what is an assignment of lease and rents

Assignment of Rents – What, Why, and How?

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Madelaine prescott, esq., share this post:.

• November 29, 2023

These days, almost all commercial loans include an Assignment of Rents as part of the Deed of Trust or Mortgage. But what is an Assignment of Rents, why is this such an important tool, and how are they enforced?

An Assignment of Rents (“AOR”) is used to grant the lender on a transaction a security interest in existing and future leases, rents, issues, or profits generated by the secured property, including cash proceeds, in the event a borrower defaults on their loan. The lender can use the AOR to step in and directly collect rental payments made by the tenant. For an AOR to be effective, the lender’s interest must be perfected, which has a few fairly simple requirements. The AOR must be in writing, executed by the borrower, and recorded with the county where the property is located. Including an AOR in the recorded Deed of Trust or Mortgage is the easiest and most common way to ensure the AOR meets these requirements should it ever need to be utilized.

When a borrower defaults, lenders can take advantage of AORs as an alternative to foreclosure to recoup their investment. With a shorter timeline and significantly lower costs, it is certainly an attractive option for lenders looking to get defaulted borrowers back on track with payments, without the potential of having to take back a property and attempting to either manage it or sell it in hopes of getting your money back out of the property. AORs can be a quick and easy way for the lender to get profits generated by the property with the goal of bringing the borrower out of default. But lenders should carefully monitor how much is owed versus how much has been collected. If the AOR generates enough funds so that the borrower is no longer in default, the lender must stop collecting rents generated by the property.

Enforcement of an AOR can also incentivize borrowers to work with the lender to formulate a plan, as many borrowers rely on rental income to cover expenses related to the property or their businesses. Borrowers are generally more willing to come to the table and negotiate a mutual, amicable resolution with the lender in order to protect their own investment. A word of warning to lenders though: since rental income is frequently used to pay expenses on the property, such as the property manager, maintenance, taxes, and other expenses, the lender needs to ensure they do not unintentionally hurt the value of the property by letting these important expenses fall behind. This may hurt the lender’s investment as well, as the property value could suffer, liens could be placed on the property, or the property may fall into disrepair if not properly maintained. It is also important for lenders to be aware of the statutes surrounding the payment of these expenses when an AOR is being used, as some state’s statutes require the lender to pay certain property expenses out of the collected rents if requested by the borrower.

In addition to being shorter and cheaper than foreclosure, AORs can be much easier to enforce. In California, the enforcement of an AOR is governed by California Civil Code §2938. This statute specifies enforcement methods lenders can use and restrictions on use of these funds by the lender, among other things. Under CA Civil Code §2938(c), there are 4 ways to enforce an AOR:

• The appointment of a receiver;
• Obtaining possession of the rents, issues, profits;
• Delivery to tenant of a written demand for turnover of rents, issues, and profits in the correct form; or
• Delivery to assignor of a written demand for the rents, issues, or profits.

One or more of these methods can be used to enforce an AOR. First, a receiver can be appointed by the court, and granted specific powers related to the AOR such as managing the property and collecting rents. They can have additional powers though; it just depends on what the court orders. This is not the simplest or easiest option as it requires court involvement, but this is used to enforce an AOR, especially when borrowers or tenants are uncooperative. Next is obtaining possession of the rents, issues, profits, which is exactly as it seems; lenders can simply obtain actual possession of these and apply the funds to the loan under their AOR.

The third and fourth options each require delivery of a written demand to certain parties, directing them to pay rent to the lender instead of to the landlord. Once the demand is made, the tenant pays their rent directly to the lender, who then applies the funds to the defaulted loan. These are both great pre-litigation options, with advantages over the first two enforcement methods since actual possession can be difficult to obtain and courts move slowly with high costs to litigate. The written demands require a specific form to follow called the “Demand To Pay Rent to Party Other Than Landlord”, as found at CA Civil Code §2938(k). There are other notice requirements to be followed here, so it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney if you are considering either of these options. California Civil Code §2938 specifically provides that none of the four enforcement methods violate California’s One Action Rule nor the Anti-Deficiency Rule, so lenders can confidently enforce their AORs using the above methods with peace of mind that they are not violating other California laws.

