Category: Blogs

Small Claims vs. District Court in North Carolina: What Housing Providers Need to Know About Counterclaims and AppealsBy: Brownlee Whitlow & Praet For most North Carolina housing providers, small-claims court is very familiar. Evictions, unpaid rent, late fees, and modest property-damage cases are routinely handled before a magistrate. The – Read More…

HUD Secretary Publishes Letter on Criminal Screening and Obligations to “Make America Safe Again”By: Sean Tropea By: Sean Tropea – South Carolina & Georgia Licensed Partner with Brownlee Whitlow & Praet On November 25, 2025, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published a – Read More…

True Lease OR Disguised Finance Agreement in the Mobile Home Industry By: Kristen Wills By: Kristen Wills – North Carolina Licensed Managing Attorney with Brownlee Whitlow & Praet A determination of whether a Mobile Home Lease to Own Agreement is a true lease or is a disguised finance agreement – Read More…

When a Resident Passes Away in North Carolina: A Housing Provider’s Guide to Handling Personal Property By: Daria Harrington By: Daria Harrington – North Carolina Licensed Associate Attorney with Brownlee Whitlow & Praet There are routine issues that housing providers encounter — late rent, maintenance requests, parking disputes, noise – Read More…

The Georgia Squatter Reform Act: First ImpressionsBy: Sean Tropea By: Sean Tropea – South Carolina & Georgia Licensed Managing Attorney with Brownlee Whitlow & Praet In April 2024, the Georgia Legislature passed HB 1017, also known as the Georgia Squatter Reform Act (the “Act”). Created with intent to address – Read More…

Understanding the Process for Trespass After Notice in South Carolina By: Morgan Dunn By: Morgan Dunn – North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia Licensed Associate Attorney with Brownlee Whitlow & Praet Trespass laws in South Carolina are designed to protect property owners and renters from unauthorized entry or presence – Read More…

Atlanta’s Eviction and Water Shutoff Moratorium Explained: What Atlanta Housing Providers Need to KnowBy: Morgan Dunn By: Morgan Dunn – North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia Licensed Associate Attorney with Brownlee Whitlow & Praet     In late October 2025, in response to the recent federal government funding lapse, Atlanta – Read More…

Bankruptcy, What Does It Mean for Housing Providers?By: Kristen WillsBankruptcy, What Does It Mean for Housing Providers?By: Kristen Wills By: Kristen Wills- North Carolina & Virginia Licensed Managing Attorney with Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC When a debtor files a bankruptcy petition, whether for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13, – Read More…

Winning a Small Claims Case When Sued for Mold: A Guide for Housing Providers in North Carolina and South CarolinaBy: Kevin RausWinning a Small Claims Case When Sued for Mold: A Guide for Housing Providers in North Carolina and South CarolinaBy: Kevin Raus Winning a Small Claims Case When – Read More…

I’m New to North Carolina, Is My Management Company Required to Have a Broker-In-Charge?By: Kristen Wills I’m New to North Carolina, Is My Management Company Required to Have a Broker-In-Charge?By: Kristen Wills I’m New to North Carolina, Is My Management Company Required to Have a Broker-In-Charge?       – Read More…

Habitability Complaints: How Rental Housing Providers Should Respond to Repair or Maintenance Requests to Avoid Legal Trouble in North CarolinaBy: Daria HarringtonHabitability Complaints: How Rental Housing Providers Should Respond to Repair or Maintenance Requests to Avoid Legal Trouble in North CarolinaBy: Daria Harrington Habitability Complaints: How Rental Housing Providers – Read More…

Understanding Eviction-Related Fees for North Carolina Rental Housing ProvidersBy: Kevin RausUnderstanding Eviction-Related Fees for North Carolina Rental Housing ProvidersBy: Kevin Raus         As a housing provider in North Carolina, it’s crucial to understand the laws governing eviction-related fees. Recent legislative changes have clarified and expanded housing – Read More…