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Protect Yourself from the Impact of Trade Tariffs on Construction Prices

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 22:47:28 GMT

How Will Newly Announced Tariffs Impact Your Construction Project? Here in Louisiana, and across the United States, the construction industry, already grappling with rising material costs and labor shortages, could face significant disruptions from President Trump’s newly announced trade tariffs. These tariffs, generally aimed at foreign goods imported into the U.S., can have far-reaching consequences for home builders, buyers, contractors, and the broader real estate market. Let’s dive into how these changes could affect home construction and home prices in the U.S. and here in Louisiana and how you can help protect your interests:

1. Increased Costs for Building Materials

One of the most direct impacts of trade tariffs is the increased cost of materials. The U.S. imports a wide range of construction materials, including steel, lumber, cement, and insulation, from countries like Canada, China, and Mexico. When tariffs are levied on these imported goods, builders face higher prices for raw materials and these costs may be passed on to the consumer.

The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), an industry trade group, estimates that around $204 billion worth of goods were used in the construction of new multifamily and single-family housing in 2024. $14 billion of those goods were imported from outside the U.S., meaning that approximately 7% of all goods used in new residential construction last year originated from a foreign nation and could be subjected to increased tariff costs.

For example, steel and aluminum tariffs can drive up the cost of rebar, structural steel, and even appliances, which are all integral to the home-building process. Though aluminum and steel were excluded from the most recently announced tariffs, these products had already received an increased duty earlier this year.

Similarly, shifts in lumber costs such as trade tariffs on softwood lumber, especially from Canada, can further exacerbate rising prices, which could increase the overall cost of constructing homes. Of $8.2 billion worth of sawmill and wood products imported in 2024, nearly 72% of these imports came from Canada. Total imports of sawmill and wood products from Canada totaled $5.9 billion.

Even lime and gypsum (like those used to produce drywall) could see price increases. The U.S. imported $481 million worth of lime and gypsum products in 2024, with 74% of these products originating from Mexico.

An earlier builder survey , conducted after the last round of increased duties, found that these earlier rounds of tariffs would increase an average home’s construction costs by almost $10,000.

2. Strained Supply Chains and Delays

Trade tariffs can also disrupt established supply chains. With tariffs in place, construction materials may become harder to obtain or take longer to reach their destinations due to delays at customs or shifts in sourcing strategies. Builders may struggle to secure the materials they need, leading to project delays and cost overruns.

These disruptions can delay the delivery of homes, potentially affecting the broader housing market. For buyers, this could mean longer waits for their new construction, while builders may find themselves having to push back timelines for projects, which could lead to lost revenue or a backlog of demand.

Understand Your Contract and Agreed Upon Terms

Changes in material or labor costs can be problematic for both builders or sub-contractors and consumers, particularly if there are disagreements about who must bear the cost of these increases. This is why it is particularly important to have your construction contracts reviewed prior to signing, so that you can understand what your options are if unanticipated hurdles arise. If you have already entered into a construction contract and have uncertainties about the ongoing impact of trade policies on your project, reviewing your contract now will help you more accurately estimate your future construction costs.

Force majeure clauses . For instance, some contracts contain force majeure clauses that could be implicated by tariffs depending on the exact wording of the clause. The specific language of the contract and the exact nature of the tariff increase will play a significant role in determining whether force majeure can be invoked. A force majeure clause typically lists specific events like natural disasters or political unrest, and the imposition of tariffs may or may not fall within this scope.

Escalation Clauses . Similarly, if you have an existing fixed price contract with a flat amount designated for labor and materials, you may still have an escalation clause built in to help mitigate risk.

These are particularly important considerations if you are still in the contract negotiation stage and have the greatest ability to protect your interests and create a contract that is fair to the parties. Particularly in the residential context, many contractors use form template contracts that are ill suited to today’s uncertain world and to the particulars of Louisiana contract law.

For guidance navigating these challenges, property owners, businesses, and builders rely on the Stow Firm’s expertise in construction law . Reach out today to ensure your contracts protect your project—and your bottom line.

Navigating Commercial Property Tax Increases in New Orleans: What Hotel Investors Need to Know in 2025 and Beyond

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 19:57:50 GMT

In New Orleans’ 2024 reassessment cycle, residential property taxes rose nearly 18%, but hotels and other commercial properties faced even steeper hikes, with some tax bills doubling . ^[1] This disproportionate increase highlights a growing burden on the hospitality sector. Understanding how these assessments are determined is crucial for hotel investors, as they signal a broader shift in commercial property valuation. By analyzing the factors driving these spikes, investors can better navigate the evolving tax landscape and protect their bottom line.

New Orleans: A Case Study in Rising Commercial Hospitality Property Taxes

In tax year 2024, Orleans Parish assessed a total of $51.5 billion across 153,628 taxable parcels, averaging a fair market value of $335,315 per parcel. Of this, commercial property made up 21.2%, or approximately $10.9 billion in taxable value. ^[2]

A recent study by Trepp identified New Orleans as the metropolitan area with the highest year-over-year increase in commercial real estate taxes, surging by 14.7% from 2022 to 2023. ^[3] The city’s latest quadrennial reassessment in 2024 has emphasized this trending increase of taxable assessments for commercial hospitality properties, affecting both small boutique hotels and large chain properties.

For example, the Royal Sonesta experienced a 98.27% increase from 2023 to 2024 in value assessed taxes, with its assessed value increasing from $5.2 million in 2023 to $10.4 million in 2024. ^[4] Similarly, the NOPSI hotel experienced a 89.39% increase from 2023 to 2024 in value assessed taxes, with its assessed value increasing from $1.9 million in 2023 to $3.6 million in 2024. ^[5] Both hotel properties have not had any major renovations, the last being in 2016 for the Royal Sonesta and 2017 for the NOPSI hotel. Further, both properties have not recently sold. ^[6]

These taxable assessment increases are not isolated to just a few downtown hotels. They reflect a broader trend of increasing assessment values of commercial hospitality properties across New Orleans.

“Know Your Worth”— A Cautionary Heeding to the New Orleans Hospitality Market

While commercial property taxes have increased substantially for many hospitality properties in downtown New Orleans, some New Orleans Hotels are not standing idly by.

For instance, the Omni Royal Orleans, with a 110.54% increase in the taxable assessment of its property, appealed their property taxes in 2024. ^[7] This resulted in a change order for the property with a 10.34% decrease to the taxable value of the building, equating to a reduction in their assessed valuation of $804,340. ^[8] This amounts to a tax savings of $106,164.83. [9] Similarly, the Royal Sonesta appealed its tax assessment in 2024. ^[10] This resulted in a change order for the property with a 16.41% decrease to the taxable value of the building, equating to a reduction in their assessed valuation of $1,720,800. ^[11] This amounts to a tax savings of $227,128.39. [12]

Why Are Commercial Hospitality Property Taxes Rising in New Orleans?

Hotel owners across New Orleans have seen a sharp rise in property tax assessments, but what’s driving these increases? Here are three key factors impacting hotel property valuations:

Inflation

While the U.S. hotel industry saw profit growth in 2024, rising labor costs and inflation have significantly limited those gains. ^[13] Raquel Ortiz, senior manager of financial performance at STR, noted that “demand growth has been key to driving total revenues, which have been the best defense against high expenses and allowed for hotels to increase profits, albeit minimal.” ^[14] Ultimately, despite its effect on a hotel’s net operating income (NOI), inflation is not a factor considered by the Orleans Assessor’s Office when evaluating property values. This results in assessed property values that fail to reflect the financial strain inflation imposes on hotel operations.

Rising Insurance Costs

Commercial properties in New Orleans saw an average 37% increase in insurance expenses from 2022 to 2023, the highest year-over-year rise among any U.S. city. ^[15] A key driver of these soaring insurance costs is the city's vulnerability to natural disasters. According to First Street’s latest report, New Orleans ranks among the top five metro areas facing the steepest insurance premium hikes, with residential premiums projected to rise by nearly 196% and flood damage costs expected to surge by 533%. ^[16] Yet, like inflation, the Assessor’s Office does not account for these rising insurance costs when assessing commercial property values. ^[17]

Renovations and Modernization

The Orleans Parish Assessor, Erroll Williams, has emphasized that renovations play a key role in determining property values, stating: “The ones that have been renovated are worth more than the ones that have not. That’s a fact.” ^[18] However, the actual tax assessment data suggests inconsistencies.

For example, Hotel Monteleone underwent multi-million dollar renovations in 2023, yet its assessed value increased by only 6.82%. ^[19] Meanwhile, Hilton Riverside saw one of the highest taxable value increases at approximately 120%, despite its last major renovation occurring in 2017. ^[20] These discrepancies suggest that the Assessor’s Office isn’t applying its valuation criteria consistently, with some hotels seeing sharp tax hikes despite having no recent renovations.

