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Is Franchising Right for You?

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The moment you decide to go to a drive-thru and pick up something to eat, chances are, you’re supporting a franchise. From fast-food to fitness gyms, franchising has made it easier than ever for anyone to start a business. It’s a huge part of the economy and directs many of our daily routines.  

What is franchising?

In short, franchising starts when a company decides that it’s doing well and wants to expand. Expansion is important for growing your business, but it can be a pain to try and run all these new locations. Rather than running all these locations themselves, businesses will essentially lease their business model and name to someone based in the new location. The person on the other side of the coin is called the franchisee. They dream of starting a business, understand the local market, and has access to capital to start a business or can be approved for a loan. Many of these people also may be new to the industry, thus lacking intimate knowledge of it. In other words, a franchisee may not want to risk going into the business world by themselves, without a proven product or system.

Franchising allows these individuals to make a deal with a company that is recognizable to consumers and already has a proven track record. The franchise supplies the franchisee with the tools necessary to set up an extension of their business, and in return, the franchisee takes a training course, pays an initial franchise fee, and come to an agreement. This agreement, especially when franchising with a food chain such as McDonald’s, usually has strict guidelines the franchisee must follow. Sometimes even as stringent as determining what type of toilet paper must be used in the bathroom. There’s also a royalty fee that the franchisee pays, which is usually about five to ten percent of the profits. Always have a franchise lawyer NYC review your agreement before you sign any agreement or contract with a franchise.

So, is franchising for you?

The answer is complicated. If you’re an entrepreneur who is new to the business world and want to learn from some of the most successful companies in the world, franchising may be for you. A franchise, however, doesn’t guarantee success. But if you’re risk adverse and don’t want to spend the time and money creating a business from scratch, franchising may be a good option. But in the end, you don’t own the business and you have to adhere to the company’s stipulations. If you do decide that franchising is right for you, be sure to hire a franchise lawyer NYC to help you understand what’s in your agreement and how it will impact your bottom line.

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4 Questions to Ask Your Commercial Real Estate Attorney

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Investing in real estate can be complicated. Commercial real estate lawyers NYC are the perfect partners to help you navigate this complex environment, in order to protect your investment. They have expert knowledge in real estate law, advisory services, and contract negotiation. However, simply hiring a real estate attorney should not be done without asking some important questions. The questions below are focused on hiring an attorney that is the perfect fit for you.

Question #1: Do they have relevant experience?

Every attorney is different. Just because someone has a law degree, doesn’t mean they have in-depth knowledge and understanding of real estate law. Additionally, some real estate attorneys specialize in certain areas. By looking into their experience and background, you can see what type of deals they have helped make in the past, what investments they have coordinated, and anything else you find important.

Question #2: How skilled is their staff?

When dealing with an attorney, you are often dealing with their staff as well. It’s important to see what the procedure is for communicating with additional staff members in case the commercial real estate agent falls ill, goes on vacation, or anything other unforeseen problems arise. In these circumstances, it’s important to see how skilled their other staff members are.

Question #3: What are their rates?

This may seem obvious, but it is probably the most important question for a commercial real estate attorney to answer. By seeing how much they charge, you can create a budget. Although, be wary of rates that seem too good to be true. Lower rates can also mean less experience, which may not be the best choice for long-term savings.

Question #4: Where are they licensed?

Each state has different real estate laws, so having a commercial real estate attorney who understands your state’s laws is absolutely critical to success. Be sure to ask where real estate lawyers NYC received their licenses to make sure they can complete your job upon hiring.

 

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Housing Discrimination: FAQs for Landlords

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If you’re a landlord, it’s important to know exactly what housing discrimination is and the answers to the questions most commonly asked of your landlord-tenant lawyer NYC. Housing discrimination effects every single landlord and tenant, as it forbids landlords from choosing (or excluding) certain tenants based on certain criteria. These criteria including not discriminating based on:

1. A tenant’s nationality

2. A tenant’s religious beliefs

3. A tenant’s sexual orientation

4. A tenant’s race or color

5. A tenant’s sex

6. A tenant’s disability

7. A tenant’s familial status such as being married, single, or cohabitating.

Armed with this knowledge, we can look at some of the most common questions that come to mind for landlords regarding discrimination.

