Do "Squatter's Rights" Exist for Commercial Tenants?

[Bruce Davis IX]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? New Jersey

A family acquaintance has been the commercial tenant in a building which sits upon a piece of property owned by a New Jersey Municipality. He has rented and has had sole use of the building for at least 25 years. During this time, he has operated the business he owns from this location. He has paid all rent monies to the town and has performed maintenance to the building. His lease is set to expire soon, but the question is, are there any squatter's rights (or some other term) that this tenant might have to the building or the property?

 

[Gail in Georgia]

A review of "squatters rights" for residential properties in New Jersey:

Rights of Squatters in New Jersey | eHow.co.uk

In residential cases the tenant must have lived there for 30 - 60 years. Commercial tenants typically have less "rights" than those with residential leases.

Gail

 

[justalayman]

a couple really big problems with the idea.


I don't know a state where you could ever claim adverse possession on government owned property. Most states have included it within their statutes.


the other problem:
.

He has rented

He has paid all rent monies to the town and has performed maintenance to the building.

he was allowed there by permission. Permission can be revoked and it does not allow a claim of adverse possession.

your family acquaintance is simply a tenant. He is there because he pays for the right to be there. If/when the owner refuses to continue his lease, his right to be there ends.

 

[Andy0192]

.... He has rented and has had sole use of the building for at least 25 years. During this time, he has operated the business he owns from this location. He has paid all rent monies to the town and has performed maintenance to the building. His lease is set to expire soon, but the question is, are there any squatter's rights (or some other term) that this tenant might have to the building or the property?

Why would he think he has any type of rights beyond what his lease gives him?

Most commercial leases are triple net, and the tenant is the one required to perform maintenance and upkeep on the property.

Has your friend contacted the Municipality about renewing his lease or allowing him to purchase the property?

 

[atomizer]

With municipalities taking land that is privately own and they have no right to, what makes you think that your friends leased property would even have a remote possibility of being successful at winning against the city. Length of time you rent a property does not give you any additional rights outside of those described in the lease. I get this argument from long term tenants all the time.