Real Estate & Housing

Multi-Family Housing Insurance Requirements Updated to Align with Industry Standards

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) has issued a final rule updating insurance requirements for Multi-Family Housing Direct Loan and Grant programs under 7 CFR part 3560. The rule aligns insurance coverage types, amounts, and deductibles with affordable housing industry standards. Key changes include: deductible limits listed as maximum thresholds allowing properties to choose lower limits; windstorm deductible provisions unchanged when excluded from all-risk policies; and business income loss insurance retained as required coverage. The rule applies only to RHS Multi-Family Housing Programs and takes effect May 20, 2026.

Batavia Gets $10M DRI; Victor and Irondequoit $4.5M NY Forward

Governor Hochul announced $19 million in state funding for three Finger Lakes localities: the City of Batavia receives $10 million as the Round 9 Downtown Revitalization Initiative winner, while the Village of Victor and Town of Irondequoit each receive $4.5 million as Round 4 NY Forward winners. Recipients must be certified under the Governor's Pro-Housing Communities Program to access these and other discretionary state funding programs. The announcement is part of a $200 million state commitment across 10 economic development regions for Round 9 DRI and Round 4 NY Forward.

Board Meeting, May 15, Austin TX, 9am

The Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board announced a scheduled board meeting for May 15, 2026 at 9:00 am at the Stephen F. Austin Building in Austin, TX. The meeting is open to the public and meeting materials will be published as they become available. Minutes will be published upon approval.

TALCB Budget Finance Committee Meeting, 23rd Apr

The Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board (TALCB) published a notice of its Budget & Finance Committee meeting scheduled for April 23, 2026 at 1:00 PM via teleconference. The agenda and meeting materials will be made available under 'Meeting Materials' on the TALCB website prior to the meeting. Minutes will be published following approval after the meeting.

TALCB Executive Committee Meeting, April 23rd

The Texas Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board Executive Committee will hold a meeting via teleconference on April 23, 2026 at 9:00 AM Central Time. The meeting agenda and materials will be published on the TALCB website as they become available, and meeting minutes will be posted following approval.

Florida Veterans Military Fee Waiver Program

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation administers two fee waiver programs for military veterans, active duty personnel, and their spouses seeking professional licensure. Under HB 7015 (effective July 1, 2014), the Department may waive initial licensing, application, and unlicensed activity fees for veterans and their spouses at the time of discharge. Under HB 615 (effective July 1, 2017), the Department may waive initial licensing fees for currently serving or formerly serving military members and their spouses. The application must be submitted within 60 months of honorable discharge.

Comprehensive Directory of Florida Professional Licensing Boards

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation maintains a comprehensive online directory listing over 30 professional licensing boards and commissions, including the Real Estate Appraisal Board, Real Estate Commission, Certified Public Accounting, and numerous other occupational licensing authorities. The directory provides navigational links to individual board pages but creates no new compliance obligations, deadlines, or regulatory requirements.

CSLB News Releases: Enforcement Actions Against Unlicensed Contractors (2025)

The California Contractors State License Board published six news releases in 2025 covering sting operations targeting unlicensed contractors and an advisory urging homeowners to hire licensed contractors after Southern California wildfires. Sting operations in Bakersfield, Visalia, and Walnut Creek resulted in multiple citations and arrests. CSLB also announced participation in a multi-agency effort to combat unlicensed contracting statewide.

CSLB Industry Bulletins on Contractor Laws and Licensing

The California Contractors State License Board published its industry bulletins index page, listing five recent bulletins covering new contractor laws for 2026, the updated license law reference book, a new muralist license exemption, treated wood waste resources, and expanded reciprocity for general contractors. The page serves as a navigation hub for contractors to access regulatory guidance and compliance information issued by CSLB.

HUD Removes Shelter Plus Care and Supportive Housing Program Regulations

HUD has published a final rule removing regulations for the Shelter Plus Care Program (24 CFR part 582) and Supportive Housing Program (24 CFR part 583) from the Code of Federal Regulations, effective May 20, 2026. These programs were consolidated into the Continuum of Care (CoC) Program following the HEARTH Act of 2009. The rule also makes a conforming amendment to 24 CFR 578.33(d)(1) to remove cross-references to the removed parts.

