BPMA Meeting for February 2016

On Tuesday April 5, we will be electing 4 board members to the School District of Beloit. We had the pleasure of hearing from 6 candidates. They shared their platform with us and each gave an approach to tackling the achievement gap. The candidates are Shannon Scharmer, Shelly Cronin, Jennifer Long, Pam Charles, Laurie Endres and Kris Klobucar. The incumbents running for re-election are Shannon Scharmer and Laurie Endres.

More info can be obtained here: WI Assoc of School Boards

New BPMA Pres Baker gave an update on Assembly Bill 568.

Manuel

BPMA Meeting for September 2015

Matt Ruch would like members to read up on legislative issues that could impact landlords and contact state representatives on the issues that matter.
From The WAA

Keeping you informed on legislative issues that could affect YOU! A reminder that we need YOUR help! Your Legislative Team at the Wisconsin Apartment Association is recommending that 2015 Assembly Bill 111 & 2015 Senate Bill 87 should not pass and become law.  We need ALL WAA members to contact their Assembly Persons and Senators to vote AGAINST this bill! INFO ON THE BILLS:  While there some small differences between the bills, the major change that these bills make are to require local municipalities to require inspections of major renovations that either exceed 15% or 20% of the assessed value. But major renovations means, "an addition to, or a remodeling, improvement, or other alteration of, an existing one- or two- family dwelling...". WHY IS THIS AN ISSUE:  The words "REMODELING, IMPROVEMENT, and OTHER ALTERATION" could be interpreted to include carpet, painting, and other simple changes to your rental that having nothing to do with structure or other items you would typically need a building permit. This change could result in extra costs to keep your units in good condition. Since many landlords under take many project themselves, this could make projects more difficult to undertake. This bill appears to protect contractors and give them more work. We feel this bill in unnecessary and will cost property owners more money. TALKING POINTS:  Please contact your Legislators and tell them you do not like these bills and urge them to vote NO. Address the concerns brought up in the paragraph above on how this will cost you more and hinder your efforts to fix up properties in your community. You can tell them that you are a member of the Wisconsin Apartment Association and we oppose these bills, in their current format. LINKS TO BILLS: AB111-http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2015/REG/AB111 and amendments http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2015/REG/AB111-AA1 SB87-http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2015/proposals/sb87 Please forward any comments from your Legislators to me at chrismokler@waaonline.orgso we can follow up with them or get any needed info to them. Also, feel free to forward this onto any of your local members that may have not gotten/seen this ACTION Alert. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions! Sincerely, Chris Mokler Director of Legislative Affairs Wisconsin Apartment Association kw

Manuel

BPMA meeting for April

Over 30 members participated in todays meeting. We had guest Dale Hicks from JARPA. He gave us a very good review of new legislation that affects us landlords.
He touched on Act 76, towing practices that come into effect July 1. Also, Chapter 66.0104.
Chapter 704 deals with Landlord & Tenant.
Chapter 799 deals with small claims and evictions.
Most but not all of this new legislation appears on the new leases offered by Wisconsin Legal Blank. There is still other legislation in the works including a municipal utilities Bill.

The BPMA webpage has a new link under Members. The link opens to a page with links to the above mentioned Chapters of Wisconsin Statutes and Wisconsin Small Claims Forms. There is also a printable BPMA Membership application.
BPMA Webpage

- manuel

BPMA Update

For recertification of renovate right there is a special class at a discount price of $90. Class is on March 15, 2014 from 8 to12 in Janesville. To sign up: call Heather Tillman at 262-439-6125

Dick Adams

BPMA News

Landlords will try different approaches to finding tenants. For Beloit landlords, the use of craigslist as well as the BPMA website are both new and worthy aproaches. I wanted to weigh in on a new tool that I discovered through an article found on page 6 of the WAA magazine, September 2013. It describes recording a brief video of a vacancy, 2 to 3 minutes in duration, and uploading it to YouTube. Then, a link to the video can be placed on craigslist or wherever a landlord places his/her ads. I went ahead and recorded a walk-through of an apartment, without voice and concentrating on areas I thought were highlights of the apartment. Video
Different from past approaches, this approach seemed to attract only the most interested. Several people who filled out applications for tenancy mentioned the video and loved the apartment before ever stepping into it. In other words, they were already motivated to move in and the applications were the most complete and accurate that I've had in a while. YouTube provides statistics such as viewings, a valuable management tool. I had over 150 view the video but 7 actually filled out an application. 3 of these were accepted. 3 out of 7 is pretty good. Hope this helps. -- Manuel, Elder A Christian Temple

March BPMA Meeting

Guest Debbie Fischer with Transform Rock County presented the initiative Clear Gains, a smoke-free initiative. Reading material was handed out. If you are a multi-unit property owner, going smoke-free is trending as a popular alternative for renters. The reading material contained sample smoke-free policies, some legal info, second-hand smoke info, a step-by-step going smoke-free guide, enforcement tips, and quit-line info for smokers. Quit-line for smokers is 1-800-quit-now.
Wisconsin law prohibits smoking in "common areas".... check into it.
More info at Transform Rock County
or 608-757-5440

BPMA member Joe Hansen attended a tenant training class where only 2 tenants from the public showed up!!

