Landlord-tenant attorneys
Wiles & Wiles
Wiles & Wiles, LLP is a Marietta, Georgia law firm that represents commercial landlords. It markets itself as The Landlord's Lawyer and counsels local, national, and international property management firms and property owners on preparing, enforcing, and litigating leases.
The practice covers negotiation and drafting of leases and related documents, lease enforcement and collection when a tenant stops paying or otherwise breaches, evictions, tenant bankruptcy, variances, defence of mechanic's lien cases, and drafting of construction contracts. The firm states that its turnaround on client matters is usually a matter of hours or days rather than weeks or months, and that clients receive copies of all correspondence and important documents.
The firm was founded in 1988. It states that it practises in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Texas, and Colorado, with its managing partner licensed in all five states and another partner licensed in Georgia, Florida, and Colorado, which it says lets it serve multi-state commercial landlords. Its attorneys are active in the International Council of Shopping Centers, where the managing partner lectures at the organisation's Law Conference, and attorneys also handle commercial and residential construction litigation.
The published material is written for commercial landlord-tenant work, much of it retail. Owners of manufactured housing communities or apartment portfolios should confirm residential eviction practice and how matters are billed before engaging.
Best for
Commercial landlords and property management firms with property in Georgia, or in Florida, Tennessee, Texas, or Colorado, who need leases drafted and negotiated, a lease enforced, or a tenant removed.
What they do
- Commercial lease drafting and negotiation
- Lease enforcement and rent collection
- Evictions and dispossessory actions
- Judgment collection and revival
- Tenant bankruptcy representation
- Zoning variance applications
- Mechanic's lien defence
- Construction contract drafting
- Landlord-tenant litigation
Details
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1988 |
| Memberships | International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) |
What stands out
- Founded in 1988 and focused on commercial landlord-tenant law from offices in Marietta, Georgia.
- States that it practises in Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Texas, and Colorado, with the managing partner licensed in all five states.
- States that turnaround on client matters is usually a matter of hours or days rather than weeks or months.
- Attorneys are active in the International Council of Shopping Centers, where the managing partner lectures at its Law Conference.
Common questions
- How long is a judgment good for in Georgia?
- In general, a judgment is good for seven years in Georgia. The firm says that without the help of an experienced attorney you cannot collect on a judgment after seven years; in some instances an attorney can revive an older judgment, but it cautions that such a result should not be relied upon.
- What is the biggest risk when evicting a tenant?
- The firm says the biggest risk is self-help. Landlords who evict by self-help are often sued by the evicted tenant on a variety of grounds, so it advises following the established legal procedures for an eviction to avoid potential liability.
- Should a landlord hire a real estate broker or a lawyer?
- Both can act as a landlord's agent in renting property, but the roles differ. A broker is most effective at locating suitable property, knows market rates, and can negotiate business terms. A lawyer takes the negotiated terms and drafts them so they are protective and enforceable, and only a lawyer may give legal advice about the terms of a lease.
- What are the common risks in collecting rent?
- A landlord should try to collect rent exactly as the lease provides. If the landlord permits deviations, those deviations may establish a new course of dealing that permits the tenant's noncompliance and delays or prevents enforcement, so the firm advises consulting an attorney before making exceptions to a lease.
- What should a landlord do when a tenant complains about a condition on the property?
- If there is a defect on the property, the landlord may have an obligation to make repairs. If the repairs are not made, tenants may do the repair themselves and deduct the cost from rent, and if the defect is serious enough to deprive the tenant of the use of the premises, the tenant may claim constructive eviction and move out.