I recently outlined the steps the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends building owners take when preparing their buildings to be re-occupied after the lifting of the COVID-19 pandemic-related government shutdowns (see: “Building Owners Must Have a Plan”). Because OSHA obligates employers to “furnish to each of [their] employees …a place of employment [that is] free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to [their] employees,” employers occupying those buildings too must have a safe workplace plan in place. » Read More
Now that office workers are slowly beginning to return to the office – or anticipate doing so in the near future – it is critical for building owners with tenants to have in place a plan to protect the health and safety of workers and employees occupying the building. » Read More
One of the questions frequently asked when the lockdown began over two months ago was from small business owners who wanted to know whether they had the right to suspend their rent payments. In response, the New Jersey Legislature introduced a bill on April 9, 2020, that would authorize Governor Murphy to permit emergency rent suspensions for a small business tenant economically distressed as a result of the pandemic. » Read More
On April 2, 2020, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) issued guidance to municipal planning and zoning boards to ensure continuity of land use application procedures and due process while simultaneously adhering to the COVID-19 social distancing and health measures. » Read More
With the COVID-19 crisis upon us and New Jersey businesses shuttered, many commercial tenants suddenly find themselves deprived of the ability to pay their rent. By order of Governor Murphy, there is a moratorium on residential evictions and foreclosures in New Jersey. » Read More
Property owners often believe that their property is worth an amount equal to the assessment on the property. This misconception leads owners to overlook the different ratios of assessed value to true value applicable in each of the assessing districts of New Jersey and the fact that these ratios generally decline each year. » Read More
In a previous blog, I wrote about the differences between a license and a lease. As with the license v. lease scenario, simply labeling a document as a license or an easement does not necessarily mean that the document is as designated. » Read More
While most people know generally what a deed is, most do not know the different types of deeds that are used to convey real property. The distinctions are important because the type of deed used to transfer property determines the rights of the buyer and seller if something goes wrong after the sale. » Read More
One of the risks of operating a business open to the public is being sued under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) for failing to remove physical barriers that make a business or building inaccessible to a person with disabilities. Complaints about ramps, sinks, seating, countertops, and the like are not unusual in these types of lawsuits. » Read More
