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.
Part II: Emotional Support Animals and Discrimination
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? How are landlords to seaprate the cons from the legitimate needs? 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.
The BBB For LandlordsEmotional Support Animals
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
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.
Tentatively Wednesday, September 4th
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 Asset Protection 101
7:40pm Estate Planning and Inheritance
9:00pm Doors Close
Location
Our previous meeting space has been destroyed by water damage. We are looking for a new location in Waltham, Newton, or nearby. Suggestions welcome!
Come learn about landlord-tenant law by example. Accomplished story-teller Attorney Mark Burrell will entertain and educate as he shares deep experience in landlord-tenant law.
Attorney Burrell is well versed in evictions, landlord-tenant disputes, navigating housing court, and finding creative solutions. He will leave plenty of time for questions.
Tuesday, September 10th
MetroWest Property Owners Association Meeting Agenda
Part I: Councilor Morris Bergman, City of Worcester Resolution Against Rent Control?
City Councilor Morris “Moe” Bergman will be asking for owner support for a City Council resolution against rent control, or other housing partisanship. Yes, housing is expensive everywhere, but rent control has been proven not to work. And the City of Worcester has demonstrated time and again that engaging with owners produces better results.
Part II: Are Security Deposits History?
We’ll review how to take a security deposit, what happens if you mess up the paperwork, and how you may want to raise the rent instead of taking on the legal exposure of a deposit. We’ll be looking at the question of whether security deposits are now so tightly regulated, with such legal exposure for noncompliance, that average landlords might no longer take a deposit.
Part III: Smart Home Tech for Rental Properties
Technology can save time, reduce risk, and earn more rent by detecting leaks, giving renters keyless entry, deterring vandals and more. Why would you ever attempt to manage a property without a little remote assistance? Come see what easy and affordable steps you can take to modernize your units, eliminate travel time, and get a higher return on your investment.
Use-cases we will be considering:
Internet connectivity options for rental property using cellular or Wi-Fi
Remotely rekeying locks and controlling tenant and contractor access
Controlling temperature range and reducing utility expense
Water leak detection + valve shutoff
Freeze protection
Security cameras and break-in deterrence
We will be going over smart thermostats, water leak detection and shutoff, smart locks, door and window sensors, video monitoring, and more.
This part of the presentation will be given by Charles Hadsell, MassLandlords member, CEO at ePropertyCare, and experienced MassLandlords presenter.
Are Security Deposits History?ePropertyCare, Charles Hadsell presenting
Have you seen our Leave Stuff, Take Stuff Table?
Market your business, pick up handouts, give away an old doorknob. Everything goes on our first-come, first-served display table at all our events. Please bring business cards, brochures, coupons. And feel free to pick up your own uncollected marketing materials at the end. Everything not claimed end-of-event may be chucked.
“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, September 11th
Meeting Agenda
5:30pm Sign-in/Networking
Networking draws from Worcester, Shrewsbury, Millbury, Auburn, Leicester, Paxton, Holden, West Boylston, Boylston, Grafton, Upton, Northbridge, Sutton, Oxford, Charlton, Spencer, Oakham, Rutland, Princeton, Clinton, and Sterling.
6:15pm Buffet Dinner by The Vintage Grille
6:40pm MassLandlords Business Update and Member Minutes
Member Minutes – Any member can have the mic for 60 seconds (introduce yourself, ask a question, share words of wisdom, etc.)
7:00pm Rich Merlino Meeting Introduction
Brief moment of silence for the victims of the attacks of September 11, 2001, particularly the 79 Massachusetts residents
There is ample free parking in the first lot you see, in the covered garage to your left, on top of the garage (entrance further down road), and around the back of the school
Food
Cheese and crackers, sodas, water, coffee, decaf
Hot buffet dinner, incl. salad, rolls
Cookies, brownies, and/or blondies
*Dietary restrictions: purchase an early-bird ticket and email hello@masslandlords.net, we will accommodate you.
Pricing
Open to the public. Membership is not required!
Door:
Public: $24
Members: $19
Early-bird, reserve seven days prior by 12pm:
Public: $22
Members: $14
Premium Members: No charge and no need to register
Extra Credit
First time attendees: Join as a member before leaving the event, your public ticket will be credited toward membership.
Members: Bring a first-time attendee who joins at the event, your membership will be extended by one month free. No limit.
This event is operated by MassLandlords staff. Check in with your MassLandlords ID card.
Our 2019-2020 Greater Springfield season opens with a special presentation on extreme weather preparedness and insurance costs, and a second topic TBD.
