Assignment of Rents & Leases

Assignment of Rents and Leases in Business and Real Estate Transactions

An “Assignment of Rents and Leases” is a crucial legal instrument that significantly impacts commercial and residential real estate, and mergers and acquisitions of real estate. Having a properly drafted and executed assignment means the rights and assets that are transferred give the new party (the assignee) the right to receive payments.

What is an assignment of rents and leases?

An assignment of rents and leases is a legal agreement in which the individual or company entitled to receive payments transfers that right to another party. Most often, this occurs (1) when a property owner hires a property manager, or (2) in acquisitions, such as a property management company selling their accounts to another property management company or a commercial landlord selling their portfolio to a buyer.

How is an assignment of rents and leases used?

This arrangement is often utilized in business sales, account sales, financing, and investment transactions as a means of securing debt or protecting the interests of the lender or property owner.

In the financing context, an assignment often grants the lender or assignee the authority to collect and apply the rents from the property should the borrower default on their loan; this is important when the borrower collateralizes real estate in order to receive the loan. In a property management context, an assignment often serves to effectively transfer management rights to the new company.

An assignment of rents and leases is probably most commonly used in a commercial real estate context when there is a sale of a commercial property, or in the residential real estate context when there is a change in property managers.

What terms should be included in an assignment of rents and leases?

Certain components should be included in a proper assignment. Here are a few of the foundational terms for an assignment of rents and leases:

Parties. All parties should be clearly identified and defined. This can include the borrower, lender, assignee, assignor, successor, etc.
Property description. The real estate parcel(s) involved in the assignment should be described by legal description, street address, and more.
Lease terms, rents, and disclosures. The actual lease agreements that are being transferred to the new landlord, property manager, lender, etc. should be provided to the assignor/successor, along with an easy-to-read schedule of rents and other crucial details per parcel or premises.
Rights and obligations. Each party should have their rules, permissions, and contractual rights and obligations outlined in the assignment language. The rights and obligations of each stakeholder will be widely varied based on the needs and financial position of each party, the existing leases being assigned, and the specifics of the subject properties.

Best Commercial Real Estate Attorneys in Oklahoma

It is crucial to engage an attorney with experience in properly negotiating, drafting, and executing assignments of rents and leases. They can guide you through the process, ensuring that the assignment is tailored to your specific needs and complies with all relevant legal requirements. The attorneys of Avenue Legal Group have the experience you need and want in your transaction. Contact our firm to discuss your transaction, assignment of rents and leases, or other real estate documentation.

Looking for local counsel in Oklahoma for your commercial real estate transaction? Our firm frequently works with attorneys, investors, and lenders from outside the state. Contact us by call, text, email, or website submission to discuss your matter.

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