North America: Real Estate and Construction

Until recently , a Notice of Security Interest (NOSI) could be registered on title to property in Ontario to give notice of a security interest in fixtures attached to land, such as HVAC equipment. The use of NOSIs expanded to include dubious long-term contracts for equipment ranging from water softeners to smart-home thermostats, creating obstacles for homeowners seeking to sell or refinance their properties.

Canada's new First-Time Home Buyers' GST Rebate offers substantial savings on qualifying new and substantially renovated homes, but navigating the strict purchase, construction, and closing deadlines is critical. Ontario real estate lawyer Jon Dippolito breaks down the key timelines and potential complications involving cancelled agreements and assignments that buyers need to understand.

Ontario's 2026 real estate market presents unique challenges for homeowners attempting to sell properties with minimal equity. Real estate lawyer Paria Rad explores the complexities of shortfall sales, examining the potential pitfalls of firm offers and emphasizing the critical importance of legal consultation before executing any Agreement of Purchase and Sale.

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.

The Ontario Superior Court's decision in Laberge Gareau v. Laberge Gareau, 2026 ONSC 4669 is a cautionary tale about family farms, informal succession planning, and the legal consequences of putting property in a child's name without fully understanding the legal effect.

Recent amendments to Canada's Pest Control Products Act through Bill C-30 have introduced significant regulatory changes that directly impact drone operators in agriculture. These modifications modernize the framework for pesticide application using unmanned aerial vehicles, creating new compliance requirements and opportunities for Canadian farmers. Understanding these legal implications is essential for agricultural operations looking to integrate drone technology into their pest management practices.

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...

Two attorneys from Peckarsky & Associates have co-authored a comprehensive 50-state guide examining how electronic execution affects sureties' rights under general agreements of indemnity. The guide analyzes critical jurisdictional differences in electronic signatures, remote online notarization, and powers of attorney that impact surety professionals' underwriting and claims decisions.

With urban densification and asset repositioning reshaping commercial real estate across Canada, aging properties are giving way to mixed-use towers, transit-oriented developments and modern office campuses. For landlords, the ability to terminate a lease can unlock redevelopment potential; for tenants, an unexpected termination can disrupt operations and erode years of capital investment.

Purchasing a condominium in Ontario requires thorough examination of the status certificate, which reveals the corporation's financial health, legal matters, and governing rules.

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.