Alhambra Bankruptcy Attorney

TITLE 11 - BANKRUPTCY
CHAPTER 3 - CASE ADMINISTRATION
    SUBCHAPTER IV - ADMINISTRATIVE POWERS

-HEAD-
    Sec. 365. Executory contracts and unexpired leases

-STATUTE-
      (a) Except as provided in sections 765 and 766 of this title and
    in subsections (b), (c), and (d) of this section, the trustee,
    subject to the court's approval, may assume or reject any executory
    contract or unexpired lease of the debtor.
      (b)(1) If there has been a default in an executory contract or
    unexpired lease of the debtor, the trustee may not assume such
    contract or lease unless, at the time of assumption of such
    contract or lease, the trustee - 
        (A) cures, or provides adequate assurance that the trustee will
      promptly cure, such default other than a default that is a breach
      of a provision relating to the satisfaction of any provision
      (other than a penalty rate or penalty provision) relating to a
      default arising from any failure to perform nonmonetary
      obligations under an unexpired lease of real property, if it is
      impossible for the trustee to cure such default by performing
      nonmonetary acts at and after the time of assumption, except that
      if such default arises from a failure to operate in accordance
      with a nonresidential real property lease, then such default
      shall be cured by performance at and after the time of assumption
      in accordance with such lease, and pecuniary losses resulting
      from such default shall be compensated in accordance with the
      provisions of this paragraph;
        (B) compensates, or provides adequate assurance that the
      trustee will promptly compensate, a party other than the debtor
      to such contract or lease, for any actual pecuniary loss to such
      party resulting from such default; and
        (C) provides adequate assurance of future performance under
      such contract or lease.

      (2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply to a default
    that is a breach of a provision relating to - 
        (A) the insolvency or financial condition of the debtor at any
      time before the closing of the case;
        (B) the commencement of a case under this title;
        (C) the appointment of or taking possession by a trustee in a
      case under this title or a custodian before such commencement; or
        (D) the satisfaction of any penalty rate or penalty provision
      relating to a default arising from any failure by the debtor to
      perform nonmonetary obligations under the executory contract or
      unexpired lease.

      (3) For the purposes of paragraph (1) of this subsection and
    paragraph (2)(B) of subsection (f), adequate assurance of future
    performance of a lease of real property in a shopping center
    includes adequate assurance - 
        (A) of the source of rent and other consideration due under
      such lease, and in the case of an assignment, that the financial
      condition and operating performance of the proposed assignee and
      its guarantors, if any, shall be similar to the financial
      condition and operating performance of the debtor and its
      guarantors, if any, as of the time the debtor became the lessee
      under the lease;
        (B) that any percentage rent due under such lease will not
      decline substantially;
        (C) that assumption or assignment of such lease is subject to
      all the provisions thereof, including (but not limited to)
      provisions such as a radius, location, use, or exclusivity
      provision, and will not breach any such provision contained in
      any other lease, financing agreement, or master agreement
      relating to such shopping center; and
        (D) that assumption or assignment of such lease will not
      disrupt any tenant mix or balance in such shopping center.

      (4) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if there
    has been a default in an unexpired lease of the debtor, other than
    a default of a kind specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection,
    the trustee may not require a lessor to provide services or
    supplies incidental to such lease before assumption of such lease
    unless the lessor is compensated under the terms of such lease for
    any services and supplies provided under such lease before
    assumption of such lease.
      (c) The trustee may not assume or assign any executory contract
    or unexpired lease of the debtor, whether or not such contract or
    lease prohibits or restricts assignment of rights or delegation of
    duties, if - 
        (1)(A) applicable law excuses a party, other than the debtor,
      to such contract or lease from accepting performance from or
      rendering performance to an entity other than the debtor or the
      debtor in possession, whether or not such contract or lease
      prohibits or restricts assignment of rights or delegation of
      duties; and
        (B) such party does not consent to such assumption or
      assignment; or
        (2) such contract is a contract to make a loan, or extend other
      debt financing or financial accommodations, to or for the benefit
      of the debtor, or to issue a security of the debtor; or
        (3) such lease is of nonresidential real property and has been
      terminated under applicable nonbankruptcy law prior to the order
      for relief.

      (d)(1) In a case under chapter 7 of this title, if the trustee
    does not assume or reject an executory contract or unexpired lease
    of residential real property or of personal property of the debtor
    within 60 days after the order for relief, or within such
    additional time as the court, for cause, within such 60-day period,
    fixes, then such contract or lease is deemed rejected.
      (2) In a case under chapter 9, 11, 12, or 13 of this title, the
    trustee may assume or reject an executory contract or unexpired
    lease of residential real property or of personal property of the
    debtor at any time before the confirmation of a plan but the court,
    on the request of any party to such contract or lease, may order
    the trustee to determine within a specified period of time whether
    to assume or reject such contract or lease.
      (3) The trustee shall timely perform all the obligations of the
    debtor, except those specified in section 365(b)(2), arising from
    and after the order for relief under any unexpired lease of
    nonresidential real property, until such lease is assumed or
    rejected, notwithstanding section 503(b)(1) of this title. The
    court may extend, for cause, the time for performance of any such
    obligation that arises within 60 days after the date of the order
    for relief, but the time for performance shall not be extended
    beyond such 60-day period. This subsection shall not be deemed to
    affect the trustee's obligations under the provisions of subsection
    (b) or (f) of this section. Acceptance of any such performance does
    not constitute waiver or relinquishment of the lessor's rights
    under such lease or under this title.
      (4)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), an unexpired lease of
    nonresidential real property under which the debtor is the lessee
    shall be deemed rejected, and the trustee shall immediately
    surrender that nonresidential real property to the lessor, if the
    trustee does not assume or reject the unexpired lease by the
    earlier of - 
        (i) the date that is 120 days after the date of the order for
      relief; or
        (ii) the date of the entry of an order confirming a plan.

