Skip to content

A clearer view of housing.

Policy & Regulation

The laws, rules, and public decisions shaping housing and its businesses.

Latest coverage

AnalysisPolicy & RegulationOct 9, 20264 min read

HUD Chassis-Free Action Plan: Steps Still Ahead

The HUD chassis-free action plan outlines seven work areas, while developers still need to verify approvals for the proposed home and site.

GuidePolicy & RegulationOct 8, 20265 min read

Portland Parking Minimums: What Still Applies

Portland parking minimums are gone, but bike parking, access and other rules remain. See what applies October 8, 2026, and what changes in November.

AnalysisPolicy & RegulationOct 7, 20264 min read

CRMLS Compass Complaint: What the Suit Seeks

The CRMLS Compass complaint seeks a ruling on listing cooperation rules, but the filing itself creates no marketing exemption for California brokers.

GuideInvesting & RentalsOct 5, 20265 min read

Virginia Rental Application Deposit: Refunds

Virginia rental application deposit refunds: check the payment method, 10- or 20-day deadline, and itemized deductions for actual expenses and damages.

Deep GuidePolicy & RegulationOct 5, 20265 min read

Voucher Live-In Aide Approval: Who Qualifies?

Voucher live-in aide approval depends on care needs, PHA review and household status. Learn how relatives, income and bedroom decisions are treated.

ChecklistPolicy & RegulationOct 3, 20265 min read

EPA Renovation Notice Timing: Before Work

EPA renovation notice timing explained: who gets Renovate Right, when to deliver it, and what proof owners and rental managers should keep.

AnalysisPolicy & RegulationOct 1, 20265 min read

California SB 1116 Lot Averaging in 2027

California SB 1116 lot averaging permits smaller parcels for eligible 2027 applications, while average sizes and other project requirements still apply.

AnalysisPolicy & RegulationSep 30, 20264 min read

Dupuis Zillow Ruling: Claims Can Proceed

The Dupuis Zillow ruling lets CRM tying and mortgage-steering claims proceed. The September 28 order did not establish liability or change contracts.

ChecklistAgents & BrokeragesSep 30, 20265 min read

North Carolina Commission LLC: Payee Checklist

Before a North Carolina broker directs commission to an LLC, check the firm license, qualifying broker, BIC payment route and payee records.

Calculated ExplainerPolicy & RegulationSep 28, 20265 min read

Voucher Utility Allowance: Rent to Owner

A voucher utility allowance affects gross rent, tenant payments and utility reimbursement. Advertised rent alone cannot establish lease approval.

AnalysisPolicy & RegulationSep 25, 20264 min read

FASB MSR Recapture Proposal: Scope and Timing

The FASB MSR recapture proposal addresses valuation scope, transition rules and comparability. Comments are due November 9, 2026.

Deep GuidePolicy & RegulationSep 22, 20265 min read

HOME Over-Income Tenant Rent: What Changes

HOME over-income tenant rent rules separate rent changes from restoring the unit mix. Compare fixed and floating units, notice periods and LIHTC.

Deep GuidePolicy & RegulationSep 21, 20267 min read

San Mateo SB 684 Eligibility: Which Parcels?

Check San Mateo SB 684 eligibility for unincorporated parcels, including SB 1123 vacancy rules, coastal limits and the approvals needed before construction.

Deep GuidePolicy & RegulationSep 17, 20265 min read

Oregon Middle Housing Land Division: Unit Limits

Oregon middle housing land division enables separate ownership. Check unit limits, utility and easement rules, and the steps from approval to recording.

Deep GuidePolicy & RegulationSep 16, 20265 min read

LIHTC Full-Time Student Exceptions

LIHTC full-time student exceptions can preserve eligibility for tax credit apartments. Check the household test, five exceptions, and supporting records.

ChecklistPolicy & RegulationSep 14, 20265 min read

Lead Paint Disclosure With No Records

Lead paint disclosure still applies to covered sales with no records. Check EPA materials, delivery timing and the buyer’s inspection opportunity.

GuideHomebuildingSep 14, 20265 min read

North Carolina Plat Recording: What Comes First

North Carolina plat recording rules distinguish contracts from conveyance. Check buyer protections, approval steps and documents needed before closing.

GuideInvesting & RentalsSep 13, 20264 min read

Massachusetts Last Month’s Rent Interest

Check interest on last month’s rent in Massachusetts, including the 5% rule, shorter tenancies, payment deadlines and records to verify.

