporary injunction against landlord’s wrongful lockout, protecting client’s $1 million facility investment and ensuring continued patient care without business disruption
Won trial judgment for tenant in complex commercial lease dispute – Secured favorable declaratory judgment and breach of contract ruling establishing tenant was not in default, preventing wrongful lease termination and lockout
Successfully handled complex lease termination cases involving multi-million dollar commercial properties and long-term lease agreements
Proven track record in rent dispute litigation securing favorable outcomes for clients in percentage rent, CAM charge, and rent escalation disputes
Expert handling of commercial eviction proceedings with focus on protecting client interests while minimizing business disruption
Extensive experience in commercial real estate litigation representing both landlords and tenants in lease disputes throughout Texas
For Landlords, We Provide: Our landlord clients benefit from strategic advocacy in protecting their property investments. We handle everything from non-payment cases to complex breach of covenant disputes, always with an eye toward maximizing recovery and protecting property value.
For Tenants, We Defend: Business tenants need advocates who understand that lease disputes can threaten operations and profitability. We fight to protect tenant rights while minimizing business disruption and financial exposure.
Our Strategic Approach: Every commercial lease dispute requires careful analysis of lease terms, applicable law, and business impact. We combine meticulous document review with strategic discovery and expert testimony when needed. Our willingness to take cases to trial often results in more favorable settlement offers, but when trial is necessary, we’re fully prepared.
Complex Multi-Party Disputes: Commercial lease disputes often involve multiple parties including landlords, tenants, subtenants, property managers, and guarantors. Our experience in complex commercial litigation allows us to navigate these multi-party scenarios effectively.
FAQs
Time is critical. Texas law provides specific procedures for commercial evictions, and acting quickly can minimize losses. Contact us immediately to discuss notice requirements, potential defenses, and strategies for recovering unpaid rent and possession of the property.
It depends on your lease terms and the specific circumstances. Common grounds for early termination include violation of use restrictions, failure to maintain insurance, or breach of other lease covenants. We can review your lease and circumstances to assess your rights and options.
CAM disputes often require detailed analysis of lease language, accounting records, and industry standards. We can audit CAM charges, negotiate with landlords, and pursue litigation when necessary to recover overcharges.
Tenant remedies vary based on lease terms and the nature of needed repairs. Options may include rent withholding, self-help repairs with cost offset, lease termination, or damages claims. We can advise on the best strategy for your situation.
Most commercial leases require landlord consent for assignments and subleases, but landlords cannot unreasonably withhold consent in many cases. We can review your lease terms and negotiate with landlords to facilitate transfers when appropriate.
Timeline varies significantly based on case complexity, discovery needs, and whether parties are willing to negotiate. Simple payment disputes may resolve in weeks, while complex breach cases can take months or years.
Potential damages include unpaid rent, property damage, lost profits, attorneys’ fees, costs of re-letting, and consequential damages. Each case is unique, and we work to identify all available remedies and maximize recovery.
Often yes, but negotiation should be strategic and informed. Our trial-ready approach often leads to better negotiated outcomes because opposing parties know we’re prepared to litigate. We can advise when negotiation makes sense and when immediate legal action is necessary.
Contact Us
Want to talk about your case?
Email jpettit@pettitfirm.com
Or contact us at:
The Pettit Law Firm
1900 Pearl, Suite 1740
Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: 214.329.0151
Fax: 214.329.4076