Part I: Tornado Preparedness, Decreasing Slips and Falls
Personal injury lawsuits can strike like a bolt out of the blue, but there are simple things every landlord can do to minimize your risk. Do you know what you’ll say or do when someone slips? What if someone’s car is destroyed by hail, and they sue you as the landlord? What if someone is struck by lightning sitting at your picnic table or by your pool? In addition to the Storm Ready Certification: Supporter Designation, which is free, there are cases you need to know about and easy steps to take.
This part of the presentation will be given by Dr. Alicia Wasula, CCM, President of Shade Tree Meteorology and 2019 Chair of the American Meteorological Society Board of Certified Consulting Meteorologists. Dr. Wasula is smart, down to earth, and experienced at helping landlords large and small ensure they are prepared for hazardous weather. Dr. Wasula’s goal is to minimize the risk of litigation due to an injury occurring on your property.
Part II: Free and Discounted Energy Upgrades
Eversource will be joining us to discuss the Mass Save No Cost and Discounted Energy Saving upgrades available for market rate and income eligible rental buildings. Find out how you can reduce your operating costs, increase your property value and retain tenants by replacing inefficient lighting and HVAC systems. Measures offered include lighting retrofits for common area, exterior and apartments, occupancy sensors, insulation and air sealing, programmable and wifi thermostats, heating system replacements, variable frequency drives, Energy Star certified appliance replacements such as refrigerators, freezers, window air conditioners, dehumidifiers, in unit washer replacements, windows*, high efficiency heating and cooling equipment and controls, air source heat pumps and water saving measures.
If you own or manage a building(s) with 5 or more attached units and 50% of the tenants are income qualified, all measures are provided at NO COST. (Two to four family buildings are served by a similar program at NO COST also). If you have market rate rental buildings, generous incentives and rebates are available for energy efficiency upgrades with preferential loan terms. Condominium and co-ops are also served.
The Mass Save programs serve customers of Eversource Electric and Gas, National Grid Electric and Gas; Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, Berkshire Gas Company, Unitil, Liberty Utilities, Light Compact and Blackstone Gas Company. (Properties located in municipal electric and gas territories should contact their providers about their specific program offerings.)
Deborah Sas (Eversource) and James Collins (ABCD) will present the Income Eligible Multifamily Program and Margaret Kelly (Eversource) will present the Multifamily Market Rate Program offerings.
*Window replacement opportunities are considered on a case by case basis in the Income Eligible Multifamily Program.
Experienced meteorologists are invaluable when weather-related litigation arisesSingle pane windows can now be replaced as part of our energy efficiency programs. Here Terry Doll and Lindsay Dereadt demonstrate measuring for a replacement window (Image courtesy Sheppard Air Force Base).
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.
Thursday, September 12th
RHAGS Meeting Agenda
5:30pm Sign-in and Networking
Cash bar
Networking draws from Springfield, West Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, Ludlow, Wilbraham, East Longmeadow, Longmeadow, Agawam, Southwick, Southampton, Easthampton, Northampton, Westhampton, Hadley, South Hadley, Granby, Amherst, Belchertown, Ware, Palmer, Warren, Monson, and Hampden.
6:00pm Buffet dinner
6:40pm State-wide Business Update and Member Minutes
7:00pm Local Updates
7:05pm Legal Update
7:10pm Tornado Preparedness, Decreasing Slips and Falls
Don’t like the laws? Come and join us to find out what you can do to make a difference and help change legislation. Several representatives from various city and state positions will be speaking and answering questions.
Thursday, September 12th
NWCLA Meeting Agenda
Visit nwcla.com for any last-minute updates or changes.
6:45pm Dinner and Networking
Networking draws from 25 towns including Fitchburg, Gardner, Leominster, Athol, Holden, Ayer, Orange, Ashburnham, Spencer, Ashby, Lunenburg, Townsend, Westminster, Princeton, Sterling, Lancaster, Shirley, Groton, Pepperell, Winchedon, Templeton, and Hubbardston.
There is ample free parking beside the school. Do not park along the fence where the busses park. Do not park in any of the handicap spots unless you have the proper handicap parking sticker.
Food
Dinner by Happy Jack’s Cantina Grille from N. Main St. in Leominster.
Pricing
Membership not required! Open to the public.
Early-bird ends seven days prior @ 12pm:
Public and Members other than NWCLA: $15
MassLandlords.net/NWCLA members: pay annual dues, then free
After Early bird or at the door:
Public and Members other than NWCLA: $20
MassLandlords.net/NWCLA members: pay annual dues, then free
Whether you’re coming from the point of view of individual landlording, or if you’re an experienced corporate landlord looking to get the latest industry update, this presentation on commercial lending will give you the perspective you need to grow your income property business.
