Business Specialties

Finding the Silver Lining: General Liability Coverage For FHA/ADA Claims

Over the past several years, developers and owners of multifamily housing have been the targets of numerous lawsuits filed by government enforcement agencies, including the United States Department of Justice, private disability rights organizations, and individuals alleging violations of the Fair Housing Act (the “FHA”) and Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”). The “damages” and attorneys’ fees claimed by plaintiffs in these lawsuits, including the cost to modify existing buildings to comply with applicable accessibility guidelines, as well as the enormous costs in defending such lawsuits, have created significant financial exposure to the multifamily housing industry.

Community Living

When one traditionally thinks of garden apartments, sprawling suburban communities with plenty of open green space often come to mind. But with suburban sprawl quickly becoming a thing of the past, and with an emerging demographic of Generation Y renters who tend to desire closer proximity to the city, the new garden apartment communities are more urban than ever before.

Lead Management

Multifamily communities move heaven and earth to acquire new-resident leads. However, leads often aren’t thoroughly captured, often falling through the cracks in the lead-management process.

First Impressions

In the universe of multifamily properties, some apartment communities just stand out from the rest. These are often the properties with great curb appeal, the much sought-after quality known to exert a powerful hold over renters. It is curb appeal that lures new residents, and at the same time makes it difficult for existing ones to depart.

Great Third Spaces Give Residents Energy

Inspired by the term “Third Places,” coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in the late 1980s, I’ve come up with my own, more modern take on these easily accessible public spaces away from home and work where people can enjoy interacting. I prefer calling today’s gathering spots in residential buildings “Third Spaces,” where residents can form a sense of community by regularly gathering in inviting areas to socialize.