News & Publications

Recently, Massachusetts revised its homestead law to increase the amount of protection for homeowners. There is still an automatic protection of $125,000 in Massachusetts without the need for filing a declaration of homestead with the Registry of Deeds. However, under the revised law, homeowners in the Commonwealth who file a declaration of homestead qualify for protection of the value of the home up to $1,000,000 against unsecured creditors. This is an increase from the $500,000 [...]

Beginning on January 1, 2025, amendments to the New York City Human Rights Law (HRL) will go into effect, making it unlawful for all New York City housing owners, lessors, managing agents, and others who have the right to sell, rent, or lease housing accommodations to: Refuse to rent, lease, approve the sale, rental, or lease or otherwise deny or withhold a housing accommodation from an individual. Provide different terms, conditions, or privileges of the [...]

Our previous article on Chapter 61, 61A and 61B programs (each a "Ch. 61 Program") discussed the eligibility for your land to qualify for real estate tax reductions for forest, agricultural or recreational land use, including how to maintain such status. This article discusses what happens if you do not maintain Ch. 61 Program status and/or wish to remove your land from the chapter. Understanding Triggers: What Causes Withdrawal? Missing Renewal: If you are new to the [...]