Lustick Law Firm

Real Estate Litigation and Resolution of Land Disputes

The Lustick Law Firm real estate lawyers help our clients to structure agreements, articulate documents, and negotiate favorable outcomes to prevent real estate-related disputes. Nevertheless, if disputes and problems do arise, our attorneys have the background and skill to effectively and aggressively represent our clients through all negotiation in mediation or arbitration, and to litigate in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.

We have effectively negotiated settlements for many clients. If litigation is necessary, we have the know-how and experience to try cases, as shown by our record of successful trial results.

Some of the kinds of land use representation that we have recently undertaken for our clients include:

• Construction defect cases that affected the value and resale of a home 
• Seller's breach of contract by reneging on purchase and sale agreement
• Timber trespassing and defense from adverse possessor of land 
• Negotiating an avoidance of formal bank foreclosure proceedings
• Represented commercial tenant where landlord improperly changed terms of commercial long term lease

Purchase and Sale Agreements

For sellers without a Realtor (For Sale By Owner), The Lustick Law Firm can walk the parties through purchase and sale agreements as well as represent parties involved in disputes surrounding the purchase or sale of property. Lease agreements can drawn up and executed as well.

Resolution of Land Disputes

Mediation and arbitration are two forms of alternative dispute resolution that both parties agree to in order to avoid going to trial.

Our real estate attorneys can advise clients as to when this strategy is advantageous.

• Mediation – Working with a neutral third party, the parties involved move toward a resolution either working together or separately.
• Arbitration – A third party is given authority to reach a decision.

Representation of Landlords & Property Owners

It's hard enough being a landlord or a commercial property owner in today's economy and trying to make your rental properties meet your business and financial needs. But when trouble with a tenant or leaseholder occurs and it becomes necessary to take legal eviction action against them, the Lustick Law Firm is here to help.

We work specifically with landlords, property owners, and property management companies to tackle tenant-related issues such as:

• Unlawful detainers, Unauthorized occupants, and Trespassers
• Tenancy breaches and Lease Violations
• Eviction & Ejectment

You deserve a lawyer who is knowledgeable in landlord/tenant law and understands how to get quick, effective results. Attorney Mark A. Kaiman has many years of civil litigation and is experienced in a wide array of landlord-side real estate use and commercial legal issues.

Evicting Problem Tenants

Under Washington State law, tenants have obligations to the land lord which must be carried out, otherwise they may be subject to legal action being taken against them. In particular, the law states that tenants must:

• Pay the amount of rent agreed to in the agreement
• Keep the premises clean and sanitary
• Not damage or permit damage to the premises
• Dispose of their garbage
• Properly use all fixtures and appliances
• Restore the property to its initial condition, except for normal wear and tear at the end of the term; and
• Comply with the rental agreement.

If the tenant fails to perform his/her duties, the landlord may seek to evict the tenant. If a tenant fails to maintain the premises, the landlord may:

• Evict the tenant.
• Make repairs and bill the tenant.
• Sue the tenant for damages or to force compliance with the rental agreement.

We are Here to Help You!

Attorney Mark A. Kaiman will spearhead your eviction of residential, commercial, or mobile home tenants who have broken rental or lease agreements by refusing to pay rent or engaging in criminal activity. Mark offers his clients the ability to process evictions through the Superior Court very rapidly, giving you piece of mind and time to focus your efforts on running your business and making it so you don;t have to go through the courts on your own.

We offer legal support to landlords in Whatcom, Skagit, San Juan, and Island Counties. Please call Attorney Mark A. Kaiman at the Lustick Law Firm, PLLC's Bellingham, Washington branch to arrange for a landlord-tenant issues consultation by phoning: (360) 685-4221 today.