#housing-policy
#housing-policy

Research to explore how two London suburbs can get thousands more homes

The Government has allocated £750,000 to improve housing supply in London amid a decade-low construction rate.

NYC politics

Soho project unites NYC mayoral contenders, except one

Disagreement over land for senior housing is central to the NYC mayoral race, highlighting tension between local activism and housing development.

NYC real estate

Midtown South rezoning presents test case for new high-density zoning districts

Midtown South rezoning could lead to 9,700 new housing units, amid mixed local support for the initiative.

fromGothamist

NYC real estate

NYC has a plan to fill empty affordable apartments - at least for now

New York City is lifting lottery requirements for re-rentals to accelerate affordable housing access.

Silicon Valley real estate

Palo Alto considers a vacancy tax targeting 2,000 'ghost homes'

City Council is considering a tax on vacant homes to fund affordable housing initiatives.

NYC real estate

Vacant Affordable Apartments to Skip Lottery

New York City is simplifying the application process for affordable housing to reduce vacancies.

London politics

fromwww.standard.co.uk

Research to explore how two London suburbs can get thousands more homes

The Government has allocated £750,000 to improve housing supply in London amid a decade-low construction rate.

Soho project unites NYC mayoral contenders, except one

Disagreement over land for senior housing is central to the NYC mayoral race, highlighting tension between local activism and housing development.

Midtown South rezoning presents test case for new high-density zoning districts

Midtown South rezoning could lead to 9,700 new housing units, amid mixed local support for the initiative.

fromGothamist

NYC has a plan to fill empty affordable apartments - at least for now

New York City is lifting lottery requirements for re-rentals to accelerate affordable housing access.

Palo Alto considers a vacancy tax targeting 2,000 'ghost homes'

City Council is considering a tax on vacant homes to fund affordable housing initiatives.

Vacant Affordable Apartments to Skip Lottery

New York City is simplifying the application process for affordable housing to reduce vacancies.

more#affordable-housing

#legislation

NYC outlines fines for violating broker fee ban amid legal fight

Landlords/brokers face fines for unauthorized tenant charges, under new proposed legislation.

US news

Washington State Lawmakers Vote to Limit Rent Increases

Washington State has enacted a law limiting annual rent increases to 10% or inflation plus 7%, addressing rising housing costs.

Portland food

fromPortland Mercury

City Council Halts Vote on AI Rental Pricing Software Ban

Portland proposes to ban algorithmic rental price-fixing software to maintain affordable housing amid ongoing legal challenges in similar jurisdictions.

fromwww.independent.co.uk

Sup. Jackie Fielder Challenges City Policy That Limits Shelter Stays For Families

Supervisor Fielder aims to end the 90-day limit on family shelter stays to combat homelessness in San Francisco.

UK politics

Top Tory meets major landlords in bid to scupper Labour's rental reforms

The UK Conservatives are secretly negotiating with landlords to obstruct the Labour renters' rights bill, reflecting an ongoing battle over housing policy.

21 hours ago

Silicon Valley real estate

San Jose lawmaker withdraws bill to lower state rent caps - San Jose Spotlight

Landlords successfully campaigned against California's proposed rent control caps, leading to the withdrawal of the Affordable Rent Act.

NYC outlines fines for violating broker fee ban amid legal fight

Landlords/brokers face fines for unauthorized tenant charges, under new proposed legislation.

US news

Washington State Lawmakers Vote to Limit Rent Increases

Washington State has enacted a law limiting annual rent increases to 10% or inflation plus 7%, addressing rising housing costs.

Portland food

fromPortland Mercury

City Council Halts Vote on AI Rental Pricing Software Ban

Portland proposes to ban algorithmic rental price-fixing software to maintain affordable housing amid ongoing legal challenges in similar jurisdictions.

fromwww.independent.co.uk

Sup. Jackie Fielder Challenges City Policy That Limits Shelter Stays For Families

Supervisor Fielder aims to end the 90-day limit on family shelter stays to combat homelessness in San Francisco.

UK politics

Top Tory meets major landlords in bid to scupper Labour's rental reforms

The UK Conservatives are secretly negotiating with landlords to obstruct the Labour renters' rights bill, reflecting an ongoing battle over housing policy.