We were visited by a new-comer to Beloit, an investor from Milwaukee who took over the Countryside complex. I am happy to see that someone is now working on those buildings.

Notice to BPMA Members. Free Webinar. "Understand​ing the Wisconsin Homestead Credit for Landlords and Property Managers."

2/27/2013 at 10 am

 

To Register CLICK HERE

 

More info Click here for Wisconsin DOR

 

 

Regular Meeting for January

A large group of landlords joined in tonight to hear Sheila DeForest speak a little on issues affecting code ordinances with the city. She will bring up concerns that the city will clarify on its code enforcement. Issues such as ceiling height, need for GFCI in bathrooms not undergoing remodeling, need for storm doors and 2yr stipulations on code orders being changed to 1 yr.

Sheila will determine whether the city will give landlords a discount on their rental permit fees upon successful completion of a landlord training course, one such being offered this year starting in February.

Member Wayne Gustina who also sits on a county board, mentioned that a lead detector will be made available for anyone to check out and use. The detector can seemingly be aimed at a wall and a lead reading can be made. More information will be available in February's meeting when guest Paul Benjamin will be speaking. Paul is a superintendent of planning and development.

A surprise visit was made by Teri Downing, Housing Services Director. A question/answer session followed. She mentioned that code inspectors/enforcers will be issued uniforms with clearly legible words indicating their function as code inspector.

Overall a great meeting tonight!

Beloit Property Management

Treasury report was followed by President Gary Fields. Be advised that in November everyone should be receiving by mail a request for next years dues. Those fees are due by the end of December.

Dick Adams gave a summary of his visit to the Wisconsin Apartment Associations annual convention. He attended several seminars that specified personal safety. He mentioned that a Milwaukee group that gives courses on Lead safe practices could possibly form a Lead Refresher course at a cost of $100 per attendee. The Refresher course would validate my Lead Safe Renovator certification up to 2018.

Mr Adams mentioned that WAA has contracted with WI Legal Blanks and most rental forms will now be made available thru them.

November's meeting on 11/20 has been moved to December. In its place, a course is being given at the Rock Co Job Center. From 6PM to 8PM, instructors will go over Fair Housing practices. If you cannot make 6PM, the same course is being given earlier in the day, from Noon to 2PM, same location. More information about the course can be found at this link, Fair Housing Council

Happy Holidays

News You Might Use

I made the unfortunate discovery that three local Beloit lenders are no longer issuing new loans for new investors for rental properties. One lender is no longer making me new loans though I have been a client for nearly 10 years. The banking industry has essentially stalled my business and I have to proceed with new purchases on a cash basis only. Interests rates are low for the sake of encouraged lending, at least that is what I thought. Comments are welcomed.

Manuel

Beloit Property Management

Ten BPMA members were present at tonights meeting. We had guest speakers Beth Schmidt and Chad Lee. Both individuals are running for political offices. Beth Schmidt is running for the 45th Assembly and Chad Lee is the republican candidate running for Congress in the 2nd district. We enjoyed their presentations and if you missed tonights meeting, you missed a lot. It turns out Chad Lee is also a landlord!
You may obtain more information from the following website: www.ChadLeeForCongress.com

Following tonights guest speakers, more local matters were discussed. The city council approved a chicken ordinance that BPMA was against. If you are a landlord, your tenant may obtain up to 4 female chickens but they must follow specific guidelines. There are rules for housing them, minimum lot sizes, and an application for a permit with the city. From what I understand, permits may be issued if the tenant has a notarized sighned permission slip from the landlord. More details to come.

Beloit Property Management

President G Fields gave the floor to guests Terry Downing and Steve Givhan, city code enforcement officials. Question and answer session followed; this was an opportunity for you to get your questions answered.

Another topic of interest was brought up. The issue of bed bugs is becoming a nation-wide issue. There are some informative videos on you-tube. Solutions to ridding bedbugs include a professional exterminator. Other ideas floated around include mattress bags and insecticides specifically aimed at bedbugs.

A committee is necessary to develop a new BPMA brochure.

Beloit Property Management

Sheila DeForest presented minutes to the summit meeting she and landlords attended together with the city of Beloit, 5/24/12.

• It was agreed that BPMA will produce a brochure of itself which will become available to walk-ins at the city and perhaps as enclosures accompanying violation notices sent out by the city.
• Enclosed with the rental permit renewals for 2013, the city will inform landlords of upcoming WAA Workshop Series.
• Newer water meter reading devices will be phased in which will perhaps make checking meter readings possible by electronic means, via internet. The newer meters is something the city had already planned for. The ability to check on utility bills and make payment by credit card is available at this site: Utility Bills
• A possibility exists of reducing renter permit fees for landlords who complete specific training such as the Workshop series. The city manager will explore that possibility and get back to us.
• Minimum criteria will be followed for sellers entering into land contracts. The city will notify such sellers in the future of the those criteria.
• Electronic renter permit applications and issuance was discussed. Options are on the table and they will be reviewed.

