The Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico has denied an appeal from ACTSS LLC regarding a commercial lease dispute with CBL Realty, S.E. This decision affects how the court enforces judgments and the rights of parties involved in contractual agreements. The ruling emphasizes the importance of compliance with court orders in civil cases.
The case, identified by docket number TA2026CE00702, began when ACTSS LLC filed a lawsuit against CBL Realty in April 2021. ACTSS claimed that CBL Realty failed to return a $25,000 security deposit after a commercial lease ended. In response, CBL Realty counterclaimed against ACTSS and its owners, Alexander Calixto Torres and Gialia Colón Pérez, seeking payment for damages totaling $128,078.15. The lower court ruled in favor of CBL Realty, leading to the current appeal.
After the initial ruling, CBL Realty sought to enforce the judgment by requesting measures to prevent ACTSS and its owners from disposing of their assets. On May 5, 2026, the lower court granted CBL Realty's request, imposing restrictions on the petitioners' ability to sell or transfer their property until they complied with the court's orders.
Unhappy with this decision, Torres and Colón Pérez appealed, arguing that the lower court had made several errors. They contended that the court improperly issued broad restrictions on their assets, including funds in joint accounts and properties owned by third parties. They claimed that the court's order was based on inaccurate information and that they were not given a fair opportunity to present their case.
The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Boria Vizcarrondo and joined by Judges Rivera Marchand and Mateu Meléndez, reviewed the appeal. The court found that there was no justification to overturn the lower court's decision. The judges stated, "We do not perceive passion, prejudice, manifest error, or arbitrary action in the actions of the lower court." As a result, the court denied the request for certiorari, meaning the lower court's order would remain in effect.
This ruling has significant implications for both parties involved. For ACTSS LLC and its owners, the decision means they must comply with the restrictions placed on their assets while they work to resolve the financial obligations stemming from the lease dispute. For CBL Realty, the ruling reinforces the court's ability to enforce judgments and protect its interests in commercial transactions.
The court's decision also highlights the importance of adhering to court orders in civil matters. It serves as a reminder that parties involved in legal disputes must be diligent in their compliance with court rulings to avoid further complications.
Moving forward, the petitioners may consider their options for further legal action, including the possibility of appealing to a higher court. However, details regarding any potential future appeals or related cases were not available in the court filing.