Articles Posted in Commercial, Real Estate and Construction Loans

|

AdobeStock_883988613-300x200In the construction and property improvement industry, payment disputes frequently arise, creating significant financial stress for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Understanding your rights and the available remedies is essential for navigating these disputes effectively. This blog will explore one of the most powerful tools available to those in the construction industry: mechanic’s liens, along with other remedies to resolve payment disputes.

What is a Mechanic’s Lien?

A mechanic’s lien is a legal claim against a property that has been improved or repaired. It gives contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers the right to seek payment for the work they have performed or materials they have provided. By filing a mechanic’s lien, the lienholder can secure their interest in the property, which can ultimately lead to payment through the sale of the property if necessary.

Continue reading ›

|

AdobeStock_502835611-300x200The gig economy provides flexibility and autonomy, but it also comes with important legal responsibilities. With the rise of gig work, the legal landscape has grown increasingly complex, particularly around worker classification and the application of labor laws. In a tech-forward city like San Jose, these evolving legal challenges have a significant impact.

1. Worker Classification: Employee or Independent Contractor?

One of the primary legal concerns in the gig economy is determining whether a worker is classified as an employee or an independent contractor. This distinction is crucial because it dictates the rights, obligations, and benefits—such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and health insurance—that both the worker and the business must follow. In California, the “ABC test,” introduced under Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5) in 2020, remains a key standard for determining worker status.

Continue reading ›

|

AdobeStock_537418940-300x169Texas has been one of the nation’s hottest commercial real estate markets in recent years. Many companies are looking to relocate to the Lone Star State – especially in tech-friendly areas like Austin. This creates many opportunities for both buyers and sellers and the Texas real estate lawyers at Structure Law Group can help you in this process.

Commercial real estate transactions involve a lot of rules, contracts, and other moving parts. It is not something to be entered into lightly.

Know Your Goals–And Your Finances

Continue reading ›

|

AdobeStock_148430185-300x200Structure Law Group LLP’s California real estate attorneys can provide you with top-grade professional representation and guidance in real estate transactions. SLG’s attorneys work with investors, brokers, landlords and tenants in a wide range of matters including acquisitions, leases, transactions, financing, and tax planning.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when dealing with California’s commercial real estate market.

Tips for Buyers

Continue reading ›

|

Untitled-design-14-300x214While record inflation may be having a negative impact on home sales nationwide, Texas stands out as a sort of exception to the rule. Multiple housing markets in Texas continued to see increases even while many other parts of the country were suffering.  If you are considering entering the real estate market in Texas, you will want to work with a Texas real estate attorney.

Several statistics and figures outline the continuing growth that Texas is experiencing. Many investors are, in turn, looking to Texas for their next commercial real estate investment project because there is so much potential.

Commercial Real Estate Facts in Texas

Continue reading ›

|

AdobeStock_168060971-300x200Prop 19 is now effective in California. The new law makes changes to existing property tax laws, so it is important for homeowners to understand how their tax obligations can change under the new rules. Business owners must also be prepared for changes to property tax assessments on corporate real estate holdings. Learn more about the changes to state property tax laws, what business owners need to do to prepare for these changes, and how a California corporate attorney can help you determine the best way to manage real estate assets held by your business. With advanced planning, your business will be prepared to meet its tax obligations without compromising its financial goals.

What Is Prop 19?

According to the Office of the San Francisco Assessor-Recorder, Prop 19 makes changes to certain state property tax benefits. The law is an amendment to the state constitution that limits certain property tax benefits to make them available to others who need them. For example, this amendment requires an owner who inherits family property to use the home as a primary residence in order to retain the lower property value assessment for tax purposes. On the other hand, a homeowner who is over 55 years of age, disabled, or the victim of a wildfire or natural disaster may transfer a low property tax base on a replacement residence up to three times. These amendments have large impacts on families, especially in the bay area where the value of homes have increased significantly for many individuals who are now looking to pass the property on to their children.

Continue reading ›

|

AdobeStock_229466821-300x200For over two years, landlords throughout California have shouldered the financial burdens of eviction moratoria. Federal, state and local laws have limited the circumstances, manner, and time in which a landlord could remove a tenant delinquent on rent or other obligations under the lease. While some would argue these measures were a necessary health precaution during the worst of the pandemic, they shifted the financial burden of missed rental payments onto landlords in most respects. Now, landlords are finally experiencing some relief as eviction moratorium laws expire. Learn more about commercial landlord rights in California under current eviction regulations.

How California Has Handled Commercial Tenant Evictions

Governor Newsom’s latest executive order extended eviction moratoriums on commercial landlords through September 30, 2021. Since that date has lapsed, commercial tenants are no longer protected under the expired law and must rely on state and local regulations still in effect. In sum, commercial landlords may start eviction proceedings against tenants in the counties where no extension has been provided. In some counties, local ordinances have extended eviction moratoriums and protections. Los Angeles County, for example, has created a two-phase tenant protection resolution. Different eviction rules will apply as the procedures are phased in throughout 2022. In Santa Clara County, commercial tenants must now be caught up on at least fifty percent of their arrears, or they could be subject to eviction. Tenants have until August 19, 2022, to be fully paid up on their arrears. Each county has its own rules, so be sure to consult with an attorney about your specific situation.

Continue reading ›

|

AdobeStock_330935716-300x169Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many non-essential businesses have been shut down, resulting in an unprecedented economic downfall for many employers.  In efforts to provide relief for employers, the government has passed the CARES Act, which will allow employers to save costs by deferring their Social Security payroll tax (6.2%) payments.  This deferral period applies to employee wages accrued between March 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020.  Once the deferral period has passed, the employer will be obligated to pay the “deferred amounts” to the U.S. Treasury in two installments.  The first half of the deferred amount of payroll taxes will be due on December 31, 2021, while the remaining half will be due on December 31, 2022.  The CARES Act also applies to all employers regardless of their sizes, including individuals who are self-employed.  The only exception is employers who have already received Small Business Act loans that are forgiven under the Cares Act.  These employers do not qualify for the payroll tax deferral.

Call Us Today to Schedule a Consultation with a Silicon Valley Business Attorney

Contact Structure Law Group at (408) 441-7500. Our experienced Silicon Valley business lawyers know how to prevent business disputes and proactively address other business issues.

Continue reading ›

|

Fotolia_202834953_Subscription_Monthly_M-300x200
An easement is a legal tool that gives someone else the right to use part of your land. Generally speaking, an easement does not give a party full ownership of that part of the property and instead, will include restrictions on how the party can use the land. Additionally, the property owner retains the right to use their land as they choose, as long as the use does not interfere with the easement holder’s rights.

One type of easement does restrict the property owner’s right to use the land – sometimes, they cannot use that part of their property at all once an easement is in place. These are called exclusive easements and, while they are rare, it is important to understand all implications of this type of easement before you ever grant one.

How an Exclusive Easement is Acquired

Continue reading ›

|

Fotolia_171059478_Subscription_Monthly_M-300x200A right of first refusal is an important legal right in business law. It gives a certain party the opportunity to engage in a transaction before another party can do so. The right of first refusal can be used in many different contexts and can be extremely important for many companies. If a right of first refusal is granted and not subsequently honored, it can lead to a legal dispute.

If you are including a right of first refusal provision in a contract, you should always have a skilled business lawyer review the contract to ensure the provision properly protects your rights. We can also ensure the contract allows you the appropriate remedies should another party breach the contract provision.

Situations Involving a Right of First Refusal

Continue reading ›