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Force Majeure and COVID-19
in the Landlord–Tenant Context
The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is causing major disruptions in the world. At the same time, it is forcing many people to revisit the force majeure clauses of their contracts to determine what impact, if any, the pandemic will have on their contractual and business relationships. This article examines the interplay between the COVID-19 pandemic and force majeure, with a special emphasis on Louisiana lease law.
Key Points
• First, read your lease. If there is a force majeure clause, then the terms of the lease generally control and will determine whether an event qualifies as a force majeure event. If your lease contains a force majeure clause, but it does not specifically list an epidemic or pandemic as a qualifying force majeure event, then a court may find that the pandemic falls under another event, such as “Act of God.” Government action is another relevant event that may constitute a force majeure event.
• The lessor’s obligation to protect the lessee’s peaceful possession is a rule of public order, and, therefore, cannot be waived by a force majeure clause. In other words, if the lessor breaches his obligation to protect the lessee’s peaceful possession, then the lessee’s obligation to pay rent ceases. No “hell or high water” clause (i.e., a clause purporting to state that the obligation to pay rent shall never cease) can resurrect that obligation.
• For a lessor to breach his obligation to protect the lessee’s peaceful possession, there must be a disturbance in fact, which requires, among other things, some form of a physical act, like changing the locks on the leased premises. Arguably, Governor John Bel Edwards’s Stay-at-Home Order, which significantly curtails the operation of several types of businesses, does not constitute a physical act by itself. However, if combined with law enforcement force, then the lessee’s peaceable possession may be disturbed.
• The lessee’s obligation to pay rent does not fit neatly into the doctrine of force majeure, because it is difficult for the lessee’s ability to pay a sum of money to be truly “impossible.” However, if the use of the leased thing becomes substantially impaired by circumstances external to the leased property, such as government action, then the lessee may obtain dissolution of the lease under La. Civ. Code art. 2715.
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What is “force majeure”?
Force majeure means “superior force” in French. In Louisiana, the doctrine of force majeure provides that an obligor is not liable for his failure to perform when it is caused by a fortuitous event that makes performance impossible. In essence, force majeure excuses an obligor’s nonperformance. The doctrine is one of several manners in which obligations are extinguished.
Is the coronavirus pandemic a force majeure event?
Whether the coronavirus pandemic qualifies as a force majeure event depends on the individual facts and circumstances of each case and the terms of the contract at issue. However, there are a few guiding principles to follow. First, you should look to the terms of the contract itself to determine whether it contains a force majeure clause. If so, then the terms of the contract will likely govern whether COVID-19 qualifies as a force majeure event. Take, for example, the following sample force majeure language:
The parties hereto are relieved of any liability if unable to meet the terms and conditions of this Agreement due to any Act of God, riots, epidemics, strikes, governmental control, or any act or order which is beyond the control of the party not in compliance; provided that it takes all reasonable steps practical and necessary to effect prompt resumption of its responsibilities hereunder.
This clause delineates what events qualify as force majeure events: “Acts of God,” riots, epidemics, strikes, and governmental control. This clause also contains a catch-all provision, covering all other events beyond the parties’ control. Under this language, a party’s failure to fulfill an obligation under the contract due to the coronavirus pandemic, which is a type of epidemic, may qualify as a force majeure event. Of course, there must be a causal connection between the failure to perform and the force majeure event; that is, the event, such as the coronavirus pandemic, must have made it impossible for the obligor to perform under the contract. The obligor may not be excused from payment simply because there is a pandemic.
A word of caution, however: courts may, under statutory construction rules, apply the catch-all provision to only those events that are of the same or similar kind as the specific events written out in the clause. So, for example, if a clause contains a list of natural disaster events—such as tornados, hurricanes, and earthquakes—in addition to a catch-all provision, then a court may interpret the catch-all provision as only including other natural disaster events, like floods for example, as opposed to other fortuitous events, like pandemics, civil disturbances or government action.
What if the contractual force majeure clause doesn’t specifically list epidemics or pandemics as a qualifying force majeure event? In such a case, a court may try to fit the event under an existing category, such as “Act of God,” which is generally defined as “[a]n overwhelming, unpreventable event caused exclusively by forces of nature, such as an earthquake, flood, or tornado.” Pandemics also often invoke some form of government action, and the COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Many states, including Louisiana, have enacted sweeping measures in an effort to curtail the spread of the virus, including the closure of schools, bars, and other public places. As always, there must be a causal link between the government action and the failure to perform.