MD Real Estate Commission Disciplinary Actions, July 2023 to June 2024

The Maryland Real Estate Commission published its annual compilation of disciplinary actions covering July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. The document lists over 50 enforcement actions including Consent Orders, Proposed Orders, and Final Orders against licensed real estate professionals. Sanctions ranged from fines of $250 to $10,000, reprimands, education course requirements, and license suspensions or revocations.

Maryland Real Estate Commission Disciplinary Actions FY 2022-2023

The Maryland Real Estate Commission published a compilation of disciplinary actions taken against real estate licensees between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. The report documents 40 cases resolved through Final Orders, Proposed Orders, and Consent Orders, imposing fines ranging from $200 to $25,000, along with suspensions, reprimands, and one license revocation.

MD Real Estate Commission Disciplinary Actions, FY2024-2025

The MD Real Estate Commission published its annual compilation of disciplinary actions taken between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025, comprising 35 enforcement orders including consent orders and final orders. Actions ranged from civil penalties ($500–$50,000) and reprimands to license revocations and Guaranty Fund awards to compensate consumers for licensee misconduct.

LREC Prepares to Launch Text Message Deadline Reminders for Licensees

The Louisiana Real Estate Commission is preparing to launch a new text message notification service to remind licensees of important deadlines such as license renewals and continuing education completion. Licensees are encouraged to log into their MyLREC Portal account to verify their cell phone number is listed to receive these notifications. The service will supplement existing email notices and will not include spam or marketing content.

Missed Dec 31 License Renewal Deadline Requires Reapplication as Initial Applicant

The Louisiana Real Estate Commission has reminded licensees that missing the December 31 annual renewal deadline requires reapplication as an initial license applicant. Affected individuals must retake state and national exams and complete a new fingerprinting background check. The 90-hour pre-licensing course does not need to be repeated.

LREC Swears In 2026 Leadership, Committee Chairs

The Louisiana Real Estate Commission held its January 22, 2026 meeting and swore in its 2026 leadership team, appointing Synde Devillier as Chairman, Tony Cornner as Vice Chairman, and Doneva Halphen as Secretary. The Commission also announced committee chair and vice chair appointments across five committees: Budget, Education, Legal/Legislative/Timeshare, Standardized Forms, and Technology and Capital Assets. These appointments will guide LREC's policy development, education oversight, and regulatory initiatives throughout 2026.

Insurance Requirements Updated for MFH Direct Loan and Grant Programs

The Rural Housing Service (RHS) has finalized amendments to insurance requirements for Multi-Family Housing direct loan and grant programs under 7 CFR Part 3560. The rule aligns RD insurance coverage types, amounts, and deductibles with affordable housing industry standards. Affected programs include Section 515 Rural Rental Housing loans, Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing loans and grants, and Section 521 Rental Assistance. This final rule supersedes the proposed rule published October 25, 2023 (88 FR 73245).

Removal of Regulations for the Shelter Plus Care and the Supportive Housing Programs

HUD removes obsolete Shelter Plus Care and Supportive Housing Program regulations (24 CFR parts 582 and 583) from the Code of Federal Regulations. These programs were statutorily consolidated into the Continuum of Care Program under the HEARTH Act of 2009, and no new funds have been available under the removed regulations. The rule also makes a conforming amendment to 24 CFR 578.33(d)(1) to remove cross-references to the deleted parts.

Beck v. Missouri Real Estate Commission - License Revocation Set Aside

The Missouri Real Estate Commission granted Derek Beck's motion to set aside his license revocation, finding insufficient notice was provided for a scheduled probation violation hearing. The Commission restored Beck's real estate salesperson license under the terms of the August 23, 2024 Settlement Agreement. The original revocation resulted from Beck's failure to appear at the December 3, 2025 hearing.

Power Restored to ~330 Upcountry Maui Customers After PSPS Event

Hawaiian Electric has restored electricity to approximately 330 customers in parts of Upcountry Maui following a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program. Crews completed circuit inspections beginning at 6 a.m., allowing all affected customers to be restored. The utility advises that additional PSPS events may be necessary if hazardous conditions return to reduce wildfire risk.

Red Flag Warning in Effect Through Saturday Evening on Oahu, Hawaii Island and Maui County

Hawaiian Electric is monitoring Red Flag Warning conditions through 6 p.m. Saturday across leeward and central areas of Oahu, Hawaii Island, and Maui County. Power remains on in high wildfire-risk communities but may be proactively shut off under the Public Safety Power Shutoff program if wind gusts reach 45 mph or higher, humidity falls below 45%, and drought conditions persist. The utility is tracking weather station and camera data near infrastructure in fire-prone areas.

