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June 02, 2025
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June 02, 2025
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  • Commercial Lease Law Insider

    How to Avoid Costly Estoppel Certificate Disputes

    CLLI 0625 cover image.jpg
    May 29, 2025
    Feature
    By Glenn S. Demby

    The key is getting the tenant’s pre-agreement to representations. We explain how, and give you a Model Lease Clause that you can adapt for your own circumstances.

  • Assisted Housing Management Insider
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    Shutterstock

    Comply with New Rules for the Use and Reporting of Public Housing Operating Funds

    May 29, 2025
    Feature
    By Eric Yoo

    A new HUD notice refines the rules governing how public housing agencies can use funds, clarifies financial reporting obligations under the Financial Data Schedule, and lays out expectations for internal controls and recordkeeping. These updates aim to strengthen financial accountability and reduce the risk of noncompliance in an area HUD has deemed high risk.


  • Fair Housing Coach
    FHC 0625 cover image.jpg

    LGBTQ+ Discrimination & the 9 Things to Do to Prevent It

    May 28, 2025
    Leasing
    By Glenn S. Demby

    In recognition of Pride Month, this month’s lesson addresses the thorny issue of LGBTQ+ discrimination and what landlords must do to avoid it. First, we’ll explain how the fair housing laws apply to LGBTQ+ people and why potential liability for sexual orientation and/or gender identity discrimination is a concern in many parts of the country, regardless of the current state of federal enforcement under Trump 2.0. Next, we’ll outline nine rules that landlords and their...

  • New York Apartment Law Insider
    ALI 0625 feature art.jpg

    City Agency Proposes Updates to Window Guard Rules

    May 23, 2025
    Feature
    By Eric Yoo

    The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recently proposed an update to its window guard regulations. The proposed rules include updated language and technical requirements intended to better protect children in a city where window types and safety technologies have evolved. If finalized, the new rules would take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, replacing the entirety of current Chapter 12 of the city’s Health Code.

  • Tax Credit Housing Management Insider
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    How to Handle Unit Transfer Requests Without Triggering Noncompliance

    May 19, 2025
    Feature
    By Eric Yoo

    Transfers are sometimes necessary to support resident stability, accessibility, or safety, but that doesn’t mean every request can be approved without review. By taking a few key steps before approving a household transfer, you can avoid costly mistakes and make sure your site stays on track. 

New York Apartment Law Insider

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    The May 1 Compliance Crunch Deadline: What You Need to File and Install

    Mar 28, 2025
    Feature
    By Eric Yoo

    As May 1 approaches, owners face a dense lineup of compliance deadlines tied to the city’s push for safer, greener buildings. Four separate local laws, some newly in force and others ongoing, all share the same due date. This year marks the first mandatory reporting date under Local Law 97, the city’s sweeping climate legislation targeting building emissions. At the same time, owners must meet existing requirements under Local Laws 84 and 88, including energy benchmarking,...

  • How to Collect Higher Monthly Surcharges for Tenant-Installed Appliances

    Feb 26, 2025
    Feature
    By Eric Yoo

    New monthly surcharges take effect immediately, and the state housing agency will apply them in all currently pending cases in which the owner is seeking a surcharge for one of these tenant-installed appliances. It’s important to note that the surcharge policy applies only to washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers. No surcharges can be imposed for other tenant-installed appliances such as refrigerators or garbage disposals.

  • DHCR Updates Reasonable Cost Schedule for MCIs

    Jan 29, 2025
    Feature
    By Eric Yoo

    The list of improvements and installations that may qualify as an MCI has been expanded.

  • What You Need to Know About NYC’s Fair Chance for Housing Act

    Dec 23, 2024
    Feature
    By Eric Yoo

    New rules take effect for performing criminal background checks on applicants.

  • Provide Annual Stove Knob Cover Notices by Jan. 16

    Dec 23, 2024
    Management Basics
    By Eric Yoo

    And retain related records or risk facing a Class B hazardous violation.

  • File Annual Drinking Water Storage Tank Inspection Results with DOHMH by Jan. 15

    Dec 23, 2024
    Management Basics
    By Eric Yoo

    Or risk a violation.

