Real Estate

Case was a partition action for a building owned by dozens of co-tenants. The Court supervised the sale of all interests. Building sold for over $30 million dollars.

Mediated several tenant vs. landlord cases including claims of violation of habitability standards brought under the San Francisco Rent Stabilization Ordinance and California Civil Code.

Mediated two consolidated actions arising from the purchase of commercial building in San Francisco. A sophisticated real estate developer purchased a commercial building from a sophisticated landlord. Seller/landlord disclosed to buyer only a single tenant who operated a fitness center on the premises, but in fact that tenant had sublet a portion of his space to a martial arts instructor and a physical therapist. Landlord/seller agreed to pay tenant $150,000 to buy out his lease. Buyer discovered sub tenants’ claims to possession during escrow, and seller/landlord denied knowledge of the two sub-tenancies.

Buyer sued seller for breach of the sales agreement and indemnity. Subtenants sued master tenant, buyer and seller for wrongful eviction. Master tenant sued seller for breach of buy-out agreement. Seller cross-complained against all. Several insurers were involved, each of whom had provided a defense with a reservation of rights, adding to the difficulty of the negotiations.

Resolved a case in which parties held title to a single family dwelling as joint tenants with a written contract concerning their respective rights to occupy the property and obligations to pay mortgage, taxes, insurance, etc.

Handled multiple cases concerning the rights of TIC owners in small (2-3 unit) residential properties owned as TIC.

Handled a partition action involving the sale of approximately 100 fractional tenancy in common interests in a large mixed commercial residential building, with sale ending at $26 million.

Handled a homeowners' association case involving the re-designation of common use areas.

Handled a case in which a landlord prohibited tenants from owning pets and tried to evict a disabled tenant who had a service dog.