Whether you have a commercial tenant who owns a yoga studio or a residential tenant who stopped paying rent, COVID-19 is forcing landlords everywhere to call their lawyers and ask:  “Now What?”

“It’s important to show concern and flexibility during this unprecedented set of circumstances,” said Robert R. Pellegrini, Jr., Esq, “but it’s also important to remind your tenants of their obligations and set expectations for both parties.”

Here are a few ways you can communicate to your tenants until there’s a return to standard operations:

  1. Encourage your employees to continue practicing social distancing and stay at home
  2. Set expectations for non-emergency requests for maintenance 
  3. Assure tenants that building employees will practice the proper guidelines of social distancing set out by the CDC
  4. Continue to be proactive with tenant questions and send out your own set of FAQs

When Tenants Request To Defer Rental Payment

You’ll likely be sent requests to defer monthly rental payments.  We are suggesting the following verbiage:

“As of now, the owners of rental properties in the United States are still responsible for making their mortgage payments, as well as paying for taxes, insurance, repairs, and other expenses needed to maintain the building. We still need to make sure we receive income to cover these bills. 

If you have lost all ability to pay rent which, includes losing your job and your other sources of income, or if your unemployment has run out, and no government assistance is being received, then please call us as soon as possible so we can help you go over your options.”

If you have additional questions on how to approach a current commercial or residential leasing question, or if you are in need of a free 15 minute consultation to discuss a pending issue, please email us with a brief explanation of your matter at: info@pkboston.com.

PK Boston Law is a full-service law firm that offers legal counsel to real estate developers, contractors and businesses in the Greater Boston area.

Robert Pellegrini President

The above information is designed to provide a helpful overview of a relevant topic. It does not constitute legal advice nor should it be construed as such. Please do not take action based on the above information without seeking formal legal advice. If you would like additional information, please contact Attorney Robert Pellegrini, Jr. at (508) 807-1131