      (B)(i) The court may extend the period determined under
    subparagraph (A), prior to the expiration of the 120-day period,
    for 90 days on the motion of the trustee or lessor for cause.
      (ii) If the court grants an extension under clause (i), the court
    may grant a subsequent extension only upon prior written consent of
    the lessor in each instance.
      (5) The trustee shall timely perform all of the obligations of
    the debtor, except those specified in section 365(b)(2), first
    arising from or after 60 days after the order for relief in a case
    under chapter 11 of this title under an unexpired lease of personal
    property (other than personal property leased to an individual
    primarily for personal, family, or household purposes), until such
    lease is assumed or rejected notwithstanding section 503(b)(1) of
    this title, unless the court, after notice and a hearing and based
    on the equities of the case, orders otherwise with respect to the
    obligations or timely performance thereof. This subsection shall
    not be deemed to affect the trustee's obligations under the
    provisions of subsection (b) or (f). Acceptance of any such
    performance does not constitute waiver or relinquishment of the
    lessor's rights under such lease or under this title.
      (e)(1) Notwithstanding a provision in an executory contract or
    unexpired lease, or in applicable law, an executory contract or
    unexpired lease of the debtor may not be terminated or modified,
    and any right or obligation under such contract or lease may not be
    terminated or modified, at any time after the commencement of the
    case solely because of a provision in such contract or lease that
    is conditioned on - 
        (A) the insolvency or financial condition of the debtor at any
      time before the closing of the case;
        (B) the commencement of a case under this title; or
        (C) the appointment of or taking possession by a trustee in a
      case under this title or a custodian before such commencement.

      (2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not apply to an
    executory contract or unexpired lease of the debtor, whether or not
    such contract or lease prohibits or restricts assignment of rights
    or delegation of duties, if - 
        (A)(i) applicable law excuses a party, other than the debtor,
      to such contract or lease from accepting performance from or
      rendering performance to the trustee or to an assignee of such
      contract or lease, whether or not such contract or lease
      prohibits or restricts assignment of rights or delegation of
      duties; and
        (ii) such party does not consent to such assumption or
      assignment; or
        (B) such contract is a contract to make a loan, or extend other
      debt financing or financial accommodations, to or for the benefit
      of the debtor, or to issue a security of the debtor.

      (f)(1) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this
    section, notwithstanding a provision in an executory contract or
    unexpired lease of the debtor, or in applicable law, that
    prohibits, restricts, or conditions the assignment of such contract
    or lease, the trustee may assign such contract or lease under
    paragraph (2) of this subsection.
      (2) The trustee may assign an executory contract or unexpired
    lease of the debtor only if - 
        (A) the trustee assumes such contract or lease in accordance
      with the provisions of this section; and
        (B) adequate assurance of future performance by the assignee of
      such contract or lease is provided, whether or not there has been
      a default in such contract or lease.

      (3) Notwithstanding a provision in an executory contract or
    unexpired lease of the debtor, or in applicable law that terminates
    or modifies, or permits a party other than the debtor to terminate
    or modify, such contract or lease or a right or obligation under
    such contract or lease on account of an assignment of such contract
    or lease, such contract, lease, right, or obligation may not be
    terminated or modified under such provision because of the
    assumption or assignment of such contract or lease by the trustee.
      (g) Except as provided in subsections (h)(2) and (i)(2) of this
    section, the rejection of an executory contract or unexpired lease
    of the debtor constitutes a breach of such contract or lease - 
        (1) if such contract or lease has not been assumed under this
      section or under a plan confirmed under chapter 9, 11, 12, or 13
      of this title, immediately before the date of the filing of the
      petition; or
        (2) if such contract or lease has been assumed under this
      section or under a plan confirmed under chapter 9, 11, 12, or 13
      of this title - 
          (A) if before such rejection the case has not been converted
        under section 1112, 1208, or 1307 of this title, at the time of
        such rejection; or
          (B) if before such rejection the case has been converted
        under section 1112, 1208, or 1307 of this title - 
            (i) immediately before the date of such conversion, if such
          contract or lease was assumed before such conversion; or
            (ii) at the time of such rejection, if such contract or
          lease was assumed after such conversion.

      (h)(1)(A) If the trustee rejects an unexpired lease of real
    property under which the debtor is the lessor and - 
        (i) if the rejection by the trustee amounts to such a breach as
      would entitle the lessee to treat such lease as terminated by
      virtue of its terms, applicable nonbankruptcy law, or any
      agreement made by the lessee, then the lessee under such lease
      may treat such lease as terminated by the rejection; or
        (ii) if the term of such lease has commenced, the lessee may
      retain its rights under such lease (including rights such as
      those relating to the amount and timing of payment of rent and
      other amounts payable by the lessee and any right of use,
      possession, quiet enjoyment, subletting, assignment, or
      hypothecation) that are in or appurtenant to the real property
      for the balance of the term of such lease and for any renewal or
      extension of such rights to the extent that such rights are
      enforceable under applicable nonbankruptcy law.