Hawaiian Electric Begins Power Restoration for ~330 Upcountry Maui Customers

Hawaiian Electric announced the beginning of power restoration for approximately 330 Upcountry Maui customers following a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) implemented due to hazardous wildfire risk weather conditions. Crews are conducting ground and aerial inspections of power lines and equipment before service can be restored. The company is coordinating with the Maui Emergency Management Agency and advises affected customers to remain vigilant and prepared for potential extended outages.

Restoration Underway for 940 South Kohala Customers After PSPS Event

Hawaiian Electric is restoring power to approximately 940 customers in the South Kohala area of Hawaii Island following a Public Safety Power Shutoff event initiated on November 12 at 9:50 p.m. due to high winds and dry conditions. Crews are conducting ground and aerial inspections using helicopters and drones to assess damage before restoring service, with extended outages possible depending on the extent of any damage found.

Red Flag Warning, Hawaiian Electric Monitors Wildfire Risk

Hawaiian Electric issued an 8:00 a.m. update on August 1, 2025, advising that it continues to monitor Red Flag Warning conditions for leeward portions of all Hawaiian islands and interior sections of Hawai'i Island through 6 p.m. The company may implement its Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) program to proactively shut off power in high-risk wildfire communities if necessary to protect public safety.

Express Change Broker Request Is Coming Soon

The Hawaii Real Estate Commission announces the upcoming 'Express Change Broker Request' system, an electronic alternative to the current paper-based process requiring 30-45 business days. Licensees will submit change broker requests through MyPVL (mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov), with releasing and hiring brokers receiving email notifications for electronic responses. Principal brokers and brokers-in-charge are reminded that Chapter 99, HAR requires responses within 10 days, regardless of email address accuracy issues.

Hawaii Real Estate Commission Launches Online Express Change Broker Request System

The Hawaii Real Estate Commission announced the launch of the Online Express Change Broker Request (ECBR) system, effective August 1, 2025. The new platform allows real estate licensees to complete broker change requests fully online through their MyPVL account, replacing a paper-based process that previously took up to 45 business days. Principal Brokers and Brokers-in-Charge have 10 calendar days to respond to release or hire requests, with automatic reminders sent on days 3, 5, and 9.

Online Express Change Broker Request System Now Live

The Hawaii Real Estate Commission announces the Online Express Change Broker Request (ECBR) system is operational. Real estate licensees may now submit change broker requests electronically through MyPVL at mypvl.dcca.hawaii.gov as an alternative to paper-based Change Form submissions. Releasing and hiring brokers receive email notifications and can respond electronically.

DCCA Releases Disciplinary Actions Through September 2025

The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs released disciplinary actions through September 2025 affecting professional licensees across multiple boards including Nursing, Public Accountancy, Medical, and Real Estate. Actions include fines ranging from $150 to $10,000, voluntary permit relinquishment, and continuing education requirements. Violations cited include unauthorized practice, license expiration during active practice, cross-state disciplinary actions, and PCAOB non-compliance.

DCCA Disciplinary Actions Summary Through July 2025

The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs released its monthly summary of disciplinary actions through July 2025, covering multiple professional licensing boards including Real Estate Commission, Board of Veterinary Medicine, Board of Massage Therapy, Social Worker Licensing Program, and Contractors License Board. Actions include fines totaling over $40,000 across 12 cases, restitution orders exceeding $14,600, and continuing education requirements.

Hawaii Real Estate Branch Launches Online Express Change Broker Request System

The Hawaii DCCA Real Estate Branch launched the Online Express Change Broker Request (ECBR) system on August 1, 2025, allowing real estate licensees to submit change broker requests electronically through their MyPVL account. The new system replaces a manual process that required printing forms, collecting signatures, and submitting physical documents with processing times up to 45 business days. The ECBR system enables 24/7 online submissions with automatic email notifications to both releasing and hiring brokers, and changes may be finalized within one business day.

DCCA Disciplinary Actions Through October 2025

The Hawaii DCCA released a summary of disciplinary actions through October 2025 covering multiple professional licensing boards. Actions include license revocations, restricted licenses, voluntary surrenders, and monetary fines. The Real Estate Commission issued fines against Associated Real Estate Advisors LLC ($1,500), Kelly Suzuki-Shreve ($500), and Sidney Jung ($250) for using an unlicensed guard agency at commercial properties. The Medical Board issued multiple sanctions including fines ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 and license revocations for various violations including failure to report malpractice claims and out-of-state disciplinary actions.

