News & Resources

For a landlord who owns commercial property, the security deposit rarely covers the full cost, and the question becomes what else you're entitled to collect.

DC prohibits self-help eviction for commercial tenants, same as for residential ones. That means a landlord cannot change the locks, shut off utilities, remove the tenant's property, or otherwise force them out without going through DC Superior Court and having the U.S. Marshals Service execute the eviction. A landlord who does this on their own — even with months of unpaid rent as justification — can end up owing the tenant damages, on top of still not having lawfully recovered the space.

Because commercial leases are detailed contracts with real business consequences, both tenants and landlords benefit from identifying trouble early and taking practical steps before the dispute becomes more expensive to resolve. DC business owners and property owners should understand the most common triggers, the risks of delay, and the legal paths available when negotiations fail.

Leasing commercial property in Washington, DC is an important component of any business’ success. In the lease agreement, there are restrictions, obligations, and rights regarding the use and maintenance of the property. An experienced real estate attorney can help make sure you enter into the right type of lease agreement and that your interests and rights are properly addressed and protected.

A new opinion from the D.C. Court of Appeals may impact how tenants and landlords negotiate options to extend a lease agreement.