Blog

November 18, 2016 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

It is common practice for some landlords to conduct credit checks and criminal history checks for new applicants.  While credit checks have remained fairly free from criticism, criminal background checks have received scrutiny from some courts, government agencies, and legislators. 

November 10, 2016 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

In the state of New York, housing applicants are protected from discrimination under applicable federal, state, and local fair housing laws.  Though a landlord may reject a housing applicant on the basis of certain limited criteria, a landlord may not deny an individual the right to purchase or rent housing on the basis of statutorily-defined discrimination criteria.

November 4, 2016 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

On April 4, 2016, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (hereafter “HUD”) released “guidance” on criminal background checks and the Fair Housing Act. This advisory opinion describes that arrest, conviction, and criminal background statistics are all largely disproportionate in terms of race. Therefore, criminal background checks are being reviewed as having a potential “disparate impact” (Fair Housing Act definition meaning “unintentional” impact) on this protected class, regardless of whether a background check policy is non-discriminatory on its face.

October 10, 2016 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

As reported in the New York Times on September 23, 2016, the New York City Council is considering legislation (Proposed Int. No. 214-A) that would provide free legal representation to anyone facing eviction or foreclosure who has an income of less than twice the federal poverty line, meaning an individual with an income below $44,000.00 in New York City. According to a report commissioned by the City Bar Association, more than 80% of all housing court cases each year would be affected by this legislation.

September 29, 2016 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

Earlier this year, ProPublica reported that close to 200,000 New York City apartments that should have been registered as rent stabilized, were not registered, noting that state and city officials have neglected to police these landlords who receive over a billion dollars in property tax breaks in return for stabilizing rents.

By Stephanie Wiegand, Esq. September 28, 2016 Posted in Community Association Law Share

The state of New Jersey, over the course of the last 16 years has been unable to adopt practicable affordable housing requirements. The Supreme Court was so frustrated about the process over these past 16 years that they stripped the power of Council on Affordable Housing. With no central agency leading the cause for affordable housing, it has become difficult to interpret the numerous attempts made to pass affordable housing legislation. In addition, the legislation that was passed, was not enforced by a central agency.  

September 26, 2016 Posted in Community Association Law Share

Many people find condo living very appealing, primarily because of the amenities that are often included with purchasing a unit. However, as with most things in life, there are pros and cons to living in a condominium.

September 23, 2016 Posted in Community Association Law Share

Reviewing insurance terms and options can often be confusing and, in some cases, overwhelming for co-op shareholders, condo owners and even community board members. Insurers and the industry in general tend to use a great deal of shorthand when discussing insurance coverage. However, it is imperative for everyone from owners to board members to have a good understanding of some of the key terms and concepts involved in quality insurance coverage.

September 21, 2016 Posted in Landlord/Tenant Law Share

In our previous blog, we discussed 5 of the top 10 legal responsibilities that New Jersey landlords face. We conclude this series with five additional responsibilities that are just as important. If you are a New Jersey landlord and you have questions about any of these legal responsibilities, contact Griffin Alexander right away and speak with a landlord tenant lawyer in New Jersey about your specific issues.