Top of the news:

Rents in big cities are rising as residents return to them post-pandemic.

POLITICS:

Changes in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s health and safety requirements around federally subsidized housing have brought backlash from tenants and advocacy groups, NBC News writes. While the HUD has stated that the new standards are in draft form and has asked for public feedback on them, the removal of rules, such as not requiring fans and windows in bathrooms to prevent mold, have alarmed many.

SOCIAL:

 Inclusionary zoning may help provide much needed multifamily units at lower rates in high demand areas while allowing you extra incentives. Leverage offers a rundown on them.

After the collapse of the Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Florida, residents and government officials are wondering how to incorporate structural inspections into future building inspection processes, CNN writes. CNN noted how the current inspection system encompasses individual code compliance in lieu of structural integrity.

ENVIRONMENT:

Electric vehicle and energy company Tesla Energy is partnering with asset management company Brookfield Asset Management and real estate development firm Dacra to create an energy neutral community called SunHouse in Austin, TX, Propmodo reports. Tesla’s V3 solar roof tiles and Powerwall 2 battery storage units, which will be installed in the homes in phases, will be sold separately from the homes.

 CBRE Group, Inc. created a special purpose acquisition company, CBRE Acquisitions Holding Inc., which will merge with clean energy company Altus Inc. and take it public, RE Business Online writes.

Professional Development:

Here’s how to use gratitude to guide yourself during an intensive time.

ECONOMIC:

Student housing is quickly growing as higher education institutions return to in-person instruction and events post-pandemic, Globe St. reports. According to a recent analysis by the National Multifamily Housing Council, investment in the sector has also expanded rapidly, with volume in Q3 of 2020 going up 156.5%.

The cannabis commercial real estate scene is growing dramatically, thanks to both states and banks slowly working to accommodate businesses in the industry and the money they bring in, Commercial Observer writes.

TECHNOLOGY:

Real estate and investment management software platform MRI Software has acquired Findspace, a program which helps commercial landlords find tenants via space listings on websites, Placetech writes.

LEGAL:

The West Hollywood Edition is on the market via a Uniform Commercial Code foreclosure, The Real Deal reports.

The FBI is currently investigating a Cook County Board of Review employee who allegedly took bribes for lower property assessments, The Chicago Sun Times writes.