A snapshot of Beloit:

• There were about 1300 landlords in Beloit for 2011, less than in previous years
• 6021 rental units in the city, about 500 more than 6 years ago
• there are less landlords owning more units
• the city is possibly missing rental unit registration when one compares the number of rental units with rental permits issued
• out of 2899 rental buildings, about 55% are duplex or single residence
• most landlords, 72%, own 2 or less units
• 64% of landlords live in Beloit, 81% in the Beloit area

There was also brought forward discussion on the city creating a new ordinance that would allow a resident to keep up to 4 female chickens on a residential zoned lot within the city limits. The proposed ordinance is still in the discussion phase. Stay tooned.

Beloit Property Management

Guest speaker Dale Hicks gave a lengthy presentation on changes to the Wisconsin Landlord Tenant Law which took effect April 1, 2012; Act 143. There are 9 important points.

• abandonment
• security deposit
• criminal activity disclosure
• disclosure of building code violations
• check-in sheet
• holdover rent
• partial rent payments and evictions
• no city moratorium on evictions

More detailed information is available Here :>

Sheila DeForest will be returning June to give us a review of her summit session with the city of Beloit.

Beloit Property Management

Tonight we had guest speaker Matt Roegner give members a one hour presentation on a Referendum coming for a vote April 3, 2012. The Referendum is meant to allow the school district of Beloit new funds for several school improvements totaling around 70 million dollars. Real estate taxes meanwhile would only slightly nudge higher. A great part of the funds would be supplied by the state. Most of the schools in the Beloit area would receive structural improvements, remodifications and/or additions. For example, a new pool at the Memorial High. More detailed information is available here: Beloit School.

May 8 is the date Sheila DeForest will be available for a brainstorming session where bright ideas can be exchanged. New ideas include giving landlords a rental permit discount should they be members of BPMA -- I like that idea.

Leaflan now charges residents for yard waste. A member mentioned that Bedrock off townline accepts all yard waste and currently at no charge.

Next month we should know more about having a meeting at a Marling Lumber facility. There was mention they would host BPMA with food and a tour of their facility.

All landlords are welcomed to attend our next meeting, April 17, 2012, 7PM.

BPMA meeting for February

Tonight was packed; there were new visitors and two guest speakers. Dick Adams began by giving a legislative update and the treasurer gave us a treasury report. Our first guest speaker was Steve Miller, a representative of Marling. He offered information on the services rendered by Marling including kitchen cabinetry, measuring and ordering. They also handle windows, lights, and much more. They also offer tool repair with warranty on most brand name tools.

The president then gave the room to guest Sheila DeForest who is with the city of Beloit. She wants our participation in a summit meeting with city staff, tentatively for May. There, we can bring our ideas for improving landlord interactions, code standards, inspection concerns, water/sewer concerns, and any other topic. Some suggested putting the ceiling height minimum that was grandfathered into writing. Some suggested decreasing inspection frequency. Some suggested having the city do walk-bys. Many ideas were shared and we expect to get an update from Sheila soon.

No guest speaker scheduled yet for March.

BPMA of Beloit

Beloit area landlords are invited to attend our next BPMA meeting, February 21, 2012, 7PM. Location: Domenico's of Beloit.

We will have guest speaker Sheila DeForest who is with the Beloit Community Development Authority. She is a valuable resource on issues affecting residents and landlords of Beloit. Bring your questions and get informed!

January BPMA Meeting:
No Guest speaker. We recapped issues affecting us such as increased rental permit fees and the retirement of some valuable Beloit staff. Treasurer and President gave their monthly reports.

BPMA Meeting for November

Starting at 7PM, the president and treasurer presented for discussion yearly dues, both state and local. Legislative mentioned the state dues would not change. Up for vote was keeping yearly dues for 2012 the same as 2011. Also, late fees would be removed. Members present voted overwhelmingly in favor. Letters on membership renewal will be sent out in December.

The president next gave the floor to guest speaker Mark Spreitzer who is on the city council. Mr. Spreitzer spoke on recent activities within the city council. Specifically on the new budget for 2012. Over 2 million dollars were shaved from the budget thru cuts rather than increased revenues. Police and fire were discussed.

Though discussed and contested by BPMA members, a $5 increase on rental permits passed into the new budget. The time to discuss decreasing the number of city inspectors is this coming summer or before the next budget discussions for 2013.

Some mentioned their dislike for public housing due to its competitive nature on the rental business. Mark mentioned he was not aware of any new public housing units coming up for development.

Leaflan will begin charging city of Beloit residents in 2012 for disposal of their yard waste. There are supposedly sites that accept yard waste for free and Mr Spreitzer mentioned he would investigate this and communicate it to us later.

No guest speaker for December.

Happy Thanskgiving.

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