Whether you are looking to originate a new loan, or you are facing a default by your borrower, understanding what an Assignment of Rents is and how it operates can be extremely beneficial. Enforcing an AOR can be an easier option than foreclosure and can help promote a good relationship with your borrower when handled correctly. If you have any questions about AORs, or need further details on how to enforce them, Geraci is here to help.

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Demystifying Assignment of Lease: Your Go-To Guide

LegalGPS : July 29, 2023 at 8:17 AM

When you’re talking about property leasing, it’s important to understand that there are a lot of terms and concepts that you may have never heard before. One of them is the assignment of lease, which refers to a situation where a tenant transfers their rights and responsibilities under the lease agreement to another party.

What is an Assignment of Lease, and why is it so crucial?

An Assignment of Lease is a term you may have heard thrown around, especially if you're involved in rental properties. It’s a pretty important document. But what exactly is it? Well, in simple terms, an Assignment of Lease is an agreement where the original tenant of a property transfers their leases and all of its rights and obligations to a new tenant. Now, you might be wondering, "When would this scenario ever occur?"

Let's imagine you're a tenant who signed a three-year lease for an office space. However, two years in, you need to relocate due to unprecedented growth of your business. Instead of breaking the lease, you might choose to assign your lease to another business looking for office space. This means that you, as the original tenant, no longer have any obligations under the lease. The new tenant is now responsible for paying rent and complying with all of the terms of the previously signed agreement.

Now that you understand, let's get into the step-to-step guide on how to create an Assignment of Lease!

Steps to Write an Assignment of Lease

Creating a thorough Assignment of Lease agreement doesn't need to be an overwhelming task. Simply follow these steps to ensure your agreement is both comprehensive and legally binding:

Step 1: Identify the Parties

The information of each party should be included. For the existing tenant (the assignor), make sure to include:

Full legal name or business name

Postal mailing address

Phone number and email address

Do the same for the new tenant (the assignee). Make sure all the information is up-to-date and accurate to avoid any unnecessary confusion or disputes. For example, if the assignor is a business, make sure they have updated their mailing address with the post office to reflect their new building location. If a party has multiple addresses, be sure to list them all.

Step 2: Specify the Lease

This section requires exact information from the original lease agreement, including:

Property address and description

Lease start and end date

A reference to the original lease agreement (for instance, a sentence like "the lease agreement dated...")

Remember to include a copy of the original lease as an attachment to ensure the assignee understands the terms they're adhering to. If not already included in the original lease agreement, be sure to add the following information: Description of rental property, Lease term (how long the lease is good for), Rent amount, and Security deposit amount.

Step 3: Detail the Assignment

State that the assignor is transferring all their interests and obligations in the lease to the assignee. Here, write something like:

"The Assignor hereby assigns, transfers, and conveys to the Assignee all of the Assignor's rights, title, and interest in and to the Lease, together with all the Assignor's obligations, liabilities, and duties under the Lease."

This means that the assignor is transferring all of their interests and obligations in the lease to the assignee. This includes any future rent payments, repairs and maintenance responsibilities, notices of default by either party, and so on.

Step 4: Landlord's Consent

Many leases require the landlord's consent to assign the lease. The assignor should request written consent from the landlord and include a clause like:

"The assignment of the lease is not valid unless and until the landlord provides written consent."

This is followed by a place for the landlord to affirm consent by signing or initialing. This is important because the landlord can elect to withhold consent and the assignment will not be valid. If this is the case, you may need to provide additional consideration for your landlord's assent (for example, an increase in rent).

Step 5: Assignee Acceptance

Include a statement in which the new tenant agrees to the assignment and the terms of the lease. It may look like:

"The Assignee hereby accepts this assignment, assumes all duties and responsibilities under the Lease, and agrees to perform all of the Assignor's obligations under the Lease."

You need to do this because the new tenant needs to have an affirmative acceptance of the assignment in order for it to be valid. This is typically done through a letter from the assignee stating that they agree to perform all of your obligations under the lease.

