CITY ANNOUNCES FREE LEGAL SERVICES TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES WITH LEASE ISSUES

Commercial Lease Assistance Program Will Help Tenants with Lease Negotiation, Landlord Issues, Lease Renewal, and Eviction Notices

  Today, the de Blasio administration announced the launch of a new program to help small business owners with issues related to a business lease. The Commercial Lease Assistance Program, offered by the NYC Department of Small Business Services, will allow small business owners to obtain free legal assistance on topics that include negotiating a lease, resolving landlord issues, responding to an eviction notice, breach of contract disputes, and lease renewal. Non-franchise businesses that meet income requirements are eligible for this service.

“Small businesses are the economic heart and soul of this city and they deserve every opportunity to succeed,” said Mayor de Blasio. “The Commercial Lease Assistance Program will give small business owners the help they need to resolve legal issues without driving them out of business.”

“Small businesses are the lifeline of our neighborhoods and a significant part of what makes our city so special – and in the era of big business, it has never been more important to this Council help ensure that small business owners can thrive,” said New York Council Speaker Corey Johnson. “Free legal assistance regarding lease or landlord issues can go a long way for small business owners, saving money and passing on savings to local residents. With Council Member Mark Gjonaj as Chair of the Small Business Committee, he will be a strong voice who will continue advocating for small businesses owners in New York City.”

This new program offers pre-litigation services to help small business owners resolve problems before they end up in court. This can include sending legal correspondence to a landlord, addressing issues related to tenant harassment, and resolving challenges when a building changes ownership. The program will not represent clients in matters that end up in court.

The Commercial Lease Assistance Program will receive $2.4 million in funding over two years and will provide an average of 40 hours of legal services per client and a dedicated attorney to work with each business owner. This program will help small business owners achieve successful outcomes while avoiding thousands of dollars in attorney fees. These services are being offered in partnership with Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation  A, Volunteers of Legal Services, and the Urban Justice Center.

“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,” said Gregg Bishop, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Small Business Services. “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.”

“New York City’s small businesses provide vital services and often serve as economic engines to their communities,” said NYC Councilmember Mark Gjonaj, Small Business Committee Chair. “This program will go a long way towards helping struggling small business owners manage the complicated and often expensive burden of dealing with commercial lease issues.”

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

Services are now available. Businesses should visit nyc.gov/commlease or call 311 to determine their eligibility and learn more. Services are available in ten languages, including: Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Bengali, Haitian Creole, Korean, Arabic, Urdu, French, and Polish.

Businesses can also access SBS’ Comprehensive Guide to Commercial Leasing.

“As President and CEO of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, I am excited to hear that SBS will be providing free legal services to small businesses in The Bronx and throughout the five boroughs of New York City,” said Nunzio Del Greco, President and CEO of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce. “The free legal services for small businesses are essential in leveling the playing field with issues involving landlords, contracts and a myriad of other legal issues that arise”.

About NYC Small Business Services (SBS)

SBS helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building vibrant neighborhoods across the five boroughs. For more information on all SBS services, go tonyc.gov/sbs, call 311, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.