Imagine your landlord suddenly raises your rent far beyond what you expected, or your tenant refuses to cover repairs the lease clearly makes their responsibility. Maybe you’re fighting over whether a lease automatically renews, and your business risks losing its location if the dispute isn’t resolved. These situations put real pressure on both sides, and they’re more common in Indiana’s commercial real estate market than you might think.
When these conflicts arise, they don’t just involve fine print, they affect business operations, cash flow, and long-term investments. At Dillman & Owen Estate and Elder Law, our Indianapolis real estate lawyers guide clients through commercial lease disputes with a balance of legal precision and practical strategy, helping you find a path forward that protects what matters most.
Understanding Your Lease Agreement
Your lease agreement is the starting point for any dispute. For example, if a tenant skips a rent payment, the lease may outline late fees or notice requirements. If a roof repair comes up, the lease determines whether the landlord or tenant must pay. Key sections to review include:
Lease Terms and Conditions – Are there clauses addressing your specific conflict, such as default provisions or maintenance duties?
Responsibilities – Who agreed to cover what costs, from structural repairs to day-to-day upkeep?
Dispute Resolution Provisions – Does the lease require mediation, arbitration, or allow a direct court filing?
These agreements can be dense and hard to interpret. Our team helps clients read between the lines and understand exactly where their rights stand.
Common Types of Commercial Lease Disputes
In Indianapolis, we frequently see disputes involving:
Rent Issues – Tenants disputing sudden increases or landlords dealing with missed payments.
Maintenance and Repairs – Arguments over who fixes costly items like HVAC, plumbing, or roofs.
Lease Renewals or Terminations – Disagreements about whether notice deadlines were met or whether automatic renewal clauses apply.
Use of Property – Conflicts when zoning laws change or business operations shift beyond the lease’s original intent.
Each dispute comes with its own challenges, but all require careful navigation of both the lease and Indiana law.
Steps to Resolve a Commercial Lease Dispute
1. Attempt Negotiation: Often, picking up the phone and addressing the issue directly can prevent escalation. For example, a landlord may agree to spread out a rent increase, or a tenant may accept partial responsibility for repairs. Clear communication can sometimes save a business relationship.
2. Mediation: If talks stall, mediation provides a neutral setting where both sides can work toward a compromise. For instance, a mediator may help establish a payment plan for back rent or clarify ambiguous lease language without going to court.
3. Legal Action: When resolution isn’t possible, litigation may be necessary. Our litigation team at Dillman & Owen steps in to represent your interests in court, ensuring the lease terms and Indiana law are applied fairly.
Why Work With the Real Estate Attorneys at Dillman & Owen?
Choosing the right legal team can make the difference between a costly, drawn-out dispute and a practical solution. Here’s what sets us apart:
Litigation Experience – We are trial-ready when disputes can’t be resolved outside of court.
Business-Focused Perspective – We understand how these conflicts affect your bottom line and long-term business strategy.
Collaborative Team Approach – Our attorneys pool knowledge across estate, elder, and real estate law to build strong strategies.
Local Insight – With knowledge of Indiana’s property laws and Indianapolis ordinances, we anticipate how local rules may affect your case.
Client-Centered Guidance – We explain every step, answer your questions, and focus on solutions that align with your goals.
Take the Next Step Toward Resolution Today With Dillman & Owen
Commercial lease disputes can disrupt your business or compromise your investment, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. At Dillman & Owen, we combine sharp legal insight with a practical understanding of what’s at stake, helping you resolve disputes efficiently and effectively—through negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our Indianapolis real estate lawyers. Let us help you protect your property, your business, and your future.
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