Assisted Housing Management Insider

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    How to Handle Income Changes from the Social Security Fairness Act

    Apr 11, 2025
    Feature
    By Eric Yoo

    Signed into law in January 2025 by President Biden and effective retroactively to January 2024, this act increases Social Security benefits for certain types of workers by repealing two provisions of the Social Security Act that have long affected certain public-sector retirees: the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset.

  • HUD Delays Implementation of HOME Final Rule Amid Regulatory Freeze

    Feb 14, 2025
    Feature
    By Eric Yoo

    Due to a regulatory freeze by President Trump, the final rule for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program has been delayed until April 20, 2025. Make sure your site is prepared to implement the expanded tenant protections if and when the changes take full effect. These include detailed explanations about lease nonrenewals, proposed evictions, and required tenant rights to contest or remedy these situations. 

  • HUD Publishes Updated FAQ on HOTMA Implementation

    Dec 18, 2024
    Feature
    By Eric Yoo

    Get up to speed before the compliance date .... HUD’s Office of Multifamily Programs recently released a series of frequently asked questions (FAQ) concerning the implementation of provisions of the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) of 2016. The FAQ includes information on the phased-in medical hardship relief provision as detailed in the HOTMA final rule, HOTMA-compliant Tenant Selections Plans at Management and Occupancy Reviews, and use of the rent...

  • Getting Solar, Cell Tower, and Rooftop Lease Approval from HUD

    Nov 22, 2024
    Feature
    By Eric Yoo

    A new HUD notice offers both opportunities and responsibilities for owners.

  • Housing Choice Voucher Program Celebrates 50 Years

    Oct 31, 2024
    Online Alerts

    This month, HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program celebrated its 50th anniversary. The HCV program is HUD’s single largest investment in affordable housing. Signed into law by President Richard Nixon, the program encompasses a network of about 2,200 state and local public housing agencies (PHAs). And more than 5 million people in 2.3 million low-income families use vouchers.

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    Best Practices for Implementing an Integrated Pest Management Program

    Oct 17, 2024
    Feature

Fair Housing Coach

  • FHC 0525.jpg

    Avoid 8 Discrimination Pitfalls When Setting Rules for Common Use Amenities

    Apr 23, 2025
    Management Issues
    By Glenn S. Demby

    Offering the right amenities—like pools, fitness centers, and game rooms—can give you a decisive edge in attracting and retaining tenants. But setting rules for safely using amenities exposes you to risk of liability under fair housing laws, particularly claims of discrimination against families with children. You can get into trouble even when your sole purpose in creating the rules is to ensure safe and sanitary use of the amenity. We show you how to avoid this...

  • The Big Quiz: Test Your Knowledge of Fair Housing Law

    Mar 25, 2025
    All Protected Classes
    By Glenn S. Demby

    In honor of Fair Housing Month, our April issue takes a break from our usual lesson to test your knowledge of fair housing law. Based on your answers to our quiz, you’ll be able to identify any potential problem areas that might merit some further attention or training. You can then browse our website for lessons on the topics you or your staff should brush up on.

  • 11 Recordkeeping Best Practices for Minimizing Fair Housing Liability

    Feb 24, 2025
    Leasing
    By Glenn S. Demby

    Sooner or later, somebody is bound to accuse you of discrimination. If and when that time comes, the mere fact that you comply may not be enough to protect you. You’ll also need proof of compliance. 

  • Avoid Potential Fair Housing Liability When Dealing with Tenants’ Guests

    Jan 23, 2025
    All Protected Classes
    By Glenn S. Demby

    Follow our 8 rules for dealing with common situations where discrimination problems are most likely to arise.

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    2024 Fair Housing Litigation Scorecard

    Dec 30, 2024
    All Protected Classes
    By Glenn S. Demby

    We review the year’s key cases and their practical impact on you.

  • FHC 1224 Accessibility.jpg

    The 10 Most Common Accessibility Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

    Nov 22, 2024
    Disability
    By Glenn S. Demby

    This month’s lesson is dedicated to helping you root out potential accessibility violations while you still have time to resolve them. First, we’ll explain the different accessibility laws that may apply to your property and the basic design standards they require you to meet. Then, we’ll point out 10 of the most common accessibility pitfalls and how to avoid them. 


