Office Trends | Winter 2026 (Video)

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

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.

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

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.

Though highly touted recent legislative enactments addressing California's housing crisis have focused on streamlining high-density, multifamily infill development (see Holland & Knight's previous alert...

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.

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.

Illinois landlords will face new rules governing rental fees, disclosures, and application charges beginning January 1, 2027. House Bill 3564 adds “Rental fee transparency and limitations” to the Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act (765 ILCS 705/35).

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...

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

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

California has enacted comprehensive legislation requiring data center developers to disclose water usage and demonstrate supply adequacy before obtaining permits. These new laws impose water supply assessments, efficiency reporting, and drought contingency planning obligations that fundamentally reshape the regulatory landscape for data center development in the state.

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.

California voters will soon decide on Proposition 45, the Building an Affordable California Act (BACA), which promises to revolutionize CEQA environmental review for essential projects including housing, infrastructure, and renewable energy developments. The initiative would establish vested CEQA standards, accelerated review timelines, and significantly reduced litigation risks for qualifying projects. Will this landmark reform provide the certainty developers need, or will ambiguities in its broad provisi

The Bureau of Land Management has authorized the Pearl Geothermal Development Project using a controversial 14-day expedited environmental review process, marking the first new geothermal power plant approved under emergency permitting procedures implemented in response to President Trump's national energy emergency declaration. While the project underwent multiple phases of review over several years before final approval, questions remain about whether future projects conceived after these Alternative Arra

San Francisco's Board of Supervisors has approved sweeping housing reforms that dramatically reduce inclusionary affordable housing requirements and development impact fees. The legislation eliminates BMR obligations for projects under 25 units, slashes on-site requirements to 5% citywide, and cuts development impact fees by 67%, while a companion ballot measure seeks to expand the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to $125 million annually by 2036.

Does a member of a limited liability company owe a fiduciary duty to the company and the other members? Section 17704.09(a) of the California Corporations Code states that a member owes a duty of loyalty and a duty of care.

California's State Water Resources Control Board has implemented sweeping changes to water diversion measurement and reporting regulations, requiring rights holders to upgrade equipment, formalize methodologies, and submit standardized data through the new CalWATRS platform. With critical deadlines approaching in October 2026 and January 2027, water users face substantial compliance obligations backed by penalties of up to $10,000 per day for violations. What specific steps must diverters take now to ensure

California's Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued comprehensive new guidance that dramatically expands protection requirements for four candidate bumble bee species under the California Endangered Species Act. The 2026 guidance introduces strict survey timelines, seasonal construction restrictions, and mandatory onsite biological monitoring that will significantly impact project planning and budgets across the state. Project developers now face narrow construction windows, 60-day advance survey submis