Staten Island Commercial Real Estate Attorneys

Legal Strategies That Power Investment, Development, and Ownership Success

Commercial real estate is one of the most dynamic and capital-intensive sectors of the legal landscape. At Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, we serve as a trusted legal partner to investors, developers, property owners, and syndicators involved in complex commercial real estate transactions and operations throughout New York.

Our attorneys understand that success in commercial real estate requires not just vision, but precision. We offer the full range of legal services necessary to acquire, develop, manage, finance, and dispose of commercial real estate assets while minimizing risk and maximizing value.

Why Work with a Commercial Real Estate Attorney?

Commercial real estate is governed by an intricate web of legal, financial, and regulatory requirements. A misstep in a lease agreement, zoning approval, or investment structure can result in costly delays, legal disputes, or missed tax-saving opportunities.

Working with a knowledgeable CRE attorney ensures:

1. Risk mitigation from the outset through detailed due diligence and contract review
2. Tax and entity structuring that supports your financial and operational goals
3. Regulatory compliance at the municipal, state, and federal levels
4. Efficient dispute resolution when issues arise
5. Strategic foresight that positions you for long-term success across your real estate portfolio

Angiuli & Gentile, LLP offers tailored legal guidance backed by decades of real-world commercial real estate experience.

Property Acquisitions and Sales

Real estate acquisitions and dispositions are cornerstone transactions that must be handled with accuracy and foresight. Our attorneys represent buyers and sellers in the full legal lifecycle of commercial property sales, including:

Due Diligence and Contract Negotiation

We perform comprehensive reviews of title, survey, environmental reports, zoning compliance, existing leases, and service contracts. Our team negotiates purchase and sale agreements that protect your interests and limit liability, incorporating contingencies based on your investment criteria.

Financing and Closing

We work with lenders, title companies, escrow agents, and municipalities to ensure all legal documents are in order before closing. We can advise on mortgage documents, mezzanine financing, and collateralization strategies in commercial lending.

Asset Types We Handle

1. Multi-tenant office buildings
2. Industrial and distribution centers
3. Strip malls and retail plazas
4. Medical office buildings
5. Hospitality and mixed-use developments

Whether acquiring an off-market asset or managing a portfolio sale, we guide you through each legal step.

Triple Net Lease (NNN) Structuring and Review

Triple net leases are a preferred strategy for passive investors and REITs because they offer long-term, low-maintenance income streams. However, to be effective, NNN lease agreements must be precisely drafted to allocate responsibility and anticipate risks.

Legal Considerations in NNN Leases

1. Tenant Financial Responsibility: Ensuring the tenant’s obligation for taxes, insurance, and maintenance is clearly stated
2. Default Provisions: Including legal remedies in the event of non-payment or damage to the property
3. Lease Escalations: Structuring rent increases over time to keep pace with inflation
4. Use Clauses and Restrictions: Protecting against undesirable use that may affect property value
5. Environmental and Zoning Compliance: Confirming tenant activity complies with local laws

Our attorneys represent landlords and investors acquiring, selling, or leasing NNN properties, especially those involving creditworthy national tenants such as pharmacies, fast-food franchises, and fuel stations.

1031 Exchange Planning and Execution

A 1031 exchange allows an investor to sell a property and reinvest the proceeds into another qualifying property—without immediately triggering capital gains taxes. This strategy is especially powerful for those managing large portfolios or scaling into higher-value assets.

How We Help with 1031 Exchanges

1. Qualification Analysis: Determining whether the relinquished and replacement properties qualify as “like-kind” under IRS rules
2. Structuring the Exchange: Drafting appropriate sale and purchase agreements, including assignment clauses and exchange cooperation language
3. Timeline Compliance: Helping you adhere to strict deadlines (45 days to identify, 180 days to close)
4. Working with Qualified Intermediaries: Coordinating with the QI and providing legal oversight of all transactional documents
5. Reverse and Improvement Exchanges: Advising on more complex exchange structures when necessary

Mismanaging a 1031 exchange can lead to loss of tax-deferral benefits. Our firm ensures every legal detail is addressed so your investment remains protected.

Zoning, Land Use, and Development Advisory

Land use law is a highly localized and procedural area of commercial real estate practice. Any commercial project—from ground-up development to adaptive reuse—must be aligned with local zoning ordinances, state environmental regulations, and building codes.

