Real Estate Law and Construction Law

Negotiating a commercial lease requires careful attention to critical provisions that can significantly impact a tenant's financial obligations and operational flexibility. Understanding the nuances of lease terms, rent structures, possession requirements, landlord responsibilities, and maintenance allocations is fundamental to protecting tenant interests.

New York City's rent stabilization system has evolved significantly since the 1960s, shaped by legislative changes, policy shifts, and economic pressures that continue to impact multifamily housing. Partner Alex Lycoyannis and Christina Smyth, founding partner of Smyth Levenson LLP and former Rent Guidelines Board member, trace this evolution through key legislative milestones including the 2019 Stability and Tenant Protection Act...

In AIF Dartmouth, LLC v. Hanson, the Massachusetts Appeals Court considered claims arising from two residential summary-process actions.

In a typical secured finance transaction, a Farm Credit System lender will require its agricultural borrower and other loan parties to execute a security agreement and file UCC-1 financing statements covering the applicable personal property collateral.

Monmouth County is experiencing a major development surge driven by projects like Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth, the Monmouth Park redevelopment, and residential developments across multiple municipalities.

California Water Views provides comprehensive coverage and analysis of water law, policy, and regulatory developments affecting California's complex water management landscape. The publication examines critical issues ranging from water rights and environmental compliance to infrastructure projects and drought management strategies.

A legal professional reflects on their career path in eminent domain law, exploring how their passion for real estate valuation and infrastructure development led them to specialize in this unique field. The piece examines the dual nature of eminent domain work—facilitating essential public projects while protecting individual property owners' rights through complex legal proceedings.

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.

California's new Missing Middle Townhome Ownership Act establishes a groundbreaking ministerial approval pathway for townhome developments of up to 150 units, eliminating CEQA review and discretionary hearings. The legislation creates unprecedented opportunities for attainable homeownership by streamlining entitlements, reducing construction timelines, and enabling flexible ownership structures including fee-simple lots, cooperatives, and community land trusts. With the potential to unlock thousands of parc

Purchasing a residential property with existing tenants requires careful attention to lease agreements, possession rights, and financing requirements. Understanding how tenant occupancy affects closing timelines, security deposits, and the buyer's ability to occupy or use the property can prevent costly surprises and legal complications during the transaction process.

It’s an uncomfortable topic, but it also creates immediate legal and financial questions for surviving family members, sellers, lenders, and real estate professionals.

Recent amendments to Mass. R. Prof. C. 1.15 have significantly changed how Massachusetts law yers must handle unclaimed and unidentified funds held in IOLTA accounts.