Additionally, it is important to determine whether your force majeure clause actually excuses performance of an obligation or if it merely delays or suspends the time period within which performance is to be rendered. Continuing from the sample clause above, the parties’ obligations are excused if a force majeure event occurs. However, not every force majeure clause is as generous. Instead, some contracts contain a narrower version that merely delays the performance of a party’s obligation until the force majeure event ends.
Do I have to give notice if a force majeure event occurs?
This depends on the language of your contract. Many contracts have special provisions requiring a party to give notice to the other party if a force majeure event occurs, thereby excusing a party’s performance. Failure to give this required notice or to give it within a specified time frame may forfeit or waive the breaching party’s ability to rely on force majeure as a defense to nonperformance. Therefore, it is important to carefully analyze your contract to determine whether it contains any special notice requirements, and, if so, how and when that notice is to be communicated to the other party. For instance, a simple email or phone call may not suffice. Instead, a contract may require notice by written mail to a specific recipient.
What if there is no force majeure clause in my contract?
Force majeure clauses are essentially “written into” each Louisiana contract. Absent an express force majeure provision in a contract, the default rules in the Louisiana Civil Code govern the doctrine of force majeure. Louisiana Civil Code article 1873 states: “An obligor is not liable for his failure to perform when it is caused by a fortuitous event that makes performance impossible.” Thus, for an event to be a force majeure event, there must be (1) a “fortuitous event” (2) that renders performance “impossible.”
The Code defines a fortuitous event as “one that, at the time the contract was made, could not have been reasonably foreseen.” “Louisiana courts have shown more concern for the reasonableness of the parties’ foresight in a given situation than for the objective foreseeability of a particular event.” Whether the COVID-19 pandemic was unforeseeable depends on when the contract was entered into. For instance, the pandemic was likely more foreseeable for contracts entered into at the turn of the decade as the virus began to spread, while the pandemic was probably less foreseeable from parties’ viewpoints for contracts that were executed well before the novel virus emerged.
Additionally, the fortuitous event must have made performance impossible. This is a difficult standard to reach. Merely because performance becomes more difficult or more onerous does not excuse an obligor’s performance. Instead, force majeure excuses an obligor “only when he encountered an insurmountable obstacle that made the performance actually impossible.” If the entire performance is rendered impossible, then the contract is dissolved. If performance is only rendered impossible in part, then a court may either reduce the other party’s counter-performance proportionally or dissolve the contract, depending on the circumstances.
In any event, there are a few categories of events that are considered hallmark force majeure events, such as wars, strikes, and government action. Particularly relevant in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic is the last category. A legislative measure or an executive order can constitute a force majeure event if it renders unlawful, and therefore legally impossible, the performance of an obligation. For example, under a proclamation issued by Governor John Bel Edwards, all gatherings in excess of 10 people are banned, and all bars, movie theaters, gyms, and other nonessential places of public accommodation are closed until April 30, 2020. Using the Stay-at-Home Order as an example, if a patron purchased an annual membership to a gym in exchange for 24/7 access to the gym facility, then the gym would likely be successful in arguing that its performance has been rendered partially impossible due to a force majeure event, that is, the government action making it unlawful for a gym to operate.
Are there special considerations in the context of a lease?
Of course. On the one hand, the COVID-19 pandemic poses serious risks to the health and well-being of landlords, tenants, and the patrons of tenants’ businesses. Combined with the sweeping nature of the government’s reaction to the pandemic, landlords and tenants are left to deal with unique and often unpredictable problems. Special considerations of the lessor’s and lessee’s obligations are discussed in-depth below.
How does force majeure affect the lessor’s obligation to protect lessee’s peaceful possession?
While the parties’ obligations may change from lease to lease, there are certain bedrock obligations. One of the principal obligations owed by the lessor is to protect the lessee’s peaceful possession of the leased premises during the term of the lease as long as the lessee fulfills his or her obligations. Specifically, the lessor warrants the lessee’s peaceful possession of the leased thing against any disturbance caused by a person who asserts ownership, or right to possession of, or any other right in the thing. If a disturbance is such that the lessee can no longer use the premises for the intended use, the lessor has breached his obligation to maintain the lessee in peaceful possession.
