Court Opinion

ID: 9712757
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 04:59:22.884253+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:23:14.246323
License: Public Domain

RATLIFF, Judge,
dissenting.
I cannot agree with the construction placed upon the clear provisions of the leases in question by the majority opinion. I agree that the relevant provisions quoted in the majority opinion are clear and unambiguous. The majority's construction of those provisions is, to say the least, strained. In my opinion, the questioned provisions clearly reserve to the landlord the right to change, alter, or modify the plans and facilities of the shopping center, so long as the general character of the center is unchanged, and to erect kiosks therein. The landlord having the right under the leases to erect kiosks, subject only to the limitation that the general character of the mall not be changed, the granting of summary judgment in favor of Richeys was error. There is no contention that the general character of the mall was changed by the kiosks, and, in fact, it was not. Anyone familiar with shopping malls is well aware that kiosks are not an unusual usage and are a common attribute of such malls. The landlord clearly and in unambiguous language reserved the right to install kiosks. There was no violation of the lease or of the express covenant of quiet enjoyment. The judgment of the trial court is wrong and should be reversed.
Therefore, I dissent.