Step 6: Signature and Date

Every binding legal document needs a date and a signature. Make sure that there is a proper place for the assignor and the assignee to sign and print their names, with a line for the date.

By following these clear, actionable steps, you'll be able to construct an effective Assignment of Lease agreement. Remember, every situation is unique, so adjust the template as necessary, being sure to include all relevant details.

Clear so far? Great! Now, let's focus on the tips to draft a perfect Assignment of Lease.

Tips to Draft a Perfect Assignment of Lease

Accurate Dates: Be sure to include the date when this agreement will take effect. Precision avoids any confusion about durations, when the assignee takes over, or when the assignor's obligations end.

Clear Terms: This document should restate the terms of the original lease. The assignee needs a clear understanding of what they're stepping into. Bit ambiguous? Think of it like this: the assignee should be able to step into the assignor's shoes comfortably.

Specify Rent Terms: Stating the rent amount, due dates, and method of payment in the assignment helps create a record of the agreed-upon rent terms, ensuring no misunderstanding arises in the future.

Specify the Term: The assignment should state how long the new lease lasts. For example, if the original lease is for one year, then the assignee will assume only a one-year term.

Specify Other Conditions: If there are other conditions in place—such as tenant improvements or utility allowances—then specify these too.

An assignment of lease doesn't have to be a formidable task to overcome. With a cautious and considered approach, these documents can be a smooth and seamless part of managing a successful lease transition.

Our contract templates can offer you even more support, empowering you towards crafting an excellent and individualised Assignment of Lease ready for your task. So why not take your next step towards leasing success and check them out today? Click here to get started!

• Estate Planning & Probate

Assignment of Rents & Leases

Assignment of rents and leases in business and real estate transactions.

An “Assignment of Rents and Leases” is a crucial legal instrument that significantly impacts commercial and residential real estate, and mergers and acquisitions of real estate. Having a properly drafted and executed assignment means the rights and assets that are transferred give the new party (the assignee) the right to receive payments.

What is an assignment of rents and leases?

An assignment of rents and leases is a legal agreement in which the individual or company entitled to receive payments transfers that right to another party. Most often, this occurs (1) when a property owner hires a property manager, or (2) in acquisitions, such as a property management company selling their accounts to another property management company or a commercial landlord selling their portfolio to a buyer.

How is an assignment of rents and leases used?

This arrangement is often utilized in business sales, account sales, financing, and investment transactions as a means of securing debt or protecting the interests of the lender or property owner.

In the financing context, an assignment often grants the lender or assignee the authority to collect and apply the rents from the property should the borrower default on their loan; this is important when the borrower collateralizes real estate in order to receive the loan. In a property management context, an assignment often serves to effectively transfer management rights to the new company.

An assignment of rents and leases is probably most commonly used in a commercial real estate context when there is a sale of a commercial property, or in the residential real estate context when there is a change in property managers.

What terms should be included in an assignment of rents and leases?

Certain components should be included in a proper assignment. Here are a few of the foundational terms for an assignment of rents and leases:

• Parties. All parties should be clearly identified and defined. This can include the borrower, lender, assignee, assignor, successor, etc.
• Property description. The real estate parcel(s) involved in the assignment should be described by legal description, street address, and more.
• Lease terms, rents, and disclosures. The actual lease agreements that are being transferred to the new landlord, property manager, lender, etc. should be provided to the assignor/successor, along with an easy-to-read schedule of rents and other crucial details per parcel or premises.
• Rights and obligations. Each party should have their rules, permissions, and contractual rights and obligations outlined in the assignment language. The rights and obligations of each stakeholder will be widely varied based on the needs and financial position of each party, the existing leases being assigned, and the specifics of the subject properties.

Best Commercial Real Estate Attorneys in Oklahoma

It is crucial to engage an attorney with experience in properly negotiating, drafting, and executing assignments of rents and leases. They can guide you through the process, ensuring that the assignment is tailored to your specific needs and complies with all relevant legal requirements. The attorneys of Avenue Legal Group have the experience you need and want in your transaction. Contact our firm to discuss your transaction, assignment of rents and leases, or other real estate documentation.