21 hours ago

Silicon Valley real estate

San Jose lawmaker withdraws bill to lower state rent caps - San Jose Spotlight

Landlords successfully campaigned against California's proposed rent control caps, leading to the withdrawal of the Affordable Rent Act.

What Happened This Week in NYC Housing? March 21, 2025

NYCHA tenants are advocating for more resources as federal funding faces cuts.

Cuts at the EPA could endanger lead pipe removal funding in New York.

New zoning in central Brooklyn could bring more jobs and homes.

Addressing homelessness requires a commitment to a "housing first" model.

NYC politics

Mayor Adams touts millions for NYCHA, supportive housing, tenant safeguards in self-proclaimed best budget ever' | amNewYork

Mayor Adams announced significant housing investments as part of the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 budget, focusing on public housing and tenant protections.

NYC politics

EXCLUSIVE | Lander pitches plan to improve beleaguered NYCHA, gains housing leader support in 2025 NYC Mayor's Race | amNewYork

Brad Lander proposes a plan to enhance NYC's public housing, focusing on repair oversight, funding increases, and tenant involvement.

fromCity Limits

What Happened This Week in NYC Housing? March 21, 2025

NYCHA tenants are advocating for more resources as federal funding faces cuts.

Cuts at the EPA could endanger lead pipe removal funding in New York.

New zoning in central Brooklyn could bring more jobs and homes.

Addressing homelessness requires a commitment to a "housing first" model.

Mayor Adams touts millions for NYCHA, supportive housing, tenant safeguards in self-proclaimed best budget ever' | amNewYork

Mayor Adams announced significant housing investments as part of the upcoming Fiscal Year 2026 budget, focusing on public housing and tenant protections.

fromLondon Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

EXCLUSIVE | Lander pitches plan to improve beleaguered NYCHA, gains housing leader support in 2025 NYC Mayor's Race | amNewYork

Brad Lander proposes a plan to enhance NYC's public housing, focusing on repair oversight, funding increases, and tenant involvement.

UK politics

Labour MP sparks internal split over planning reforms for housing due to environmental concerns

Chris Hinchliff calls for a 'left alternative' to planning reforms, emphasizing environmental protections and community control over housing.

UK politics

Lord Ashcroft biography claims Angela Rayner 'threatened to resign' - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Angela Rayner threatened to resign over the ambitious housing target, but was convinced to stay by Tony Blair.

fromHomebuilding

fromLondon Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

UK politics

Labour MP sparks internal split over planning reforms for housing due to environmental concerns

Chris Hinchliff calls for a 'left alternative' to planning reforms, emphasizing environmental protections and community control over housing.

UK politics

Lord Ashcroft biography claims Angela Rayner 'threatened to resign' - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Angela Rayner threatened to resign over the ambitious housing target, but was convinced to stay by Tony Blair.

more#labour-party

#california-legislation

Mission District

fromKqed

A San Francisco Man's Housing Struggle After Relapse Put Him Back on the Streets | KQED

California proposes legislation to support sober housing programs by allowing funding for drug-free units and preventing eviction due to relapse.

Silicon Valley real estate

In a win for developers, council isn't supporting bill to rein-in Builder's Remedy

Mountain View City Council remains opposed to SB 457, which aims to manage the Builder's Remedy affecting housing plans.

6 days ago

San Francisco

Humpday Headlines: Animal Remains Found In Fremont Identified

A decapitated sheep found in Fremont is identified as a Dorper, with no signs of foul play.

California's SB 79 aims to boost housing near transit stops by allowing taller buildings.

Carlos Santana was hospitalized after collapsing before a concert in San Antonio.

Widespread rain may hit the Bay Area after a dry and sunny April.

Mission District

fromKqed

A San Francisco Man's Housing Struggle After Relapse Put Him Back on the Streets | KQED

California proposes legislation to support sober housing programs by allowing funding for drug-free units and preventing eviction due to relapse.

Silicon Valley real estate

In a win for developers, council isn't supporting bill to rein-in Builder's Remedy

Mountain View City Council remains opposed to SB 457, which aims to manage the Builder's Remedy affecting housing plans.

more#california-legislation

6 days ago

San Francisco

Humpday Headlines: Animal Remains Found In Fremont Identified

A decapitated sheep found in Fremont is identified as a Dorper, with no signs of foul play.

