Regulation

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    Maryland becomes latest state to seal eviction records

    Any case that does not end in the renter’s removal must be shielded from the public — including tenant screening services — within 60 days.

    By • Oct. 9, 2024
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    New California laws tighten renter protections

    The legislation includes new requirements for security deposit deductions and restrictions on certain fees.

    By • Oct. 2, 2024
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    Trendline

    Multifamily Legislation

    Apartment pros are keeping an eye on potential regulations such as the Choice in Affordable Housing Act, the YIMBY Act and state and local rent control measures.

    By Multifamily Dive staff
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    Invitation Homes settles 3-year FTC investigation for $48M

    The Dallas-based rental home provider is accused of charging junk fees, deceptive pricing, inspection issues and unfair eviction practices.

    By • Sept. 25, 2024
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    Research points to the downsides of rent control

    A new review of over 100 studies shows a variety of negative impacts around policies that regulate rent.

    By • Sept. 20, 2024
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    Family of woman killed in Maryland apartment fire sues property manager

    The wrongful death lawsuit seeks $2.3 million from the owner and operator of Arrive Silver Spring.

    By • Sept. 18, 2024
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    Owners of more than 8,000 units sue NJ town over new fees

    Among other requirements, landlords in Edison must pay $100 per unit per year.

    By • Sept. 13, 2024
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    Minnesota bans pot smoking, vaping in multifamily properties

    The restriction, which went into effect this summer, does not apply to approved medical use.

    By • Sept. 12, 2024
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    Illinois property managers barred from retaliation

    The Landlord Retaliation Act, which prohibits rent increases or evictions in response to a tenant complaint, puts landlords in a defensive position, an industry official said.

    By • Sept. 10, 2024
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    RealPage allows customers nationwide to remove nonpublic data

    The DOJ’s recent suit against the firm could be a warning to companies to look closely at what data is being provided, who has access to it and how it is being used, according to a lawyer.

    By • Sept. 6, 2024
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    Opportunities abound in California despite challenges for developers

    Amid hurdles posed by regulatory complexities and shifting market dynamics, many firms remain bullish about the Golden State’s multifamily outlook.

    By Keith Loria • Sept. 3, 2024
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    Q&A

    Will New York City make landlords provide air conditioning?

    Coordinating any such mandate with the city's building decarbonization law requirements could reduce the burden it might create for building owners, climate chief Rohit Aggarwala explained.

    By Ysabelle Kempe • Aug. 29, 2024
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    Deep Dive

    An air conditioning law, the first in its region, changed tenants’ rights in this Maryland county

    Montgomery County began requiring landlords to provide AC in 2020 amid climate concerns and renter complaints. Despite a shaky start, officials say things are going smoothly now.

    By Ysabelle Kempe • Aug. 27, 2024
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    Deep Dive

    Should tenants have a right to cooling? More cities say yes amid record heat.

    As rental cooling standards pop up around the country, experts warn that they aren’t a perfect solution to the rising danger of scorching temperatures.

    By Ysabelle Kempe • Aug. 26, 2024
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    Colorado sees a wave of landlord-tenant rules

    Property owners have new laws to follow, including those focused on for-cause evictions, price stabilization in disasters and right of first refusal.

    By • Aug. 16, 2024
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    23 mayors oppose California’s rent control ballot measure

    Proposition 33 would repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, allowing local governments to set rent control without restrictions.

    By • Aug. 15, 2024
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    San Francisco passes ban on revenue management software in rental housing

    The ordinance, which has not yet been enacted, imposes a penalty of up to $1,000 per unit per month.

    By • Aug. 13, 2024
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    More housing, fewer offices: San Francisco mayor proposes zoning change

    Certain projects currently must include a minimum amount of office space. The city’s proposed legislation would change that.

    By Ysabelle Kempe • Aug. 9, 2024
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    Biden announces plan to cap rent increases nationwide

    Under the proposal, owners with 50 or more units would lose certain tax breaks if they raise rent by more than 5% per year.

    By • July 17, 2024
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    DOJ reportedly planning RealPage civil suit

    The Justice Department is probing the exchange of pricing information and even vacancy rates, according to Politico.

    By • July 17, 2024
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    How California’s junk fee laws could impact legislation nationwide

    The state is now a testing ground for rules affecting how hotels and other accommodations display mandatory fees.

    By Noelle Mateer • July 8, 2024
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    AIR sued by former tenant alleging illegal security deposit deductions

    The class action lawsuit claims the property owner violated the Massachusetts Security Deposit Law.

    By • July 1, 2024
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    SCOTUS overturns Chevron doctrine, limiting federal agency reach

    The decision could have far-reaching effects on apartment owners, managers and developers, according to an attorney.

    By Ryan Golden , Ginger Christ , • June 28, 2024
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    RealPage breaks silence on antitrust allegations

    Amid dozens of lawsuits and a DOJ investigation, the company issued a statement to correct what it said are factual inaccuracies around its revenue management software.

    By • June 27, 2024
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    Apartmentalize 2024

    Rent control, antitrust issues are apartment pros’ top legal, regulatory concerns

    The multifamily industry is facing increased scrutiny in courts, Congress and the White House, according to panelists at the recent Apartmentalize Conference.

    By • Updated June 25, 2024
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    Justice Department files suit against Toll Brothers

    The DOJ has alleged accessibility-related Fair Housing Act violations at multiple properties constructed by the builder.

    By • June 24, 2024