Looking Ahead: How Hotel Investors in New Orleans Can Lower Their Tax Bill

As the city hosts major events like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Essence Festival, and so forth, the improving tourism economy will likely boost commercial property values and make locations more attractive; in turn, it will also have the effect of driving up property tax assessments. ^[21]

The next major reassessment cycle, in 2028, for New Orleans is likely to bring even more volatility to commercial property tax assessments. However, commercial property owners do not have to wait till 2028 to get a fair adjustment to their property’s assessed value. In Orleans Parish, the open rolls period to appeal property taxes is scheduled to run from mid-July to mid-August. With a proactive response through the property tax appeal process , commercial property investors can ensure their properties are not being overvalued and, ultimately, save tens of thousands of dollars in taxes.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

^[1] Paul Murphy, Orleans property tax bills will be out soon - and they'll be higher, WWLTV, (Jan. 19, 2024, 1:25 PM), https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/orleans/new-orleans-property-tax-assessments-to-rise-as-school-board-votes-to-roll-millage-foward/289-98e0e183-410d-4ef7-8f7c-44a56f86fe68

^[2] Steve Wilson, Audit: Orleans Parish used prohibited 'sales chasing' to grow assessed values, The Center Square, (Dec. 30, 2023), https://www.thecentersquare.com/louisiana/article_29aad166-a5cc-11ee-97ed-8324ed068b6d.html

^[3] Breaking Down Office Property Operating Expenses Across the U.S., Trepp, (Sept. 2024), https://www.trepp.com/hubfs/Trepp%20Breaking%20Down%20Office%20Property%20Expenses%20Full%20Report%20Sept%202024.pdf?hsCtaTracking=f729838e-ffa9-494a-b77d-28c7632b2f98%7Cad99e19c-e027-4639-9346-496522b6f86a.

^[4] Orleans Parish Assessor’s Office, 300 BOURBON ST, (last visited Feb. 15, 2025), https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=979&LayerID=19792&PageTypeID=4&PageID=8663&Q=1886938444&KeyValue=300-BOURBONST

^[5] Orleans Parish Assessor’s Office, 317 BARONNE ST, (last visited Feb. 15, 2025), https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=979&LayerID=19792&PageTypeID=4&PageID=8663&Q=1886938444&KeyValue=317-BARONNEST

^[6] Id.

^[7] Orleans Parish Assessor’s Office, 621 ST LOUIS ST, (last visited Feb. 15, 2025), https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=979&LayerID=19792&PageTypeID=4&PageID=8663&Q=1886938444&KeyValue=621-STLOUISST

^[8] Id.

[9] Id.

^[10] Orleans Parish Assessor’s Office, supra note 4.

^[11] Id.

[12] Id.

^[13] U.S. hotel profits grew in 2024 but were limited by inflation and labor costs, STR, (Feb. 14, 2025), https://str.com/press-release/us-hotel-profits-grew-2024-were-limited-inflation-and-labor-costs#:~:text=2024%20per%2Davailable%2Droom%20metrics%20(%25%20change%20from%202023)&text=%E2%80%9CGrowth%20in%20total%20operating%20expenses,growth%20that%20has%20impacted%20margins.%E2%80%9D

^[14] Id.

^[15] Trepp, supra note 3.

^[16] Id.

^[17] Orleans Parish Assessor’s Office, FAQ, (last visited Feb. 26, 2025), https://www.nolaassessor.com/faq/

^[18] Lily Cummings, Audit shows thousands of New Orleans homeowners may be overpaying on taxes, WWLTV, (Dec. 28, 2023, 7:51 PM), https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/audit-shows-thousands-of-new-orleans-homeowners-may-be-overpaying-on-taxes/289-b9bfc44b-0acb-4d23-a022-3ce91e499f99

^[19] Rich Collins, Hotel Monteleone Unveils Multimillion Dollar Renovation, Biz New Orleans, (Jun. 29, 2023), https://bizneworleans.com/hotel-monteleone-unveils-multimillion-dollar-renovation/

^[20] Orleans Parish Assessor’s Office, 2 POYDRAS ST, (last visited Feb. 26, 2025), https://beacon.schneidercorp.com/Application.aspx?AppID=979&LayerID=19792&PageTypeID=4&PageID=8663&Q=1886938444&KeyValue=2-POYDRASST

^[21] Id.

The Best Evidence to Appeal your Louisiana Property Tax Assessment

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 02:12:26 GMT

Types of Documentation to Support Your Property Tax Assessment Appeal in Louisiana

Are you considering appealing your Louisiana property tax assessment?

Now is the time! The Open Rolls period is well under way in Orleans Parish and will start soon throughout Louisiana.

Maybe you know that your property is being overvalued by the assessor, but you’re not sure what kind of evidence you should include in your appeal?

Below, we discuss the types of evidence that can best support your Louisiana property tax assessment appeal and how you can plead your case for a lower property valuation.

· Appraisal

If you happen to have a recent appraisal of your property, this may be the strongest evidence of property value. However, appraisals can be expensive if you don’t have one on hand. It is certainly possible to successfully appeal your property valuation without paying for an independent appraisal. Read on for other types of evidence that may help support your appeal.

· Evidence of Property Condition Issues

Is your commercial building in need of repairs before you can find a new tenant? Does your residential property have storm damage? The assessor hasn’t fully inspected your property, so they likely won’t be aware of any condition problems that aren’t visible from the street. This means that, if your home has documented damage or requires major repairs, you can include evidence of these condition issues in your appeal. Any documentation showing items needing repair may be helpful. How can you document this? Home inspection reports (such as those done for due diligence purposes prior to a sale), contractor repair estimates, or even just your own photos and written damage descriptions can be helpful to provide a truer picture of your property’s condition and value.

· Evidence of Acquisition Cost

Did you purchase this property within the past few years? If the price you recently purchased the property for is less than the current assessed value, you may want to include evidence documenting purchase price. If the recorded sale value does not accurately reflect the amount paid for the land and improvements (e.g., if the sale included furniture or business opportunities that inflated the price), you should include this information in the appeal.

· Evidence of (Lack of) Rental Income

If your property is a rental, and you have vacancy, evidence of this vacancy or decreased rent may be helpful in your appeal.

· Evidence of Increased Insurance Costs

If you have experienced large increases in your insurance costs, evidence of these increases may support your request for a lower property valuation. This is because rapidly increasing insurance costs can impact the real estate market and dampen a buyer’s purchasing power.

· Comparable Sales

Are there recently sold homes or properties in your neighborhood that are similar to yours? Sales data from similar, recently sold properties can be compelling evidence that your property assessment is too high and should be lower. If you are using comps as a portion of your evidence, try to select properties that are truly similar:

o square footage

o bed and bath counts

o condition

o lot size

o amenities (off-street parking, swimming pool, etc.)

o location

The more similar a property is to yours, the more compelling a lower sale price is as evidence for your lower valuation.

Still not sure where to start? Or looking for in-person advocacy? The Stow Firm offers comprehensive property tax appeal services for a low, flat-fee. For more information, visit our website for more information.

New Orleans Short Term Rental Classes Announced for June Application Period

Sun, 19 May 2024 21:49:35 GMT

Want to apply for a permit to operate an Airbnb in New Orleans? Sign up for the required class at these links.

To obtain a permit to run a short term rental in New Orleans, the new laws require that you take an online class provided by the New Orleans Short Term Rental Administration. With the next application period just around the corner, from June 1st through 7th, 2024, the STR Administration as published its schedule of classes. These trainings will take place online via Microsoft Teams on May 21, 23, 28 & 30 at 11am. You can register for a training session through the links below:

May 21 @ 11am

May 23 @ 11am

May 28 @ 11am

May 30 @ 11am

Key points about these classes:

If you are applying for an NSTR License during the next application period (June 1-7), you MUST attend one of these trainings.
If you have a valid NSTR License that expires on June 30, 2025, you DO NOT have to attend a training.
If you are a NEW Operator, you MUST attend a training.
Someone else operating your Airbnb rental?
If you own a short term rental and you are planning to have a different person be the onsite operator, we recommend that both the owner and the operator register for and attend one of these classes. See N.O. Ord. Sec. 26-617 (c)(9) (requiring the course for the NSTR owner permit); Sec. 26-61 9(b)(6) (requiring the course for an NSTR operator);

For help applying for a short term rental permit in New Orleans, you can check out our NSTR application preparation service , where we create a professional application for you that meets all of the City's technical requirements.

How to File A Property Damage Insurance Claim After a Tornado or Severe Weather

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 00:17:25 GMT

Maximizing Your Tornado Damage Claim: Essential Steps for Slidell Homeowners and Commercial Property Investors

Louisianians are used to extreme weather. When it comes to weather-related emergencies, we have seen people come together time and time again to help their neighbors and keep their families and friends safe. The same was true during last week’s tornadoes across the State. It's a relief that the impact, though significant, didn't result in more tragic outcomes. We recognize the importance of community preparedness and response efforts in safeguarding lives during these types of weather events. But, after the storm has passed and everyone is safe, how should you handle property damage? Read on for advice about how to file your property damage insurance claim in Louisiana.

What to do if your property is damaged in a tornado or other severe weather?

Locate your insurance information. Initiate contact with your insurance provider or agent to start the claims process. Ensure you have your policy number on hand and provide an initial assessment of the damage. Make sure that your agent and insurance company have good contact information for you, including phone number and email address that you actually check.

1. Document the damage.

Capture visual evidence of the damage through photographs or video footage before engaging in any cleanup efforts. Try to preserve the scene as it is to facilitate an accurate assessment by the claims adjuster. As you start to clean up your personal belongings, try not to get rid of items. Instead, separate the damaged belongings from those unaffected. Even your damaged items can contribute to the inventory of losses.

2. Make necessary temporary repairs.

Even though you have insurance and suffered property damage from the weather, you still have the responsibility to safeguard your property from further harm. Think about things like covering damaged roofs with tarps or securing broken windows with wood. Retain receipts for any expenses incurred to make these quick fixes because you may be able to get reimbursed later.

