1.Iowa – Provisions Enacted Regarding Accessory Dwelling Units

Overview: Iowa enacted legislation regulating how cities and counties must handle accessory dwelling units (ADUs), promoting broader adoption and clarifying local approval processes. This move aligns with national efforts to expand affordable housing supply by encouraging flexible residential zoning.

Compliance Tip: Review local zoning considerations for clients interested in building or financing ADUs in Iowa. Update internal guidance for originators on how ADU-friendly ordinances may affect appraisals or disclosures.

Effective Date: July 1, 2025

View Full Law – SF 592 (PDF)

2.West Virginia – Stop Squatters Act Enacted

Overview: West Virginia passed the Stop Squatters Act, redefining squatting as criminal trespass and granting law enforcement the authority to immediately remove unauthorized occupants—no court-ordered eviction required. The law includes requirements for property owners to submit verified complaints and protects against false filings.

Compliance Tip: Clients—especially investors and landlords—should be made aware of West Virginia’s new fast-track squatter removal process. It’s equally important to ensure legal partners understand the evidentiary requirements property owners must meet when submitting complaints to law enforcement

Effective Date: July 10, 2025

Read the Full Act – HB 2434

3.Tennessee – Interest Rate Provisions Modified

Overview: Tennessee’s Department of Financial Institutions has announced that the new formula rate of interest is 11.50% (4% above the weekly average prime loan rate of 7.50%). The maximum home loan interest rate for May 2025 is set at 8.51%, based on 30-year Treasury bond yields. These changes directly affect rate disclosures and compliance under state usury laws.

Compliance Tip: Make sure rate disclosures for Tennessee loans align with the current maximum allowable rates. If your team uses automated pricing tools, double-check that system settings have been updated to reflect the revised interest rate ceilings.

Effective Date: July 1, 2025

View Announcement

4.West Virginia – Form of Deeds Modified

Overview: West Virginia revised requirements for certain deed formats. Quitclaim deeds without consideration or involving property transfers under $100 must now be signed by the grantee or proved by two witnesses before a county clerk—unless the transaction involves family or transfer-on-death scenarios.

Compliance Tip: Work closely with title companies and attorneys to ensure deed templates reflect West Virginia’s updated requirements. Closing workflows should also be adjusted to account for the new witness or grantee signature rules for quitclaim deeds involving transfers of little or no consideration.

Effective Date: July 11, 2025

5.Tennessee – Description of Real Property Requirements Amended

Overview: Effective immediately, Tennessee now requires registered land surveyors to prepare property descriptions for deeds involving property not previously described in recorded instruments. This applies to most transactions, except those prepared by or for government entities.

Compliance Tip: Be sure to flag any non-standard or newly created legal property descriptions for review by a registered land surveyor. It’s also important to notify clients early if additional survey work will be needed to ensure clear title and avoid closing delays.

Effective Date: Effective Immediately