Commercial Landlord–Tenant Disputes

Resolving California Commercial Tenant Disputes

Disputes require both speed and strategy. We advise landlords on enforcing lease obligations, pursuing remedies under California law, and resolving disagreements involving co-tenancy provisions, exclusives, and use restrictions.

Our attorneys balance firmness with practicality, all while protecting ownership interests without unnecessarily escalating conflict. Whenever possible, we reach resolutions that preserve business relationships and reduce litigation costs while maintaining the enforceability of lease terms.

Representation in Commercial Evictions and Unlawful Detainers

When tenants default, quick action matters. We prosecute unlawful detainer actions on behalf of landlords and property owners, ensuring full compliance with California’s strict procedural requirements.

Our attorneys handle each stage to minimize downtime and restore revenue flow. We also guide clients through re-tenanting and post-eviction matters, helping properties return to full occupancy without unnecessary delay.

Defense and Advisory Services for Property Managers

Property managers are often caught between ownership directives and tenant expectations. We provide legal defense and advisory support to property managers facing claims involving maintenance obligations, CAM disputes, or alleged lease breaches.

Our attorneys integrate property management law with practical dispute resolution to reduce exposure and protect both the manager’s and owner’s interests. The result is efficient issue resolution that aligns with management agreements and operational realities.

Institutional Standards in Landlord–Tenant Counsel

Institutional landlords and portfolio owners expect sophisticated representation that matches their scale of operations. We provide advisory and litigation services that meet these expectations focused on enforceable remedies, efficient resolution, and documentation that satisfies both lenders and investors.

Our firm’s experience across retail, office, and mixed-use assets allows us to anticipate how a dispute will impact financing, valuation, and long-term portfolio performance.

Experience You Can Trust

The Process of Handling Commercial Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Most disputes begin with a notice of default. From there, our attorneys guide clients through every phase: negotiation, enforcement, and, when necessary, litigation.

We draft and serve default notices, communicate with opposing counsel, and pursue remedies ranging from payment plans and lease modifications to unlawful detainer actions. Throughout the process, we keep clients informed and in control, balancing assertive enforcement with opportunities for practical resolution.

Legal expertise in California commercial tenant law

Our attorneys are well-versed in the California Civil Code and Code of Civil Procedure sections governing lease enforcement and unlawful detainers. We address issues involving rent acceleration, use restrictions, SNDA obligations, and estoppel certificates.

Because our team also advises on property management law, we understand the day-to-day implications of these disputes and how they affect operations, cash flow, and tenant retention. This dual perspective allows us to craft solutions that are both legally sound and operationally effective.

Guiding owners and managers through disputes

We provide hands-on support to landlords and property managers from the first notice through final resolution. Our attorneys draft enforcement documents, negotiate settlements, litigate unlawful detainers, and assist with re-tenanting strategies.

We also coordinate with lenders and investors to ensure that dispute resolution complies with financing covenants. This integrated approach maintains compliance, minimizes disruption, and protects the long-term value of the asset.

How commercial landlord–tenant counsel works in practice

For landlords, we pursue remedies that restore income, enforce lease rights, and preserve property value. For managers, we defend against claims while ensuring compliance with management and ownership requirements.

Our process includes:

• Default and enforcement actions – drafting and prosecuting lease defaults to resolution.
• Unlawful detainer and evictions – regaining possession quickly under California law.
• Dispute resolution and negotiation – reaching payment plans or settlements that prevent costly litigation.
• Lender and investor coordination – aligning dispute management with financing and reporting obligations.

Because we act as both landlord–tenant counsel and property management advisors, we approach disputes with a full understanding of legal enforceability, operational goals, and financial realities. Our focus is always on preserving the property’s value and keeping business moving forward.

Serving clients across Southern California

From our office in Costa Mesa, Buckner, Robinson & Mirkovich represents landlords, property managers, and developers across Orange County, Los Angeles, and throughout California. Our attorneys combine litigation skill with real estate insight, resolving disputes quickly, efficiently, and in alignment with each client’s investment strategy.

Common Questions