Question 1: Can A Tenant Sue a Landlord for Discrimination in Federal or State Court?

It is possible for a tenant to file a lawsuit against a landlord within two years of the alleged violation. The result of this lawsuit may ensure that a tenant receives damages, including damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, and attorney fees.

Question 2: What are the approved, legal reasons that a landlord can refuse a tenant?

There are a number of reasons that are perfectly legal for a landlord to reject a tenant. These are not grounds for discrimination and can be used as grounds to refusing a tenant or terminate a lease. Before signing the lease, a tenant may fail a screening process that a landlord might pose to the tenant. The following are all criteria that would give a landlord just grounds for refusing a tenant:

1. Poor credit history

2. Insufficient income

3. A previous history of not paying rent

4. History of bankruptcy

5. No previous references

6. A criminal conviction

7. Having pets

Question 3: How Would a Tenant Lodge a Discrimination Complaint?

A tenant who believes they have been wrongly discriminated against can register a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This can be done if they believe their rights under the Fair Housing Act has been violated. Tenants must lodge the complaint within one year of the alleged discrimination. The Department of Housing and Urban Development will then investigate the complaint to see if “conciliation” can be achieved between the two parties. If this process is unsuccessful, an administrative hearing can be held preceded by a judge to determine if discrimination had genuinely occurred.

If your organization is being sued for discrimination, contact your landlord-tenant lawyer NYC for more information about your options. Warren S. Dank has worked on similar cases for large commercial organizations and can help you win your case.

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How to Resolve a Dispute with your Homeowners Association

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A Homeowners Association (HOA) is responsible for managing and maintaining an area of land shared by numerous homeowners. An HOA usually operates under a certain number of rules and regulations that all members must abide by. If you have purchased an area of land or a home, you might automatically become a member of an HOA. This might mean you have to abide by certain rules you do not necessarily have a say in changing. Often, HOA rules lead to conflicts. It’s important to know how to resolve a dispute with an HOA to manage your relationship. Here are some of the best tips and actions you must take to resolve a dispute.

The first step to resolving a dispute is understanding where the problem lies. For example, is the HOA disputing you changing the color of your house? Are they disputing you erecting a storage unit in your garden? Once you understand where the core of the problem lies, you can get clarity on how best to resolve it. Understanding where the problem lies also helps you understand what the motivations of the HOA are. For example, preserving the value of the neighborhood, keeping the aesthetics of the area consistent, etc.

Step 1: Resolve the Dispute Internally

Resolving the dispute internally with your HOA is the most straightforward method. In order to begin resolving your dispute internally, be sure to keep a detailed record of all your correspondence with the HOA to strengthen your case. Also, if you need to hire a Long Island real estate attorney, you’ll have them readily available.

  • Option 1: Requesting a Hearing

The best way to win a hearing is through calm, collected reasoning of your case within the HOA. This means presenting the facts for your case to be judged by the members of the HOA. In this circumstance, you could present a list of signatures from local residents who agree with you.

  • Option 2: Requesting an Exception to Rules

Another way to settle your dispute is to request an exception to the normal rules. These exceptions could be granted based on special circumstances, such as reduced mobility.

Step 2: Resolve the Dispute Externally

Resolving a dispute with your HOA can also be achieved externally. In the case of financial disputes such as fines, a small claims court provides an accessible way of resolving your dispute. For larger cases, you’ll need to hire a Long Island real estate attorney to help fight for you.

