Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Sublease Rights: When Lessor's Written Consent Is Not Required
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessee may sublease without the lessor's written consent, distinguishing sublease from assignment of rights.
Security Deposits in Lease Agreements: Clarifying Lessee and Sub-Lessee Obligations
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when security deposits must be returned and what lessors must prove to withhold them.
Lessor Liability for Lease Violations: Trespass in Fact vs Trespass in Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessor is liable for third-party disturbances of a lessee's possession, distinguishing trespass in fact from trespass in law.
Liability for Flood Damage: Private vs Public Drainage Systems
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessor is liable for flood damage—distinguishing private drainage maintenance from public sewer responsibility.
Invalid Lease Agreements: Why Ownership Trumps Unauthorized Contracts in Philippine Property Law
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on void leases, unauthorized lessors, and why ownership rights prevail in property disputes.
Lease Termination: Grounds Must Be Stated in the Notice
A Philippine Supreme Court ruling holds that a lessor who terminates a lease must rely only on the grounds stated in the termination letter, not new ones raised later.
Lessor's Breach and Lessee's Rights: Rental Credits and Possession in Philippine Lease Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies lessee rights when lessor breaches lease: rental suspension, stipulation pour autrui, and possession after unlawful dispossession.
Sublease Rent Claims: Why Lessors Must Sue the Lessee First
Philippine Supreme Court ruling clarifies that lessors cannot directly sue sublessees for unpaid rent without first obtaining judgment against the lessee.
Equity Prevails When Unjust Enrichment Trumps Landlord Tenant Estoppel
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a lessee's estoppel to deny lessor's title yields to equity and unjust enrichment principles.
Lessor's Duty to Maintain Peaceful Enjoyment in Lease Agreements
Philippine Supreme Court explains when a lessee may suspend rent and what "peaceful enjoyment" means in lease contracts.
Lease Termination and Rent Increases: Lessons from Chua v. Victorio
When can a lessor rescind a lease and raise rent? The Supreme Court explains in Chua v. Victorio.
Indefinite Lease Agreements Upholding Mutuality AND Preventing Unilateral Rent Hikes
When can a lessor raise rent on an indefinite lease? The Supreme Court explains mutuality and rent increase limits.
Lease Renewal Rights: Mutual Agreement Required for Contract Extension
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that lease renewal options are reciprocal—both lessor and lessee must agree to extend a lease contract.
Lease Renewal Validity and Unlawful Detainer: Lessons from Rodil Enterprises v. Court of Appeals
The Supreme Court clarifies when lease contracts are valid and how unlawful detainer actions proceed, protecting lessors' rights.
Lessor’s Liability for Defects and Repairs: Key Lessons from De Ysasi v. Arceo
Learn when Philippine lessors are liable for property defects and repairs, and why lessee inspection matters under De Ysasi v. Arceo.
Proving a Lost Lease with Secondary Evidence and Ejectment Rights in Philippine Law
How Philippine courts allow secondary evidence to prove a lost lease contract, and when a lessor may eject a non-paying tenant.
Sublessees Rights Establishing Superiority Over THE Original Lessors Claim IN Property Disputes
The Supreme Court clarifies when sublessees can assert rights superior to an original lessor's claim in property disputes.
Leasehold Improvements in the Philippines: Rights of Lessors and Lessees
Learn how Philippine law treats leasehold improvements, when Article 1678 applies, and why contract stipulations usually prevail over default rules.
Heirs Bound by Contractual Duties in Property Leases: DKC Holdings v. Bartolome
When a lessor dies, are heirs bound by the lease contract? The Supreme Court explains transmissible obligations under Article 1311.
Subleasing in the Philippines: When Silence Equals Consent — Perez v. Court of Appeals
Explaining Perez v. Court of Appeals: when a lessor's acceptance of rent from a sublessee can bar objections to a prohibited sublease.
Right of First Refusal in Lease Agreements: A Philippine Law Analysis
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a right of first refusal in a lease binds the lessor, and why sublessees generally cannot enforce it.
Assigning Lease Rights When IS Consent Required IN THE Philippines
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a lessee can assign lease rights, including a right of first option, without the lessor's consent.