Tenant law firm aims to block lease

A small New York law firm that specializes in tenant law and is unable to make its $23,000 monthly rent due to the city’s coronavirus shutdown is beating the landlord to the punch.

Heiberger & Associates P.C. on Friday asked a judge to throw out its lease or block its landlord from taking any actions against it in a lawsuit that could be a sign of the times — businesses unable to pay rent — according to The Detroit News.

The news outlet believes this to be among the first such legal proceedings and anticipates more nationwide.

The firm, which specializes in representing landlords in eviction proceedings, said in its complaint that the firm “has for all intents and purposes ceased to function” due to the pandemic and subsequent shutting down and postponing of most court proceedings — but this one, apparently.

More insurance and risk management news on the coronavirus crisis here.