Maryland now requires diaper changing tables in public restrooms in government buildings. Although the new law isn't applicable to commercial real estate owners and private businesses, they, too, should install diaper changing tables in both men’s and women’s restrooms at their properties.
Read MoreThe U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, Georgia doesn’t only apply to employment relationships. The decision also clarifies that the Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity.
Read MoreThe COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated changes in how people use their homes. Successful multifamily owners and operators will adjust their properties, amenities, and leases to accommodate tomorrow's tenants.
Read MoreAn eviction moratorium only restricts the landlords from evicting tenants for not paying rent during the moratorium. Tenants still are required to pay rent and to pay it on time.
Read MoreLandlords can help tenants get through these challenging times by building a sense of community based upon education, social connection, and compassion.
Read MoreLike all businesses, commercial real estate owners should educate themselves and do what they can to minimize the risk of COVID-19 to their employees and tenants.
Read MoreFacial recognition has the potential to revolutionize commercial real estate access system and security. Yet, privacy advocates express concerns about how this technology might be used. In response, San Francisco now prohibits police from using facial recognition, and New York lawmakers have proposed a ban on facial recognition in residential buildings.
Read MoreIt's unfortunate when young musicians are pigeonholed into instrument selection based upon gender stereotypes. Those stereotypes eventually result in gender imbalances in professional orchestras. However, it's illegal to stereotype multifamily residents based upon gender and other attributes. Now, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals has held it violates the Fair Housing Act to establish an amenity use schedule based upon gender stereotypes.
Read MoreMany major cities have passed laws prohibiting smoking in public areas. Some apartment complexes have adopted smoke-free policies. But even in buildings that are not smoke-free, tenants who do not smoke may have a right under fair housing laws to a smoke-free environment.
Read More“Smart” technologies are being implemented into real estate operations. Cameras which previously were monitored by closed circuit TV now may be streamed into web storage. These cameras can recognize faces and may unlock doors for known individuals. But some cameras also place property owners at risk of wiretapping violations.
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