Deep GuidePolicy & RegulationSep 7, 20264 min read

Good Neighbor Next Door: The Silent Second

The Good Neighbor Next Door silent second secures your discount. Understand the occupancy clock, annual certification, lien release and early moves.

Calculated ExplainerInvesting & RentalsSep 6, 20265 min read

Chicago Security Deposit Interest: Which Lease Year?

Match Chicago security deposit interest to the correct lease year, check renewal dates and exemptions, and reconcile payment timing with your records.

Deep GuidePolicy & RegulationSep 4, 20265 min read

Houston Replats: Why Deed Restrictions Still Matter

Houston replat approval does not erase deed restrictions. Learn which records and development rules to check before marketing an infill or townhouse site.

GuidePolicy & RegulationAug 31, 20265 min read

Moving With HOME-ARP Rental Assistance

Before moving with HOME-ARP rental assistance, confirm the permitted location, remaining assistance term and approvals needed for a new lease.

ChecklistInvesting & RentalsAug 30, 20264 min read

California Pre-Move-Out Inspection Checklist

Use this California pre-move-out inspection checklist to document notices, repairs, deposit deductions and the landlord’s required photographs.

GuideInvesting & RentalsAug 29, 20265 min read

New York: Notice for a Five Percent Rent Increase

A New York five percent rent increase requires notice. Check 30-, 60- and 90-day deadlines, late notices, rent stabilization and Good Cause rules.

Deep GuidePolicy & RegulationAug 28, 20265 min read

Minneapolis Triplex Conversion: Building Code

Understand the building code for a Minneapolis triplex conversion, from architect plans and zoning checks to safety upgrades and rental approvals.

ComparisonPolicy & RegulationAug 23, 20264 min read

Homebuyer Education vs. Housing Counseling

Compare homebuyer education vs. housing counseling, including costs, accepted providers, certificates, and separate assistance-program eligibility.

GuidePolicy & RegulationAug 22, 20266 min read

Voucher Homeownership: Check PHA Participation

Check PHA participation in voucher homeownership before shopping. Learn which eligibility, mortgage, counseling and property approvals you need.

AnalysisPolicy & RegulationAug 21, 20265 min read

Oregon Modular Wage Lawsuit: Project Scope

The Oregon modular wage lawsuit challenges off-site wage rules. Project scope depends on procurement dates, bespoke work and stated exceptions.

Deep GuidePolicy & RegulationAug 13, 20265 min read

Massachusetts ADU Owner Occupancy and Rental Limits

Massachusetts ADU owner occupancy rules let owners of qualifying units live elsewhere. Rental limits, permits and site requirements still apply.

AnalysisPolicy & RegulationAug 12, 20265 min read

Homie Antitrust Appeal: Why the Dismissal Stands

The Homie antitrust appeal dismissal turns on timing and a missing conspiracy link. The ruling does not establish that alleged steering was lawful.

ComparisonPolicy & RegulationAug 10, 20265 min read

HOME Assistance: Resale vs. Recapture

Compare HOME assistance resale vs. recapture rules: who can buy your home, what you may repay, and which documents define your obligations.

AnalysisPolicy & RegulationAug 8, 20265 min read

Batton Settlement Final Approval: What It Resolves

Batton settlement final approval covers Keller Williams and RE/MAX homebuyer claims, with different eligibility rules and an August 25 claim deadline.

Deep GuidePolicy & RegulationAug 6, 20266 min read

San Jose ADU Condo Sale Rules: What Comes First

San Jose ADU condo sale rules require more than a building permit. Check conversion documents, lender consent, shared costs and the steps before sale.

GuidePolicy & RegulationAug 4, 20264 min read

USDA Repair Grants: What Selling a Home Changes

Selling your home after a USDA repair grant can require full repayment. Check the three-year rule, eligible repairs, loan terms, and funding.

Guides & explainers

GuidePolicy & RegulationOct 8, 20265 min read

Portland Parking Minimums: What Still Applies

Portland parking minimums are gone, but bike parking, access and other rules remain. See what applies October 8, 2026, and what changes in November.

GuideInvesting & RentalsOct 5, 20265 min read

Virginia Rental Application Deposit: Refunds

Virginia rental application deposit refunds: check the payment method, 10- or 20-day deadline, and itemized deductions for actual expenses and damages.