One Size Fits Some: Single Asset Real Estate Bankruptcy Cases

52 Pages Posted: 27 Dec 2001

See all articles by Kenneth N. Klee

Kenneth N. Klee

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - School of Law

Date Written: December 10, 2001

Abstract

For several years a debate has raged whether single asset real estate cases should be singled out for special treatment under the Bankruptcy Code. Under a $4 million debt cap of current law, single asset cases involve apartment houses, and small office buildings. But both Houses of Congress have passed legislation that will repeal the $4 million cap. If enacted, the legislation will subject large office buildings, shopping centers, and perhaps hotels to expedited discriminatory treatment in chapter 11 reorganization cases. Debate over the legislation has evoked passionate views, but to date views on both sides have been informed by anecdotal rather than empirical evidence. This article changes that by presenting empirical data gathered from a national questionnaire and cross checks the data against the case files of a bankruptcy judge in the most active judicial district in the country.

The results are striking. Asset values rather than amounts owing standout as a reliable predictor of plan confirmation. Surprisingly, value to loan ratios are less reliable than asset values standing alone. The data show that valuable properties have a much greater probability of confirming a plan than less valuable properties. The article suggests that if Congress desires to discriminate against single asset real estate debtors, it should draw the line to discriminate against only those cases where the property is worth less than somewhere between $7 and $8.2 million in asset value rather than changing current law to discriminate against all single asset real estate debtors.

Suggested Citation

Klee, Kenneth N., One Size Fits Some: Single Asset Real Estate Bankruptcy Cases (December 10, 2001). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=294864 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.294864

Kenneth N. Klee (Contact Author)

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) - School of Law ( email )

385 Charles E. Young Dr. East
Room 1242
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1476
United States
310-825-7460 (Phone)
310-206-7010 (Fax)

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