Commercial Property Law in California: Law Offices of Peter N. Brewer

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY LAW Does My Lease Protect My Company’s Interests?

How Do I Prevent My Neighbor From Improperly Using My Land?

What Impact Does This Clause Have On My Contract?

Am I Liable for Damages Incurred on My Property?

The Law Offices of Peter N. Brewer is a boutique real estate and lending law firm that offers an unparalleled mix of exceptional legal representation and superior client service. With over 90 years combined experience, our attorneys offer proactive contract protection for our clients in order to minimize their exposure to risk, as well as aggressive representation in contract disputes and litigation. Owners and managers of commercial property of all sizes engage the Law Offices of Peter N. Brewer to protect and advance their real property interests, from meeting insurance requirements, to resolving land disputes, to negotiating leases.

Lease Drafting and Review

for Tenants and Owners

In today’s real estate environment, many landlords are using “form” leases, where the terms of a rental or lease agreement are comprised of standardized, boilerplate language. However, a form lease may not suit the unique characteristics of a particular commercial space, and so it is common practice to include a separate addendum with the lease. In these instances, an incomplete or ambiguous addendum can potentially lead to a costly lawsuit. Our firm reviews

proposed leases and accompanying addenda for our clients, in order to identify vulnerabilities in the terms and to ensure that our client’s interests are protected throughout the entire agreement – addenda and all.

In more complex situations, our attorneys can draft customized leases and accompanying documents for commercial property.

Construction and Contractor Law Disputes can arise with contractors concerning tenant improvements or commercial property remodels. Our attorneys bring extensive experience with construction disputes involving contract negotiations. We can assist in the review and preparation of contracts, handle issues surrounding mechanic’s liens, and prosecute and defend construction defect matters in a time- and costefficient manner.

Lease Enforcements Lease disputes over specific terms or payment provisions can jeopardize the integrity of commercial property investments and the associated lease revenue streams. The Law Offices of Peter N. Brewer can prosecute or defend against disputes over build-outs, rent increases, and payment of utilities. Our attorneys also assist in evictions and collections of unpaid rent.

Our firm understands that lease terms can be enforced in cost-effective ways through informal means, and

our firm zealously advocates for such amicable negotiations. However, should a conflict escalate, our attorneys have the litigation experience required to protect and secure our clients’ interests throughout the entire trial process.

Commercial Purchase Transactions Commercial purchase transactions are often complex.

Issues concerning the due diligence period, the binding effect of letters of intent, title issues, and the enforceability of provisions within the agreement can delay, complicate, or even curtail the sale of a commercial property. The Law Offices of Peter N. Brewer has transactional experience for all types of commercial property, including retail and office space. Our attorneys have represented both buyers and sellers in commercial transactions. Our firm works to achieve a smooth purchase transaction for our clients by drafting purchase contracts and addenda, interpreting ambiguous or controversial clauses, and enforcing purchase agreements.

Listing Agreements or Disputes Listing agreements with brokers or agents can be a source of complications well before a commercial property can be purchased or sold. These agreements may require owners to pay commissions when a lease is not signed, or pay future commissions for little to no additional work. Disputes may also arise over termination of these agreements or what happens in the case of changed circumstances. Resolving issues in the listing agreement before signing can save owners significant money in the long run, in both attorney fees and commissions. The attorneys at the Law

Offices of Peter N. Brewer are skilled in interpreting, reviewing, and negotiating commercial property listing agreements.

Lease Negotiation and Options Provisions within a commercial lease specify costs, obligations, and standards that a landlord and tenant agree to throughout the duration of a tenancy.

Ensuring that our client’s interests are protected and advanced by these provisions is a cornerstone of the practice at the Law Offices of Peter N. Brewer.

When entering into a new lease or engaging in lease revisions, our attorneys help our client’s understand all provisions – not only what the clause or option is, but what it means and what legal obligations are created – and negotiate to obtain more favorable terms. When the time comes to exercise an option, our attorneys can assist with resolving disputes that may arise over the interpretation or application of those options. Our firm assists landlords and tenants alike with negotiating buy-outs, resolving disputes over applicability or proper exercise of options, and entering into new or revised leases.

Premises Liability and Neighbor Disputes Owning commercial property carries with it the inherent risk that someone may get injured while on the property. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Peter N. Brewer have successfully defended against and prosecuted premises liability matters. Our firm fights to protect our client’s interests throughout the entire litigation process, including jury trials. Our firm also has significant experience dealing with disputes with adjacent property owners, including interpretation of easements, property line disputes, and nuisance matters.