Massachusetts Court Excuses Restaurant’s Obligation to Pay Rent During Government-Ordered COVID-19 Shutdown Based Upon the Common Law Doctrine of Frustration of Purpose

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In a recent opinion, a Massachusetts trial court ruled that a commercial tenant was excused from paying rent while indoor operations were barred by government order during the spring of 2020. The court’s opinion addresses the impact of common law doctrines of frustration of purpose and impossibility on a commercial tenant’s obligation to pay rent during periods of shutdown, and offers key takeaways for landlords and tenants to consider. Click here to read the article in full on Law360.