3. Report your claim to your insurer in writing.

While many property owners initially report their tornado damage and other property damage over the phone to their agent or insurance company, it’s important to ensure your claim is reported in writing, quickly to the insurance company. Keep in mind, it’s your insurance company that must make sure has notice of your claim, not just your agent. It’s also important to keep a good record of all your talks with your insurance company. Even though you’ll probably talk to your insurance adjuster on the phone, try to follow up those conversations with something in writing, like an email that summarizes what was said and what they promised. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t talk to them at all—just make sure you also have a written record. Writing things down after you talk helps keep everyone on the same page and gives you something solid to refer back to. This way, you have clear proof of what was said and agreed on, which can really help move things along smoothly.

4. Work with your adjuster.

When an insurance adjuster visits your property, ask for identification before allowing them access. How can you tell if an adjuster is licensed? You can use the look up feature on the the Louisiana Department of Insurance to verify insurance adjusters, adjusters, agencies and appraisers in Louisiana: https://www.ldi.la.gov/onlineservices/ProducerAdjusterSearch/

5. Hire an experienced property damage attorney to protect your interests.

Hiring an experienced Louisiana property damage attorney like Christopher Stow-Serge can help you to navigate the insurance claims process and protect your interests at every step. An attorney can help you properly file and document your claim and negotiate and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf. For complex claims involving extensive damage, multiple parties, or issues with liability, the Stow Firm can provide valuable guidance and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the claims process. Hiring the Stow Firm is particularly critical in cases where the property damage results in significant financial losses, such as damage to a business or commercial property or high-value assets. Some insurance policies, especially commercial or specialized policies, contain complex provisions or exclusions that require legal interpretation. The Stow Firm has the experience to help you understand your rights under your policy.

Around Louisiana: An Attempted Landlord Crackdown in Shreveport Residential Multi-Family Rentals

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 15:03:00 GMT

Landlords Face Scrutiny and Possible Citations Over Blight in Shreveport, Louisiana

The Stow Firm actively monitors real estate, property, and construction legal issues and events throughout the State in our Around Louisiana blog articles. Today, we explore the City of Shreveport’s attempts to regulate or oversee what it views as problematic multi-family residential rental units and landlords.

Understanding Shreveport's Rental Registration Property Program

In response to apparently poor conditions at some multi-family rental buildings, in December 2022, Shreveport implemented a Rental Registration Property Program. Per the Shreveport-Caddo Metropolitan Planning Commission, “[p]ursuant to Ordinance 195 of 2022, no individual, corporation, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, may rent, or offer to rent, to individuals or households any rental dwelling unit until the residential rental property has been registered and a Certificate of Registration has been issued by the Office of the MPC. Residential rental properties include any single-family, two-family, triplex, fourplex, manufactured homes, townhome, condominium, and/or apartments being offered to rent.” Despite requiring these rental units in the parish to be registered before being offered for rent, compliance was minimal and the program was altered to extend the deadline by three more months, to March 31, 2024. According to the Advocate, as of August 2023, only about 200 apartments had registered–less than 1% of the eligible rentals.(1) The registration program was amended to exempt landlords with only one to two properties. The goal of registration is to provide the City with owner information and for landlords to also be required to provide information for a local designee or property manager.

For more information about the Rental Registration Property program, visit: https://www.shreveportcaddompc.com/about-us/services/applications/rental-registration .

The City's Escalation: From Registration to Criminalization?

In late 2023, the city announced its plan to cite the landlords of some multi-unit residential rental buildings for ignoring local housing ordinances involving building upkeep and rental unit standards. This escalation, involving the potential for fines or even jail time, was described in the local paper as: “Struggling with ways to improve living conditions at a number of apartment complexes around the city where property owners are difficult to find and unresponsive to demands, the City of Shreveport plans next to try bringing cases against them on charges of criminal blighting of property in the first part of 2024. The city administration hopes bringing local ordinance enforcement to the level of criminal prosecutions will send a message to slumlords [that] the city is serious about forcing them to put their properties in order.” (2)

LLCs and Property Ownership Challenges

This extreme near-criminalization of landlords was brought about because the City claimed that it could not ascertain the true owners of delinquent properties due to the use of limited liability companies and the unavailability of on-site management with authority to make repairs or correct issues. A limited liability company, otherwise known as a LLC, is a type of business structure that is permitted by statute in Louisiana (and in other states). In Louisiana, the requirements for LLCs are contained in Title 12, Chapter 22 of the Revised Statutes (RS 12:1301 et seq.) In general, a LLC is a business organization structure that protects its owners, called members, from personal liability for the debts of the business. The profits or losses of an LLC may be passed on to the individual LLC members, not actually taxed to the LLC directly. In Louisiana, LLCs must provide the name and address of a registered agent (usually a Louisiana resident or law firm) who can accept service of process for the company. See RS 12:1308.

Last month, the Shreveport City Attorney Marcus Edwards announced that the City’s initial attempts to issue citations to the targeted landlords had failed. Specifically, the City “attempted service via long-arm service of the owners of the property and the certified mail returned undeliverable” despite being “sent to their registered address.” This seems to suggest that these landlord LLCs have failed to follow the LLC requirements outlined in Title 12 or the City has failed to correctly ascertain the correct registered agent for these landlords.

Can Shreveport Property Managers be Held Responsible for City Blight Violations?

In response to this failure, Shreveport intends to serve these citations on the management companies instead. According to City Attorney Edwards, "[b]ecause [city officials] were unable to serve the owner, the next step is going to be action against some of these property management companies. That’s what we're now trying to get to the bottom of — trying to figure out who are the property managers or manager, because they're going to be local obviously, and then directing that same citation to them.” Shreveport claims that the city blight ordinance is written in a manner that allows “the owner or anyone in control of the property” to be held responsible. It remains to be seen if a management company, or individual property manager, can truly be held responsible for conditions or elements of a property that may be outside of their contracted control.

The Stow Firm represents landlords, property managers, and investors in a variety of real estate, government, and landlord tenant issues in Shreveport and across Louisiana. If you find yourself or your property being targeted by the government for blight citations or other ordinance violations, get in touch to see if we can help.

Footnotes:

(1)

https://www.shreveportbossieradvocate.com/news/majority-of-shreveport-rentals-still-not-registered-with-the-city-as-deadline-looms/article_d3e48454-306c-11ee-954e-f3f95ae9da13.html

(2)

https://www.shreveportbossieradvocate.com/news/shreveport-readying-prosecutions-against-slumlords/article_51bfd156-99ce-11ee-b985-d3d5223e3d60.html

(3)

https://www.shreveportbossieradvocate.com/news/after-failed-efforts-to-cite-slumlord-shreveport-to-target-property-managers/article_a73911fc-e5f4-11ee-a46f-17353f80fdeb.html

Due Diligence: Dos and Don’ts When Buying a New Construction Home

chris@stowfirm.com (Chris Stow) — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 13:57:53 GMT

Understanding the Basics of Due Diligence Research for New Construction Residential Real Estate

Buying a home is exciting, but the idea of spending so much money can also be nerve wracking. Doing your due diligence, like research, can help you avoid a bad investment and put your mind at ease about making such a big purchase. Here, we’ll be discussing some things to consider if you are thinking about buying a newly constructed home, though many of these factors can also apply to older homes too.

DO: Research Your Builder

When considering a new home, think about the builder or contractor behind the project; this is true if the home is a one off project or part of a larger planned development. If you are considering a new home purchase but don’t know who the builder is, for instance if a developer is marketing the project, ask! This is the type of information that a developer should be willing to share, if not, there may be other concerns.

Look up both the builder’s company name and personal name. Even a quick google search may turn up news articles about problems with the construction or, on the positive side, awards that the builder’s projects have won.

DO: Check and verify that the builder is properly licensed.

How can you check if a contractor is properly licensed in Louisiana?

To check and see if the construction company is licensed as a Louisiana business, you can visit: https://coraweb.sos.la.gov/commercialsearch/commercialsearch.aspx .

Here, you can search by business name or by a person’s name and see if they are in good standing with the State. If a builder or construction company is not “in good standing” with the Secretary of State, it may mean that they are not properly insured or will be unable to properly warranty their work. If nothing else, it shows the contractor has a problem keeping up with paperwork. Next, verify that the contractor is licensed.

How can you check if a contractor is a licensed Louisiana contractor?

Check if a contractor is licensed to perform work in the state by visiting the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors at https://lslbc.louisiana.gov/contractor-search/ .

Here, you can search by business name, personal name, contractor license number, as well as by locality. Verify that your builder is licensed and the type of work that they are licensed to do. For instance, if a contractor is only licensed as a home improvement contractor, they should not be the prime contractor for a new home build or any other work exceeding $75,000 is value. Be wary of builders who appear to be under licensed for the work they are performing.

What if a contractor is licensed in another state, but not Louisiana?

Contractors performing work in Louisiana must be licensed in Louisiana. This is true even if, for example, the new build project is in Slidell and the contractor is licensed in Mississippi. It is fine if a contractor is licensed in multiple states.

Why is it important to hire a licensed contractor?

Hiring a licensed contractor is important because it means that he or she has met the necessary qualifications and follows local regulations and industry standards. Licensed contractors are more likely to carry proper insurance, protecting against liability and workers' compensation issues. Additionally, using a licensed contractor may give you more legal options in case something goes wrong later.

DO: Ask about the builder’s history.

