Services for Commercial Property Stakeholders in California
At The Peña Firm, we offer comprehensive legal services tailored to the specific needs of commercial property owners and managers in California. Our proactive, results-driven approach helps you safeguard your investments, minimize risk, and efficiently resolve disputes. Whether you need ironclad lease agreements, strategic eviction solutions, aggressive rent collection, or expert defense against ADA and Unruh Act claims, we provide legal guidance designed to protect your properties and bottom line. Our expertise also extends to business litigation, injunctions, and restraining orders to maintain the safety and integrity of your properties. By partnering with us, you gain a dedicated advocate committed to maximizing the value of your real estate assets while ensuring legal compliance and operational efficiency.
Tailored Lease Drafting and Negotiation
Many landlords rely on standard lease agreements published by various organizations. While these forms are balanced and may work for most situations, they fail to account for the unique bargaining positions of the parties involved, potentially leaving money on the table for landlords. At The Peña Firm, we draft lease agreements and renewals that are customized to protect the landlord’s interests and align with their business goals. Our personalized approach ensures every clause in the lease works to maximize revenue, protect against liabilities, and anticipate potential challenges, so landlords are empowered to make deals that serve their long-term success.
Efficient Unlawful Detainer Actions
Evicting a tenant can be a time-sensitive and frustrating process, especially in California, where tenants often exploit delay tactics to extend their time in possession. These delays are frequently tolerated by the judiciary, but at The Peña Firm, we don’t let them drag on unnecessarily. We take a proactive approach, addressing each tenant tactic swiftly and decisively, ensuring the case moves forward to its merits as quickly as possible. Our priority is to help landlords recover possession efficiently, minimizing disruptions to your property’s operation and your bottom line.
Enforcing Lease Agreements
Lease enforcement can become necessary when tenants fail to meet their obligations, whether it’s unauthorized property use, failure to pay rent, or other breaches of the lease agreement. At The Peña Firm, we work aggressively to enforce lease terms and secure remedies that protect landlords’ rights. For landlords whose leases include guarantors, we go the extra mile to pursue these guarantors to the full extent allowed by law. This ensures that landlords are made whole and their financial interests are protected, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Rent Collection and Recovery
Unpaid rent can place landlords in a difficult financial position, especially when it accrues over an extended period. We assist landlords in recovering lost revenue by employing effective legal strategies, from negotiating payment plans to pursuing court action when necessary. Our focus is always on minimizing financial losses while handling the process as efficiently and smoothly as possible. We also understand the importance of preserving the landlord-tenant relationship when possible, ensuring recovery efforts don’t undermine long-term property success.
Defending ADA and Unruh Act Actions
California is widely recognized as having the most onerous environment for ADA and Unruh Act lawsuits in the United States. Unlike other states, California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act allows plaintiffs to recover statutory damages of at least $4,000 per violation, in addition to attorney’s fees and costs. This has created a high volume of litigation, often targeting landlords for minor or technical violations. At The Peña Firm, we take a pragmatic approach, working to resolve these disputes efficiently, tendering responsibility to tenants when appropriate, and protecting landlords from undue financial and legal burdens.
Restraining Orders and Permanent Injunctions
Landlords often face situations where individuals threaten the safety or functionality of their property. This can include drug users refusing to vacate, dangerous individuals menacing tenants or their clients, or protestors and solicitors disrupting business operations and posing safety risks. At The Peña Firm, we help landlords take swift legal action by obtaining restraining orders and permanent injunctions to address individuals or groups who jeopardize the smooth operation of commercial properties. By prioritizing the safety of tenants and their patrons, we ensure that your property remains a secure and productive environment.