California's SB 79 aims to boost housing near transit stops by allowing taller buildings.

Carlos Santana was hospitalized after collapsing before a concert in San Antonio.

Widespread rain may hit the Bay Area after a dry and sunny April.

#urban-planning

San Francisco

SF wants to run an untested experiment on West Side neighborhoods - 48 hills

The debate on upzoning revolves around its legitimacy in providing diverse housing options versus potential displacement of vulnerable communities.

Silicon Valley real estate

Sunnyvale aims to preserve retail spaces in northern neighborhoods - San Jose Spotlight

Sunnyvale is introducing a retail preservation program to retain commercial space in underserved areas despite challenges in developer commitment.

NYC politics

Supes approve public notice for neighborhood zoning changes - 48 hills

The Board of Supervisors passed a bill to notify communities about major zoning changes on the West Side.

San Francisco

SF wants to run an untested experiment on West Side neighborhoods - 48 hills

The debate on upzoning revolves around its legitimacy in providing diverse housing options versus potential displacement of vulnerable communities.

Silicon Valley real estate

Sunnyvale aims to preserve retail spaces in northern neighborhoods - San Jose Spotlight

Sunnyvale is introducing a retail preservation program to retain commercial space in underserved areas despite challenges in developer commitment.

NYC politics

Supes approve public notice for neighborhood zoning changes - 48 hills

The Board of Supervisors passed a bill to notify communities about major zoning changes on the West Side.

US politics

The Commons: Stuck In Place

Restrictive land-use policies limit housing opportunities in vibrant cities, impacting Americans' movement and economic prospects.

SF real estate

Senators reintroduce rural housing bill as bipartisan support rises

Rural U.S. housing stock growth is insufficient; bipartisan efforts aim to reform programs for homeownership, addressing critical shortages.

SF real estate

CHLA urges congressional restraint on mortgage fees in budget bill

CHLA urges Congress to reject unnecessary mortgage fee increases, particularly during homeownership affordability challenges.

fromThe Atlantic

US politics

The Commons: Stuck In Place

Restrictive land-use policies limit housing opportunities in vibrant cities, impacting Americans' movement and economic prospects.

SF real estate

Senators reintroduce rural housing bill as bipartisan support rises

Rural U.S. housing stock growth is insufficient; bipartisan efforts aim to reform programs for homeownership, addressing critical shortages.

SF real estate

CHLA urges congressional restraint on mortgage fees in budget bill

CHLA urges Congress to reject unnecessary mortgage fee increases, particularly during homeownership affordability challenges.

more#homeownership

fromKqed

NYC politics

A Bill to Reform Controversial Environmental Law Faces Its First Legislative Hurdle | KQED

Local communities' input is essential in housing and environmental decisions, as indicated by arguments against top-down approaches.

Liccardo eyes housing, insurance bills in first 100 days

Congressman Liccardo focuses on bipartisan solutions to housing and insurance issues during his early days in office.

fromABC7 San Francisco

San Francisco

Fremont takes out 'aiding and abetting encampment' part out of city's homeless camp ban

Fremont City Council revised homeless camp ban, removing arrest risk for aiding encampments, aiming to support community assistance for the unhoused.

Mission District

San Jose mayor pushes housing vouchers for homeless shelters - San Jose Spotlight

Mayor Mahan prioritizes temporary housing solutions using Section 8 funds, creating controversy over potential impacts on permanent housing resources.

NYC real estate

Six Things to Know About Permanent Supportive Housing

Permanent supportive housing addresses chronic homelessness through affordable housing and on-site social services.

SF politics

Liccardo eyes housing, insurance bills in first 100 days

Congressman Liccardo focuses on bipartisan solutions to housing and insurance issues during his early days in office.

fromABC7 San Francisco

San Francisco

Fremont takes out 'aiding and abetting encampment' part out of city's homeless camp ban

Fremont City Council revised homeless camp ban, removing arrest risk for aiding encampments, aiming to support community assistance for the unhoused.

