DVM Co. v. Stag Tobacconist, Ltd.

GORDON, Vice Chief Justice:

In October, 1976 Stag Tobacconist, Ltd. (Stag) and DVM, Co. (DVM) entered into a commercial lease agreement pursuant to which Stag rented retail office space from DVM. The parties’ lease provided that if either party instituted “any action or proceeding against the other relating to the provisions of this Lease * * * the prevailing party in such action or proceeding shall be entitled to recover from the other party its reasonable costs, expenses and attorney’s fees.”

DVM eventually commenced a forcible entry and detainer action against Stag for a non-payment of rent.…