Waltham Wed 12/4: Emotional Support Animals, The BBB for Landlords

Part I: Emotional Support Animals

We've seen it: renters apply for "no pets" apartments and describe their animals as "assistance" or "support" or "medical." What's the correct terminology? What are landlords supposed to do to protect their property and also a renter's rights when someone says they have a support animal? And what would land us in hot water for discrimination if we're not careful? We'll be covering this and more.

This part of the presentation will be given by Alison Caton, trainer at the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.

Part II: The BBB for Landlords

We're all familiar with the idea of the "Better Business Bureau," but have you thought about how the BBB can help you in your business?

In this presentation we'll start with BBB 101. Then we'll dive into how landlords can identify themselves and their detailed rental applications as legitimate, and why a renter can trust us to keep their data safe.

We'll also share a contractor dispute horror story, and end with how the BBB's free services can be a preventative step before legal action becomes necessary, especially with contractors or other service provider disputes.

This part of the presentation will be given by Amy Schram, Manager of Community Relations, BBB. The Better Business Bureau is a nonprofit public service organization with a mission to be a leader in advancing marketplace trust. The BBB encourages and supports best practices by engaging with, and educating, consumers and businesses. For over 100 years BBB has helped people make smarter decisions and is evolving to meet fast changing marketplace needs. The BBB101 program will be a discussion on Better Business Bureaus mission, and how to best utilize all of BBB's free services to help make educated and informed decisions.

Have you seen our Charles River volunteer website? Market data available on rent levels for Waltham and surrounding areas. We encourage you to also take the poll on your current views of the rental market. Use the "Contact Us" form to request a login at crrha.org

"No Sales Pitch" Guarantee

MassLandlords offers attendees of directly managed events a "No Sales Pitch" guarantee. If a guest speaker offers services, their presentation will not discuss pricing, promotions, or reasons why you should hire them. We do not permit speakers to pay for or sponsor events. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and willingness to present helpful educational content. Your purchase of an event ticket sustains our nonprofit model.

Wednesday, December 4^th

Charles River Meeting Agenda

• 6:00pm Sign-in/Networking
  • Networking draws from Waltham, Newton, Weston, Watertown, Wellesley, Wellesley Hills, Lincoln, Dover, Arlington, Belmont, and the western ends of Cambridge and Boston.
• 6:10pm Pizza and sodas provided
• 6:40pm Executive Director Doug Quattrochi with the MassLandlords Business Update
• Member Minutes - Any member can have the mic for 60 seconds (introduce yourself, ask a question, share words of wisdom, etc.)
• 7:00pm Emotional Support Animals
• 7:40pm The BBB for Landlords
• 9:00pm Doors Close

Location

The La Cava Center at Bentley University, Third Floor
175 Forest St
Waltham, MA 02452

Getting there and Parking

Lots of parking available at this hour. For your ease of access, do not use the Beaver St entrance. Enter at the Main Entrance on Forest Street and park in Lot 1 or Lot 2. The Conference Center is signed on the north corner of the main quadrangle. Refer to the image below for lot locations and correct entrance into building.

Food

• Pizza, salad
• Soda, Water
• Cookies
• Please feel free to bring a dinner that meets your dietary goals/restrictions

Pricing

Open to the public. Membership is not required!

• Door:
  • Public: $34
  • Members: $29
• Early-bird, reserve seven days prior by 12pm:
  • Public: $32
  • Members: $24
• Premium Members: No charge and no need to register

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