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Exterior Inspections May Not be Enough—Demolition as a Last Resort
In a recent decision, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court in City of Philadelphia v. A Kensington Joint, cautioned that local governments in...
Court Upholds School District’s Ability to File Tax Assessment Appeals on Recently Sold, Underassessed Properties
In a published opinion issued by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in GM Berkshire Hills v. Berks County Board of Assessment, 290 A.3d 238 (Pa. 2023), a...
Court Estops Township From Revoking Governmental Approval for Real Estate Development Project
The meaning of the phrase “communication is key” was demonstrated by the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court’s recent ruling in Mclogie Properties Inc....
Tenant Not Entitled to Rent Abatement Stemming From Landlord’s Lead Paint Suit
Can a long-term tenant sue for rent abatement and reimbursement of legal fees and costs for their landlord’s failure to comply with the city of...
People’s Preservation Package Seeks to Maintain Affordable Housing in Phila.
Rising rents in Philadelphia and expiring 30- and 40-year federally assisted affordable housing contracts are combining to present a major challenge...
Home Rule Law Decision in Pittsburgh Raises Questions About Property Rental Regulations
The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court recently issued a ruling in Landlord Service Bureau v. City of Pittsburgh, 2023 Pa. Commw. LEXIS 24 (March 17,...
Court Analyzes Relationship Neighboring Properties Have When an Easement Exists Between Them
The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court recently issued an opinion regarding zoning ordinance interpretations and the relationship that neighboring...
When Do Property Owners and Tenants Owe a Duty to Protect Their Guests?
The recent ruling handed down by the Pennsylvania Superior Court in Lomuscio v. Cole, 2022 Pa. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 2867 (Dec. 6, 2022), examines...
2022 in Review: Changes to Land Use, Zoning Laws in Philadelphia
This past year, the city of Philadelphia approved and implemented a number of impactful pieces of legislation affecting land use and zoning law....
Outdoor Dining Is Here to Stay: 2 Licenses Available to City Restaurants
Outdoor dining has long been a part of the dining culture in Philadelphia, from the sidewalk awnings of cheesesteak shops and water ice stands of...