Looking for local counsel in Oklahoma for your commercial real estate transaction? Our firm frequently works with attorneys, investors, and lenders from outside the state. Contact us by call, text, email, or website submission to discuss your matter.

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Have Questions?

Navigating the assignment of a commercial lease

Special circumstances can require a tenant or a landlord to assign a commercial lease. Find out the most common situations for a commercial lease assignment and whether it's right for your situation.

Find out more about real estate and business

by   Ronna L. DeLoe, Esq.

Ronna L. DeLoe is a freelance writer and a published author who has written hundreds of legal articles. She does...

Read more...

Updated on: January 9, 2024 · 3min read

• Tenant's assignment of a commercial lease
• Getting the landlord's consent
• Contents of a tenant's assignment agreement
• Landlord's assignment of a commercial lease

If you're running a business, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to break a commercial lease. As a tenant, one option is to assign the lease, which means removing yourself completely from the lease and transferring it to a third party.

There are also instances when a landlord may need to assign a commercial lease, such as when a property is sold. In doing so, you sell the building with any leases intact, which requires assigning your right to collect rent to the new owner.

Tenant's assignment of a commercial lease

There are many reasons a tenant may want to get out of a commercial lease, including not being able to afford the rent and needing less or more space. Because it's unlikely a landlord will simply let you walk away from your commitment, you should check what your lease says about early termination. Most commercial leases require the tenant to pay rent for the rest of the term and possibly additional fees for breaking the lease.

Assignment of the lease is another alternative to breaking it. In doing so, you give the new tenant, known as the assignee, the right to occupy the premises in your place for the remainder of your lease term.

Getting the landlord's consent

Almost all assignments of commercial leases by the tenant need the landlord's consent, so check your original lease for any such language. As with a residential lease, a landlord cannot unreasonably withhold consent for you to assign the lease. However, it's up to you as the assignor, or original tenant, to ensure that your assignee is reliable, responsible, and can pay the rent—or you may end up being held financially liable.

If the tenant assigns a commercial lease to a new tenant without the landlord's permission, the landlord can sue the original tenant for breaking the lease. The landlord can also collect damages against one or both tenants if he can show that the assignee isn't a good-paying tenant or doesn't have the type of business he wants in the building. He can also end the lease and evict the new tenant.

Contents of a tenant's assignment agreement

Assignment of a commercial lease is almost always accompanied by a written agreement to preserve both the tenant's and landlord's rights. Some states require written assignment agreements . Many commercial assignment agreements contain provisions for the:

• Payment of fees to the landlord for having another business substitute for yours
• Assignor's and assignee's names, addresses, and business names
• Landlord's name, address, and business name
• Amount of the new tenant's rent and the dates for payment
• Date of the agreement
• Date the assignment is effective
• Date the lease ends
• The landlord's, assignor's, and assignee's signatures

Assignment agreements usually don't contain a provision releasing the assignor from paying rent, meaning that you, as the assignor, are held responsible for payment. Even so, assignment can be a financially responsible option for a tenant who's going out of business or who needs new space immediately.

Landlord's assignment of a commercial lease

Sometimes a commercial landlord needs to sell his property. After the new owner, or assignee-buyer, buys the property subject to existing leases, the assignor-landlord assigns the leases to the new owner, who can then collect rent. The assignor-landlord notifies tenants by sending a notice of sale, a notice of assignment of lease, or a notification on letterhead listing the assignee-buyer's address for payment of rent.

Unless the lease states otherwise, you, as landlord, can sell your property to anyone, but make sure to get a hold harmless clause , also known as an indemnity clause, in your contract of sale. Such clauses protect you from liability to the tenant if the buyer doesn't perform her duties as a landlord. Otherwise, as the original landlord, you're still liable for your obligations to the tenant, such as keeping the premises habitable.

Under the right circumstances, assignment of a commercial lease can work for both landlords and tenants. If you need assistance with your assignment agreement, consider using an online service provider to prepare it for you.

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• What is an Assignment of Rents?

