EMBASSIES, DIPLOMATS & LANDLORDS

Dilendorf & Khurdayan represents foreign embassies and permanent missions to the U.N. in connection with commercial and residential real estate transactions in New York. We also represent property owners and landlords in their real estate dealings with embassies, missions and individual diplomats.

For all our clients, our goal is to quickly and efficiently facilitate the negotiation and completion of real estate transactions that satisfy our clients’ needs while protecting their interests.

Specifics of Real Estate Transactions Involving Diplomats & Foreign Missions

Foreign missions and diplomats are subject to special rules when conducting real estate transactions in the United States.

The U.S. Department of State supervises acquisitions, leasing, additions and sales of real property by foreign missions, requiring that such transactions be reported. It also governs applications for zoning permits, approvals for establishing a mission, and real estate tax exemptions connected with the purchase or sale of mission properties.

At the same time, foreign diplomats are accorded diplomatic immunity, which can complicate the process of acquiring, selling or leasing real property in NYC.

Landlords and other property owners are often reluctant to enter into transactions with foreign missions and diplomats, concerned that their diplomatic immunity will enable them to escape liability for breaching an agreement. Many simply refuse to do business with diplomats for this reason.

Our Services for Diplomats

We help foreign missions and their officers navigate the complex rules governing real property transactions in the United States.

In addition to the real estate services we offer all our clients, we assist foreign missions and diplomats in understanding and complying with the special requirements that apply to them.

In the past, we have assisted foreign missions and diplomats with acquisitions, commercial and residential leasing, and renovation and demolition projects.

Our Legal Services for Property Owners & Landlords

Property owners and landlords should understand that, when structured properly, diplomatic immunity can be waived.

Our firm helps landlords and owners structure their commercial or residential sales, purchases, and leases with foreign missions and diplomats to ensure that the property owner is protected in the event of a breach.

We are experienced in matters involving waivers of diplomatic immunity, tenant evictions and property insurance, and we put that experience to use on behalf of our clients.