News & Publications

The California Court of Appeal has delivered a victory to Holland & Knight clients Ruegg & Ellsworth and Frank Spenger Company, as well as to housing advocates across the state, in a landmark opinion on the state's new housing laws. In Ruegg & Ellsworth v. City of Berkeley (2021) ___ Cal.App.5th ____, the Court of Appeal agreed with Holland & Knight's arguments that state laws intended to limit local opposition to housing must be interpreted broadly, rather [...]

Yesterday the Los Angeles City Council adopted a motion entitled Building a Safer Los Angeles ("Motion") that would significantly expand the fire rating requirements for new buildings and restrict the use of light wood-frame construction throughout large parts of the City of Los Angeles.  The Motion is broadly written and, contrary to some reports in the press, it does not call for exemptions based on building size or square footage. In summary, the Motion directs City staff [...]

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many people and businesses across the country. After a year has passed, many thriving businesses are now barely breaking even while struggling businesses have been closed permanently. This can leave both property owners and landlords in financial trouble, because a loss of tenants and rent may cause buildings to fall into disrepair. This problem can also cause remaining tenants to leave, having the owner losing even more money, and possibly [...]