In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of commercial tenants filing for bankruptcy protection has risen substantially. A concern for many commercial landlords is whether avenues exist for protecting their ability to initiate an action against tenants when they default on their lease obligations and file for bankruptcy protection.
Below is a syllabus of the lightly-developed case law addressing whether waivers from automatic bankruptcy stays are enforceable, and the means by which landlords and their tenants can enter into such agreements. It is important to note, however, that the courts have not ruled on many cases during the pandemic and applicable case law may be in flux.
Enforceability of Bankruptcy Stay Waivers Contained in Forbearance Agreements
Pursuant to an Executive Order issued by New York Governor Cuomo, a statewide eviction moratorium on residential and commercial evictions has been extended to August 20, 2020, for tenants who qualify for unemployment benefits or who are experiencing a “financial hardship” as a result of COVID-19. Landlords may serve rent demands, but cannot commence litigation against tenants, such as eviction actions. Similarly, New Jersey Governor Murphy issued an Executive Order setting a moratorium on residential evictions and foreclosures in New Jersey — though the New Jersey Executive Order contains language clarifying that commercial tenants are not subject to the moratorium. The New Jersey moratorium will last until two months after Governor Murphy declares an end to the COVID-19 health crisis, unless the Governor issues another Executive Order to end the moratorium sooner.
In light of the present circumstances, it may be advisable for commercial landlords to work with their tenants to enter into forbearance agreements (as opposed to lease amendments) containing a waiver from the automatic bankruptcy stay. The agreements should make clear that the tenant is in default, that the agreement is being entered into as a result of the default, and that the landlord is deferring/forgiving rent, and forbearing from eviction (or whatever the consideration may be) in exchange for a waiver of the automatic stay.
While the case can be made that pre-bankruptcy agreements with tenants via a lease amendment may be enforceable, the more secure means to accomplish this is in the form of a forbearance agreement. In In re Velez, the court rejected landlord’s attempt to enforce a general waiver to escape the automatic stay, distinguishing general waiver language in a lease amendment from a forbearance agreement “whereby the debtor specifically waived future protections of the automatic stay.” In re Valez, 601 B.R. 351, 364 (Bankr. M.D. Pa. 2019).
In In re Frye, 320 B.R. 786 (Bankr. D. Vt. 2005), the court set forth certain factors to be utilized in deciding whether relief from the stay should be granted. The court also noted that it considered additional factors in making the determination that a waiver is enforceable, including: (1) the sophistication of the parties; (2) the presence of counsel; (3) consideration for the waiver; (4) the length of waiver period; (5) the risks and concessions assumed by lender/landlord; (6) the effect on other stakeholders in the Bankruptcy; (7) any defenses to the waiver, such as mistake or fraud; (8) the impact of the waiver on the feasibility of Debtors’ plan; (9) whether enforcement of the waiver would promote public policy of out of court settlements; (10) prejudice to landlord/lender for non-enforcement; (11) the time gap and change in circumstances between date of waiver and bankruptcy filing; and (12) whether the landlord/lender would otherwise be entitled to relief from the automatic stay.
Conclusion
As many courts are closed and this is new territory, we expect the case law may evolve as litigations progress on this novel issue. Arguments for the enforcement of waivers from automatic bankruptcy stays may be successful, depending on new rulings as they are issued and the specific language in the forbearance agreement executed by landlords and tenants. Landlords and tenants alike are advised to consult with an attorney experienced in this area to determine viability of such plans and to protect their interests.
