BPMA Meeting for October

Starting at 7PM, Legislative gave a brief overview of last weekends WAA Conference and Tradeshow.

Next Gary gave the floor to guest speaker Toni Ruff, Section 8 (public housing) specialist. She mentioned some changes were made to the Housing Choice Voucher Program and these are outlined in the "Owner's Guide." She brought some copies of the Guides with her along with the flyer a "Good place to live." The latter can also be seen here: Flyer

The majority of the sesssion was Q&A. A 60day notice is necessary when the owner wishes to make a change in the lease. After the first year, a section 8 tenant may go on a month-to-month lease.

The Beloit City Website carries the Beloit Housing Authority's pages.

(snapshot image)

No guest is scheduled for November.

Wisconsin Apartment Association Conference & Tradeshow 2011

I decided to attend this years' conference, Saturday session, 10/15/11. This year it was held at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. It turned out to be very, very informative with great guest speakers, great food, great tradeshow, and great music. The conference went from 7:30am to 9:00pm, allowing for only a few short breaks. The time spent in the seminars was well worth every minute. I, (pictured) personally attended "Basics in Facebook" where we picked up helpful networking hints and tips.





The next seminar I attended was titled "How not to get run over in small claims". Presented by Atty Bernardo Cueto, the keypoints were on mediation vs the standard court eviction. La Crosse county provides for mediation allowing for a quick resolution that is usually acceptable by both parties. In addition, when parties agree thru mediation, the tenant will usually vacate taking his/her personal belongings. Opposite to this is the heated court eviction where tenants tend to leave their belongings behind. I stepped away from this seminar wishing that Rock county start using mediation and soon!

The third seminar was presented by Brian Hervat (pictured), with the Kenosha Landlord Assoc., and he presented "Crime Free Multi-Housing." He handed out an addendum "Crime Free Lease Addendum" and suggested we start using this form. It has been used with limited success in the Kenosha area. Overall, a very informative seminar.

The other seminars that ran concurrently to the ones I attended were titled "Rental Collections", "5Most Asked Landlord Questions", "The Art of Renting", "Top 10 Pitfalls to avoid", "Recordkeeping for the RRP rule", and "Landlords & Tenant's Rights."

Following the seminars, a reception was held along with a silent auction. Music was provided by Sandy La Clair & the Impact of Brass, a very classy ensemble. This was followed by Dinner and the Annual Meeting.

Can't wait till next years.

Manuel