Tax Credit Housing Management Insider

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    HUD Further Delays Certain Provisions of HOME Final Rule, Including Tenant Protections

    Apr 29, 2025
    Feature
    By Eric Yoo

    Although most of the rule became effective on April 20, 2025, HUD postponed the effective date of two significant provisions until Oct. 30, 2025: the rule’s green building subsidy revisions and its expanded tenant protection requirements, both of which will be subject to additional public comment before taking effect.


  • Avoid 5 Fair Housing Pitfalls When Setting Amenity Rules

    Mar 31, 2025
    Feature
    By Eric Yoo

    From pools and saunas to game rooms and fitness centers, amenity spaces are an attractive selling point for many sites. These shared areas not only can the enhance quality of life for residents, but can also carry a range of risks that managers must navigate. These risks include health and safety concerns, potential liability from injuries, and fair housing compliance.

  • HUD Releases Final Rule for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program

    Jan 31, 2025
    Feature
    By Eric Yoo

    The most significant update to the HOME program since 2013, the rule aligns rental limits and strengthens tenant protections.


  • Use FAQ to Introduce Prospective Residents to LIHTC Program Housing

    Dec 30, 2024
    Feature
    By Eric Yoo

    Clear up confusion between tax credit housing and other federal programs.

  • USDA Prioritizes Loans for LIHTC Sites Waiving Qualified Contract Rights

    Dec 30, 2024
    In the News
    By Eric Yoo

    The QC loophole has cost an estimated loss of 6,000 to 10,000 affordable units a year.

  • Trump Nominates Bessent as Treasury Secretary, Turner for HUD

    Dec 30, 2024
    In the News
    By Eric Yoo

    If they’re confirmed, expect stricter oversight of the LIHTC program and deep cuts for HUD funding.

Commercial Lease Law Insider

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    Set 8 Ground Rules When Letting Tenants Host Receptions in Their Office Space

    Apr 30, 2025
    Feature
    By Glenn S. Demby

    Don’t let loud, boisterous events interfere with the professional atmosphere you work so hard to cultivate. Our Model Lease Clause sets eight parameters for tenant receptions and other events at which a tenant’s use inside the space it leases may disturb or disrupt other tenants in the building, center, or facility.

  • How to Accept Partial Rent Payments Without Waiving Right to Collect Full Amount Owed

    Mar 26, 2025
    Feature
    By Glenn S. Demby

    Tenants that are strapped for cash may send a check covering only part of the rent due for that particular month. Such partial rent checks may create a major dilemma for landlords. On the one hand, partial payment is better than no payment at all. The problem is that by accepting a partial payment you may waive your right to collect the balance due. And because waivers are hard to undo, if you make a practice of cashing partial rent checks, you may even be granting the...

  • Get 16 Lease Protections When Letting Tenants Use Conference Center

    Feb 27, 2025
    Feature
    By Glenn S. Demby

    High on the short list of game-changing amenities is common workspace and conference facilities. We’ll take a look at the concept, explain how to create a leasing strategy to implement it, and give you a Model Lease Clause incorporating 16 legal protections landlords that offer conference center amenities need.

  • Get 9 Protections When Agreeing to Take Over a New Tenant’s Lease

    Jan 31, 2025
    Feature
    By Glenn S. Demby

    What do you do when a desirable tenant that you badly want is currently stuck in a lease at another location? One possibility is to enter into a takeover arrangement under which you pay the tenant’s monthly obligations under the existing lease through the end of its term. But while this frees up the tenant to move into your property, it may also expose you to unforeseen risks and liabilities.

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    Get Right to Perform Environmental Audit at Lease End

    Dec 31, 2024
    Feature
    By Glenn S. Demby

    Minimize your risk of liability for any pollution a tenant causes.

  • CLLI 1224 fair share.jpg

    How to Ensure Your Fair Share of a Tenant’s Sublet Profits

    Nov 26, 2024
    Feature
    By Glenn S. Demby

    Tenants can come up with clever ways to deprive landlords of sublet profits.

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    • 2025 New York City Apartment Management Checklist
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