Posts in Real Estate Law
New Montgomery County Law Prohibits Rent-Setting Algorithms

Your music playlist and your apartment rent have more in common than meets the eye because both often are determined using algorithms.

Montgomery County, Maryland, recently joined a growing number of jurisdictions restricting rent-setting algorithms. As these laws take effect, landlords may find themselves basing rents on their own old-fashioned market surveys, secret shoppers, and knowledge of the local market.

While algorithms can provide quick answers, they aren’t always the best answers. Playlist algorithms may impede a listener who wants to explore new artists and genres, and rent-setting algorithms may violate antitrust laws and are increasingly being outlawed outright.

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Property Management, Real Estate LawElizabeth Whitmanalgorithm, rent-setting algorithms, playlist algorithm, Bill 8-26, montgomery county maryland
When Private Eyes Add Private Ears

With doorbell and security cameras seeming to be everywhere, the possibility of them recording conversations and events without proper consent has increased. Audio recording in particular can raise serious legal issues under wiretapping laws which can impose large fines and jail time for violations. These laws vary from state-to-state, and frequently, providing notice that someone may be recorded isn't sufficient. Before enabling audio recording businesses, property owners, and individuals should understand what they can -- and can't -- legally record. Read our blog to learn when “private eyes” can become legally risky “private ears.”

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Business Law, Real Estate LawElizabeth Whitmansecurity camera, doorbell camera, wiretapping
What a Country Song Teaches Us About Heirs Property

In HARDY’s “McArthur,” four generations are connected by the same family land, but only one person ultimately has to decide whether to keep it or sell it. Real-life heirs property can be much messier: as property passes from one generation to the next, ownership can become divided among siblings, cousins, children, and grandchildren who may have very different ideas about how to deal with expenses, repairs, liens, financing, and whether to sell. Read our blog to learn about heirs property and how a written and recorded agreement can help heirs address expenses, responsibilities, decision-making, and future transfers before family land becomes a family dispute.

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Real Estate LawElizabeth WhitmanHARDY, McArthur, heirs, heirs property, tenancy in common, tenancy in common agreement