In this context, a “disturbance” means a disturbance in fact, which is an eviction “or any other physical act which prevents the possessor of immovable property or of a real right therein from enjoying his possession quietly, or which throws any obstacle in the way of that enjoyment.” Whatever the act is, it must be physical. The governor’s Stay-at-Home Order alone is not a physical act, and, therefore, likely does not constitute a disturbance. However, if a lessee of a bar attempted to open the bar for business but was prevented from doing so by a law enforcement officer, then the lessee’s peaceful possession has obviously been disturbed by a physical act. In such a case, a lessor may defend against his failure to protect the lessee’s peaceful possession by arguing that government action amounted to a force majeure event.
Unfortunately, the issue is not entirely clear in some situations. For example, the governor’s Stay-at-Home Order prohibits dine-in patrons at all Louisiana restaurants, but it still permits take-out and delivery orders. In this situation, has the government action prevented a restaurateur-lessee from using the premises for its intended use? On the one hand, the lessee can still use the leased premises to prepare and cook food and to sell that food to patrons, albeit in a less-than-traditional manner. On the other hand, the lessee probably did not intend to rent the location solely as a 100% delivery location.
Finally, it is important to note that the lessor’s obligation to protect the lessee’s peaceful possession is a matter of public policy. Accordingly, it cannot be waived by a force majeure clause. Should the lessor fail to provide the lessee with peaceable possession, the lessee’s obligation to pay rent ceases, and no “hell or high water” clause can resurrect that obligation.
How does force majeure affect the lessee’s obligation to pay rent?
With respect to the lessee, the lessee’s principal obligation in any lease is to pay the rent to the lessor. The obligation to pay money does not fit neatly into the doctrine of force majeure. According to one scholar, when the obligation is to give a sum of money, such as rent, “it is hard to think of circumstances that would reduce an obligor to an absolute impossibility to perform.” Thus, the difficulty with excusing a lessee’s obligation to pay rent lies in the “impossibility” element of the force majeure doctrine.
In the absence of a contrary agreement, however, the lessee may find some relief under La. Civ. Code art. 2715, which gives the lessee an opportunity to obtain a diminution (reduction) of the rent or dissolution of the lease if “the thing is partially destroyed, lost, or expropriated, or its use is otherwise substantially impaired . . . .” However, if the impairment of the use of the leased thing was caused by circumstances external to the leased thing, then the lessee is only entitled to a dissolution of the lease, and not a diminution of the rent. Examples of externalities include subsequent governmental regulations or zoning restrictions that impose substantial restrictions on the use of the leased property. Accordingly, the restrictions imposed by the governor’s Stay-at-Home Order are likely classified as “circumstances external to the leased thing,” thereby foreclosing a lessee from obtaining a diminution in the rent, absent some other fortuitous event that renders his obligation to pay rent impossible.
Conclusion
The coronavirus pandemic will continue to cause major disruptions throughout the world and Louisiana for the foreseeable future. Its impact on commercial transactions, everyday contracts, and leases will differ from situation to situation. However, force majeure is a timely and relevant topic that requires special attention during the crisis. As always, you should consult an attorney regarding your individual situation.
401(k) Retirement Plans and COVID-19
Planning for or during retirement doesn’t stop because of a pandemic. Here are a few important tips and notes regarding the impact of COVID-19 on 401(k) retirement plans.
Can I withdraw money from my 401(k) to cover expenses related to COVID-19?
Generally, if the account is an eligible retirement plan, the plan may permit you to take a COVID-19-related distribution if:
• You, your spouse, or dependent has been diagnosed with COVID-19;
• You have experienced adverse financial consequences because you have been quarantined, furloughed, laid off, or have had work hours reduced due to COVID-19;
• You are unable to work because of a lack of childcare due to COVID-19;
• You own or operate a business and have had to close or reduced hours due to COVID-19; or
• You have experienced an adverse financial consequence due to other factors as determined by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).
Is there a cap on how much I can withdraw?
Yes. You can withdraw up to $100,000 in COVID-19-related distributions from accounts in eligible retirement plans through the end of the year (December 31, 2020).
What types of accounts are covered by the new withdrawal rules?