How long has the company been building homes? How long has the builder been licensed? What are other projects that the company or builder has been involved in? You’ll use this information in the next step.

DO: Visit Other Projects

Builders should be proud of their work. Visit a builder’s older projects and take a look at the homes, even if only from the outside. Do the homes appear to be in good shape? Are there obvious condition issues? In cases of a new home development, do many of the homes seem to have the same issue (like cracking stucco)? Don’t ignore your intuition or observations. Additionally, if there are any homes for sale in a builder’s older developments, take a tour with a realtor or during an open house so that you can also check out the inside.

If there is a show home available for the development you’re considering, make sure to take a tour, but a show home is unlikely to tell you much about how a builder’s homes may age.

DO: Ask for Insurance Information

You can request the builder’s insurance policy information for the project. You can also verify that any subcontractors employed on the job are covered by insurance. This is another step that you can take to do your due diligence and ensure that your rights are protected.

DON’T: Rely on a Builder's Inspection Report

If you move forward in purchasing the new construction property (or really, any property!), hire your own independent inspector to do your due diligence. Many builders or developers will offer new homes “pre-inspected” meaning that they have paid an inspector to assess the property and create a report. Though this type of information is always useful, you should never rely on a builder’s inspection report. Do your research and hire a home inspector who you feel comfortable with and who will conduct the types of inspections you want. For instance, some inspectors will use thermal imaging during a home inspection to identify potential air leaks or water infiltration, but many will not.

DON’T: Assume that a New Construction Home Means No Maintenance

You wouldn’t buy a new car and then never change the oil. The same is true for a new construction home. All homes, even new ones, require routine and preventative maintenance. Things like cleaning the gutters and HVAC maintenance need to happen routinely no matter the age of your home.

DON’T: Forget to Ask about Warranties

Does the builder or developer offer a warranty on the home or parts of the work? If so, ask about the terms or conditions and get this information in writing. Check and make sure that new components, fixtures, or appliances also have any available warranty information available. Does a product need to be registered for the warranty to apply? Try to gather all of this information before closing on the property.

Keep in mind that there are also some warranties, like the New Home Warranty Act, that are provided by law regardless of whether or not a builder believes that they offer a warranty.

DON’T: Ignore Problems Once You Buy a New Construction House

You may want to just pretend that your new home is perfect, but ignoring small issues can only cause you bigger problems down the line. In Louisiana, you only have a limited amount of time to take legal action related to your new home warranty. For some issues, that time period is only a year, so it is important to speak up and document problems that you may find as soon as they become apparent to you. I am frequently contacted by homeowners who ignored a small issue with their new construction home and found that, in the end, it became a much larger and more expensive problem to fix. Protect yourself by acting earlier and keeping your legal options open and protecting your rights.

If you are having problems with your new construction home, contact the Stow Firm for a free consultation and to discuss your options. Buying a home is a big achievement that you deserve to be proud of. Careful due diligence before purchasing is just one step in making that a reality for you and your family.

How to Secure Your New Orleans Short-Term Rental Permit for Airbnb, Post-Court Ruling

Mon, 04 Mar 2024 03:45:04 GMT

Q: How can I get a short term rental permit in New Orleans?

A: Until recently, this was a very complicated question. In 2023, the New Orleans City Council implemented new rules about non-commercial short term rentals (NSTRs). However, shortly thereafter, a federal lawsuit in the Eastern District of Louisiana halted the permit process. Since late summer 2023, a court-ordered stay has been in place, essentially freezing the issuance of all NSTR permits in the city of New Orleans. On Wednesday, February 27, 2024, the stay was lifted when Judge Ivan Lemelle issued his ruling, which largely preserved the permitting rules put in place by the City Council. You can read more about the stay here .

Q: Can you tell me more about the ruling?

A: The 55 page ruling discusses each element of the new NSTR laws and finds the vast majority to be constitutional. There is a small change that allows trust beneficiaries and usufructories to obtain an NSTR permit. If you believe this may apply to you, please contact our office to discuss your particular situation. There have been a variety of news articles covering and summarizing the opinion, you can read the Times Picayune’s coverage here .

Q: So, now that the Judge has ruled, can I actually apply for a NSTR permit?

A: Yes. The City has indicated that both the operator (OSTR) and non-commercial permit (NSTR) applications will be reopened. The OSTR permit application is open now. The NSTR application, for new applicants, will open on June 1, 2024.

Q: What about the lottery that was held last summer?

A: If you were included in the August 14, 2023, lottery it appears that those results are still valid and will be honored. That means that, if you won the lottery for your square block, you will have the opportunity to pay and be issued a permit.

Q: What is a square block?

A: Check out the example illustration on our blog, here .

Q: Can you explain the lottery process?

A: Each square block is assigned a five digit lottery ID number and every individual applicant in the lottery is given a reference code and a corresponding bingo ball number. During the lottery, the square block lottery ID number is announced, the reference codes and corresponding ball numbers are displayed, and the balls are tossed in the cage. Balls are selected in order, with a first place, second place, third place and so on and announced. The lottery is only held for square blocks where there are multiple applicants trying to get a NSTR permit.

Q: If I won the lottery for my block, or didn’t have any competition for a permit, what happens next?

A: The City “will be approving Round 1 applications by March 8th” according to a recent email. In theory, this means that by March 8, 2024, you will receive an email from noreply@nola.gov approving your license and telling you how to pay for your permit. You will only have 5 calendar days from receiving the approval email to pay for your permit. If you believe that you won the lottery for your block, or did not have any competition in your block, but do not receive an email from the City, you should quickly take action to protect your right to a permit.

Q: What happens if the first place lottery winner doesn’t pay within 5 days?

A: If the City does not receive payment within the 5 day window, the next person in line via the lottery will have the opportunity to claim the permit for that square block. If you receive an email from the City directing you to pay for your NSTR permit, you should pay as soon as possible to avoid losing out on a permit.

Q: If I entered the August 2023 lottery and didn’t win, what are my options?

A: If you entered but were not awarded a permit during the 2023 lottery, the City send you an email or letter officially stating that your application was denied. This letter will probably come after the first place lottery winner pays their permit fees. The next step will be the special exception process, where an exception is given for you to operate a Short Term Rental on sites like Airbnb, despite your square block already having one short term rental or a property licensed as a bed and breakfast. The Stow Firm is representing clients seeking an NSTR exception to the one per square block rule and can assist you with your exception application.

Q: What if I didn’t, or couldn’t, enter last year’s lottery—can I still get a permit?

A: Yes and your opportunity is coming up soon. On June 1, 2024, new NSTR applications will be accepted. After you submit your application, one of three things will happen: 1) you will be denied (either because of problems with your application itself or because your property does not follow the requirements), 2) you will granted a permit (if there are no other applicants in your square block and no NSTR permit has been granted for your square block), or 3) you will be entered into the next lottery to compete for a permit for your square block.

Q: Once you apply for a NSTR permit on June 1, are you automatically entered into the July 1, 2024, lottery?

A: No, you will only be entered into the lottery if the following things are true: your application meets all the requirements; your square block does not currently have a B&B or permitted NSTR on it; and at least one other applicant in your square block also applied during the June 2024 application window and met the application requirements. If you are interested in applying for the upcoming NSTR application cycle, feel free to contact the Stow Firm for assistance in completing your application and learning if there are other already permitted NSTRs or B&Bs in your square block.

Q: Does the court ruling impact non-residential, commercial STRs in New Orleans?

A: No, the court ruling and application process described above only applies to non-commercial, residential rentals. New commercial STR permits are currently frozen in New Orleans, though you may renew an existing CSTR permit. You can read more about this issue on our blog, here .

Q. How much does a citation for an illegal STR listed on Airbnb Cost in New Orleans?

Fines for illegal Airbnb listings and other STR violations are $500 a day, with each day counting as a separate violation.

See New Orleans Ordinance Sec. 26-629 (a) ("Any person who violates this article or the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance shall be subject to a fine of not less than $500.00 for each offense. Each day that such violation exists shall constitute a separate and distinct offense. Multiple violations may relate to the same guest stay, day, action, situation, or event, and may be noticed and heard in a single administrative hearing.")

As of early March 2024, the City is issuing citations for "illegal" STR listings on Airbnb. Property owners who are issued citations are entitled to notice and the opportunity to be heard at a hearing.

Q. Do you offer a service where you will help me with my NSTR permit application?

Yes, you can find more information about that service here .

This post was updated March 25, 2024.

New Orleans Property Tax Appeals to the Louisiana Tax Commission

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 12:02:45 GMT

Are you among the thousands of New Orleans property owners who saw massive property assessment hikes this summer? The average citywide increase in assessed value was an addition of around 23%. But, according to City Council Vice President Moreno, this assessment season there were “more than 60 thousand[] properties with more than a 50 percent increase” in total assessed value. [1] Though the initial assessments and appeal process generated news coverage, little has been heard since and the vast majority of property owners have not learned what comes next. The Stow Firm has been monitoring the Orleans Parish Tax Appeal process and offers this Q and A to help explain what options property owners still have to reach a fair assessment value. Should you wish to discuss your situation or obtain assistance in filing an appeal to the Louisiana Tax Commission, please reach out to us.

Q: When I filed an appeal, what am I actually appealing?

A: By filing a property assessment appeal, you are challenging the proposed 2024 assessed value of the building, including land and other improvements.

Q: By filing an appeal, am I suing the assessor?

