Commercial Lease Assistance Program Announced By NYC Will Include An Average Of 40 Hours of Free Legal Services

The City of New York has announced a new program to assist small business owners with issues revolving around their tenancy. The Commercial Lease Assistance Program which will be under the guidance of the NYC Department of Small Business Services, will give small businesses an average of 40 hours of free legal services.  The city has stated that the services that will be covered will include issues revolving around "negotiating a lease, resolving landlord issues, responding to an eviction notice, breach of contract disputes, and lease renewal."  The announcement further explains that the program will not represent clients that end up in court although there is not have been a statement on whether the selected attorney can represent the business in an outside capacity.

The Commercial Lease Assistance Program will receive $2.4 million in funding from the City of New York.   Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services says “Small businesses don’t have legal teams like the big guys do, but we are making it clear that the City stands in their corner.  Even basic legal help can be costly and out of reach for small business owners, but this free service will go a long way towards helping small business owners solve problems related to their lease.”  This is the second program that the City of New York under the de Blasio administration will be funding to assist tenants.  In July of 2017, the City Council passes legislation to allow low income tenants to have free legal representation if they are facing eviction.  The new program will have an income eligibility requirement as well.

According to the release, small business owners in need who cannot otherwise afford an attorney are eligible for this program. Examples of businesses that may be eligible:

• Are immigrant-, minority-, women-, or veteran-owned,
• Employ local low-income residents,
• Are located in a rezoned or high-poverty areas; Or
• Offer job training opportunities

Mayor de Blasio said in a statement “Small businesses are the economic heart and soul of this city and they deserve every opportunity to succeed.  The Commercial Lease Assistance Program will give small-business owners the help they need to resolve legal issues without driving them out of business.”   Gale A. Brewer, Manhattan Borough President expanded the need for this program for small businesses in saying "Small businesses are big contributors to our city, which is why it’s crucial that we provide support services to help them compete and thrive.  Legal assistance, especially lease assistance, will be a big help for storefronters and small business owners.”
To be eligible to participate, your business must:

1. Be a small business according to the US Small Business Services Administration (PDF);
2. Be located in New York City;
3. Not be a franchise establishment; and
4. Meet the income eligibility requirements of the legal service provider.

Businesses can visit nyc.gov/commlease or call 311 to determine their eligibility for the Commercial Lease Program.
Blue Harbour Property Management is a full service NYC property management company servicing the boroughs of Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx.  Whether it be a 1 bedroom condo or multi-family building we are able to assist our clients maximize their investments.

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