Non Disturbance Agreement Template for the Philippines

Generate a bespoke document

What is a Non Disturbance Agreement?

The Non Disturbance Agreement (NDA) is a crucial document in Philippine commercial real estate transactions where a property is both leased and mortgaged. It becomes particularly important when a landlord seeks financing using a mortgaged property that already has tenants, or when new tenants are considering leasing mortgaged property. The agreement protects tenants' interests by ensuring their lease remains valid even if the property is foreclosed, while also providing lenders with assurance about the stability of the property's income stream. Under Philippine law, particularly the Civil Code and Property Registration Decree, this agreement needs to be properly executed and potentially registered to ensure enforceability. The document typically includes detailed provisions about the rights and obligations of all parties, procedures for foreclosure scenarios, and specific requirements for notices and communications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Non Disturbance Agreement legally binding under Philippine law?

Yes, Non Disturbance Agreements are legally binding in the Philippines under the Civil Code (Republic Act No. 386), specifically Book IV on Obligations and Contracts. The agreement must be properly executed by all three parties (landlord, tenant, and lender) and comply with Property Registration Decree requirements to ensure enforceability during foreclosure proceedings.

Can my lease be terminated if there's no Non Disturbance Agreement during foreclosure in the Philippines?

Yes, without a Non Disturbance Agreement, your lease may be terminated when the mortgaged property is foreclosed under Philippine law. The new owner (typically the lender or foreclosure buyer) is generally not bound by existing lease agreements unless specifically protected by a properly executed Non Disturbance Agreement.

How long does it take to prepare a Non Disturbance Agreement in the Philippines?

A Non Disturbance Agreement typically takes 1-3 weeks to prepare and execute in the Philippines. This includes drafting time, review by all three parties (landlord, tenant, lender), negotiations, and proper notarization to comply with Civil Code requirements for contract validity.

Does a Non Disturbance Agreement need to be notarized in the Philippines?

Yes, Non Disturbance Agreements should be notarized in the Philippines to ensure proper execution under the Civil Code. Notarization provides additional legal protection and helps establish the document's authenticity, which is crucial when asserting lease rights during foreclosure proceedings.

How is a Non Disturbance Agreement different from a lease contract in the Philippines?

A Non Disturbance Agreement is a separate tripartite contract that protects an existing lease during foreclosure, while a lease contract is a bilateral agreement between landlord and tenant. The Non Disturbance Agreement specifically involves the lender and ensures lease survival under Philippine foreclosure law, which a standard lease cannot guarantee.

Can I enforce a Non Disturbance Agreement if the property gets foreclosed in the Philippines?

Yes, a properly executed Non Disturbance Agreement can be enforced during foreclosure proceedings in the Philippines under the Civil Code. The agreement legally binds the lender to recognize your lease rights, allowing you to continue occupancy and pay rent to the new owner while maintaining your original lease terms.

Common mistakes people make when signing Non Disturbance Agreements in the Philippines?

Common mistakes include failing to include all required parties (landlord, tenant, lender), not specifying clear rent payment procedures post-foreclosure, inadequate notarization, and failing to register the agreement when required. These errors can render the agreement unenforceable under Philippine Civil Code provisions during foreclosure proceedings.

Reviewed by

Swetha Meenal

Legal Engineer, GenieAI

Swetha Meenal profile photo

A lawyer, legal researcher and legal tech founder, Swetha has built AI products deployed inside Tier 1 firms and enterprises. She ensures GenieAI's alignment with the latest regulation and executes testing on the legal robustness of Genie output.

Reviewed by

Imad Mohammed Nazar

Legal Engineer, GenieAI

Imad Mohammed Nazar profile photo

A Skadden-trained M&A lawyer, Imad advised on cross-border transactions and contractual risk before moving into legal AI. He reviews GenieAI's output for compliance and enforceability across our 150+ supported jurisdictions, as well as facilitating external benchmarking.

Jurisdiction

Philippines

Publisher

GenieAI

Sector

Business

Cost

Free to use

Last updated

About the Non Disturbance Agreement

A Non Disturbance Agreement is essential when you're leasing property that serves as collateral for a mortgage in the Philippines. This document creates a binding arrangement between you as the tenant, your landlord, and the property's lender, ensuring your lease rights remain protected even if foreclosure proceedings occur.

When do you need this document?

You need a Non Disturbance Agreement when entering into lease arrangements on mortgaged commercial or residential property. This becomes critical in scenarios where your landlord has existing mortgage obligations or seeks new financing using the leased property as collateral. Shopping centers, office buildings, and commercial spaces often require these agreements before major tenants sign long-term leases. The document also becomes necessary when lenders require assurance about stable rental income streams before approving mortgage applications. Banks and financial institutions typically mandate these agreements for properties with significant tenant improvements or long-term lease commitments that affect the property's value and marketability.

Key legal considerations

Your Non Disturbance Agreement must clearly define each party's rights and obligations under Philippine contract law. The non-disturbance clause should specify that your tenancy rights survive foreclosure, preventing the new property owner from immediately terminating your lease. Recognition provisions require the lender to acknowledge your existing lease terms and agree to honor them post-foreclosure. Attornment clauses establish your agreement to recognize the lender as your new landlord if foreclosure occurs. The document should include detailed notice requirements, specifying how and when parties must communicate about foreclosure proceedings, lease modifications, or defaults. Subordination provisions may require your lease to become subordinate to the mortgage, but with corresponding non-disturbance protections. Include specific procedures for rent payments during foreclosure proceedings and clarification about security deposit transfers to new owners.

Legal requirements in Philippines

Under the Civil Code of the Philippines, your Non Disturbance Agreement must meet standard contract requirements including mutual consent, lawful subject matter, and adequate consideration. The Property Registration Decree mandates proper registration for enforceability against third parties, particularly when dealing with registered land titles. You must ensure all parties have legal capacity to enter contracts and that corporate entities provide proper board resolutions authorizing the agreement. The document requires notarization under Philippine law to achieve full legal effect and admissibility in court proceedings. Anti-Money Laundering Act compliance may be necessary for high-value transactions, requiring identity verification and documentation of fund sources. Include specific governing law clauses referencing Philippine jurisdiction and courts for dispute resolution. The agreement should comply with lessor licensing requirements under local government regulations and include tax implications under the National Internal Revenue Code for all parties involved.

Genie's Security Promise

Genie is the safest place to draft. Here's how we prioritise your privacy and security.

Your data is private:

We do not train on your data; Genie's AI improves independently

All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation

Your documents are protected:

Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption

We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure

Organizational security:

You retain IP ownership of your documents and their information

You have full control over your data and who gets to see it