Federal permitting bill that could speed apartment construction advances in Senate

Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act of 2026 measures could streamline permitting processes and development programs for multifamily, according to housing industry groups.

By Julie Strupp • Nov. 11, 2026

How state multifamily measures fared in the midterms

Voters across the country weighed in on funding, zoning, tax and permitting policies that could impact the rental housing industry.

By Julie Strupp • Nov. 9, 2026

What the midterm results mean for multifamily

Housing affordability is likely to remain a top priority for Congress as Democrats take control, experts said.

By Julie Strupp • Nov. 5, 2026

HUD launches ‘express lane’ for LIHTC multifamily construction loans

The idea is for HUD to “move these reviews quickly and expeditiously because these are lower-risk deals,” said Frank Cassidy, former FHA commissioner and assistant secretary for housing at HUD.

By Julie Strupp • Nov. 3, 2026

Realpage rent-pricing case wraps with nearly $360M to renters

A federal court approved the settlement agreement, but it is “not the final word necessarily” in algorithmic pricing litigation, per one legal expert.

By Julie Strupp • Nov. 3, 2026

From 59 zoning codes to 1: That’s the goal of this Ohio county’s streamlining plan

The Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Planning Commission says its proposal would modernize zoning standards, unlock development and reduce barriers across the county’s jurisdictions.

By Ryan Kushner • Oct. 28, 2026

What multifamily pros must know about the new housing law

“The housing discussion is not done” as the work of implementing the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act begins, the National Apartment Association’s Owen Caine told Multifamily Dive.

By Julie Strupp • Oct. 27, 2026

Housing policies on the ballot: What 4 states are asking voters to decide this year

From zoning regulations to bond approvals, the six statewide housing measures up for a vote in November are the most in a single year since 2006, Ballotpedia says.

By Ryan Kushner • Oct. 22, 2026

Build-to-rent now eligible for Federal Housing Administration financing

Under the policy change, BTR projects can qualify for new construction and acquisition or refinancing programs, as HUD pushes to increase housing supply.

By Julie Strupp • Oct. 16, 2026

More diverse housing types could result from new laws in California

From cheaper ADUs to streamlined “missing middle” housing to high-rises in transit-rich cities, the state adopted a slew of housing reforms.

By Ryan Kushner • Oct. 7, 2026

Bipartisan group wants ‘more pro-housing legislation’: Rep. Harder

California Rep. Josh Harder told Multifamily Dive that the Build America Caucus’ policy package aims to “kickstart the conversation of what comes next after ROAD [to Housing].”

By Julie Strupp • Oct. 6, 2026

Effort to streamline housing environmental review standards, regulations kicks off at HUD, USDA

The agencies signed an MOU to advance deregulatory measures for rural housing outlined in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act.

By Ryan Kushner • Oct. 5, 2026

RealPage wins pause on New York’s algorithmic rent-setting ban

The federal court agreed to grant a preliminary injunction while it mulls the software maker’s claims that the state’s new law violates the First Amendment.

By Julie Strupp • Oct. 2, 2026

More high-rises could be coming to 7 California cities under housing density bill

The bill would prevent major cities from limiting residential building heights to under 150 feet in new transit hub districts. It's awaiting the governor's signature.

By Ryan Kushner • Sept. 23, 2026

Trump nominates new HUD assistant secretary

Matt Jones is currently deputy assistant secretary for single-family housing at HUD and has a deep background in mortgage finance.

By Julie Strupp • Sept. 21, 2026

After rent emergency declaration, San Francisco mayor proposes reforms

As an AI boom pushes median rents higher, Mayor Daniel Lurie is proposing $30 million in investments and reforms to curb rising evictions and “sudden rent spikes.”

By Ryan Kushner • Sept. 11, 2026

DOJ, Pinnacle reach settlement in RealPage case

All but one defendant has now settled with the Justice Department in its antitrust lawsuit regarding landlords’ use of algorithmic rent-pricing software.

By Julie Strupp • Sept. 10, 2026

Fair housing construction accessibility complaints now have a deadline, HUD says

Accessibility claims related to multifamily building design and construction must be filed within one year of the initial certificate of occupancy, the new guidance says.

By Ryan Kushner • Sept. 4, 2026

While HUD recently ‘de-authorized’ emotional support animals, housing providers should proceed cautiously

The new guidance may seem like welcome news for landlords, but they should not automatically deny requests involving untrained ESAs, a housing compliance lawyer says.

By John Egan • Aug. 31, 2026

Notable multifamily policy and legal moves from this summer

Apartment permitting, land use, junk fees and heat violations are among the issues state and local officials have tackled recently.

By Julie Strupp • Aug. 27, 2026

Rents are rising faster in Chicago than other US cities. The mayor wants rental reform.

The proposed reforms target “hidden junk fees” and establish an administrative body to handle rental complaints. Industry groups are pushing back.

By Ryan Kushner • Aug. 26, 2026

Zillow, Redfin reach settlement with FTC over rental listing partnership

The companies will continue to partner and Redfin will reenter the online rental housing advertising market, per the agreement.

By Julie Strupp • Aug. 24, 2026

3 California cities sued over alleged violations of state housing rules

Housing advocacy groups say these cities are attempting to limit the impact of a new state law designed to increase housing density near transit.

By Ryan Kushner • Aug. 21, 2026

Extreme indoor heat is a housing violation, Arizona warns landlords

The state’s most recent lawsuit against Tucson landlords reflects a nationwide movement to establish maximum indoor temperatures for rental housing.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Aug. 18, 2026

Seattle bans rental ‘junk fees’

The new transparency ordinance, effective July 2027, eliminates administrative service charges, pet rent and package fees and requires upfront pricing for tenants.

By Julie Strupp • Aug. 13, 2026