      (B) If the lessee retains its rights under subparagraph (A)(ii),
    the lessee may offset against the rent reserved under such lease
    for the balance of the term after the date of the rejection of such
    lease and for the term of any renewal or extension of such lease,
    the value of any damage caused by the nonperformance after the date
    of such rejection, of any obligation of the debtor under such
    lease, but the lessee shall not have any other right against the
    estate or the debtor on account of any damage occurring after such
    date caused by such nonperformance.
      (C) The rejection of a lease of real property in a shopping
    center with respect to which the lessee elects to retain its rights
    under subparagraph (A)(ii) does not affect the enforceability under
    applicable nonbankruptcy law of any provision in the lease
    pertaining to radius, location, use, exclusivity, or tenant mix or
    balance.
      (D) In this paragraph, "lessee" includes any successor, assign,
    or mortgagee permitted under the terms of such lease.
      (2)(A) If the trustee rejects a timeshare interest under a
    timeshare plan under which the debtor is the timeshare interest
    seller and - 
        (i) if the rejection amounts to such a breach as would entitle
      the timeshare interest purchaser to treat the timeshare plan as
      terminated under its terms, applicable nonbankruptcy law, or any
      agreement made by timeshare interest purchaser, the timeshare
      interest purchaser under the timeshare plan may treat the
      timeshare plan as terminated by such rejection; or
        (ii) if the term of such timeshare interest has commenced, then
      the timeshare interest purchaser may retain its rights in such
      timeshare interest for the balance of such term and for any term
      of renewal or extension of such timeshare interest to the extent
      that such rights are enforceable under applicable nonbankruptcy
      law.

      (B) If the timeshare interest purchaser retains its rights under
    subparagraph (A), such timeshare interest purchaser may offset
    against the moneys due for such timeshare interest for the balance
    of the term after the date of the rejection of such timeshare
    interest, and the term of any renewal or extension of such
    timeshare interest, the value of any damage caused by the
    nonperformance after the date of such rejection, of any obligation
    of the debtor under such timeshare plan, but the timeshare interest
    purchaser shall not have any right against the estate or the debtor
    on account of any damage occurring after such date caused by such
    nonperformance.
      (i)(1) If the trustee rejects an executory contract of the debtor
    for the sale of real property or for the sale of a timeshare
    interest under a timeshare plan, under which the purchaser is in
    possession, such purchaser may treat such contract as terminated,
    or, in the alternative, may remain in possession of such real
    property or timeshare interest.
      (2) If such purchaser remains in possession - 
        (A) such purchaser shall continue to make all payments due
      under such contract, but may, offset against such payments any
      damages occurring after the date of the rejection of such
      contract caused by the nonperformance of any obligation of the
      debtor after such date, but such purchaser does not have any
      rights against the estate on account of any damages arising after
      such date from such rejection, other than such offset; and
        (B) the trustee shall deliver title to such purchaser in
      accordance with the provisions of such contract, but is relieved
      of all other obligations to perform under such contract.

      (j) A purchaser that treats an executory contract as terminated
    under subsection (i) of this section, or a party whose executory
    contract to purchase real property from the debtor is rejected and
    under which such party is not in possession, has a lien on the
    interest of the debtor in such property for the recovery of any
    portion of the purchase price that such purchaser or party has
    paid.
      (k) Assignment by the trustee to an entity of a contract or lease
    assumed under this section relieves the trustee and the estate from
    any liability for any breach of such contract or lease occurring
    after such assignment.
      (l) If an unexpired lease under which the debtor is the lessee is
    assigned pursuant to this section, the lessor of the property may
    require a deposit or other security for the performance of the
    debtor's obligations under the lease substantially the same as
    would have been required by the landlord upon the initial leasing
    to a similar tenant.
      (m) For purposes of this section 365 and sections 541(b)(2) and
    362(b)(10), leases of real property shall include any rental
    agreement to use real property.
      (n)(1) If the trustee rejects an executory contract under which
    the debtor is a licensor of a right to intellectual property, the
    licensee under such contract may elect - 
        (A) to treat such contract as terminated by such rejection if
      such rejection by the trustee amounts to such a breach as would
      entitle the licensee to treat such contract as terminated by
      virtue of its own terms, applicable nonbankruptcy law, or an
      agreement made by the licensee with another entity; or
        (B) to retain its rights (including a right to enforce any
      exclusivity provision of such contract, but excluding any other
      right under applicable nonbankruptcy law to specific performance
      of such contract) under such contract and under any agreement
      supplementary to such contract, to such intellectual property
      (including any embodiment of such intellectual property to the
      extent protected by applicable nonbankruptcy law), as such rights
      existed immediately before the case commenced, for - 
          (i) the duration of such contract; and
          (ii) any period for which such contract may be extended by
        the licensee as of right under applicable nonbankruptcy law.

      (2) If the licensee elects to retain its rights, as described in
    paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection, under such contract - 
        (A) the trustee shall allow the licensee to exercise such
      rights;
        (B) the licensee shall make all royalty payments due under such
      contract for the duration of such contract and for any period
      described in paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection for which the
      licensee extends such contract; and
        (C) the licensee shall be deemed to waive - 
          (i) any right of setoff it may have with respect to such
        contract under this title or applicable nonbankruptcy law; and
          (ii) any claim allowable under section 503(b) of this title
        arising from the performance of such contract.

      (3) If the licensee elects to retain its rights, as described in
    paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection, then on the written request of
    the licensee the trustee shall - 
        (A) to the extent provided in such contract, or any agreement
      supplementary to such contract, provide to the licensee any
      intellectual property (including such embodiment) held by the
      trustee; and
        (B) not interfere with the rights of the licensee as provided
      in such contract, or any agreement supplementary to such
      contract, to such intellectual property (including such
      embodiment) including any right to obtain such intellectual
      property (or such embodiment) from another entity.