We’ll start by covering the different expectations in the commercial world vs residential mortgages. Maturity date, rate, and down payment are just the beginning. We’ll also cover minimum loan amounts, and prepayment penalties. Next we’ll cover properties where commercial lending does not apply, and talk about how even owner-occupied properties might need or benefit from a commercial loan.
We’ll cover the application process. We’ll show you what lenders look for and what kinds of projects may not be lendable (including some renovation work or empty buildings). We’ll also cover the major difference with residential mortgages, which is ongoing reporting requirements during the life of the loan.
Unlike with residential mortgages, where maturity means the loan is paid off, commercial mortgage maturity often results in refinancing and ongoing debt. We’ll talk about this and about the collections process, in case you want to buy a commercial foreclosure. Finally we’ll cover special cases, including portfolio lending, lines of credit, and transferring properties into an LLC.
This presentation will be given by Michael Travaglini, MassLandlords member, and John Genga, both of Brookline Bank.
Commercial Lending 101, taught by Brookline Bank. Image Google street view.
Market your business, pick up handouts, give away an old doorknob. Everything goes on our first-come, first-served display table at all our events. Please bring business cards, brochures, coupons. And feel free to pick up your own uncollected marketing materials at the end. Everything not claimed end-of-night may be chucked.
“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.
Tuesday, September 17th
Cambridge Meeting Agenda
5:30pm Sign-in and Networking
Networking draws from Cambridge, Boston, Somerville, Arlington, Belmont, Watertown, and Malden.
6:00pm Buffet Dinner
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.)
Please note: CIC has several buildings in Kendall Square, two of them being adjacent to each other. The correct location for this event is the building with light colored concrete, vertical windows and a Dunkin Donuts on the ground level. You will NOT see a CIC sign. Refer to the image below.
ID required Upon entering One Broadway, you will need to check in with the lobby security. You’ll just need to show your ID and let them know you’re going to the MassLandlords event in the 5th floor Venture Cafe.
Accessing from the T
Exit the Kendall T stop on Main St.
Cross to the northeast side of Main St. with the Marriott and Chipotle and walk down the street away from Cambridge towards the Longfellow Bridge to Boston.
Cross through the plaza with the five-foot high metal globe; One Broadway is the building undergoing construction across the next street.
Cross over Broadway to arrive at One Broadway.
Parking
Just $10 at Pilgrim Parking, enter after 4pm, a two-minute walk from One Broadway, click here for details. Be careful, some garages are $30. Accessible by T (red line Kendall Square) and highway. For additional parking options see CIC Directions.
Food
Buffet, incl. salad and rolls
Water, sodas
Cookies
*Dietary restrictions: purchase an early-bird ticket and email hello@masslandlords.net, we will accommodate you.
Leftover food is donated to members and/or homeless shelters.
Pricing
Open to the public. Membership is not required!
Door:
Public: $24
Members: $19
Early-bird, reserve seven days prior by 12pm:
Public: $22
Members: $14
Nametags are printed for early-bird public, early-bird member, and premium members only.
Extra Credit
First time attendees: Join as a member before leaving the event, your public ticket will be credited toward membership.
Members: Bring a first-time attendee who joins at the event, your membership will be extended by one month free. No limit.
John Fisher is a wealth information and has worked “both sides of aisle” in terms of rental subsidies and property management. His book, the Massachusetts Rental Owners Property Management Manual is now in its sixth edition and remains a favorite among experienced landlords as a reference and update on new laws and regulations.
John Fisher, author, subsidy administrator, landlord
Tuesday, September 17th
Berkshire County Meeting Agenda
6:00pm Networking
Networking draws from Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Stockbridge, Pittsfield, Lanesborough, Cheshire, New Ashford, Adams, North Adams, Clarksburg, Williamstown, Florida, Savoy, Hancock, Dalton, Windsor, Hinsdale, Peru, Richmond, Washington, West Stockbridge, Becket, Tyringham, Alford, Otis, Monterey, Sandisfield, New Marlborough, Sheffield, Egremont, and Mount Washington.
This one hour webinar will offer best practices and next steps for landlords of buildings with 1 to 4 rental units who are considering installing solar on their property. Webinar participants discuss a MassCEC tool-kit developed with resources for onsite and remote landlords, questions to ask installers, case studies, and participate in a questions and answers session.
Panelists include: Elizabeth Youngblood, MassCEC, Sam Milton, Climate Resources Group, Doug Quattrochi, MassLandlords, and Ben Mayer, SunBug Solar.
Thursday, September19th
12:00pm Webinar Begins
Registration
Open and free to the public! Register below to save your seat.