A: No, this is different than filing a lawsuit, but the assessor is the opposing party in your appeal. As discussed more below, regardless of the Board of Review’s decision either party (either you or the assessor) can appeal to the Louisiana Tax Commission if unhappy with the result.

Q: I filed an appeal before the deadline, but I didn’t hear anything about the outcome. Why?

A: If you filed an appeal by the August 18, 2023, deadline, the outcome of that appeal has not yet been officially determined. You may have received information about a short, ten minute Board of Review hearing date when your appeal was scheduled for review by a hearing officer. However, even if you attended your hearing date, you would not know the official outcome.

Q: Does the hearing officer decide the appeal?

A: No. The outcome of your appeal is officially decided by the New Orleans City Council, which acts as the Board of Review. The Council will base its decision on information you submitted with your appeal, information from the assessor, and information from the hearing officer.

Q: Has the City Council already decided my appeal?

A: No. The Council will make and adopt an official decision about assessments sometime during its upcoming Board of Review meeting.

Q: When is the Board of Review City Council meeting?

A: It is currently set on the calendar for October 19, 2023, at 9:15AM. You can check the Council calendar for any updates: https://council.nola.gov/meetings/

Q: How will I be notified of the outcome of my property value assessment appeal?

A: According to the City Council, “[b]eginning the Week of October 30, 2023, written notice of appeal determinations sent to appellants and the Assessor by certified mail. The Board's appeal determination will also be available at OrleansTaxAppeal.com.”

Q: What if I’m unhappy with the results of my appeal—is the decision final?

A: If you disagree with the result of the Board of Review’s decision about your appeal, you have the option to appeal, in writing, to the Louisiana Tax Commission. If you do not appeal to the Tax Commission, then the decision of the Board of Review is final and that valuation will be used to determine your property taxes, even if you believe it is incorrect.

Q: What is the Louisiana Tax Commission?

A: The Louisiana Tax Commission is a panel of five people appointed to the commission by the Governor. These appointees and their staff members act to administer property tax laws and make decisions about taxes. Because the commission members are appointed by the Governor, this means that a new commission is likely to be appointed in early 2024, following the upcoming election.

Q: Is there a due date for Tax Commission appeals?

A: According to the City Council, the Board of Review’s decision “is final unless appealed, in writing, to the Louisiana Tax Commission within 10 business days after notice of the BOR determination is postmarked or is delivered by hand to the taxpayer and/or to the Assessor.” A business day means any day between Monday through Friday that is not a government-recognized holiday.

Q: How do I file an appeal to the Louisiana Tax Commission?

A: Appeals must be in writing, using the proper form (either Form 3102 or 3103 A). You can file your appeal either by mail (make sure you have proof of mailing) or online.

Q: What happens after I file an appeal to the Louisiana Tax Commission?

A: After you file your appeal and all related attachments there are a number of steps before your appeal is actually decided. This includes a State appraisal of your property, providing additional evidence or documentation to the commission, any ongoing contact with the Assessor’s Office concerning your valuation, and finally, a hearing in front of the Louisiana Tax Commission. Unlike the short, cursory 5 to 10 minute Board of Review hearings, a hearing in front of the Louisiana Tax Commission may be lengthy (20-30 minutes or longer). Only after all of this will you receive a final decision on your property valuation.

Q: What happens if I don’t appeal my tax assessment to the Louisiana Tax Commission?

A: Without an appeal to the Louisiana Tax Commission, your property will be taxed at the rate determined by the New Orleans City Council in their meeting. While local government agencies initially agreed that they would not use the new, higher assessed values to raise taxes on property owners, recent reporting indicates that at least the Sewerage and Water Board will seek to raise the total amount of property tax on Orleans property owners.

The Stow Firm is happy to guide clients through this complicated government process to ensure that your property is fairly valued and you are not overtaxed. Please contact our office if you are interested in this service. Time is of the essence because there is only a short window to file a Louisiana Tax Commission appeal.

[1] https://www.fox8live.com/2023/07/18/shocking-increases-orleans-parish-property-assessments-prompts-council-questions/

Court Sets Hearing On New Short Term Rental Ordinances for Airbnb in New Orleans

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 18:16:07 GMT

The future of Airbnb in New Orleans?

A new hearing date for the lawsuit challenging the new STR ordinances is set for Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.

This post is a quick update of where things stand today on the permits for Short Term Rentals (STRs) like those on Airbnb and Vrbo, in New Orleans, and the lawsuit that has resulted in a pause on the City’s issuance of new permits.

(Note, this post is based on the information available on Sept. 19, 2023. Things may/will change going forward.)

Background:

You’ll recall that on Aug. 31, 2023, about three weeks ago, the Eastern District of Louisiana federal court issued a Temporary Restraining Order that stopped the City of New Orleans from enforcing the new Short Term Rental Ordinances. Hignell, et al. v. City of New Orleans, No. 19-cv-13773, ECF No. 202 (E.D. La. Aug. 31, 2023). The Court stopped the ordinances because it wanted time to rule on a lawsuit challenging those ordinances. Shortly after the Court issued that restraining order, it set a hearing date on the challenge to the ordinances, and that hearing was scheduled to happen last week. But last week’s hearing never happened.

Key Point:

The new hearing date for the lawsuit challenging the new STR ordinances is set for Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.

What happened to the old hearing date?

The Court cancelled the old hearing date and set a new hearing date after a second lawsuit was filed. That second lawsuit, Marquardt v. City of New Orleans, challenged the City’s cancellation of the old STR permits as a violation of Due Process. (That’s slightly different that the main lawsuit, which is challenging whether the new laws are legal.)

Shortly after this second lawsuit was filed, on Sept. 12, 2023, it was consolidated into the main lawsuit. Because the second lawsuit came into the main lawsuit on the day before the court had the hearing scheduled, the Court delayed the hearing date so the parties could consider and respond to the new lawsuit.

When will this be resolved?

We should have a good sense of where this process is heading after the Sept. 27 ^th hearing.

The primary lawsuit challenging the new STR ordinances will likely have a ruling soon. The parties have filed summary judgment motions back in July. This means that each party thinks they should win based on the law and the undisputed facts.

It seems that most of the facts here are undisputed, e.g., the City did pass these new ordinances and they say what they say. So, the question is really whether the Court will find all or any part of them unconstitutional.

These motions have been filed for about two months now, so a ruling should be coming soon. It’s possible that the Court will rule on the summary judgment motions and determine whether the challenges to the new ordinances have merit at the Sept. 27th hearing. However, it’s also possible that the Court will just hear the parties’ argument on that day, then issue a written ruling sometime later. If the ruling does not happen at the hearing, I would expect the Court to issue its written ruling somewhat quickly after the hearing. Note, even if the Court doesn’t rule at the Sept. 27th hearing, we may get a sense from the Judge’s comments where this matter is going.

For the second lawsuit---the one challenging the City’s sunsetting of the old R-STR permits---that has not been pending in the Court for very long. In fact, the City has not yet filed an answer to that lawsuit. It will likely do so today. So, it’s less likely that we’ll see a substantive ruling on that lawsuit at the Sept. 27th hearing. However, we may see a ruling on a temporary restraining order in that case. One possibility for that case is that the City could be enjoined / stopped from considering the old permits cancelled, giving the Court the time to work out the law on that issue. To be clear, that is not a certainty. It's too early to tell.

Note, if the City completely loses the lawsuit, a few City Council members have introduced motions that would ban STR in residential areas. However, given that those motions will be highly influenced by the outcome of the lawsuit and the upcoming hearing, it is too early to say what effect they may have on this process.

Next Steps

As of right now, the exception process is on pause because of the Court’s previous restraining order. But we may be getting started on that soon after the Sept. 27th hearing.

I’ll update this blog after the Sept. 27 ^th hearing. In the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me with any questions on this.

Short Term Rental Taxes on Longer Term Stays

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 00:17:52 GMT

How “short” is a short term rental?

Short term rentals (STRs) are generally considered to be stays less than 30 days long, though this can vary slightly by locality. In New Orleans, a short term rental is defined, in part, as “the use and enjoyment of a [d]welling [u]nit, or any portion thereof, by guests for a period of less than thirty consecutive days.” This time limit is important because it helps to differentiate short term rentals from more traditional, standard rentals. As all STR owners and operators know, these properties are subject to many, many rules and regulations—including different standards for taxation. STRs usually have to pay a higher rate of taxes than other similar businesses and far more taxes than a traditional rental.

What happens if you own a STR and rent it out to someone for 30 days or more?

Even though you own a short term rental and may have listed it for rent on a STR website like Airbnb or VRBO, if you are renting to the same person for a stay of 30 consecutive days or more, this is not a short term rental. In New Orleans (and many other places around the country), a 30 day long rental is not taxed at the same rates—or it should not be!

Short Term Rental Taxes in New Orleans

STR occupancy taxes are usually collected by the booking platform. When someone books a stay, you (as the host) can see exactly how much occupancy tax is being collected and, with a little digging, which taxes are being collected. In New Orleans, for example, Airbnb states that it collects an accommodations tax, general sales and use tax, hotel daily fee, and short term rental tax. Their website provides a bit more information for rentals within New Orleans:

New Orleans Sales Tax: 5% of the listing price including any cleaning fee for reservations 59 nights and shorter.
New Orleans Hotel Occupancy Privilege Tax: $0.50 per night.
STR Occupancy Fee: Nightly fee based on listing type for reservations 29 nights and shorter.
STR Equalization Occupancy Tax: 6.75% of the listing price including any cleaning fee for reservations 29 nights and shorter based on listing type.

