Author: Rent Magazine Contributor

On June 11, 2025, New York City witnessed a major shift in its housing policy landscape as the Fair Access to Rent Equity (FARE) Act officially took effect. Designed to curb the financial hurdles renters face when signing leases, the legislation places the responsibility of paying broker fees squarely on landlords in most residential leasing transactions. This move seeks to increase affordability and accessibility for renters across the city’s often unforgiving housing market. A Long-Awaited Reform for Renters Historically, broker fees in New York City have been a considerable financial burden for tenants, with charges often reaching thousands of dollars…

As technology continues to advance, the integration of smart home devices into rental properties is rapidly transforming the living experience for tenants across the United States. According to data released on June 10, 2025, by the Smart Home Market Index, landlords are increasingly turning to cutting-edge technology to make their properties more attractive to modern renters. From voice-controlled thermostats and smart security systems to energy-efficient lighting solutions, smart home devices are quickly becoming a standard feature in rental units, reshaping the way people live in and interact with their homes. The integration of these smart technologies is not only enhancing…

The rapid rise of property technology, commonly known as PropTech, is reshaping the rental market, revolutionizing the way tenants and landlords interact. As highlighted in a report from June 10, 2025, PropTech innovations are playing a pivotal role in streamlining property management, enhancing efficiency, and offering tenants and property owners a more seamless and enjoyable rental experience. By leveraging the power of digital platforms, automation, and artificial intelligence, the rental market is witnessing a major transformation that benefits both sides of the rental equation. One of the most significant advancements in PropTech is the development of digital platforms that automate…

The commercial real estate market in the United States is experiencing steady growth as businesses continue to recover and expand following the COVID-19 pandemic. According to reports released on June 10, 2025, leasing activity for office spaces and retail properties has significantly increased, particularly in suburban areas. This resurgence in demand reflects broader trends in the economy as businesses shift back to physical spaces while adjusting to the evolving demands of hybrid work models. One of the most significant changes in the commercial real estate sector is the resurgence of office space leasing. While remote work became the norm during…

The demand for rental properties in urban areas across the United States has seen a significant uptick as the nation’s economy gradually recovers from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to data released on June 10, 2025, by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), rental applications have surged in major metropolitan areas such as New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. This resurgence is largely attributed to the changing dynamics of remote work, with many employees opting to return to city living after the initial shift to suburban and rural areas during the height of the pandemic. As…

On June 9, 2025, the city of Glendale, California, made a historic move by ending its contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to hold detainees in local facilities. This shift reflects a growing resistance to federal immigration enforcement practices and prioritizes maintaining community trust. Glendale’s decision is seen as a step toward protecting civil rights and creating a more inclusive environment for its diverse immigrant population. However, the impact of this policy change may extend beyond law enforcement and civil rights—real estate professionals in the city are closely monitoring the potential ripple effects on the local housing market. As…

On June 9, 2025, Warner Bros. Discovery made a major announcement that it would split into two distinct entities. One company will concentrate on the booming streaming and entertainment studio sectors, while the other will focus on its established global networks such as CNN and TNT Sports. The move is being seen as a response to increasing shareholder concerns over executive compensation and operational inefficiencies. Warner Bros. Discovery hopes that this split will allow both companies to operate more efficiently and be better positioned for future growth. This decision to divide the company into two parts comes after months of…

In a major shift in local immigration policy, the city of Glendale, California, announced on June 9, 2025, that it will no longer hold detainees on behalf of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The decision marks a significant move away from federal immigration enforcement, reflecting increasing resistance in communities across the U.S. to the practices of detention and deportation associated with ICE. Glendale’s choice to terminate its contract with the federal agency follows a growing trend of cities and municipalities distancing themselves from the federal government’s immigration policies. For years, Glendale had cooperated with ICE by allowing the agency to…

On June 9, 2025, former President Donald Trump signed a new proclamation that has sharply intensified U.S. travel restrictions for nationals from 19 countries. The order, which takes effect immediately, imposes a full travel ban on 12 countries and partial restrictions on 7 others, citing national security concerns. This marks a significant escalation in U.S. immigration policies, further tightening borders as the nation seeks to protect its security interests. The new measures represent a continuation of Trump’s previous efforts to strengthen border controls, particularly following concerns about potential security risks. Under this latest proclamation, nationals from the 12 affected countries…

As of June 2025, data centers have emerged as a dominant force in U.S. commercial real estate investment, driven by the surging demand for digital infrastructure and cloud services. According to a recent report by Alter Domus, the data center sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, attracting significant capital from investors seeking stable returns amid challenges in other commercial real estate segments. The exponential increase in data consumption, fueled by the proliferation of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digitalization, has positioned data centers as critical assets in the modern economy. Alter Domus notes that the U.S. colocation data center market has…