The special withdrawal rules apply to the following retirement plans:
• Individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”) and annuities;
• Qualified pension, profit-sharing, or stock bonus plans, including 401(k) plans;
• Qualified 403(a) annuity plans;
• 403(b) annuity contracts and custodial accounts; and
• Governmental section 457 deferred compensation plans.
Will I be charged the 10% penalty for an early withdrawal under the new rules?
No. As long as your early withdrawal is due to a COVID-19-related reason, as listed above, you will not face a 10% tax penalty on any early withdrawals made on distributions under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act.
I’m a retiree. Am I required to withdraw money from my 401(k)?
Normally, retirees with a 401(k) plan, IRA, or other retirement plan are required to make withdrawals when they reach a certain age. This is known as a “required minimum distribution” or “RMD.” Failure to make an RMD has serious negative tax consequences and may result in a 50% tax penalty. Fortunately, however, the recently enacted CARES Act includes a temporary waiver of RMDs for certain contribution plans, including 401(k) plans. This waiver applies to distributions for 2020 and to distributions for 2019 that were due by a required beginning date in 2020 and not paid in 2019.
Why would I want to hold off on making withdrawals?
Why would I want to hold off on making withdrawals?If you are confident in your investment strategy and are financially stable enough to forgo withdrawals at this time, it may be financially prudent to hold off on making withdrawals during a market downturn. Historically, markets follow cycles and generally recover over time. As such, you can avoid taking losses now by not selling amid the economic uncertainty of COVID-19. Additionally, not making withdrawals will help your savings last longer.
Conclusion
Ultimately, these new retirement rules and regulations can assist you in better responding to the economic consequences of COVID-19. Regardless of whether you’re still planning for retirement or are currently in retirement, it is important to position yourself and your assets in the best financial position to respond to the COVID-19 crisis.
Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program (“EBL Program”)
On March 25, 2020, the SBA announced that its Express Bridge Loan Pilot Program (“EBL Program”) is being expanded to cover the COVID-19 pandemic. The EBL Pilot Program is designed to supplement the Agency’s direct disaster loan capabilities. As originally announced, the EBL Pilot Program authorizes SBA Express Lenders to provide expedited SBA-guaranteed bridge loan financing on an emergency basis in amounts up to $25,000 for disaster-related purposes to small businesses located in communities affected by Presidentially-declared disasters while those small businesses apply for and await longterm financing (including through SBA’s direct Disaster Loan Program, if eligible). All of Louisiana is currently in a Presidentially-declared disaster zone and so businesses located in Louisiana meet this requirement.
As the name “bridge loan” implies, the loans offered through this program are emergency loans designed to bridge the gap for businesses needing emergency funds while they wait for long-term financing. This includes businesses waiting for traditional long-term SBA loans. This also includes businesses awaiting Economic Injury Disaster Loans (“EIDL”) from the SBA under the new Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). Typically, eligibility for an express bridge loan will follow the eligibility requirements for a traditional SBA disaster loan, but the process of applying for and receiving loan funds is expedited.
As with all 7(a) loans, EBL applicants must:
• Not be eligible for credit elsewhere
• Be located in Presidentially-Declared Disaster Location
• Be suffering from adverse impact from COVID-19
• Apply within 6 months from the President’s declaration
The maximum loan amount is $25,000 and the maximum loan term is 7 (seven) years. The lender may require the bridge loan borrower to pay the bridge loan in part or in full if/when the borrower is approved for long-term disaster financing. Under SBA guidance, the first disbursement of the EBL loan proceeds should occur within 45 days of the lender’s receipt of an SBA loan number. The EBL can be repaid in full or in part by proceeds of the small business’ EIDL.
For complete eligibility and program information, please visit this link with the full rules and eligibility requirements.
Baton Rouge Office | 8440 Jefferson Highway | Suite 301
Baton Rouge, LA 70809 | Phone: (225) 929-7033 | Fax: (225) 928-4925
Attorneys: Luke Piontek | Bradley Guin | Daniel Price
New Orleans Office | 1515 Poydras Street | Suite 2330
New Orleans, LA 70112 | Phone: (504) 566-1801 | Fax: (504) 565-5626
Attorneys: Wayne Fontana | Chuck Pisano | Skye Fantaci
