Worcester Wed 9/11: Are Security Deposits History, Use Tech to Be a Long-Distance DIY Landlord

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.

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 11^th

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
• 7:05pm Security Deposits
• 7:30pm Home Tech
• 9:00pm Doors close

Location

Worcester Technical High School
1 Skyline Dr
Worcester, MA 01603

Parking

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.

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