Tenant made verbal amendment to lease...

[mbradzick]

Texas

I just aquired a commercial building in Lubbock, TX. One of the tenants claims that he made a verbal agreement with the previous owner that he could leave and be released from his lease when his new building was completed. The previous owner denies such an agreement. The lease was for 3 yrs. and does not expire until 2006. He wants to leave and be released from the lease in June 05.

Does a verbal ammendment to the lease hold up legally? Is a lease transferable to a new owner of the property?

Thanks.

 

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

Texas

I just aquired a commercial building in Lubbock, TX. One of the tenants claims that he made a verbal agreement with the previous owner that he could leave and be released from his lease when his new building was completed. The previous owner denies such an agreement. The lease was for 3 yrs. and does not expire until 2006. He wants to leave and be released from the lease in June 05.

Does a verbal ammendment to the lease hold up legally? Is a lease transferable to a new owner of the property?

Thanks.

My response:

You "run" a commercial building, and you don't know the laws that cover your business? Oh, man. Have I got some beachfront property in Idaho to sell to you! Interested?

Of course a written lease overrides any oral promises. All matters real estate must be in writing.

Get a landlord / tenant book, will you?

IAAL