Mission District

San Jose mayor pushes housing vouchers for homeless shelters - San Jose Spotlight

Mayor Mahan prioritizes temporary housing solutions using Section 8 funds, creating controversy over potential impacts on permanent housing resources.

NYC real estate

Six Things to Know About Permanent Supportive Housing

Permanent supportive housing addresses chronic homelessness through affordable housing and on-site social services.

NYC politics

Monday's Headlines: Randy Lewis-Mastro Edition - Streetsblog New York City

Eric Adams's administration faces challenges as First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro hinders key initiatives, notably in housing and sanitation.

NYC politics

HDC Preservation Conference on Rent Stabilized Housing

The preservation movement plays a crucial role in historic rent regulated housing and innovative restoration techniques.

fromStreetsblog

Monday's Headlines: Randy Lewis-Mastro Edition - Streetsblog New York City

Eric Adams's administration faces challenges as First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro hinders key initiatives, notably in housing and sanitation.

NYC politics

HDC Preservation Conference on Rent Stabilized Housing

The preservation movement plays a crucial role in historic rent regulated housing and innovative restoration techniques.

Nearly two dozen key clergy members in NYC endorsed Cuomo in his bid for mayor

Andrew Cuomo gains significant endorsements from prominent clergy as he leads in the race for NYC Mayor in 2025.

NYC politics

Cuomo is 'landlords' favorite candidate,' lefty NYC mayoral hopefuls and tenants say, slamming ex-gov's housing record

Cuomo's housing policies and significant donations from real estate have raised tenant advocates' concerns during the NYC mayoral race.

Nearly two dozen key clergy members in NYC endorsed Cuomo in his bid for mayor

Andrew Cuomo gains significant endorsements from prominent clergy as he leads in the race for NYC Mayor in 2025.

Cuomo is 'landlords' favorite candidate,' lefty NYC mayoral hopefuls and tenants say, slamming ex-gov's housing record

Cuomo's housing policies and significant donations from real estate have raised tenant advocates' concerns during the NYC mayoral race.

Government ramps up drive to encourage older people to downsize in bid to ease housing crisis

The Government aims to relax planning rules for granny flats to address housing shortages.

Financial institutions may adjust lending criteria to assist seniors in downsizing.

US news

fromwww.npr.org

As Trump jettisons its staff, HUD puts its D.C. headquarters up for sale

HUD is seeking a smaller, cost-efficient building to improve efficiency and reduce taxpayer burdens.

Renovation

White House Eyes Overhaul of Federal Housing Aid to the Poor

Potential cuts to housing programs may jeopardize rental assistance for millions of low-income families.

The overhaul could replace Section 8 vouchers with limited housing grants to states, affecting assistance access.

#homebuilding

Environment

fromHomebuilding & Renovating

How Congress can increase Americans' household costs

Key federal policies are crucial for making new homes energy efficient and reducing costs, but Congress is considering canceling them.

Renovation

Has Labour just quietly abandoned its 1.5 million homes pledge?

Labour's target of building 1.5 million homes is faltering, with projections of only 1.3 million by 2030.

Concerns arise over Labour's housing policy effectiveness amid shortfall revelations.

Environment

fromHomebuilding & Renovating

How Congress can increase Americans' household costs

Key federal policies are crucial for making new homes energy efficient and reducing costs, but Congress is considering canceling them.

Renovation

Has Labour just quietly abandoned its 1.5 million homes pledge?

Labour's target of building 1.5 million homes is faltering, with projections of only 1.3 million by 2030.

Concerns arise over Labour's housing policy effectiveness amid shortfall revelations.

more#homebuilding

Mission District

Campbell quick to approve backyard homes - San Jose Spotlight

Campbell's new express permit process for tiny homes allows homeowners to gain city approval in a week or less, boosting housing options.

fromwww.yourlocalguardian.co.uk

Another California city bans price-fixing' software from RealPage to set rents

San Diego bans software employed by RealPage for allegedly colluding on rent pricing to manage high residential rents.

