Real Estate Law and Construction Law

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.

The City of Boston has adopted a new zoning amendment establishing a consolidated permitting pathway for small clean energy infrastructure projects, including battery energy storage systems. The amendment implements state mandates while providing clear dimensional standards and, in certain cases, by-right zoning for accessory battery installations. Renewable energy developers now have a defined 12-month decision timeline and streamlined approval process for qualifying projects.

California's workplace safety agency has proposed significant revisions to first-aid regulations that would affect nearly all employers in the state. The amendments would establish new requirements for first-aid kit contents, workplace hazard assessments, and employee communication protocols. Will your organization's current first-aid program meet these enhanced standards when they take effect?

Oregon's HB 2138 expands middle housing development requirements to new jurisdictions while removing regulatory barriers and setting implementation deadlines for local governments. The legislation creates density bonuses for accessible and affordable units, streamlines land division procedures, and voids certain private restrictions that limit middle housing development.

Legislative and regulatory developments are reshaping multifamily housing in the D.C. metro area, from rent freeze ballot initiatives and property tax assessment reforms to TOPA amendments and new energy efficiency programs. Stakeholders face evolving compliance requirements across D.C., Prince George's County, and Montgomery County that will impact rental housing operations and investment strategies.

Washington State's WUCIOA will fundamentally transform insurance requirements for condominium and homeowners' associations starting January 1, 2028. Community associations will face new mandates including walls-in coverage, commercial general liability insurance, and fidelity insurance, representing significant departures from current statutory schemes. Understanding these changes and updating governing documents now may be critical to avoiding confusion about rights and responsibilities under the new law.

Oregon's HB 2138 expands middle housing development requirements to new jurisdictions while removing regulatory barriers and setting implementation deadlines for local governments. The legislation creates density bonuses for accessible and affordable units, streamlines land division procedures, and voids certain private restrictions that limit middle housing development.

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...