The City of New Orleans, in its outdated STR Handbook, also provides some information about the taxes to be collected (these have been reordered to match the ordering above):

City Sales Tax: 5%
Occupancy Privilege: (1-299 rooms): $0.50 per night (300+ rooms): $1.00 per night
Residential STR Occupancy Fee: $5 per night rented –or— Commercial STR Occupancy Fee: $12 per night rented
STR Equalization Occupancy Tax: 6.75%

So why are 30 plus day stays still being taxed?

Some of these taxes clearly only apply to short term stays, that is, reservations of 29 days or less. However, this doesn’t mean that stays of more than 30 days are charged zero tax. Rather, Airbnb is still charging sales tax for stays up to 60 days long.

So, why is Airbnb collecting sales tax for reservations of 30 days or longer? The answer may be in the Louisiana Revised Statutes concerning Sales Tax. These laws explain who owes sales tax when. Generally, hotel guests must pay sales tax on the total of their hotel stay.

But, is your STR a “hotel” for the purpose of collecting sales tax from your reservations?

In general, the answer is yes. RS 47:301 Sales Tax: Definitions defines hotel as “any establishment or person engaged in the business of furnishing sleeping rooms, cottages, or cabins to transient guests, where such establishment consists of sleeping rooms, cottages, or cabins.” RS 47:301(6)(a). This language is repeated in Orleans Parish Code of Ordinances Sec. 150-441. This clearly includes most if not all STRs.

But, what about if you are renting your STR out for 30 days or more?

This gets tricky: Under the Louisiana Revised Statutes, “ For purposes of this Chapter, hotel shall not mean or include any establishment or person leasing apartments or single family dwelling on a month-to-month basis.” RS 47:301(6)(a)(iii). Again, Orleans Code of Ordinances Sec. 150-441 repeats this language.

However, Orleans Parish Form 8010-STR tax form claims that “Short Term Rental Sales Tax applies only to charges made to transient guests. Whether a guest is transient or permanent must be determined on a case by case basis using the following definitions:

Transient guest: one who pays for the room by the day or by the week

Permanent guest: one who has a contract and pays for the room by the month and resides in the establishment for at least sixty (60) consecutive calendar days. ” The City provides no support for this definition.

What does this all mean for me?

This means that even though a booking of more than 30 days does not qualify as a short term rental, the City of New Orleans believes that your guest still has to pay a short term rental sales tax—which is why Airbnb collects taxes in this way. Though remember, sales tax is collected directly from your guest and paid to the City—it isn’t money taken from your payout.

Have you been over-taxed?

The Stow Firm is currently investigating the legitimacy of this interpretation of the tax laws as well as other discrepancies about how STRs are being taxed. If you believe that you have been over-taxed as a STR host or guest, please contact our office to discuss your case—you probably aren’t alone.

What the Recent Court Ruling Means for New Orleans Short-Term Rental Owners

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 04:59:41 GMT

What the Recent Court Ruling Means for New Orleans Short-Term Rental Owners

In a significant development for short-term rental owners in New Orleans, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana has granted a temporary restraining order against the enforcement of new short-term rental (STR) ordinances, specifically Ordinances 29381 M.C.S. and 29382 M.C.S. Here's what this ruling means for current and prospective STR owners in the area.

The Court's Decision

The Court temporarily restrained the City of New Orleans from enforcing the new STR ordinances pending a decision on their constitutionality. This restraining order does not affect the enforcement of other state or local laws, such as criminal misconduct or nuisance laws.

What This Means for Current STR Owners

If you're a current STR owner, you can breathe a little easier — for now. The temporary restraining order means that the City won't be enforcing the new STR regulations immediately. That said, it's essential to remember that this is a temporary order pending a more final decision from the Court. And the City may enforce the old laws, and other laws.

Two other possibilities are notable for the the next few weeks while this ruling will have effect: (1) it's possible that the City will enforce the old ordinances as they were doing before July 1, 2023, and (2) it's possible that large parts of the new ordinances survive the ruling that coming on the summary judgment motions. That could mean that certain provisions in the new ordinances, like density limitations on STRs New Orleans neighborhoods, would be allowed to continue (including the application, lottery, and exception processes). But other provisions of the new ordinances that are less likely to pass constitutional muster (like the restriction on ownership to only natural persons, not LLCs) may get struck down.

For those current owners who had applied for an NSTR permit, but lost the lottery, this could mean good news. Before this ruling came out, it was possible that a new person on a particular square could apply for a NSTR permit during the quarterly open season for applications that was due to start tomorrow, Sept. 1, 2023. Now, however, no new NSTR applications will be accepted. So those NSTR applicants who where considering seeking an exception to the density limitations can now know that they will not face new competition on their block, at least in the immediate future.

What About Those Looking to Apply for New Permits?

If you were hesitant about applying for a new STR permit under the new regulations, this ruling may serve as a respite but is not an all-clear signal. The Court will have a hearing in September to make a more definitive ruling on the ordinances. Until that time, the uncertainty surrounding the new regulations remains, and you should proceed cautiously.

It is clear that, at least for right now, the City of New Orleans cannot process new NSTR applications starting on Sept. 1, 2023, as had been their plan.

Financial Implications

For those concerned about financial penalties for operating under the shadow of the new regulations, this temporary order lifts that immediate threat. However, other laws still apply, and you should continue to monitor the situation closely, as the Court's final decision could retroactively validate any penalties or restrictions set forth in the ordinances.

Legal Ramifications

This temporary restraining order is a significant initial victory for those contesting the new ordinances' legality. However, it's crucial to bear in mind that this is not a final judgment. The Court has set a hearing for September to decide on the pending cross motions for summary judgment and a related motion for injunctive relief.

In conclusion, while this temporary restraining order brings temporary relief, it's not a permanent solution. All eyes are now on the Court's hearing scheduled for September, which could bring long-lasting implications for short-term rental operations in New Orleans.

For more information or legal advice tailored to your situation, please contact us .

Q & A about New Orleans’ Non-Commercial Short-Term Rental Lottery

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 02:43:52 GMT

Q: Why was there a NSTR Lottery?

A: Under the new Non-Commercial Short-Term Rental (NSTR) rules, only one such rental can be permitted within each square block. The lottery system was chosen to award NSTR permits in cases where there was more than one NSTR applicant per square block.

Q: What is a square block?

A: In the map below, there are two full square blocks shown, one red and one green. Each of the squares is permitted to have one NSTR permit (unless exceptions are granted to allow more). Because of the square system, there could be two NSTRs on opposite sides of the street from one another, but not on the same side of the block.

Q: When was the Lottery Held?

A: On the morning of August 14, 2023, the City of New Orleans held its first ever lottery to award NSTR permits, otherwise known as permits allowing residential short term rentals.

Q: I submitted a NSTR application, why wasn’t I entered into the lottery?

A: There could be a few different reasons why:

First, if there was only one NSTR applicant on a square block, no lottery was necessary. In this case, assuming your application was not denied (possibly due to problems with your application forms or unresolved infractions or citations concerning your property), the City should be in contact with you to pay for your license.
Second, if there was an existing Bed and Breakfast on your square block, the City is prioritizing B&Bs for NSTR permits. This means that a square with one existing B&B and one residential STR applicant would automatically award the NSTR permit for that square to the B&B. If this is your situation, you will be able to apply for a special exception to receive a permit.
Finally, third, it is also possible that you were not entered into the lottery because your application was denied or was still under review when the lottery was held.

Q: How large was the lottery?

A: In total, permits for almost 230 square blocks were determined via the lottery process. Of these blocks, some saw as many as 4 applicants vying for a single permit.

Q: How did the lottery work?

A: Every square block was assigned a five digit lottery ID number and every individual applicant in the lottery was given a reference code and a corresponding bingo ball number. While every reference code is unique, the bingo ball numbers repeated (meaning, for example, that more than one applicant was assigned ball B1 and so on).

Q: Where are the results of the lottery posted?

A: The City of New Orleans recorded the 3 hour lottery selection process and it is available on the City Council’s Youtube channel. However, for reasons unknown, the City has not yet released a written list of the lottery results. The Stow Firm has already reached out to those who did not have their bingo ball drawn first about possible next steps. Many of these applicants were not even aware of the lottery results due to the City’s lack of transparency and accessibility.

Q: Can you describe how the lottery winners were drawn?

A: During the lottery, the square block lottery ID number was announced, the reference codes and corresponding ball numbers were read and shown on a large poster board and then the balls were tossed in the cage. Balls were then selected in order, with a first place, second place, third place and so on and announced.

Q: Why did the City draw bingo balls after a winning ball was selected?

A: The order of selection is important because if the first place winner fails to pay the required fees within 5 calendar days, then they forfeit the permit and the second place winner has five calendar days to pay and so on.

Q: How do I figure out when the 5 calendar days is up?

A: The 5 days starts once the winners receive an official approval email from the City, not from the date of the lottery itself.

Q: If I won the lottery, would the City have already told me?

A: Not necessarily. As of this posting, only about half of the first place lottery winners have received approval emails from the City.

Q: What should I do if I received an approval letter?

A: If you receive an approval email from the City (either because you won the lottery or because yours was the only accepted application for your square block) it is very important to pay the required fees promptly if you want to get a NSTR permit.

Q: What happens if I did not win the lottery?