WHAT IS AN ASSIGNMENT OF RENTS?

An assignment of rent is a binding contract between a lender and a borrower stipulating that in the event the borrower defaults on the mortgage, the lender will be entitled to collect any rent payments made by a tenant occupying the property. If the lender is aware that the borrower intends to use the mortgaged property as a rental property, the lender may include an assignment of rents clause in the mortgage agreement to further protect its interest. A lender may choose to enter a general assignment of rents or a specific assignment of rents.

In a general assignment of rents, the agreement is binding on all future leases. A specific assignment of rents is only binding on the specific parties listed in the agreement. In the context of a real estate transaction, an assignment of rents, whether general or specific, may be registered on title. An assignment of rent may also be registered under the Personal Property Security Act as a secured interest. An assignment of rents is typically only deleted from the title when the corresponding mortgage is discharged and paid in full.

Contact us if you require legal assistance with your real estate transaction. Our real estate law team has the experience and knowledge to assist you throughout every step of the transaction.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is not to be construed as legal advice. The content is drafted and published only for the purpose of providing the public with general information regarding various real estate and business law topics. For legal advice, please contact us.

About the Author:

Shahriar Jahanshahi is the founder and principal lawyer at Jahanshahi Law Firm with a practice focus on representing business star-ups and investors in the province of Ontario. For further information about Shahriar Jahanshahi, click here .

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Assignment And Assumption Of Lease

Jump to section, what is an assignment and assumption of lease.

An assignment and assumption of lease is a legal real estate document that allows one party to transfer rights and obligations of a lease to another party. Often used in real estate transactions and mortgage lending, the assignment and assumption of lease agreement requires the landlord to consent to move forward.

An assignor may include an assumption agreement to provide legal protection by transferring obligations to the new tenant. For example, if a tenant defaults on a mortgage or stops paying rent, the original seller is no longer liable. Assignment and assumption of lease agreements cover terms like who is newly responsible for the lease and the landlord's contract for this agreement.

Common Sections in Assignment And Assumption Of Leases

Below is a list of common sections included in Assignment And Assumption Of Leases. These sections are linked to the below sample agreement for you to explore.

Assignment And Assumption Of Lease Sample

Reference : Security Exchange Commission - Edgar Database, EX-10.2 2 d425646dex102.htm ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION OF LEASE , Viewed October 18, 2021, View Source on SEC .

Who Helps With Assignment And Assumption Of Leases?

Lawyers with backgrounds working on assignment and assumption of leases work with clients to help. Do you need help with an assignment and assumption of lease?

Post a project  in ContractsCounsel's marketplace to get free bids from lawyers to draft, review, or negotiate assignment and assumption of leases. All lawyers are vetted by our team and peer reviewed by our customers for you to explore before hiring.

Meet some of our Assignment And Assumption Of Lease Lawyers

As a corporate lawyer, I have dealt with international transactions, complex litigation and arbitration, regulatory compliance, and multijurisdictional tax planning. In March 2021, I started my firm and shifted my professional focus to working with start-ups, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and families. I help my clients structure and run their businesses and take care of their assets, including intellectual property issues and estate planning for their families. I try to bring big law quality and small firm personal attention to every client.

I am a solo-practitioner with a practice mostly consisting of serving as a fractional general counsel to growth stage companies. With a practical business background, I aim to bring real-world, economically driven solutions to my client's legal problems and pride myself on efficient yet effective work.

Attorney that has worked in both litigation and transactional fields. Motivated and personable professional. Speaks fluent Spanish and very basic Portuguese.

Seven years experience reviewing and drafting corporate and transactional documents, including NDAs, LLC operating agreements, MSAs, employment agreements, etc.

Brittany S.

I am licensed in New York and New Jersey. I graduated with my J.D. from Touro University Law Center, Summa Cum Laude, in 2021. In 2018, I graduated from SUNY Farmingdale with a B.S. in Sport Management and a minor in Business Management. I have experience in real estate law and insurance defense, including employment law. Please note, I do not carry malpractice insurance.