      (4) Unless and until the trustee rejects such contract, on the
    written request of the licensee the trustee shall - 
        (A) to the extent provided in such contract or any agreement
      supplementary to such contract - 
          (i) perform such contract; or
          (ii) provide to the licensee such intellectual property
        (including any embodiment of such intellectual property to the
        extent protected by applicable nonbankruptcy law) held by the
        trustee; and

        (B) not interfere with the rights of the licensee as provided
      in such contract, or any agreement supplementary to such
      contract, to such intellectual property (including such
      embodiment), including any right to obtain such intellectual
      property (or such embodiment) from another entity.

      (o) In a case under chapter 11 of this title, the trustee shall
    be deemed to have assumed (consistent with the debtor's other
    obligations under section 507), and shall immediately cure any
    deficit under, any commitment by the debtor to a Federal depository
    institutions regulatory agency (or predecessor to such agency) to
    maintain the capital of an insured depository institution, and any
    claim for a subsequent breach of the obligations thereunder shall
    be entitled to priority under section 507. This subsection shall
    not extend any commitment that would otherwise be terminated by any
    act of such an agency.
      (p)(1) If a lease of personal property is rejected or not timely
    assumed by the trustee under subsection (d), the leased property is
    no longer property of the estate and the stay under section 362(a)
    is automatically terminated.
      (2)(A) If the debtor in a case under chapter 7 is an individual,
    the debtor may notify the creditor in writing that the debtor
    desires to assume the lease. Upon being so notified, the creditor
    may, at its option, notify the debtor that it is willing to have
    the lease assumed by the debtor and may condition such assumption
    on cure of any outstanding default on terms set by the contract.
      (B) If, not later than 30 days after notice is provided under
    subparagraph (A), the debtor notifies the lessor in writing that
    the lease is assumed, the liability under the lease will be assumed
    by the debtor and not by the estate.
      (C) The stay under section 362 and the injunction under section
    524(a)(2) shall not be violated by notification of the debtor and
    negotiation of cure under this subsection.
      (3) In a case under chapter 11 in which the debtor is an
    individual and in a case under chapter 13, if the debtor is the
    lessee with respect to personal property and the lease is not
    assumed in the plan confirmed by the court, the lease is deemed
    rejected as of the conclusion of the hearing on confirmation. If
    the lease is rejected, the stay under section 362 and any stay
    under section 1301 is automatically terminated with respect to the
    property subject to the lease.

-SOURCE-
    (Pub. L. 95-598, Nov. 6, 1978, 92 Stat. 2574; Pub. L. 98-353, title
    III, Secs. 362, 402-404, July 10, 1984, 98 Stat. 361, 367; Pub. L.
    99-554, title II, Secs. 257(j), (m), 283(e), Oct. 27, 1986, 100
    Stat. 3115, 3117; Pub. L. 100-506, Sec. 1(b), Oct. 18, 1988, 102
    Stat. 2538; Pub. L. 101-647, title XXV, Sec. 2522(c), Nov. 29,
    1990, 104 Stat. 4866; Pub. L. 102-365, Sec. 19(b)-(e), Sept. 3,
    1992, 106 Stat. 982-984; Pub. L. 103-394, title II, Secs. 205(a),
    219(a), (b), title V, Sec. 501(d)(10), Oct. 22, 1994, 108 Stat.
    4122, 4128, 4145; Pub. L. 103-429, Sec. 1, Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat.
    4377; Pub. L. 109-8, title III, Secs. 309(b), 328(a), title IV,
    Sec. 404, Apr. 20, 2005, 119 Stat. 82, 100, 104.)


                       HISTORICAL AND REVISION NOTES                   

                          LEGISLATIVE STATEMENTS                      
      Section 365(b)(3) represents a compromise between H.R. 8200 as
    passed by the House and the Senate amendment. The provision adopts
    standards contained in section 365(b)(5) of the Senate amendment to
    define adequate assurance of future performance of a lease of real
    property in a shopping center.
      Section 365(b)(4) of the House amendment indicates that after
    default the trustee may not require a lessor to supply services or
    materials without assumption unless the lessor is compensated as
    provided in the lease.
      Section 365(c)(2) and (3) likewise represent a compromise between
    H.R. 8200 as passed by the House and the Senate amendment. Section
    365(c)(2) is derived from section 365(b)(4) of the Senate amendment
    but does not apply to a contract to deliver equipment as provided
    in the Senate amendment. As contained in the House amendment, the
    provision prohibits a trustee or debtor in possession from assuming
    or assigning an executory contract of the debtor to make a loan, or
    extend other debt financing or financial accommodations, to or for
    the benefit of the debtor, or the issuance of a security of the
    debtor.
      Section 365(e) is a refinement of comparable provisions contained
    in the House bill and Senate amendment. Sections 365(e)(1) and
    (2)(A) restate section 365(e) of H.R. 8200 as passed by the House.
    Sections 365(e)(2)(B) expands the section to permit termination of
    an executory contract or unexpired lease of the debtor if such
    contract is a contract to make a loan, or extend other debt
    financing or financial accommodations, to or for the benefit of the
    debtor, or for the issuance of a security of the debtor.
      Characterization of contracts to make a loan, or extend other
    debt financing or financial accommodations, is limited to the
    extension of cash or a line of credit and is not intended to
    embrace ordinary leases or contracts to provide goods or services
    with payments to be made over time.
      Section 365(f) is derived from H.R. 8200 as passed by the House.
    Deletion of language in section 365(f)(3) of the Senate amendment
    is done as a matter of style. Restrictions with respect to
    assignment of an executory contract or unexpired lease are
    superfluous since the debtor may assign an executory contract or
    unexpired lease of the debtor only if such contract is first
    assumed under section 364(f)(2)(A) of the House amendment.
      Section 363(h) of the House amendment represents a modification
    of section 365(h) of the Senate amendment. The House amendment
    makes clear that in the case of a bankrupt lessor, a lessee may
    remain in possession for the balance of the term of a lease and any
    renewal or extension of the term only to the extent that such
    renewal or extension may be obtained by the lessee without the
    permission of the landlord or some third party under applicable non-
    bankruptcy law.

