In connection with a proposed sale of real property, a chapter 11 debtor sought to prohibit the mortgagee from submitting a credit bid. It contended that there was “cause” based on its argument that the mortgagee’s claims were subject to a bona fide dispute.
Albert v. Green Tree Servicing, LLC (In re El Erian), 512 B.R. 391 (Bankr. D. D.C. 2014) –
A chapter 7 trustee sought to avoid the lien of a recorded deed of trust because (1) it contained both correct and incorrect parcel numbers and (2) it was improperly indexed. The issue turned on whether a bona fide purchaser would have had inquiry or constructive notice of the deed of trust.
In a case that was converted from a chapter 11 reorganization to a chapter 7 liquidation, the debtor sought an order directing the trustee to abandon certain real estate, arguing that there was no equity for the bankruptcy estate. A lender had already obtained relief from the automatic stay permitting it to foreclose on the property, and the debtor wanted to do a short sale with the consent of the lender. The chapter 7 trustee opposed the motion.
Who Will Think of the Tenants: Split in Authority Regarding the Interplay Between Bankruptcy Code Sections 363(f) and 365(h)(1)(A)
In re 2408 W. Kennedy, LLC, 512 B.R. 708 (Bankr. M.D. Fla. 2014) –
A commercial landlord sought relief from the automatic stay so that it could complete prepetition eviction proceedings against the debtor. The debtor objected, arguing that it had a right to assume the lease. The case turned on whether the landlord effectively terminated the lease prepetition.
Some of our readers may have had the pleasure of renting a resort villa during their summer vacation (electronic postcards of such fancy digs are always welcome at the Weil Bankruptcy Blog, especially if you pose for a photo where you are reading one of our entries!). For the uninitiated (including yours truly), villas are often viewed as the ultimate upgrade for privacy and convenience when staying at a large resort for a week or more—a private home with the luxuries of a full service hotel.
In re Demers, 511 B.R. 233 (Bankr. D. R.I. 2014) –
A chapter 13 debtor objected to the portion of a mortgagee’s claim consisting of expenses related to foreclosure of its mortgage. She argued that since the mortgagee failed to comply with notice requirements under the mortgage, the foreclosure expenses were not valid.
Nonrecourse financing is common in today's commercial real estate lending market. So too are the use of special purpose entities ("SPEs") and limited guaranties from SPE members of all or a portion of the debt, the latter of which may be triggered by the voluntary bankruptcy case of, or the consent to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary bankruptcy case filed against, the SPE borrower.