London politics

Landlord 'robbing safety of Wallington by ordering them to remove CCTV camera'

Installing security cameras can enhance safety perceptions among residents, but privacy concerns can lead to conflicts with housing authorities.

fromwww.ilfordrecorder.co.uk

Rent-stabilized shortfalls may grow "exponentially," new data shows

The Furman Center warns of increasing financial pressures on rent-stabilized housing, especially in the Bronx, after the HSTPA of 2019.

#environmental-concerns

London politics

Community fury after council 'entertains' helping developer in bid for 100 homes

Council's planning advice to developers raises community concerns about green space loss and transparency in decision-making.

NYC politics

Legal hell for landlords and more: Letters to the Editor - April 13, 2025

Landlord frustrations highlight challenges in evicting non-paying tenants and delays in legal processes.

fromAustin Monitor

fromwww.ilfordrecorder.co.uk

SF real estate

ZAP recommends first-time zonings of former 'Hickmuntown' on city's northwest edge - Austin Monitor

The Zoning and Platting Commission supports maximalist housing policy by recommending zoning for undeveloped plots, amid concerns about the area's suitability.

London politics

Community fury after council 'entertains' helping developer in bid for 100 homes

Council's planning advice to developers raises community concerns about green space loss and transparency in decision-making.

NYC politics

Legal hell for landlords and more: Letters to the Editor - April 13, 2025

Landlord frustrations highlight challenges in evicting non-paying tenants and delays in legal processes.

fromAustin Monitor

more#environmental-concerns

SF real estate

ZAP recommends first-time zonings of former 'Hickmuntown' on city's northwest edge - Austin Monitor

The Zoning and Platting Commission supports maximalist housing policy by recommending zoning for undeveloped plots, amid concerns about the area's suitability.

Candidate Lurie gave conflicting statements on upzoning. Mayor Lurie just committed to upzoning the Westside.

San Francisco plans to add tens of thousands of homes by raising zoning limits.

The proposed housing plan may please pro-development groups while challenging local neighborhood sentiments.

Can the West Side absorb more density without displacing existing tenants and small businesses? - 48 hills

Mayor Lurie's density and height limit plans may not effectively address San Francisco's housing crisis, according to industry insiders.

fromMission Local

Candidate Lurie gave conflicting statements on upzoning. Mayor Lurie just committed to upzoning the Westside.

San Francisco plans to add tens of thousands of homes by raising zoning limits.

The proposed housing plan may please pro-development groups while challenging local neighborhood sentiments.

Can the West Side absorb more density without displacing existing tenants and small businesses? - 48 hills

Mayor Lurie's density and height limit plans may not effectively address San Francisco's housing crisis, according to industry insiders.

more#san-francisco

fromIrish Independent

UK politics

Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Fianna Fail see bounce in support after meeting with Donald Trump, new Sunday Independent poll shows

Mr. Martin's approval and Fianna Fáil support have increased, indicating shifting public sentiment.

#builders-remedy

Palo Alto may lead efforts to restrict 'builder's remedy' - San Jose Spotlight

Palo Alto is leading efforts to amend legislation for housing developer applications that bypass zoning regulations.

New legislative efforts aim to limit builder's remedy applications in Palo Alto's housing plans.

Silicon Valley real estate

Los Gatos files lawsuit to clarify builder's remedy law

Los Gatos seeks judicial clarification on builder's remedy application timelines to streamline housing development and resolve conflicting interpretations.

Palo Alto may lead efforts to restrict 'builder's remedy' - San Jose Spotlight

Palo Alto is leading efforts to amend legislation for housing developer applications that bypass zoning regulations.

New legislative efforts aim to limit builder's remedy applications in Palo Alto's housing plans.

Silicon Valley real estate

Los Gatos files lawsuit to clarify builder's remedy law

Los Gatos seeks judicial clarification on builder's remedy application timelines to streamline housing development and resolve conflicting interpretations.

more#builders-remedy

#real-estate

SF real estate

President Trump's administration just cut more Fair Housing policies: What's at stake? Who can help?

Rollbacks of fair appraisal policies impact not just homeowners, but entire communities that rely on accurate property valuations.

fromBoston.com

Boston real estate

If you want this Boston apartment, you'll have to get past this 22-year-old - and pay him thousands

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering eliminating tenant-paid broker fees, which currently add significant costs to renting.

SF real estate

President Trump's administration just cut more Fair Housing policies: What's at stake? Who can help?