                         SENATE REPORT NO. 95-989                     
      Subsection (a) of this section authorizes the trustee, subject to
    the court's approval, to assume or reject an executory contract or
    unexpired lease. Though there is no precise definition of what
    contracts are executory, it generally includes contracts on which
    performance remains due to some extent on both sides. A note is not
    usually an executory contract if the only performance that remains
    is repayment. Performance on one side of the contract would have
    been completed and the contract is no longer executory.
      Because of the volatile nature of the commodities markets and the
    special provisions governing commodity broker liquidations in
    subchapter IV of chapter 7, the provisions governing distribution
    in section 765(a) will govern if any conflict between those
    provisions and the provisions of this section arise.
      Subsections (b), (c), and (d) provide limitations on the
    trustee's powers. Subsection (b) requires the trustee to cure any
    default in the contract or lease and to provide adequate assurance
    of future performance if there has been a default, before he may
    assume. This provision does not apply to defaults under ipso facto
    or bankruptcy clauses, which is a significant departure from
    present law.
      Subsection (b)(3) permits termination of leases entered into
    prior to the effective date of this title in liquidation cases if
    certain other conditions are met.
      Subsection (b)(4) [enacted as (c)(2)] prohibits the trustee's
    assumption of an executory contract requiring the other party to
    make a loan or deliver equipment to or to issue a security of the
    debtor. The purpose of this subsection is to make it clear that a
    party to a transaction which is based upon the financial strength
    of a debtor should not be required to extend new credit to the
    debtor whether in the form of loans, lease financing, or the
    purchase or discount of notes.
      Subsection (b)(5) provides that in lease situations common to
    shopping centers, protections must be provided for the lessor if
    the trustee assumes the lease, including protection against decline
    in percentage rents, breach of agreements with other tenants, and
    preservation of the tenant mix. Protection for tenant mix will not
    be required in the office building situation.
      Subsection (c) prohibits the trustee from assuming or assigning a
    contract or lease if applicable nonbankruptcy law excuses the other
    party from performance to someone other than the debtor, unless the
    other party consents. This prohibition applies only in the
    situation in which applicable law excuses the other party from
    performance independent of any restrictive language in the contract
    or lease itself.
      Subsection (d) places time limits on assumption and rejection. In
    a liquidation case, the trustee must assume within 60 days (or
    within an additional 60 days, if the court, for cause, extends the
    time). If not assumed, the contract or lease is deemed rejected. In
    a rehabilitation case, the time limit is not fixed in the bill.
    However, if the other party to the contract or lease requests the
    court to fix a time, the court may specify a time within which the
    trustee must act. This provision will prevent parties in
    contractual or lease relationships with the debtor from being left
    in doubt concerning their status vis-a-vis the estate.
      Subsection (e) invalidates ipso facto or bankruptcy clauses.
    These clauses, protected under present law, automatically terminate
    the contract or lease, or permit the other contracting party to
    terminate the contract or lease, in the event of bankruptcy. This
    frequently hampers rehabilitation efforts. If the trustee may
    assume or assign the contract under the limitations imposed by the
    remainder of the section, the contract or lease may be utilized to
    assist in the debtor's rehabilitation or liquidation.
      The unenforcibility [sic] of ipso facto or bankruptcy clauses
    proposed under this section will require the courts to be sensitive
    to the rights of the nondebtor party to executory contracts and
    unexpired leases. If the trustee is to assume a contract or lease,
    the court will have to insure that the trustee's performance under
    the contract or lease gives the other contracting party the full
    benefit of his bargain.
      This subsection does not limit the application of an ipso facto
    or bankruptcy clause if a new insolvency or receivership occurs
    after the bankruptcy case is closed. That is, the clause is not
    invalidated in toto, but merely made inapplicable during the case
    for the purposes of disposition of the executory contract or
    unexpired lease.
      Subsection (f) partially invalidates restrictions on assignment
    of contracts or leases by the trustee to a third party. The
    subsection imposes two restrictions on the trustee: he must first
    assume the contract or lease, subject to all the restrictions on
    assumption found in the section, and adequate assurance of future
    performance must be provided to the other contracting party.
    Paragraph (3) of the subsection invalidates contractual provisions
    that permit termination or modification in the event of an
    assignment, as contrary to the policy of this subsection.
      Subsection (g) defines the time as of which a rejection of an
    executory contract or unexpired lease constitutes a breach of the
    contract or lease. Generally, the breach is as of the date
    immediately preceding the date of the petition. The purpose is to
    treat rejection claims as prepetition claims. The remainder of the
    subsection specifies different times for cases that are converted
    from one chapter to another. The provisions of this subsection are
    not a substantive authorization to breach or reject an assumed
    contract. Rather, they prescribe the rules for the allowance of
    claims in case an assumed contract is breached, or if a case under
    chapter 11 in which a contract has been assumed is converted to a
    case under chapter 7 in which the contract is rejected.
      Subsection (h) protects real property lessees of the debtor if
    the trustee rejects an unexpired lease under which the debtor is
    the lessor (or sublessor). The subsection permits the lessee to
    remain in possession of the leased property or to treat the lease
    as terminated by the rejection. The balance of the term of the
    lease referred to in paragraph (1) will include any renewal terms
    that are enforceable by the tenant, but not renewal terms if the
    landlord had an option to terminate. Thus, the tenant will not be
    deprived of his estate for the term for which he bargained. If the
    lessee remains in possession, he may offset the rent reserved under
    the lease against damages caused by the rejection, but does not
    have any affirmative rights against the estate for any damages
    after the rejection that result from the rejection.
      Subsection (i) gives a purchaser of real property under a land
    installment sales contract similar protection. The purchaser, if
    the contract is rejected, may remain in possession or may treat the
    contract as terminated. If the purchaser remains in possession, he
    is required to continue to make the payments due, but may offset
    damages that occur after rejection. The trustee is required to
    deliver title, but is relieved of all other obligations to perform.
      A purchaser that treats the contract as terminated is granted a
    lien on the property to the extent of the purchase price paid. A
    party with a contract to purchase land from the debtor has a lien
    on the property to secure the price already paid, if the contract
    is rejected and the purchaser is not yet in possession.
      Subsection (k) relieves the trustee and the estate of liability
    for a breach of an assigned contract or lease that occurs after the
    assignment.