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What You Need to Know as a First-Time Landlord

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Many people are intrigued by the idea of being a landlord, and collecting rent on property they own to help pay for it. When you own more than one property, renting out those that aren’t your primary residence may be a good idea. While it is a good idea to rent out your property, managing it can be time-consuming and sometimes costly. Things like landlord public liability insurance from constructaquote are by no means free, but they are absolutely necessary in giving you the best chance to be successful as a landlord. Knowing what being a landlord entails before you take the leap can set you up for success. It is important to know if/when you’ll need to hire a landlord-tenant lawyer NYC, when and how much you can raise rent prices, how much to charge for rent, and so much more. Here are a few things you should keep in mind prior to renting out your first property.

Establish a Reasonable Rent Price

All too often, new landlords make the mistake of thinking they can charge an exorbitant price for their property, regardless of what other nearby properties rent for. Often this is because you are now dependent on the rental income to cover the mortgage, insurance, and other associated costs. Chances are you’ll have stiff competition to keep your property rented, which means you’ll need to make your rental price competitive. But you should still make enough to cover all the expenses and make a profit.

Make Collecting Rent a Priority

In real estate, rent collection is the revenue that drives your success. Therefore, you’ll need to be diligent to make collecting rent every month a priority. Establish clear expectations with your tenants that clearly define when rent is due, how many grace days they have for late payments, and consequences for late or non-payment. Consistently charge a late fee for any payments that are made after the grace period ends. Always try to be fair and consistent.

Keep Meticulous Records

A benefit of owning rental properties is the several tax benefits to landlords. In order to benefit from these tax benefits and write off some or all of your maintenance fees, mortgage interest, insurance costs, and listing fees, you’ll need to keep meticulous records. Keep a copy of every expense related to your property, either a paper copy or an electronic copy. This will be especially crucial if you own and manage more than one property. It is also recommended that you take photographs before a tenant moves in and occupies a property. This will serve as a record for the condition of the property before they move in and will serve as a reference to assess any damage when they move out.

Know Your Local Laws

It is going to be imperative that you know and understand the laws for your area. These laws may dictate how you, as a landlord, can conduct business with your rental property. These laws determine residential zones and commercial zones. Additionally, these laws can dictate who (landlord or tenant) is responsible to pay for what, i.e. heating cost. Laws will also dictate how much you are able to raise rent prices each year. When you know and are familiar with the local laws for your area, you’re more inclined to be in compliance with rent increases, evictions, building codes and everything else that comes with being a landlord.

Plan for Vacancies

As previously mentioned, many landlords depend on their rental income to cover the associated cost of owning multiple properties but even effective tenant placement services will have downtime. Therefore, it is going to be critical that you plan ahead for any potential and unforeseen vacancies, including setting money aside for such instances. As this may be your first time renting out property, it may benefit you to get some help when it comes to renting out and the idea of planning for any future vacations. Getting the right advice will save you from making mistakes that could have a negative impact on your business. By looking into something like absentee owner services bluffton, sc, you’ll be able to find a solution to this and work out how you can manage this part of being a landlord effectively. If you are having a hard time finding tenants to rent your property, you may need to consider lowering your rent prices.

As a property owner who is seriously considering looking into becoming an NYC landlord, it may be beneficial to sit down and talk to a landlord-tenant lawyer NYC to know exactly what it takes to be successful. Warren S. Dank, ESQ., P.C., has years of experience helping landlords navigate New York City landlord-tenant laws. Before you venture out on your own, contact Warren S. Dank, ESQ., P.C. today.

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What to Look for in a Construction Lawyer

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Construction projects are generally large in scope and consist of numerous crew members. Depending on the size of the project, some are going to be exponentially more expensive than others. Yet, most require the use of heavy machinery and skilled people to run the equipment. All projects require a contract, permits, fees, insurance policies, and additional legal requirements.

With all these components working simultaneously, it can be in your best interest to invest in construction lawyers NYC. An attorney can help ensure that contractors, construction companies, and all other professionals working on a project are in compliance with all legal requirements. Additionally, attorneys help make sure no one working on a project unintentionally exposes themselves to formidable risk.