Rollbacks of fair appraisal policies impact not just homeowners, but entire communities that rely on accurate property valuations.

fromBoston.com

Boston real estate

If you want this Boston apartment, you'll have to get past this 22-year-old - and pay him thousands

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering eliminating tenant-paid broker fees, which currently add significant costs to renting.

more#real-estate

fromThe Nation

NYC politics

Want to Understand America's Housing Crisis? Look to Atlanta.

Atlanta has historical significance in public housing, both in creation and demolition, reflecting broader issues in housing policy.

Brian Goldstone's work reveals the complexities of the 'working homeless' phenomenon amidst urban gentrification.

#landlords

fromwww.theguardian.com

UK politics

Senior Tories and big landlords discuss ways to thwart renters' rights bill

Senior Tories are discussing strategies with landlords to undermine the renters' rights bill, including potential legal challenges.

fromwww.hamhigh.co.uk

London politics

Tougher penalties for landlords who break the law

Haringey Council has introduced tougher fines for rogue landlords, emphasizing tenant protection and compliance with housing laws.

fromwww.theguardian.com

UK politics

Senior Tories and big landlords discuss ways to thwart renters' rights bill

Senior Tories are discussing strategies with landlords to undermine the renters' rights bill, including potential legal challenges.

fromwww.hamhigh.co.uk

London politics

Tougher penalties for landlords who break the law

Haringey Council has introduced tougher fines for rogue landlords, emphasizing tenant protection and compliance with housing laws.

more#landlords

UK politics

fromwww.theguardian.com

Planning reforms offer a bright spot for Rachel Reeves but grey areas exist | Heather Stewart

Government's planning reforms could potentially boost economy by £3.4 billion, but success is uncertain and depends on implementation.

Long-term growth may increase by 0.4% with improved housing availability.

Reeves' announcement marks a rare positive note in an otherwise bleak economic forecast.

SF real estate

Pulte terminate SPCPs, issues recision of UDAP bulletin

Pulte is prioritizing the reduction of regulatory burdens for GSEs to lower housing costs for consumers.

frompadailypost.com

Silicon Valley real estate

Council wants more time before deciding whether to back bill that reins in large Builder's Remedy projects

Palo Alto City Council delayed a decision on Sen. Josh Becker's SB 457 aiming to regulate Builder's Remedy projects.

fromBBC News

UK news

Government to drop asylum hotel provider Stay Belvedere Hotels

The UK government is removing Stay Belvedere Hotels from its supply chain due to behavior that did not meet expectations.

fromwww.bbc.com

UK politics

Cladding tax on new homes delayed for a year

The government delayed the Building Safety Levy tax to avoid hampering housebuilding targets amidst rising costs for developers.

Opinion: Banning rent software won't make East Bay housing more affordable

Vice President Kamala Harris criticized property management software for contributing to high rents, sparking policy changes in local governments.

fromIrish Independent

Real estate

Central Bank governor casts doubt on Government proposals to ease lending rules for developers

Banks are well capitalised and capable of increasing lending, expert advises Government to assess existing housing interventions first.

SF real estate

Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Regulator Puts 35 Workers on Leave

William Pulte is initiating significant changes at the Federal Housing Finance Agency, impacting Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac by placing employees on administrative leave.

fromThe Nation

How White-Collar Criminals Plundered a Brooklyn Neighborhood

East New York's violence stemmed from white-collar crime rather than the supposed consequences of broken windows policing.

Scott Wiener At It Again With a Bill to Upzone Housing Density Near Transit Hubs

State Senator Scott Wiener proposes new housing bill, SB-79, allowing taller buildings near transit hubs to increase housing density.

fromBoston.com

Boston real estate

Under new regulations, Gov. Healey capped shelter limit at 5,800 families. Do you agree?

Massachusetts reduces emergency shelter cap to 5,800 families and mandates criminal background checks for applicants.

fromCity Limits

'I Was Ghosted, Degraded': Bills Seek to Combat Discrimination Against Rental Vouchers

City Council is introducing legislation to enforce stricter penalties against landlords who discriminate based on rental subsidies, addressing ongoing source of income discrimination.

SF real estate