                          HOUSE REPORT NO. 95-595                      
      Subsection (c) prohibits the trustee from assuming or assigning a
    contract or lease if applicable nonbankruptcy law excuses the other
    party from performance to someone other than the debtor, unless the
    other party consents. This prohibition applies only in the
    situation in which applicable law excuses the other party from
    performance independent of any restrictive language in the contract
    or lease itself. The purpose of this subsection, at least in part,
    is to prevent the trustee from requiring new advances of money or
    other property. The section permits the trustee to continue to use
    and pay for property already advanced, but is not designed to
    permit the trustee to demand new loans or additional transfers of
    property under lease commitments.
      Thus, under this provision, contracts such as loan commitments
    and letters of credit are nonassignable, and may not be assumed by
    the trustee.
      Subsection (e) invalidates ipso facto or bankruptcy clauses.
    These clauses, protected under present law, automatically terminate
    the contract or lease, or permit the other contracting party to
    terminate the contract or lease, in the event of bankruptcy. This
    frequently hampers rehabilitation efforts. If the trustee may
    assume or assign the contract under the limitations imposed by the
    remainder of the section, then the contract or lease may be
    utilized to assist in the debtor's rehabilitation or liquidation.
      The unenforceability of ipso facto or bankruptcy clauses proposed
    under this section will require the courts to be sensitive to the
    rights of the nondebtor party to executory contracts and unexpired
    leases. If the trustee is to assume a contract or lease, the courts
    will have to insure that the trustee's performance under the
    contract or lease gives the other contracting party the full
    benefit of his bargain. An example of the complexity that may arise
    in these situations and the need for a determination of all aspects
    of a particular executory contract or unexpired lease is the
    shopping center lease under which the debtor is a tenant in a
    shopping center.
      A shopping center is often a carefully planned enterprise, and
    though it consists of numerous individual tenants, the center is
    planned as a single unit, often subject to a master lease or
    financing agreement. Under these agreements, the tenant mix in a
    shopping center may be as important to the lessor as the actual
    promised rental payments, because certain mixes will attract higher
    patronage of the stores in the center, and thus a higher rental for
    the landlord from those stores that are subject to a percentage of
    gross receipts rental agreement. Thus, in order to assure a
    landlord of his bargained for exchange, the court would have to
    consider such factors as the nature of the business to be conducted
    by the trustee or his assignee, whether that business complies with
    the requirements of any master agreement, whether the kind of
    business proposed will generate gross sales in an amount such that
    the percentage rent specified in the lease is substantially the
    same as what would have been provided by the debtor, and whether
    the business proposed to be conducted would result in a breach of
    other clauses in master agreements relating, for example, to tenant
    mix and location.
      This subsection does not limit the application of an ipso facto
    or bankruptcy clause to a new insolvency or receivership after the
    bankruptcy case is closed. That is, the clause is not invalidated
    in toto, but merely made inapplicable during the case for the
    purpose of disposition of the executory contract or unexpired
    lease.