A: If you lost the lottery, or had an existing B&B on your block, you should receive a denial letter from the City containing an application for the special exception process.

Q: If I received a permit denial letter, do I have any other options to get a NSTR permit for my property, other than the exception process?

A: If you received a permit denial letter after participating in the lottery (or due to a B&B on your square block), the exception process is your only other opportunity to receive a NSTR permit at this time.

The Stow Firm is accepting clients interested in representation for the multi-step special exception process. We are also working to make more information about the exception process available so check back soon.

500 People May Lose Their Last Chance to Complete the Required STR Training Online: City Fails to Post the Correct Link

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 05:16:15 GMT

Background:

Under the new rules to obtain a Short Term Rental permit in non-commercial zones (“NSTR permit”), owners and operators are required to take a class provided by the New Orleans Short Term Rental Administration. This class lasts for about two hours and focuses on what owners and operators must do to successfully complete the application. While classes have been offered in the past, the last online class is scheduled for this morning, Thursday, June 29, 2023, at 11 a.m. C.T.

Breaking:

The Short Term Rental Administration has mistakenly cancelled the link to the last online training and replaced it with a new one. No details were provided about how the previous link was cancelled or when it was cancelled. As of this writing—less than twelve hours before the final class is scheduled to begin— the new, correct link has not been posted on the City’s Short Term Rental Administration’s website.

The only notice of the new training link came in an email from the Short Term Rental Administration to the email list that signed up for Short Term Rental updates from the City.

However, that one email has proved insufficient to alert people of the new link, especially as the City website still has the old, now canceled link posted.

However, t hat one email has proved insufficient to alert people of the new link, especially as the City website still has the old, now canceled link posted.

To be clear, this means that since at least Monday, the City has known that the link on its website will not work to provide the last, required training, but it left it up there anyway. Additionally, there was never a requirement that people who desired to apply for an NSTR permit join the City’s email list.

Who is Harmed?

Responsible owners and hosts who registered to take the required class using the link the City provided on its website, and who are still registering to take the required class, will now not be able to take the needed class. Unless the owner/operator happens to be on the City’s email list or happens to see this blog post, there’s seemingly no way for the owners and operators to find out about the new link. (Stow Firm clients have been emailed separately.) The result is predictable: hundreds of people are set to miss the last training. As of this writing, 730 people have registered for the last training using the wrong link.

The new li nk has far fewer people registered for it. It has a mere 230 people registered:

This means exactly five hundred people who registered for the class in advance, using the old link, do not know about the new link. They are set to miss their last chance to get the class they need to run their Short Term Rental online. For those who can take 2+ hours to head down to City Hall in the middle of the day, there is also one last in-person training this Friday, June 30, 2023, in the City Council Chambers, starting at 10 a.m.

What’s Next?

If you know of a person who still needs to take the City’s Short Term Rental Class, please share the new link with them:

New Link, according to the City’s email noted above: New Link

Additionally, the Stow Firm stands ready to serve Short Term Rental owners, operators, and NSTR applicants. If you would like help completing your application, please call us today. We have a flat fee service that provides professional application preparation.

New Orleans City Council Approves One-Year Ban on Commercial Short-Term Rentals: What It Means for You

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 16:06:27 GMT

The landscape of New Orleans short-term rentals has faced a significant shift with the latest decision by the New Orleans City Council. As of June 8th, 2023, the council has enacted a ban on new permits for commercial short-term rentals in the city's commercial districts. To watch the full discussion, check out the video at the end of this page.

New Orleans Short-Term Rentals: The New Regulations

This temporary ban will be in place for one year and takes effect immediately. This marks a major change from previous regulations, which had allowed short term rentals in commercial zones to obtain licenses, even as the City revised the process for short term rentals in residential areas. This new rule aims to slow the spread of short-term rentals while officials are in the process of revamping the rules for commercial short term rentals.

The implications of the ban are far-reaching, especially given the city's concern over developers converting large apartment complexes into short-term rentals. The change is projected to influence investment decisions in the short-term rental market in New Orleans.

How the Ban Affects Existing and Pending Permits

Existing short-term rental permits - which number nearly 1,200, as well as the 560 pending applications recorded in the city's short-term rental registry, will mostly be unaffected by the new legislation, according to reporting by NOLA.com .

How this Ban Affects “New” Permit Applications for Commercial Short Term Rental Licenses

New CSTR Licenses on hold

If you were planning on filing a new commercial short term rental application, the recently enacted ban means you'll need to put your plans on hold while this Interim Zoning District is in effect.

What is an IZD?

As explained by the City Planning Commission, this Interim Zoning District supersedes other zoning measures, such that new Commercial STR licenses would not be allowed, even if they would have otherwise been allowed under the existing zoning:

“ These IZDs are temporary in nature and supersede the other zoning regulations that apply to a property. Thus, properties that are otherwise eligible to be used by a Short Term Rental or Bed and Breakfast may not be allowed to be used in that way due to the IZD. ”

- New Orleans City Planning Commission, “Overview of Interim Zoning Districts affecting Short Term Rentals and Bed and Breakfasts”

Bed and Breakfast IZD

This ban comes on the heels of a similar Interim Zoning District, the “Bed and Breakfast interim Zoning District,” which also applies city wide and changes Bed and Breakfast use to a “conditional” use where those uses previously had been allowed. The purpose of the Bed and Breakfast IZD was to discourage people who would have otherwise applied for a Short Term Rental license from applying for a Bed and Breakfast license instead. See City Council Motion M-23-59 (passed Feb. 2, 2023) ( link ).

Neither of these two IZDs affect the rights of those who want to apply for hotel licenses.

Future of Short-Term Rentals in New Orleans

With this temporary halt, the City Council aims to revamp the rules for commercial short-term rentals comprehensively. They are awaiting recommendations from the City Planning Commission due in September. As we wait for this next phase of regulations, the short-term rental landscape in New Orleans is set for more changes.

Conclusion

The recent changes to New Orleans short-term rentals law could have significant impacts on investors and business owners in the industry. As more developments emerge, we'll keep you updated on the latest news and what it means for your short-term rental business. Remember, we're here to help you navigate these changes - don't hesitate to get in touch .

Understanding New Orleans' Proposed Commercial Short-Term Rental Ban: A Deep Dive

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 20:43:00 GMT

NOLA.com Covers the Proposed Ban and its Impact on Local Small Business Owners

Hello, fellow short-term rental (STR) owners,

As a reader of this blog, you've likely heard about the City Council's new proposal. It suggests implementing a one-year ban on new licenses for commercial short-term rentals (STRs) and hostels. Let's delve into the details of this latest development in the New Orleans STR landscape, based on the latest reporting from NOLA.com.

The Proposed Short-Term Rental Ban in New Orleans

The City Council's proposed measure is more comprehensive than previous restrictions we've seen in New Orleans' short-term rental industry. It targets new STRs, hostels, new hotels, and timeshares in commercial districts. An amendment may exclude hotels from the ban, but timeshares would still face restrictions.

A significant part of the concern surrounding this proposed ban focuses on large apartment complexes being converted into STRs. The City Council hopes to prevent this trend with their new measure.

For those operating existing commercial STRs in New Orleans, stay alert. According to NOLA.com , around 1,200 existing permits may not be eligible for annual renewal under this new rule. (However, we would strenuously argue that existing permits up for renewal are not “new” under the ordinance and therefore should be allowed.)

Reactions to the Proposed New Orleans STR Ban

As expected, the proposal has stirred a mixed response. Housing advocates in New Orleans have welcomed it, citing the need to curtail out-of-town speculators snapping up properties for commercial STR use.

On the other hand, commercial STR operators and investors have raised concerns. As quoted in a recent NOLA.com article, we must consider the importance of a predictable regulatory environment for our New Orleans short-term rental community:

“The City Council can debate reasonable restrictions, but a wholesale ban through an IZD does not give a lot of time for public comment,” said Christopher Stow-Serge, a lawyer who represents commercial short-term rental operators. “Providing certainty, particularly when small business owners are making investments in these properties to fix them up, will go a long way to fairness.”

- NOLA.com, "New ban proposed for New Orleans AirBnbs, hostels in city's commercial districts; see details" (June 7, 2023)

Many small business owners make significant investments in these properties, often revitalizing neighborhoods and offering quality accommodation for visitors.

What Next for the New Orleans Short-Term Rental Community?

This proposed short-term rental ban will be up for debate and vote at the City Council meeting tomorrow, on Thursday, June 8th. As we navigate these changes, it's essential for us, as a united New Orleans STR community, to stay informed and engaged.

As hosts and small business owners, we play an essential role in New Orleans' vibrant community and economy, and we need to ensure that we continue to do so.

For a more detailed discussion of the proposal, refer to the NOLA.com article or today's paper.

As always, if you have specific legal questions for a short term rental attorney, or concerns related to your properties or planned investments in the New Orleans short-term rental market, my firm is here to help.

Stay tuned for more updates on the New Orleans short-term rental scene.

Best,

Christopher Stow-Serge

NOLA Ban on New Commercial Short Term Rentals - Updated

chris@stowfirm.com (Chris Stow) — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 20:43:04 GMT

The City Council will Debate a Ban on New Licenses for Short Term Rentals at its next Meeting.

Council Members Morrell and Harris have introduced a one-year ban on new licenses for Commercial Short Term Rentals (“CSTR”) and Hostels, which is scheduled to be voted on at the next Council meeting, on June 8th. See Agenda Item 66a and 66b ( link ).