What We Handle

• Zoning Analysis and Opinion Letters: Determining permissible uses and potential challenges
• Variance and Special Use Permits: Filing and representing clients before zoning boards and commissions
• Site Plan Approvals: Preparing packages for planning board review
• Environmental Compliance: Advising on SEQRA, NEPA, and other impact assessments
• Entitlements and Incentives: Assisting with public financing, tax abatements, and economic development incentives

If your project involves redeveloping a vacant office into a mixed-use center, building a logistics warehouse, or converting a medical campus, we ensure that it meets legal and regulatory requirements from day one.

Off-Market Transactions and Syndications

Finding and closing off-market deals requires both discretion and expertise. These private-market transactions are rarely cookie-cutter and often involve unique legal structures, joint ventures, and investor syndications.

Our Services

• Structuring Investment Vehicles: Forming LLCs, LPs, or REITs based on investor needs
• Drafting Syndication Agreements: Defining investor roles, profit distributions, and capital calls
• Due Diligence Support: Ensuring property rights are clean, title is insurable, and operational issues are disclosed
• Securities Compliance: Reviewing whether private placements or crowdfunding offerings fall under SEC exemptions
• Closing Coordination: Managing legal documentation, lender agreements, and capital stacks

Whether you’re acquiring a $10M multifamily asset through crowdfunding or launching a private real estate fund, we provide the legal clarity and structure necessary to attract and protect investors.

Commercial Leasing and Tenant Representation

Commercial leasing is a critical component of asset performance. Poorly drafted leases can result in revenue loss, legal disputes, and operational uncertainty. We represent landlords and tenants in drafting, negotiating, and enforcing commercial lease agreements.

Landlord Services

1. Preparing lease forms customized for property type and tenant profile
2. Structuring rent escalations, triple net terms, and tenant improvement allowances
3. Enforcing lease provisions and handling eviction actions
4. Addressing sublease and assignment clauses in coworking and flex-space environments

Tenant Services

1. Reviewing lease terms for financial and operational risks
2. Negotiating build-out periods, renewal options, and exclusivity clauses
3. Assisting tenants seeking to sublease or assign rights
4. Advising biotech and life sciences tenants on compliance and space planning

From anchor tenants in a suburban retail center to short-term biotech subleases, we deliver precision and protection in every lease document.

How Angiuli & Gentile, LLP Can Help

At Angiuli & Gentile, LLP, our commercial real estate team is more than a legal service provider—we’re your strategic partner in real estate success. Whether you’re navigating a first-time investment or managing a complex multi-asset transaction, we offer:

• Decades of experience in New York commercial property law
• Multidisciplinary support, including tax, estate planning, and business law insight
• Practical, solution-focused representation
• Deep relationships with local municipalities, lenders, and title companies
• Clear, responsive communication that keeps you informed and empowered

When the stakes are high, and your investments are on the line, trust a legal team that understands the terrain—and knows how to lead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What qualifies a property for a 1031 exchange?

To qualify for a 1031 exchange, both the relinquished and replacement properties must be held for investment or business purposes and be considered “like-kind.” Residential properties or flips typically do not qualify. Timing is also critical—replacement properties must be identified within 45 days and acquired within 180 days of the sale.

How do triple net leases benefit commercial landlords?

Triple net leases shift the bulk of operational costs—property taxes, insurance, and maintenance—to the tenant. This gives landlords a stable, predictable cash flow, making NNN leases especially attractive to passive investors, REITs, and retirees looking for long-term income.

Can I use a 1031 exchange to buy multiple properties?

Yes, investors can exchange into multiple “replacement” properties, as long as they meet the valuation and identification rules under IRS guidelines. Legal assistance is key to managing the complexity and documentation of multi-property exchanges.

What are the legal risks in off-market real estate deals?

Because off-market deals lack standardized brokerage protections, buyers must closely examine title, liens, environmental status, and lease documents. Our attorneys conduct in-depth legal due diligence to uncover hidden liabilities and ensure a clean acquisition.

What should I look for in a commercial lease agreement?

Look for clear terms on:

1. Base rent and escalation clauses
2. Responsibility for operating expenses
3. Lease renewal and termination rights
4. Use restrictions
5. Remedies for breach

Our team reviews leases to make sure your rights are protected—and that you understand every financial and legal obligation.

Contact Angiuli & Gentile, LLP Today

If you’re planning a commercial real estate deal—or facing a legal challenge in an existing one—Angiuli & Gentile, LLP is ready to help. We serve clients throughout New York City, including Staten Island, Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and beyond.

Contact Angiuli & Gentile, LLP today to discuss how we can help protect your investments and position you for success.