                                AMENDMENTS                            
      2005 - Subsec. (b)(1)(A). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 328(a)(1)(A),
    inserted before semicolon at end "other than a default that is a
    breach of a provision relating to the satisfaction of any provision
    (other than a penalty rate or penalty provision) relating to a
    default arising from any failure to perform nonmonetary obligations
    under an unexpired lease of real property, if it is impossible for
    the trustee to cure such default by performing nonmonetary acts at
    and after the time of assumption, except that if such default
    arises from a failure to operate in accordance with a
    nonresidential real property lease, then such default shall be
    cured by performance at and after the time of assumption in
    accordance with such lease, and pecuniary losses resulting from
    such default shall be compensated in accordance with the provisions
    of this paragraph".
      Subsec. (b)(2)(D). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 328(a)(1)(B), substituted
    "penalty rate or penalty provision" for "penalty rate or
    provision".
      Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 328(a)(2), struck out par.
    (4) which read as follows: "such lease is of nonresidential real
    property under which the debtor is the lessee of an aircraft
    terminal or aircraft gate at an airport at which the debtor is the
    lessee under one or more additional nonresidential leases of an
    aircraft terminal or aircraft gate and the trustee, in connection
    with such assumption or assignment, does not assume all such leases
    or does not assume and assign all of such leases to the same
    person, except that the trustee may assume or assign less than all
    of such leases with the airport operator's written consent."
      Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 404(a), amended par. (4)
    generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows:
    "Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) and (2), in a case under any
    chapter of this title, if the trustee does not assume or reject an
    unexpired lease of nonresidential real property under which the
    debtor is the lessee within 60 days after the date of the order for
    relief, or within such additional time as the court, for cause,
    within such 60-day period, fixes, then such lease is deemed
    rejected, and the trustee shall immediately surrender such
    nonresidential real property to the lessor."
      Subsec. (d)(5) to (10). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 328(a)(3),
    redesignated par. (10) as (5) and struck out former pars. (5) to
    (9) which related to rejection of leases under which the debtor is
    an affected air carrier that is the lessee of an aircraft terminal
    or aircraft gate.
      Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 404(b), substituted "provided
    in subsections (b) and" for "provided in subsection".
      Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 328(a)(4), struck out "; except that the
    trustee may not assign an unexpired lease of nonresidential real
    property under which the debtor is an affected air carrier that is
    the lessee of an aircraft terminal or aircraft gate if there has
    occurred a termination event" before period at end.
      Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 109-8, Sec. 309(b), added subsec. (p).
      1994 - Subsec. (b)(2)(D). Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 219(a), added
    subpar. (D).
      Subsec. (d)(6)(C). Pub. L. 103-429, Sec. 1(1), substituted
    "section 40102(a) of title 49" for "section 101 of the Federal
    Aviation Act of 1958 (49 App. U.S.C. 1301)".
      Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 501(d)(10)(A), which directed the
    substitution of "section 40102 of title 49" for "the Federal
    Aviation Act of 1958 (49 U.S.C. 1301)", could not be executed
    because the phrase "(49 U.S.C. 1301)" did not appear in text.
      Subsec. (d)(10). Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 219(b), added par. (10).
      Subsec. (g)(2)(A), (B). Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 501(d)(10)(B),
    substituted "1208, or 1307" for "1307, or 1208".
      Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 205(a), amended subsec. (h)
    generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (h) read as follows:
      "(h)(1) If the trustee rejects an unexpired lease of real
    property of the debtor under which the debtor is the lessor, or a
    timeshare interest under a timeshare plan under which the debtor is
    the timeshare interest seller, the lessee or timeshare interest
    purchaser under such lease or timeshare plan may treat such lease
    or timeshare plan as terminated by such rejection, where the
    disaffirmance by the trustee amounts to such a breach as would
    entitle the lessee or timeshare interest purchaser to treat such
    lease or timeshare plan as terminated by virtue of its own terms,
    applicable nonbankruptcy law, or other agreements the lessee or
    timeshare interest purchaser has made with other parties; or, in
    the alternative, the lessee or timeshare interest purchaser may
    remain in possession of the leasehold or timeshare interest under
    any lease or timeshare plan the term of which has commenced for the
    balance of such term and for any renewal or extension of such term
    that is enforceable by such lessee or timeshare interest purchaser
    under applicable nonbankruptcy law.
      "(2) If such lessee or timeshare interest purchaser remains in
    possession as provided in paragraph (1) of this subsection, such
    lessee or timeshare interest purchaser may offset against the rent
    reserved under such lease or moneys due for such timeshare interest
    for the balance of the term after the date of the rejection of such
    lease or timeshare interest, and any such renewal or extension
    thereof, any damages occurring after such date caused by the
    nonperformance of any obligation of the debtor under such lease or
    timeshare plan after such date, but such lessee or timeshare
    interest purchaser does not have any rights against the estate on
    account of any damages arising after such date from such rejection,
    other than such offset."
      Subsec. (n)(1)(B). Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 501(d)(10)(C),
    substituted "a right to" for "a right to to".
      Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 501(d)(10)(D), substituted "a
    Federal depository institutions regulatory agency (or predecessor
    to such agency)" for "the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
    the Resolution Trust Corporation, the Director of the Office of
    Thrift Supervision, the Comptroller of the Currency, or the Board
    of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or its predecessors or
    successors,".
      Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 103-429, Sec. 1(2), which directed the
    amendment of subsec. (p) by substituting "section 40102(a) of title
    49" for "section 101(3) of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958", could
    not be executed because subsec. (p) was repealed by Pub. L. 103-
    394, Sec. 501(d)(10)(E). See below.
      Pub. L. 103-394, Sec. 501(d)(10)(E), struck out subsec. (p),
    which read as follows: "In this section, 'affected air carrier'
    means an air carrier, as defined in section 101(3) of the Federal
    Aviation Act of 1958, that holds 65 percent or more in number of
    the aircraft gates at an airport - 
        "(1) which is a Large Air Traffic Hub as defined by the Federal
      Aviation Administration in Report FAA-AP 92-1, February 1992; and
        "(2) all of whose remaining aircraft gates are leased or under
      contract on the date of enactment of this subsection."
      1992 - Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 102-365, Sec. 19(c), added par.
    (4).
      Subsec. (d)(5) to (9). Pub. L. 102-365, Sec. 19(b), added pars.
    (5) to (9).
      Subsec. (f)(1). Pub. L. 102-365, Sec. 19(d), substituted for
    period at end "; except that the trustee may not assign an
    unexpired lease of nonresidential real property under which the
    debtor is an affected air carrier that is the lessee of an aircraft
    terminal or aircraft gate if there has occurred a termination
    event."
      Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 102-365, Sec. 19(e), added subsec. (p).
      1990 - Subsec. (o). Pub. L. 101-647 added subsec. (o).
      1988 - Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 100-506 added subsec. (n).
      1986 - Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 99-554, Sec. 283(e)(1), struck
    out "or an assignee of such contract or lease" after "debtor in
    possession".
      Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 99-554, Sec. 283(e)(2), inserted "is"
    after "lease" and "and" after "property".
      Subsecs. (d)(2), (g)(1). Pub. L. 99-554, Sec. 257(j), (m)(1),
    inserted reference to chapter 12.
      Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 99-554, Sec. 257(m)(2), inserted
    references to chapter 12 and section 1208 of this title.
      Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 99-554, Sec. 283(e)(2), inserted "or
    timeshare plan" after "to treat such lease".
      Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 99-554, Sec. 283(e)(3), substituted
    "362(b)(10)" for "362(b)(9)".
      1984 - Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 362(a), amended subsec.
    (a) generally, making minor changes.
      Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 362(a), amended subsec. (b)
    generally, inserting in par. (3) reference to par. (2)(B) of
    subsec. (f) of this section, in par. (3)(A) inserting provisions
    relating to financial condition and operating performance in the
    case of an assignment, and in par. (3)(C) substituting "that
    assumption or assignment of such lease is subject to all the
    provisions thereof, including (but not limited to) provisions such
    as a radius, location, use, or exclusivity provision, and will not
    breach any such provision contained in any other lease, financing
    agreement, or master agreement relating to such shopping center"
    for "that assumption or assignment of such lease will not breach
    substantially any provision, such as a radius, location, use, or
    exclusivity provision, in any other lease, financing agreement, or
    master agreement relating to such shopping center".
      Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 362(a), amended subsec. (c)
    generally, substituting in par. (1)(A) "applicable law excuses a
    party, other than the debtor, to such contract or lease from
    accepting performance from or rendering performance to an entity
    other than the debtor or the debtor in possession or an assignee of
    such contract or lease, whether or not such contract or lease
    prohibits or restricts assignment of rights or delegation of
    duties" for "applicable law excuses a party, other than the debtor,
    to such contract or lease from accepting performance from or
    rendering performance to the trustee or an assignee of such
    contract or lease, whether or not such contract or lease prohibits
    or restricts assignment of rights or delegation of duties" and
    adding par. (3).
      Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 362(a), amended subsec. (d)
    generally, inserting in par. (1) reference to residential real
    property or personal property of the debtor, inserting in par. (2)
    reference to residential real property or personal property of the
    debtor, and adding pars. (3) and (4).
      Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 402, amended par. (1)
    generally. Prior to amendment, par. (1) read as follows: "If the
    trustee rejects an unexpired lease of real property of the debtor
    under which the debtor is the lessor, the lessee under such lease
    may treat the lease as terminated by such rejection, or, in the
    alternative, may remain in possession for the balance of the term
    of such lease and any renewal or extension of such term that is
    enforceable by such lessee under applicable nonbankruptcy law."
      Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 403, amended par. (2)
    generally. Prior to amendment, par. (2) read as follows: "If such
    lessee remains in possession, such lessee may offset against the
    rent reserved under such lease for the balance of the term after
    the date of the rejection of such lease, and any such renewal or
    extension, any damages occurring after such date caused by the
    nonperformance of any obligation of the debtor after such date, but
    such lessee does not have any rights against the estate on account
    of any damages arising after such date from such rejection, other
    than such offset."
      Subsec. (i)(1). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 404, amended par. (1)
    generally, inserting provisions relating to timeshare interests
    under timeshare plans.
      Subsecs. (l), (m). Pub. L. 98-353, Sec. 362(b), added subsecs.
    (l) and (m).