$50 Application Fee for Arkansas Real Estate License Applicants

Arkansas Real Estate Commission announces new $50 application fee for Arkansas residents seeking real estate licenses, effective immediately. Fee must be paid via signed money order or cashier's check. The $36.25 background check fee is now paid directly to the Arkansas State Police through an online portal rather than to AREC. Applications may be returned if the correct fee is not submitted.

AdAlert Program - Report Advertising Violations

The Arkansas Real Estate Commission has launched the AdAlert Program, providing an online submission form for the public to report suspected advertising violations by real estate licensees. The program enables the commission to receive and track potential violations of advertising standards in the real estate industry.

Melissa Goff Named AREC Executive Director

The Arkansas Real Estate Commission announced Ms. Melissa Goff as its new Executive Director. Goff previously served as Deputy Director for 3½ years and was appointed Interim Executive Director in August 2024. Her appointment received approval from the Arkansas Real Estate Commissioners and Secretary Daryl Bassett of the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing.

AREC Rule Promulgation - Public Comment Period April 10 - May 11, 2026

The Arkansas Real Estate Commission announced a public comment period from April 10 through May 11, 2026, for proposed rule changes. A public hearing is scheduled for May 12, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at 612 S. Summit, Little Rock, AR 72201. The proposed rules and public notice are available on the AREC website.

Advertising Best Practices Guide for Real Estate Licensees – July 2025

The Arkansas Real Estate Commission published an Advertising Best Practices Guide for real estate licensees in July 2025. The guide provides recommendations on compliant advertising practices including disclosure requirements, prohibited language, and standards for digital and print advertising. Real estate licensees operating in Arkansas should review the guide to ensure their advertising materials meet regulatory standards.

Property Rights Ombudsman Office Services Overview

The Utah Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman, under the Division of Real Estate, describes its services and limitations. The office helps citizens and government agencies with land use questions, eminent domain disputes, and irrigation facility relocations. It answers over 1,400 legal questions annually and offers mediation, arbitration, and advisory opinions when a government entity is involved. The office cannot resolve private boundary disputes or private easement questions.

Property Rights Ombudsman Office Services

The Utah Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman, part of the Utah Division of Real Estate, published an informational overview of its services. The office assists citizens and government agencies with land use laws, eminent domain regulations, and property rights questions. The office can mediate disputes, issue legal opinions, and provide advisory opinions when one party is a government entity. The office cannot assist with purely private boundary disputes or private easement questions.

Property Rights Ombudsman Office Services and Jurisdiction

The Utah Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman published an informational notice describing its functions and jurisdiction. The office was created by the Utah Legislature over twenty years ago to help citizens and government agencies understand land use laws, eminent domain regulations, and property rights. Staff consists of three attorneys and one secretary. The office mediated eminent domain disputes and disputes between irrigation companies and real estate developers. The office cannot resolve boundary disputes or easement questions involving only private parties.

Spring 2026 Newsletter: Real Estate Brokers Duties and Disclosures Amendments, License Cancellations

Governor Mark Gordon signed Senate Enrolled Act 37 (SEA0037/SF0105) into law on March 6, 2026, amending Wyoming real estate broker duties and disclosure requirements. The legislation clarifies the statutory definition of 'customer,' affirms that consumers cannot be required to sign written agency agreements simply to view or tour real estate, and clarifies disclosure requirements for licensees discussing real estate transactions. The Wyoming Real Estate Commission Spring 2026 Newsletter also publishes lists of canceled real estate licenses.

Contractor License Revocations, October 7, 2025

The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (VA DPOR) Contractors Board revoked nine contractor licenses at its October 7, 2025 meeting. Affected licensees include Dominion Building Concepts LLC, Green Studio Builders Inc, Designer Solutions, Tillery Building Group LLC, Eclat Construction LLC, K2 American Builders LLC, Thomas M. Thompson III, K&S Fence Company, and Lorenza D. Wilson t/a Wilson's Home Improvement. Case numbers and license numbers are provided for each revoked license.