The ban, put forward in Motion No. 23-208, would establish an Interim Zoning District (“IZD”) that would apply across the entire city. Both the original version, M-23-208 ( link ), and the amendment, M-23-208 Amendment ( link ) are now available online.

The Council does not Want New STRs while the City Planning Commission Studies Changes to the Regulations for Commercial Short Term Rentals.

With this ban, the Council is looking to stop new Short Term Rentals (“STRs”) during the period that it has given the City Planning Commission to study what changes to make on the regulations concerning Commercial Short Term Rental licenses. Recall that the Council is overhauling the City’s regulations of Commercial Short Term Rentals now that it has finished passing the new rules for the Residential Short Term Rentals.

There’s concern over apartment buildings being converted to STRs, but the IZD will likely have consequences for small investors.

In support of this Motion, Members Morrell and Harris cite, “a noticeable uptick in the conversion of apartment complexes from long-term housing to transient housing.” They also complain that “commercial short-term rental developments are bypassing zoning regulations aimed at addressing the proliferation of commercial short-term rentals by designating the development as a hotel or other transient lodging but then advertising the units exclusively as short-term rentals.” (NOLA.com reported about one deal to convert long term housing to STRs that happened right by city hall, link . )

While this proposed ban on new commercial Short Term Rentals might be aimed at big developments, it will affect single unit buildings and small-scale investors just the same. If you own a property in New Orleans with the zoning that would allow it to be a Commercial Short Term Rental, there are at least two key restrictions that this ban would create:

You will not be able to obtain that Commercial Short Term Rental license if this ban passes.
Any buyer of the property will not be able to buy that property and obtain a CSTR license. This is true even if you currently operate a CSTR at that property.

Amendment to Exempt Already-Permitted Projects has been Proposed.

As originally written, this ban would have applied to projects that had already obtained a building permit based on plans showing that the project would be used as a Short Term Rental. The result would have been that in-progress projects would no longer be allowed to receive licenses to operate as a STR. See New Orleans City Council Motion No. M-23-208.

Just before the last City Council meeting, however, C.M.s Morrell and Harris proposed an amendment to exempt already-permitted projects. See Amendment to Motion M-23-208 (May 25, 2023). The amendment also ensured that the ban did not apply to new hotels or motels.

A limit of timeshares is also proposed in the Amendment to this Motion.

The Amendment to M-23-208 also proposes to limit the development of Timeshares by instituting a cap of no more than one or 25% of the total dwelling units to be permitted to be included in a Timeshare Plan within a Timeshare Building. And there is an exception in the Central Business District for areas with CBD-5 zoning providing that Timeshare Buildings will only be permitted if there are 10 or more dwelling units, such that Mandatory Inclusionary Zoning is triggered and Affordable Housing Units are required.

When will this Motion be heard?

The proposed ban will be heard and voted on at the next New Orleans City Council meeting on June 8th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. You can find the agenda for the upcoming meeting at this link :

To contact your City Council Members about this motion, you can find their information at https://council.nola.gov/councilmembers/ .

To schedule a consultation with the Stow Firm about how this ban would affect your Short Term Rental business, contact us.

NOLA Ban on New Commercial Short Term Rentals

Mon, 05 Jun 2023 16:29:47 GMT

The City Council will Debate a Ban on New Licenses for Short Term Rentals at its next Meeting.

Council Members Morrell and Harris have introduced a one-year ban on new licenses for Commercial Short Term Rentals (“CSTR”) and Hostels, which is scheduled to be voted on at the next Council meeting, on June 8th. The ban, put forward in Motion No. 23-208, would establish an Interim Zoning District (“IZD”) that would apply across the entire city. The amended version of that Motion can be found here .

The Council does not Want New STRs while the City Planning Commission Studies Changes to the Regulations for Commercial Short Term Rentals.

There’s concern over apartment buildings being converted to STRs, but the IZD will likely have consequences for small investors.

While this proposed ban on new commercial Short Term Rentals might be aimed at big developments, it will affect single unit buildings and small-scale investors just the same. If you own a property in New Orleans with the zoning that would allow it to be a Commercial Short Term Rental, there are at least two key restrictions that this ban would create:

You will not be able to obtain that Commercial Short Term Rental license if this ban passes.
Any buyer of the property will not be able to buy that property and obtain a CSTR license. This is true even if you currently operate a CSTR at that property.

Amendment to Exempt Already-Permitted Projects has been Proposed.

Just before the last City Council meeting, however, C.M.s Morrell and Harris proposed an amendment to exempt already-permitted projects. See Amendment to Motion M-23-208 (May 25, 2023) . The amendment also ensured that the ban did not apply to new hotels or motels.

A limit of timeshares is also proposed in the Amendment to this Motion.

When will this Motion be heard?

We understand that this proposed ban will be heard and voted on at the next New Orleans City Council meeting on June 8th, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. Confirmation of the hearing date will be provided when the agenda for that meeting is issued. You can find the agenda on the Monday or Tuesday before the meeting on the City Council website, https://council.nola.gov/home/ .

To contact your City Council Members about this motion, you can find their information at https://council.nola.gov/councilmembers/ .

To schedule a consultation with the Stow Firm about how this ban would affect your Short Term Rental business, visit our Contact page.

What to do when a builder wants to charge more for a house and lot after you sign a contract?

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 20:54:46 GMT

Can a home builder increase the contract price?

We sometimes get questions from people who have agreed to purchase a home from a builder using a home construction contract, but the builder now wants to charge more for the home. In such situations, the Stow Firm can help you safeguard your legal rights.

Breach of Contract Claim?

In simple terms, if the builder is refusing to build the home in accordance with your agreement, you may have a breach of contract claim against the builder. See La. C.C. Art. 1983 (“Contracts must be performed in good faith.”). So the most important first step is to thoroughly analyze your contract with the builder. Key points to consider include:

Fixed-Price vs Cost-Plus Contract
Is your contract a fixed-price contract or a cost-plus contract? In a fixed-price contract, the builder agrees to build you a home for a set price, subject to exceptions and conditions. Home buyers generally prefer these types of contracts because they provide certainty on price. In a cost-plus contract, you pay the builder for all the costs of materials, labor, and/or subs, plus a certain amount to cover the builder’s overhead and profit. There may be other pricing variations that could impact the cost, so a full review of the contract is important.

Material Escalation Clause
Many builders are insisting that their contracts contain material escalation clauses since the pandemic, when the cost of lumber soared. Additionally, builders are worried about the risk that inflation poses in the future. However, keep in mind that unexpected material purchases due to jobsite errors aren't typically covered by a material escalation clause. Be sure to carefully check your contract and keep records of the construction progress as shown in jobsite photos and written communication with the builder.
Change Orders
Builders often argue that increases in price are due changes demanded by home buyer. Here are three key strategies to avoid such disputes.
Clear Contracts
First, to the greatest extent possible, ensure your contract is clear on what work will be performed and what material selections will be installed at the construction project.
Allowances
Second, where particular selections are not set out in the original contract, set out budgets, i.e. allowances, for each category of selections the home buyers will make, e.g. finished electrical and finished plumbing.
Written Change Orders
Third, ensure your contract provides that changes to the contract can only be made by written change orders signed by both parties. The change order should both specify the change to be made as well as any additional cost to implement this change.

Delay Damages

If the contractor refuses to continue work without an additional payment, you might end up incurring more damages than the extra amount requested. These types of damages are often referred to as construction delay damages. In this rapidly changing market, the cost of delay could be substantial. Consider whether any of the following apply to your situation:

Are you renting a home that you otherwise wouldn’t have to rent if your new home was ready?
Are you making interest payments on a lot loan or a construction loan?
How are the real estate and mortgage markets changing during the course of construction?

What can you do if the price change is more than you can afford?

A contractor’s extra charges after a contract can impact whether you can afford to buy the home. In recent years, this hasn’t been much of a problem because banks had looser lending standards. With recent interest rate increases and flat home prices, banks have tightened their standards. If a builder demands a price increase, a lawyer can help you push back and assert your rights under the contract. This is especially important if you own the land and have a construction loan to pay the builder.

Next Steps

Assess

Every claim is unique, and it’s crucial to consult with a construction attorney to assess the validity of your case when a contractor demands more money. If you schedule a consultation with the Stow Firm, we’ll start by reviewing

the contract,
any change orders or other changes you made to the contract, and
copies of all communications with the builder.

More importantly, we’ll discuss how your priorities affect the strategy you should pursue.

Set the Strategy

With your priorities as the North Star, the Stow Firm can bring its construction law experience to implement a strategy that meets your needs. While negotiation and attempts at alternative dispute resolution are almost always the best first step, the Stow Firm will be prepared to pursue all your legal options.

Contact an Construction Attorney Today to Preserve Your Rights

Regardless of what new home construction attorney you choose, it’s important to contact the lawyer sooner rather than later to avoid letting your rights expire or even an argument by the builder that you were the cause of any delay. If you're facing a potential price increase in your home construction contract and need expert legal help, don't hesitate to contact the Stow Firm today .

Welcome to our new website!

Mon, 01 May 2023 20:13:24 GMT

Welcome to our new website! This site has been professionally designed to be responsive and mobile friendly, so it looks great and is accessible no matter what type or size of device you are using.

Our new website also has an integrated Client Portal, meaning you are able to access your case documents, correspondence, and calendars directly from our website!

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today.