D.C. Council To Address Rent Stabilization Program Reform And Expansion Amendment

California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed multiple state housing bills into law that will take effect January 1, 2027, introducing significant changes to housing development regulations across the state. These new laws establish streamlined ministerial approval processes for various housing types, from high-density transit hub projects in major cities to townhomes and factory-built housing, while also reforming ADU regulations, permit processing requirements, and density bonus provisions. Will these legis

California's Starter Home Revitalization Act receives significant enhancements through Senate Bill 1116, expanding site eligibility criteria, limiting local zoning restrictions, and invalidating certain private deed covenants to accelerate small-lot residential subdivisions. The legislation introduces streamlined 60-day ministerial approvals while establishing new rules for lot size averaging, height restrictions, and concurrent permit processing that fundamentally reshape the pathway for starter home devel

A California Court of Appeal has invalidated San Francisco's Empty Homes Tax, ruling that the Ellis Act—which protects property owners' right to exit the rental market—also shields them from being forced to enter it through vacancy taxation. This landmark decision raises critical questions about the viability of similar residential vacancy taxes that other California municipalities have enacted or are considering as housing policy tools.

Landlords of rent stabilized buildings in New York City have filed a lawsuit challenging the rent freeze passed by the Rent Guidelines Board, questioning the Board's independence and data integrity. With operating costs rising 31% over five years while the Board voted 7-1 for a freeze affecting 1 million apartments, the case raises critical questions about the balance between tenant protection and landlord viability.

Facilitating the use of modern manufacturing methods in the production of manufactured and other factory-built housing eligible for federal housing programs.

North Carolina's Senate Bill 445 eliminates the longstanding exceptions that allowed homeowners associations to restrict American and North Carolina flag displays, fundamentally changing two decades...

Florida's new Section 489.1295 establishes licensing consequences for contractors who fail to timely pay subcontractors and suppliers, effective July 1, 2026. The statute creates disciplinary exposure for knowingly or willfully withholding payment, though it includes important exceptions for bona fide disputes and contractual payment terms. Contractors must now navigate potential license sanctions including fines up to $10,000, suspension, or revocation when payment disputes arise.

On April 6, 2026, the same day that the Colorado Supreme Court issued its decision in Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction Company, LLC v. Regional Rail Partners, Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 26-074 into law. The legislation, which took effect on August 12, 2026, clarifies the amounts that may be included in mechanic’s liens and public construction payment claims, as well as the circumstances under which those claims may be considered excessive.

Imagine completing a multimillion-dollar project, performing quality work, paying your subcontractors, and satisfying the owner, only to discover that a temporary contractor license lapse could prevent you from recovering payment for that work or pursuing claims for extra work. For decades, that was the reality under California Business and Professions Code section 7031.

Mechanic's liens pose significant challenges for property owners and developers in California construction projects, even when they have fulfilled their payment obligations. Understanding the strict procedural requirements, timing deadlines, and available remedies can help owners protect their projects from improper claims and efficiently resolve legitimate liens when they arise.