Because an attorney plays such an important role, here are a few things to look for to help you select the right construction attorney for your next project.

Education and Knowledge

When hiring an attorney, it is imperative you find someone that is qualified, reputable and has specific industry knowledge for your sector and region. The attorney you hire should know all the ins-and-outs of your specific area of construction and know all the relevant laws for the field.

Experience

The laws and legal requirements surrounding construction projects are often complex and ambiguous. You’ll want to find an attorney with extensive experience in both the field and the local court system. An attorney with a good track record for success is also a good indication they know their way around the construction industry. An experienced attorney will possess a broader understanding of the industry and will know how to operative effectively, mitigating the risk of inexperience.

Qualified

During a construction project, there are countless regulations you must be aware of, including fire regulations, labor issues, state building codes, state contracting procedures, insurance, and more. An attorney that is well-versed can protect your business from potential oversight.

Accessibility

Regardless of how busy or large of a workload your attorney carries, it is imperative that you be able to contact them when needed without hassle. When you are searching for a construction attorney, discuss your communication options with them and determine their standards for accessibility. You’ll want to  establish an idea of how often your attorney will be available to discuss your case when you need to. Can they only be reached via email? Do you have to set an appointment? Can you contact them on a direct phone line? Knowing the answer to these questions can help you determine how accessible your attorney will be while establishing precedence for communication before you get in the thick of things.

Know what to look for in construction lawyers NYC can help you to find an attorney that will produce results for you. If you are in need of a construction attorney that is honest, reliable, accessible. and has experience in the construction industry, contact Warren S. Dank, ESQ., P.C. today.

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4 Reasons to Hire a Franchise Lawyer Before Signing an Agreement

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When preparing to purchase a franchise, there are a few things you’ll want to do prior to signing any documents. First, you’ll want to talk to several other franchisees to get all your questions answered and work on drawing up your business plan. If possible, you may even want to consider visiting the franchise headquarters.

Even after doing all you can to prepare and learn as much as you can, there is still one big thing left for you to do: protect yourself legally. In order to do this, you’ll need to hire a franchise lawyer NYC. Here are four reasons you need an attorney to help you with this last step.

Lawyers Know What Matters Most

By law, all prospective franchise owners are required to receive the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) prior to completing the purchase of a franchise. Within this large document, anywhere from 150-300 pages will be information covering everything the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) feels is imperative that you know about the franchisor. It is imperative that you completely understand the intimate details of this document as there will be certain restrictions and obligations that you’ll have to abide by, otherwise you could be terminated.

A franchise lawyer will know exactly what you need to focus on when reviewing the FDD and the actual franchise contract. Chances are, most attorneys have written an FDD themselves, so they know what to look for when reviewing one. They will also be up to date on all the current, ever-changing franchise laws that you might not be aware of.

Advise You on Choosing a Business Entity

Along with providing valuable information regarding the FDD, a franchise attorney will also be able to provide you with suggestions on how to best set up your new franchise business. Is it going to be in your best interest to establish a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC)? A Subchapter S-Corporation? Or a C-Corporation? Do you know the difference between corporations well enough to make the decision yourself? It is going to be crucial to select the right entity for your new franchise, as it will determine your legal rights and liabilities as a business owner. Additionally, the type of corporation that you establish will also determine how your business is taxed.

Provide Assistance if Things Go South

When people buy into a franchise, they don’t do so expecting to fail. Unfortunately, unseen circumstances may arise making it hard for you to succeed. In some instances, you may be forced to close your business. In this case, having a franchise attorney can prove to be beneficial.

Franchise Development Claims You Don’t Need One

A franchise is going to have their own best interest at heart, which is why if they ever tell you that you don’t need an attorney, ignore it. Because the FDD is a lengthy, complex document they have the sole objective to get it signed without any negotiation. This is because most franchise development directors are salespeople, whose sole objective is to get the agreement signed. This is where having a lawyer who understands these types of documents can advise you on negotiating prior to signing anything.

