The proposed “Blight Mitigation Act (HB0006) was most recently referred to the House Rules Committee (January 9th). The synopsis of the bill states: Creates the Blight Mitigation Act. Provides that a property owner that livesREAD MORE
Rental Registry – One Step Back Two Steps Forward
Two recent developments in Syracuse NY center around its rental registration program. First, on January 23rd syracuse.com reported that per the City’s Auditor, its “rental registry’s weak compliance is worse than believed”. Per City Auditor 25% ofREAD MORE
Civil Nuisance Law – Private Nuisance Lawsuits
One Georgia municipality is working to develop “a civil nuisance law that would allow private citizens to file nuisance complaints in Municipal Court.” The stated intent is to assist in scenarios where a violation exists thatREAD MORE
Rental Registries – Opposite Agendas at the Statehouse
Two states are seeing contrasting efforts pertaining to rental property registries. In Kentucky, House Bill 173, introduced by Rep. Ryan Dotson, R-Winchester, would prohibit any local government in Kentucky from adopting or enforcing “policy thatREAD MORE
When Mortgages Aren’t the Issue: How Rising Taxes and Insurance Costs are Impacting Homeowners
Recent reports from the Wall Street Journal and other major outlets have highlighted a concerning trend: in some housing markets, homeowners are now paying more for insurance and property taxes than they are for theirREAD MORE
When tracking one owner isn’t enough – the rise of “co-owned homes”
A recent report in the Desert Sun (behind paywall) just reported on “co-owned homes” being banned in Indian Wells (CA). This follows a “controversial” process in Palm Springs where it was allowed, albeit with significantREAD MORE
When the negligent owner is ………………the State!
A lot to unpack in a featured article from the Clarion Ledger (MS) titled “State-owned tax forfeited properties are not cleaned up by the state. Who does it then?” Key Facts from the article: 7,000 state-owned taxREAD MORE
We are not alone in the fight – Insights from the other side of the world
Interesting article from the other side of the world pertaining to property rights when addressing vacant property. Article also includes a video interview with Australian property law expert Professor Cathy Sherry from Macquarie University. ArticleREAD MORE
Solar arrays as a blight solution
Detroit MI Mayor Mike Duggan announced a new initiative to address blight by installing solar arrays in 3 residential neighborhoods. Mayor’s Press Release includes an overview, the land acquisition process and home improvement community benefitsREAD MORE
PA Local Government Commission “Property Maintenance Code Enforcement Report”
The Local Government Commission of Pennsylvania General Assembly, a bicameral and bipartisan legislative agency released a new report titled “Property Maintenance Code Enforcement Report” Contributions to the report came from Pennsylvania Statewide Blight Task ForceREAD MORE
Lawyers to the rescue?
A recent interview on the Talk Justice podcast titled “Lawyers Can Help Revitalize Neighborhoods” discusses the St Louis Neighborhood Advocacy Program and its successes in tackling the legal problems that create lingering neighborhood blight. ToREAD MORE
Georgia HB 1017 Georgia Squatter Reform Act
In late April, HB 1017 referred to as the Georgia Squatter Reform Act was signed by Governor Kemp. Per the Bill’s sponsor, “the legislation would fix antiquated laws protecting squatters. Without the bill, it isREAD MORE