From the Ground Up
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Lien Rights on Tenant Improvement Work: A Cross-Jurisdictional Perspective
Tenant improvement work is a common source of construction liens. When liens arise out of tenant improvement work, the question is always: does the lien attach to the owner/landlord’s ownership interest in the property, or does the lien attach solely...
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EPA Issues Drinking Water Standard for Six PFAS
On March 14, 2023, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued its proposed PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (NPDWR) under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) for six PFAS under the Proposed Rule: perfluorooctanoic ac...
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Washington Speculative Builders: Tax Traps for the Unwary
What’s in a name? For real estate developers operating in Washington State as a “speculative builder” rather than a “prime contractor,” naming matters. Speculative builders are not required to pay retailing business and occupation (B&O) tax or colle...
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Vancouver Seeks to Expand Affordable Housing Opportunities
The Vancouver area has grown rapidly in the past decade and this growth has increased the demand for housing, however the supply is struggling to keep up. This in turn has led to higher rents and higher home prices, leaving a dearth of affordable hou...
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Prospective Purchaser Agreements: The Importance of PPAs When Purchasing Contaminated Oregon Properties
Purchasers of contaminated property are often familiar with obtaining a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) in the hopes of maintaining the CERCLA bona fide prospective purchaser defense, but sometimes they overlook the fact that Oregon offer...
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EPA Approves the Use of ASTM E1527-21 for the All Appropriate Inquiries Requirement
On February 13, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final rule amending the All Appropriate Inquiries (AAI) rule took effect. Under the new rule, prospective purchasers of contaminated property can use ASTM E1527-21 “Standard Practice f...
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