Lost business. Landlord suing. Any advice?

Lost business. Landlord suing. Any advice? by Olivia (NY) on March 16, 2012 @15:35

I saw that you recently had a similar question on your website, however I am asking as the tenant. I was forced to close my business in Manhattan in April 2010. I tried on two separate occasions to notify the landlord that I would like to formally sell my business (therefore lease agreement) to other owners before I was nearing the end of my business and he never acknowledged me. There I was forced to close, and left everything inside. Another tenant moved in October 2010. He is now trying to sue me for $280,000 ($14,000 for four months, but then I don't know where he gets the rest of the amount from). What should I do at this point?
My hearing is at the end of march and I don't know what to do. I also do not believe that I should be held accountable. I was already forced to close my business and I lost everything, it seems as though they are being a big greedy corporation. Any advice would be great! Thank you very much!

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Re: Lost business. Landlord suing. Any advice? by Anonymous on March 16, 2012 @15:46	[ Reply ]

Contact a local attorney who specializes in this area.

Re: Lost business. Landlord suing. Any advice? by Anonymous on March 16, 2012 @17:50	[ Reply ]

Get an attorney. We can hardly help you with this type of issue only a lawyer can.

Commercial rental by Bryan (Ia) on March 16, 2012 @18:15	[ Reply ]

Commercial rentals are different critter than the residential rentals that are normally handled here. For that amount you will be in District Court. You need a lawyer.

Re: Lost business. Landlord suing. Any advice? by Gail K (GA) on March 17, 2012 @08:03	[ Reply ]

Yes; commercial leases are different than residential. They tend to provide the tenant with LESS legal protection than residential leases. It's confusing on why you do not believe you don't owe for four months of rent. Unfortunately, we have no idea why your landlord is suing for $280,000 which is why the suggestion that you hire your own attorney is the appropriate one. Gail