North America: Real Estate and Construction

Falling behind on a Toronto property tax bill is stressful enough on its own. It becomes more complicated when an unrelated debt, such as an unpaid water bill, a by-law fine, or a local improvement charge, suddenly shows up added to the same tax account.

New Jersey rental property owners must navigate complex zoning and land use regulations that vary significantly by municipality. Understanding these requirements is critical when purchasing property, making renovations, converting uses, or operating short-term rentals to avoid costly violations and legal complications.

In brief, the New Housing Rebate allows individuals to recover some of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) that was paid on the purchase of his or her new home.

Commercial and residential construction projects expose property owners and general contractors to significant risks arising from personal injury, property damage and construction defect claims. Contract documents can help allocate those risks to the responsible parties, while insurance can protect against losses that cannot be avoided or fully transferred. Common risk management tools include contractual indemnity, prevailing-party attorneys’ fees provisions, insurance requirements and early alternative dispute resolution (ADR) clauses.

Building information modeling, artificial intelligence, project management software, digital platforms and robotics have improved efficiency and precision in design, construction and claims management. At the same time, workforce shortages, skills gaps, supply chain disruptions, price volatility, regulatory delays and geopolitical uncertainty continue to make claims and disputes a fact of life in the construction industry.

In this episode of the JAMS podcast, JAMS neutrals (Hon.) Nancy Holtz (Ret.), Stacy La Scala, Esq. and Philip Bruner, Esq. discuss how parties and counsel can make construction mediations more effective by focusing on preparation, communication and problem-solving long before the mediation session begins

Purchasing a condominium in Ontario requires thorough examination of the status certificate, which reveals the corporation's financial health, legal matters, and governing rules.

A revocable living trust (sometimes called a revocable inter vivos trust) is a legal arrangement you create during your lifetime to hold legal title to your assets.

Jennifer D'Amato explores the critical techniques and strategies available under Wisconsin law for post-death estate administration, examining how legal professionals can help families minimize costs, delays, and conflicts during the probate process. The article provides practical guidance on navigating the various administration options available in Wisconsin's aging population landscape.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is preparing comprehensive revisions to its pesticide regulations and seeking stakeholder input on implementation of the Birds and Bees Protection Act, which will restrict neonicotinoid pesticides and treated seeds. A virtual meeting scheduled for August 2026 will cover certification requirements, commercial permits, pesticide use restrictions, and the critical agricultural waiver process for treated seeds before the 2029 effective date.

The recent resurgence of the New World screwworm (NWS), Cochliomyia hominivorax, has prompted renewed regulatory action by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and raised concerns across the livestock industry.NWS is a parasitic fly whose larvae infest open wounds and feed on the living tissue of cattle, wildlife, pets, and other warm-blooded animals, causing serious injury and economic losses.

Disputes involving easements are a common real property topic in Washington that frequently results in litigation. An easement is a property right separate from ownership that allows the use of another person’s land without compensation.