Commercial property landlord sues former tenant over alleged damage to building

GRETNA – A commercial property owner is suing a former tenant who allegedly made unapproved changes and damaged a commercial building.

Case Performance Properties LLC filed suit against J.H. Russell Forwarding Co. Inc. and Eurofins Analytical Laboratories Inc. in the 24th Judicial District Court on Aug. 5.

Case Performance Properties is the owner of a commercial building located at 2315 N. Causeway Blvd. in Metairie leased to defendants in April 2003. The plaintiff contends that throughout a six year period the lease was amended several times including an extension to March 31, 2014. Case Performance Properties claims that as part to he lease the tenants were responsible for repairs and alterations up to $65,000 that was to be reimbursed by the plaintiffs.

Case Performance Properties asserts it advanced the defendants $65,000 to repair the property, but when the defendants vacated the building on March 31, they failed to arrange a walk through and did not turn in their keys. When the plaintiffs conducted a subsequent inspection of the building they found it was in “deplorable condition.”

The defendant is accused of violating the lease agreement.

An unspecified amount in damages is sought for repair expenses.

Case Performance Properties is represented by William E. Wright Jr. of New Orleans-based Deutsch, Kerrigan & Stiles LLP.

The case has been assigned to Division G Judge Robert A. Pitre Jr.

Case no. 740-961.