Before purchasing into a franchise in New York City, hire a franchise lawyer NYC, such as Warren S. Dank, ESQ., P.C., to protect you and your interests. With years of experience, you know you can trust Warren S. Dank with all your franchise transaction needs.

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Landlords’ Rights: When to Hire an Attorney

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As a landlord, if you only own a few rental properties, chances are you do not have a landlord-tenant attorney NYC on staff, or even on retainer. While you might not need an attorney often, it is going to be in your best interest to know and be able to recognize instances in which having an attorney will prove beneficial—even if it is just for advice or coaching.

Landlords are working to make a profit while minimizing liability. In some instances, it may be to your advantage to consult or hire an attorney to help you achieve these goals. Here are a few of the most common instances you can benefit from having an attorney to help you navigate.

Evicting a Tenant

There is a multitude of reasons for a landlord to evict a tenant. But for a landlord to do so legally, there are strict processes to adhere to. This can include filling out the proper paperwork, filing the paperwork with the court, and notifying the tenant. If this is your first time going through the eviction process, an attorney can prove to be a valuable investment, as winning an eviction lawsuit isn’t always easy. Most judges are going to require landlords to jump through countless hoops to win an eviction case, as eviction means the tenant’s residence will be on the line.

With all that is involved, numerous landlords will still attempt to evict tenants themselves — sometimes with success. Still, you might be better off hiring an attorney if any of the following apply to you:

  • This is your first time evicting a tenant
  • The tenant is fighting the eviction and has an attorney of their own
  • The tenant is an employee whom you are firing
  • The tenant is filing for bankruptcy
  • You must comply with rent control or housing program rules for eviction

Being Investigated or Sued for Illegal Discrimination

You don’t need to hire an attorney for every claim of discrimination that comes from a tenant or prospective tenant. But even if you comply with all the fair housing laws, prospective and current tenants may still attempt to wager claims of illegal discrimination against you. If a prospective or current tenant files a lawsuit against you, suing you for discrimination, or if HUD or another fair housing agency agrees to investigate a claim against you, it will be imperative that you consult an attorney.

Sued for Injury or Illness

If you ever find yourself facing a lawsuit where you are being sued for claims of either a tenant or their guest getting sick or injured as a result of your carelessness, you will want to hire an attorney as quickly as possible. These types of cases, personal injury cases, typically come with high stakes that can be detrimental to your business. Additionally, personal injury attorneys know their way through these types of cases, backward and forward.

While these are just a few instances in which hiring a landlord-tenant attorney NYC can prove to be beneficial, there are other reasons as well. These reasons can include being sued for major property damage, being audited by the IRS or the state, and more. If you find yourself hiring an attorney to protect you and your investment, look no further than Warren S. Dank, ESQ., P.C. in New York City. With years of experience Warren S. Dank, ESQ., P.C. can help you navigate any tenant disputes.

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What Can a Buyer Expect From Their Real Estate Lawyer?

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When purchasing a piece of real estate, many buyers wait to contact real estate lawyers NYC until after they have already signed a contract to purchase the property. In reality, an attorney should be consulted prior to signing any documents so they can check into the seller’s claims about the property and be present during closing.

For most real estate transactions, the title work is fairly routine, but there are exceptions. Any issue with the title of a property is serious. A lack of deeded right of way, a mismatch between the calls in the deed and the boundaries established on the ground, or even a disputed ownership will require a competent lawyer’s assistance. An attorney can quickly look at the seller’s deed and title chain, looking for any disputes that the buyer should be aware of prior to going under contract. A simple title check will review all the documents recorded in a local office, where deeds are kept. After all, if you’ve decided to purchase a new construction in a lovely little community, you hardly want legal issues arising and compounding an already stressful process. That’s where a certified Real Estate Lawyer comes in, they can ease the process and assist in numerous different fields.

