Katherine McKain

Effects of COVID-19 on 1031 Exchange Deadlines

Following President Trump’s emergency declaration on March 13, 2020, with respect to the COVID-19 outbreak, the U.S. Treasury Department (the “Treasury Department”) and Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued guidance on special payment relief to individuals and businesses. However, as of the date of this post, no extensions or other relief apply... Read More

Criminal Screening under Fair Housing

While having a criminal record is not a protected characteristic under the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) closely regulates criminal history-based restrictions on housing if, without justification, criminal history-based restrictions burden renters of one race or national origin over another.... Read More

Assistance Animals and Fair Housing

The Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) prevent discrimination in housing against tenants due to a disability. Even if a lease says “no pets” or restricts the breed, size or weight of pets, Landlords are required to make a “reasonable accommodation” to allow assistance animals, including those that... Read More

Drop and Swap Exchanges

The “Drop and Swap” exchange is a useful tool for a partnership that desires to sell investment property and when some of the partners want to cash out, but others want to reinvest. The most common purpose for these transactions is to add or remove a co-owner of investment property. However, there are some obstacles that the taxpayer must overcome... Read More