Four Barber and Cosmetology Licenses Revoked

The VA DPOR Board for Barbers and Cosmetology issued revocation orders for four barber and cosmetology licenses on February 23, 2026. Affected parties include HEALTHY HAIR CARE BEAUTY ACADEMY INC. (Locust Grove, VA), DAO TRI DINH (Danville, VA), DAYDREAMERS ACADEMY (Durham, NC), and BLACK DIAMOND SCHOOL OF BEAUTY LLC (Roanoke, VA). These enforcement actions permanently remove operating authority from the named licensees.

Seven Contractor Licenses Revoked by Virginia Board of Contractors

The Virginia Board of Contractors revoked seven contractor licenses at its December 9, 2025 meeting. Affected firms include GE Custom Homes LLC (Reston), Wolf Bros Contracting LLC (Suffolk), Kelly's Clean Up and Out LLC (Richmond), Healthcare Construction Management Inc. (Chester), REI Builders Incorporated (Chesterfield), Williams Contracting LLC (Dinwiddie), Central Virginia Pools LLC (Charlottesville), and Advantage Builders Inc. of Virginia (Stone Ridge). Each revocation includes a case number and license number.

Premiere Landscape & Designs LLC Contractor License Revocation

The Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (VA DPOR) Contractors Board convened on February 24, 2026, and issued a license revocation for Premiere Landscape & Designs LLC, located in Virginia Beach, VA. The firm's contractor license number 2705163435 has been revoked under Case No. 2025-01059. This enforcement action prohibits the entity from conducting contractor activities in Virginia.

EYE DEUX Advance School of Beauty License Revoked

The Virginia Board for Barbers and Cosmetology issued a license revocation order against EYE DEUX INC t/a EYE DEUX ADVANCE SCHOOL OF BEAUTY (License No. 1252000027) located in Newport News, Virginia. Case No. 2025-00850 was finalized on November 10, 2025, revoking the school's authority to operate as a licensed cosmetology or barbering education institution in Virginia.

Abana Anthony Larry Revocation Order

The Texas Real Estate Commission issued a Final Order revoking the real estate sales agent license of Anthony Larry Abana (License No. 639579) and assessing a $500 administrative penalty. The revocation is effective September 6, 2025. The action was based on Abana's guilty plea to a felony offense and his failure to notify the Commission of the plea within 30 days as required by Texas Occupations Code Section 1101.652.

TREC Disciplinary Order, Case 260018

The Texas Real Estate Commission issued a disciplinary order against a real estate professional in Case 260018, imposing administrative penalties for violations of the Texas Real Estate License Act. The order carries significant consequences including potential license suspension, a $5,000 administrative penalty, and mandatory education course requirements. This enforcement action demonstrates TREC's active enforcement of professional standards for licensed real estate agents in Texas.

Joshua Adeniji License Suspended, $1,500 Penalty

The Texas Real Estate Commission issued a Final Order against Joshua Ademola Adeniji (License No. 691259), a Texas real estate sales agent, for violating Sections 1101.652(a)(4) and (a-1)(2) of the Texas Occupations Code. The violations involve failing to provide information and produce documents requested by the Commission during a complaint investigation. The Commission imposed a $1,500 administrative penalty, issued a reprimand, and suspended Adeniji's license until payment in full and receipt of the requested information. The order is effective September 23, 2025.

Adams Jr, License 631885 - Two-Year Probation $750 Penalty

The Texas Real Estate Commission issued an Agreed Order against licensed sales agent Adams Jr (License 631885) imposing two years of probation with the suspension fully probated, effective February 1, 2025, and a $750 administrative penalty payable in $250 monthly installments through May 2025. The licensee was found in violation of Texas Occupations Code Section 1101.652(a)(1) for pleading guilty to a state jail felony (Possession of a Controlled Substance) and Section 1101.652(a)(7) for failing to notify the Commission within 30 days of the guilty plea.

1545 Heights Venture LLC Reprimanded $1,000 Penalty for Sales Agent Supervision Failure

The Texas Real Estate Commission issued an Agreed Order reprimanding real estate broker 1545 Heights Venture LLC and assessing a $1,000 administrative penalty for failing to properly supervise sponsored sales agent Jasmine Batteau. Batteau submitted falsified lease applications in a third party's name for 18 properties and negotiated leases containing material misrepresentations about occupancy. The broker's designated broker admitted they do not review leases to compare tenant names. Payment is due in four $250 installments from October 15, 2024 through January 15, 2025.