Real Estate Law and Construction Law

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

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.

When people think about eminent domain disputes, they usually think about appraisers, lawyers, depositions and trials. But I’ve found that many times the greatest impact on the ultimate cost of a case happens long before anyone files a complaint. That is true for both sides.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's new "Harm Rule" fundamentally reshapes Endangered Species Act enforcement by eliminating habitat modification as a form of prohibited "take," potentially requiring only direct, intentional acts against listed species to trigger federal protections.

California lawmakers advance legislation to narrow CEQA exemptions for advanced manufacturing while cities across the state grapple with housing mandates and development regulations. From Coachella's permanent data center ban to Costa Mesa's housing element revisions, local governments are navigating the complex intersection of environmental review, state housing requirements, and community development pressures.

California's Assembly Bill 1156 introduces a streamlined process for developing solar projects on agricultural lands restricted by Williamson Act contracts in critically overdrafted groundwater basins. The legislation offers contract nullification and fee waivers for qualifying photovoltaic projects that meet specific requirements, including Environmental Leadership certification and community benefits agreements. Will this new pathway successfully balance the state's clean energy goals with agricultural la

President Trump's executive order directs multiple federal agencies to comprehensively review policies affecting American cattle ranchers, including potential wolf delisting under the Endangered Species Act and mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef products. The order aims to develop actionable recommendations to enhance rancher profitability and expand market access for domestic beef producers.

The Eminent Domain Report provides comprehensive coverage and analysis of eminent domain law, condemnation proceedings, and property rights issues. This resource offers insights into legal developments, case law, and regulatory changes affecting property owners, government entities, and legal practitioners in the field of eminent domain.

A revocable living trust (sometimes called a revocable inter vivos trust) is a legal arrangement you create during your lifetime to hold legal title to your assets.

Jennifer D'Amato explores the critical techniques and strategies available under Wisconsin law for post-death estate administration, examining how legal professionals can help families minimize costs, delays, and conflicts during the probate process. The article provides practical guidance on navigating the various administration options available in Wisconsin's aging population landscape.

Leaving real estate to heirs through a will or a revocable trust has long been standard practice in estate planning. Many clients expect to pass along the home they have lived in for years...