Josh is a founding partner and the director of Art and Business Law for Twig, Trade, & Tribunal PLLC a local Fort Lauderdale law firm. His practice focuses on Art and Business law including art transactions, legal strategy, art leasing, due diligence, contract drafting, contract negotiations as well as other facets of Art Law including consulting for all market participants. He also advises clients regarding issues for Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) again focusing on contract drafting, strategic guidance, and other factors as it relates to art produced as NFTs having given numerous presentations on the subject.

If you're looking for an attorney who can help your business succeed, look no further! With my experience in the legal field, I can provide you with the legal advice you need with entity formation, contract drafting, business operations, and more, And because I'm committed to providing high quality service, you can be sure that your needs will always be met. Contact me today to learn more about how I can help your business thrive!

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A banker asked us: General vs specific assignments of rents and leases in Ontario

Q: What is the difference between a general assignment of rents and leases and a specific assignment of rents and leases, and when should I include them in my term sheet for a commercial real estate financing of an Ontario property?

A: In situations where a borrower owns real property in Ontario that either is or will be leased to third party tenants, a lender should consider obtaining either a general assignment of rents and leases or a specific assignment of rents and leases in addition to a mortgage on the secured property. Like a mortgage, an assignment of rents and leases should be registered against title to the subject property, and in addition, should be registered under the applicable personal property security legislation as the rents and leases that are being secured by the assignment fall within the definition of personal property under that legislation. [1]

An assignment of rents and leases, be it a general assignment of rents and leases or a specific assignment of rents and leases, provides a lender with two principal benefits which may be realized by the lender after an event of default:

• it permits the lender to receive the rent payments that the borrower/landlord would otherwise be entitled to, and this revenue stream from the tenants is a significant asset that should be secured; and,
• it permits the lender to step into the shoes of the borrower/landlord and exercise all of the rights and remedies available to the landlord to ensure that the full benefit and value of the lease is realized by the lender, which includes for example, the right to demand payment in the event of non-payment of rent by a tenant and to assign the lease to a purchaser in the event of a power of sale proceeding.

The only difference between a general assignment of rents and leases and a specific assignment of rents and leases is the revenue streams and leases to which they apply. A general assignment of rents and leases applies to all present and future rental income and leases in respect of a particular property. Once in place, a general assignment of rents and leases gives the lender a right to the rental income and the ability to exercise all of the rights of the landlord under a lease in respect of all leases of the property, including but not limited to any new leases, subleases or assignments of lease entered into after the assignment is granted and registered. In contrast to this, a specific assignment of rents and leases only applies to leases which are specifically listed in the document. In the event that any of the specifically listed leases expire or are terminated, and/or a new lease or sublease is put in place, the specific assignment of leases will not apply to this new lease or sublease and the lender will have no right to the rental income or rights resulting from the new lease or sublease.

In most lending situations, the lender will prefer a general assignment of rents and leases as it provides the most comprehensive security. The lender will have security over all rental income, and be able to exercise the rights of the landlord, regardless of who the tenants are in the future, or what leases the borrower has in place at the time of default under the terms of the loan or credit facility. However, where there is a principal or anchor tenant that represents a preponderance of the rental income, and/or the borrower objects to a general assignment of rents and leases securing all rents and leases as too broad a security interest, the lender may only be interested in securing the rental income and landlord rights associated with a specific principal or anchor lease, or a particular group of leases. In such a situation, a specific assignment of rents and leases may be a reasonable compromise position for a lender to adopt. Alternatively, in situations where multiple lenders are taking security in a particular parcel of real property, specific assignments of rents and leases allow the various lenders to divide the rental income and leases among themselves, with each lender only obtaining security in a specifically agreed upon lease or group of leases.

The above is a general overview of general and specific assignments of rents and leases. The professionals in Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP’s financial services practice group would be pleased to discuss your lending and real property security needs in greater detail, and help you chose the security documents most appropriate for your lending needs.

[1] Some financial institutions have chosen to incorporate into their Standard Charge Terms for their mortgages various provisions that serve as a general assignment of rents, and they do not register a separate general assignment of rents as a result.

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