                     EFFECTIVE DATE OF 2005 AMENDMENT                 
      Amendment by Pub. L. 109-8 effective 180 days after Apr. 20,
    2005, and not applicable with respect to cases commenced under this
    title before such effective date, except as otherwise provided, see
    section 1501 of Pub. L. 109-8, set out as a note under section 101
    of this title.

                     EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1994 AMENDMENT                 
      Amendment by Pub. L. 103-394 effective Oct. 22, 1994, and not
    applicable with respect to cases commenced under this title before
    Oct. 22, 1994, see section 702 of Pub. L. 103-394, set out as a
    note under section 101 of this title.

                     EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1992 AMENDMENT                 
      Section 19(f) of Pub. L. 102-365 provided that: "The amendments
    made by this section [amending this section] shall be in effect for
    the 12-month period that begins on the date of enactment of this
    Act [Sept. 3, 1992] and shall apply in all proceedings involving an
    affected air carrier (as defined in section 365(p) of title 11,
    United States Code, as amended by this section) that are pending
    during such 12-month period. Not later than 9 months after the date
    of enactment, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation
    Administration shall report to the Committee on Commerce, Science,
    and Transportation and Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate and
    the Committee on the Judiciary and Committee on Public Works and
    Transportation of the House of Representatives on whether this
    section shall apply to proceedings that are commenced after such 12-
    month period."

                     EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1988 AMENDMENT                 
      Amendment by Pub. L. 100-506 effective Oct. 18, 1988, but not
    applicable to any case commenced under this title before such date,
    see section 2 of Pub. L. 100-506, set out as a note under section
    101 of this title.

                     EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1986 AMENDMENT                 
      Amendment by section 257 of Pub. L. 99-554 effective 30 days
    after Oct. 27, 1986, but not applicable to cases commenced under
    this title before that date, see section 302(a), (c)(1) of Pub. L.
    99-554, set out as a note under section 581 of Title 28, Judiciary
    and Judicial Procedure.
      Amendment by section 283 of Pub. L. 99-554 effective 30 days
    after Oct. 27, 1986, see section 302(a) of Pub. L. 99-554.

                     EFFECTIVE DATE OF 1984 AMENDMENT                 
      Amendment by Pub. L. 98-353 effective with respect to cases filed
    90 days after July 10, 1984, see section 552(a) of Pub. L. 98-353,
    set out as a note under section 101 of this title.

                              AIRPORT LEASES                          
      Section 19(a) of Pub. L. 102-365 provided that: "Congress finds
    that - 
        "(1) there are major airports served by an air carrier that has
      leased a substantial majority of the airport's gates;
        "(2) the commerce in the region served by such a major airport
      can be disrupted if the air carrier that leases most of its gates
      enters bankruptcy and either discontinues or materially reduces
      service; and
        "(3) it is important that such airports be empowered to
      continue service in the event of such a disruption."

-End-