Letter from the Executive Director for March 2018

February was an eventful month. We received two invitations to participate in policy discussions, signed two new groups to service contracts, had one team member go on leave, started another with a more expanded role, and learned about two lawsuits that might be happening.

The MA Department of Environmental Protection invited us to participate in stakeholder meetings on water conservation devices (see article in this March edition). Also, the City of Worcester gave us a seat on their Task Force for Sustaining Housing First Solutions, which seeks to eliminate chronic homelessness using the “Insurance Against Homelessness” or “Landlord Guarantee” program from Seattle. See MassLandlords.net/policy/homelessness.

The Northern Worcester County Landlord Association signed a service contract. For the first time in MassLandlords’ four-year history, we have created a new membership level that allows free access to two monthly meetings: Worcester and Fitchburg. We expect between 80 and 150 members will start or switch over to MassLandlords-enhanced NWCLA memberships in the next year or so.

The Rental Housing Association of Berkshire County also signed a service contract. All of their members in good standing will have access to our growing list of services. Between 100 and 120 RHABC members will start MassLandlords-enhanced RHABC memberships in the next year.

Alexis Gee, our Manager of Communications and Member Service, started a leave of absence. We are looking forward to her return to full time.

Peter Vickery, our Legislative Affairs Counsel, accepted a new role as Writer, Editor, and Journalist. Peter will be making substantial contributions to our monthly newsletter, and will be available to investigate and write stories on what is happening in your neighborhood. Send tips to hello@masslandlords.net.

Our members have weighed in with their opposition to H.4142, the Jim Brooks Stabilization Act. It would appear that the membership strongly support enjoining the City of Boston against enforcement should the act pass. See this edition’s article on Stu Schrier winning the Good Neighbor Award for 2017.

Last but certainly not least, the Small Property Owners Association has notified us of its intent to sue MassLandlords. I think it’s telling that their first lawsuit in 30 years should be against another landlord group. In everything we have done, we strived to involve the SPOA board, to communicate openly, and to serve their members to the best of our ability. Their claims against MassLandlords are entirely without merit, and we will defend against them. We urge any SPOA board members who disagree with the lawsuit to stand up for dialog and reform.

Whatever the future may bring, I’m confident that the trust placed in us by the Southern Worcester County Landlord Association, the MetroWest Property Owners Association, the Northern Worcester County Landlord Association, the Rental Housing Association of Berkshire County, and by the boards of advisors of the Rental Housing Association of Greater Springfield, the Worcester Property Owners Association, the Charles River Rental Housing Association, and the members of MassLandlords Cambridge will sustain us and help us fulfill our mission to create better rental housing in Massachusetts.

Thank you for all your support.