A Puerto Rico court recently ruled in favor of UE Las Catalinas LLC in a commercial lease dispute, confirming an eviction order against Mobile Technology LLC. The decision, issued by the Tribunal de Apelaciones de Puerto Rico on May 28, 2026, affects the operations of Mobile Technology, which had failed to pay rent for its leased space in the Shops at Caguas. The court's ruling underscores the importance of adhering to lease agreements and the consequences of non-compliance.

The case, identified by docket number TA2026AP00217, arose from a lawsuit filed by UE Las Catalinas against Mobile Technology for eviction and the collection of overdue rent. The ruling not only confirms the eviction but also mandates a review of the amount owed by Mobile Technology, which UE claims totals over $1 million.

The dispute began when UE Las Catalinas, the owner of the Shops at Caguas, entered into a lease agreement with Mobile Technology on December 1, 2024. Under the terms of the contract, Mobile Technology was required to pay a monthly rent of $3,500 until December 2024, followed by $3,400 from January to November 2025. UE alleged that Mobile Technology failed to make these payments and continued to occupy the leased space even after the lease was terminated.

UE Las Catalinas filed its lawsuit on December 2, 2025, seeking both eviction and the collection of unpaid rent, which it claimed amounted to $1,010,621.58, along with additional legal fees. Mobile Technology responded by contesting the claims, arguing that it had paid the rent and that the lease had been tacitly renewed. The case was heard in the Caguas Superior Court, where evidence was presented, including testimony from both parties.

On February 6, 2026, the lower court ruled in favor of UE Las Catalinas, ordering Mobile Technology to vacate the premises and pay the claimed amount. The court found that Mobile Technology had indeed failed to pay the required rent and that UE had properly terminated the lease. However, the court did not provide a detailed breakdown of how it arrived at the total amount due, which became a point of contention for Mobile Technology.

In its appeal, Mobile Technology argued that the lower court erred in determining the total amount owed, stating that UE did not provide sufficient evidence to justify the claim of $1,010,621.58. The company also contended that the court's denial of its motion for a new trial was unjust, as it had received a statement of account after the trial that indicated a significantly lower balance than what was claimed.

The Tribunal de Apelaciones, led by Judge Domínguez Irizarry, reviewed the case and ultimately upheld the lower court's eviction order. The court ruled that Mobile Technology had indeed breached the lease agreement by failing to pay rent and continuing to occupy the property without authorization. The ruling stated, "The action of eviction is confirmed, and the case is returned to the lower court to determine the specific amounts that support the adjudicated sum of $1,010,621.58."

However, the appellate court also noted that the lower court had not adequately detailed how it arrived at the total amount owed. The ruling emphasized that the lower court must provide a clear breakdown of the debt, including overdue rent, late fees, and any other applicable charges. This aspect of the ruling indicates that while the eviction is confirmed, the financial aspects of the case require further examination.

The impact of this ruling is significant for both parties. For UE Las Catalinas, the confirmation of the eviction allows them to regain control of the leased space, which may be critical for their business operations. For Mobile Technology, the ruling highlights the importance of adhering to lease agreements and the potential legal consequences of failing to do so. This case serves as a reminder to businesses about the need for clear communication and adherence to contractual obligations.

Looking ahead, the case will return to the lower court to determine the specific amounts owed by Mobile Technology. This review process will involve examining the evidence presented during the initial trial to clarify the financial obligations of Mobile Technology. The court's ruling leaves open the possibility for further legal proceedings, depending on the outcome of this review.

In conclusion, the Tribunal de Apelaciones de Puerto Rico's ruling in the case of Ue Las Catalinas LLC v. Mobile Technology LLC underscores the importance of contractual compliance in commercial leases. The decision not only confirms the eviction of Mobile Technology but also mandates a thorough review of the financial claims made by UE Las Catalinas. As this case progresses, it will be crucial for both parties to navigate the legal landscape carefully to ensure their rights and obligations are upheld.