Attornment Agreement Template: New Landlord Recognition

ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT TEMPLATE FAQ

What is an attornment agreement?

An attornment agreement is a written agreement in which a tenant agrees to recognize a new owner, lender, foreclosure purchaser, or other successor as the new landlord under an existing lease. It is commonly used when leased property is sold, transferred, or taken over after foreclosure or another enforcement event. The document helps keep the lease relationship in place by confirming that the tenant will continue under the same lease with the successor landlord.

Why do you need an attornment agreement?

You need an attornment agreement when there is a chance that ownership or control of leased property may change and the parties want written confirmation that the tenant will continue the lease with the new landlord. It helps reduce uncertainty after a sale, transfer, or foreclosure and creates a clear record of how the lease will be treated if the original landlord is replaced. It is especially useful in commercial leasing, lender transactions, and other situations involving financed real estate.

When should you use an attornment agreement?

Use an attornment agreement when a lease may continue under a successor owner or when a lender, buyer, or other third party wants advance confirmation that the tenant will recognize a replacement landlord. It is often used during financing, refinancing, sale transactions, foreclosure planning, or as part of a broader subordination, non-disturbance, and attornment arrangement. It works best when signed before a transfer event creates confusion about who has the right to collect rent and enforce the lease.

How to write an attornment agreement?

Start by identifying the landlord, tenant, successor owner or lender, the property, and the lease being affected. Then state that if the successor acquires the landlord’s interest, the tenant will recognize that successor as the new landlord and continue to perform the lease. The agreement should also explain any limits on the successor’s obligations, notice terms, related subordination or non-disturbance provisions if included, and signatures from all required parties.

Can AI Lawyer help if tenants, landlords, and lenders all need to review?

AI Lawyer can help by organizing the agreement into clear sections so each reviewer can quickly find the lease details, the transfer event, the tenant’s recognition of the successor landlord, and any limits on liability. It can also add placeholders for loan references, property details, notice provisions, and signature blocks, making updates easier to track. A consistent structure helps reduce repeated edits and lowers the chance of missing key attornment terms before the agreement is signed.