Skip to main content
Bernstein Burkley
  • Practice Areas
    • Overview
    • Bankruptcy & Restructuring
    • Business and Corporate Transactions
    • Creditors’ Rights
    • Litigation
    • Oil & Gas and Energy
    • Real Estate
    • Real Estate & Commercial Finance
  • Our Attorneys
  • About Us
    • Our Approach
    • History
    • Law Lists
    • Professional Memberships
    • Careers
  • Resources
    • Bernstein’s Dictionary of Bankruptcy Terminology
    • Links
    • Five Minute Legal Master videos
    • Blog
    • Legal Publications
  • News
    • Cases Archive
    • Firm News
    • In the News
    • Industry News
  • Contact
CALL - 412 456 8100
Connect
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
Bernstein Burkley
  • Practice Areas
    • Overview
    • Bankruptcy & Restructuring
    • Business and Corporate Transactions
    • Creditors’ Rights
    • Litigation
    • Oil & Gas and Energy
    • Real Estate
    • Real Estate & Commercial Finance
  • Our Attorneys
  • About Us
    • Our Approach
    • History
    • Law Lists
    • Professional Memberships
    • Careers
  • Resources
    • Bernstein’s Dictionary of Bankruptcy Terminology
    • Links
    • Five Minute Legal Master videos
    • Blog
    • Legal Publications
  • News
    • Cases Archive
    • Firm News
    • In the News
    • Industry News
  • Contact
Q&A
Q&A

I have a business tenant that hasn’t paid rent. What should I do?

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Victoria Davis

“Ask the Legal Professional”
Pittsburgh Business Times – July 17, 2015

Q:     I have a business tenant that hasn’t paid rent. What should I do?

A:     First, look at your lease to determine what remedies are set forth in the agreement. Many commercial leases include a confession of judgment clause for possession of the leased premises. This allows you to have the tenant immediately ejected from the premises for failing to pay rent. You may also have a confession of judgment clause that will allow you to collect money for past due rent.

If your lease does not contain these remedies, send your tenant a 30-day notice to vacate the premises. If they don’t vacate, be prepared to file suit in district justice court for possession of your premises and for unpaid rent. You may want to consult with counsel to assist you in enforcing the confession of judgment clauses and filing suit. Often, commercial leases contain a provision for recovery of attorney’s fees should legal action to enforce the lease become necessary.

Share on:
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
Bernstein Burkley

Copyright © 2025 Bernstein-Burkley

Links
  • Disclaimer
  • Knowledge Base
  • Privacy Center
  • Site Map

Bernstein-Burkley, P.C.

Phone: 412.456.8100

Fax: 412.456.8135

Email: info@bernsteinlaw.com

Connect

We use cookies to give you the best online experience. By agreeing you accept the use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy.

I accept My Preferences
Close Popup