In addition to review a property deed, here are a few other ways an attorney can help buyers prior to signing any documents.

Reasonableness of Asking Price

Don’t mistake a real estate attorney for a real estate agent. They should not be expected to perform a property comparison analysis or an appraisal on the property. These tasks should be completed by the real estate agent and/or financing company. Although, attorneys who have been working closely with local real estate for several years will have a good idea of the current selling prices, price trends, volatility, and current market conditions. A real estate attorney can help buyers determine the reasonability of a seller’s asking price.

Lenders and Vendors

Real estate attorneys will also be able to provide recommendations to their clients regarding local lenders, brokers, agents, title companies, surveyors, excavators, local officials (building inspector, zoning office, etc.), appraisers, and contractors. This can prove to be a valuable resource for buyers, as it can help to save money, time, and aggravation.

Contract Terms

It is not that uncommon for buyers to be shown a potential property by a real estate agent that is representing the seller. Following the showing, this same agent will then provide a potential buyer with a standard purchase-offer contract. More often than not, these standard purchase-offer contracts are skewed to favor the seller. When the buyer has a real estate attorney, the attorney can then go over the purchase-offer prior to signing. This allows the buyer to completely understand all terms and conditions outlined in the agreement before making a decision.

As you can see, a real estate lawyer NYC can prove to be a valuable investment for buyers looking to purchase real estate in or around New York City. Warren S. Dank, ESQ., P.C. is a practicing real estate providing clients with confidence when purchasing a piece of real estate. If you are looking to purchase a piece of property, contact Warren S. Dank, ESQ., P.C. before you sign a contract.

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What You Should Do If You Have a Dispute with Your Landlord

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Often there are disputes between landlords and tenants at one point or another during the duration of a lease. There are various reasons why disputes arise, some may include disputes over the actual lease agreement, tenant rights, repairs, rent, eviction, and more. In some instances, these issues can be resolved without involving a Long Island landlord-tenant lawyer. Other times, a lawyer is necessary.

Here are 4 quick tips to help both tenants and landlords avoid litigation:

  1. Tenants should carefully read and review the lease contract prior to signing. Be aware of your legal rights and responsibilities contained within the lease and in accordance with local, state and federal laws.
  2. If either party discovers a problem, they should notify the other party immediately. Be open and honest in your communications and dealings with the other party.
  3. If there are any problems with either the property or the tenancy, be sure to make hard copies of all notes and correspondence. You might need them if a lawyer gets involved.
  4. It is important for both landlords and tenants to be aware of and know the laws that pertain to their location. A copy of these laws can be obtained from local sources or from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Do You Need to Hire an Attorney to Resolve Disputes Outside of Court?

Not all disputes between landlords and tenants can be settled with a simple conversation. While communication can’t always resolve conflicts, there are still a few things you can do before hiring a lawyer. Hiring an independent, third-party mediator can help both sides come to an agreement. Often mediators’ authority is misrepresented and they’re compared to a judge, when in reality they have no authority to bind either party to an agreement. A mediator is simply there to facilitate communication. Most mediators can be hired for a low cost, from either a private entity or from state or local bar associations.

What Court Should You Go to if You Can’t Settle Your Dispute Outside of Court?

After unsuccessfully attempting to resolve disputes with communication and mediation, you’ll have to resolve the conflict in small claims court. In order for a case to be heard in small claims court, the case must involve some amount of money, such as past due rent or an unreturned security deposit.

As the name implies, most small claims courts dictate that the amount of the dispute does not exceed $5,000. If the amount of money you are suing for exceeds this amount, hire a Long Island landlord-tenant lawyer to file your lawsuit with the appropriate court.

Warren S. Dank, ESQ., P.C., resolves disputes between landlords and tenants across New York City. If you need legal advice to help resolve a tenant-landlord conflict, contact the office of Warren S. Dank, ESQ., P.C., today.