MONDAY,
GLA Website
As we move forward, our website will be improved and expanded in an effort to meet the needs of our members. The tenant court list is updated each month to provide the most current information to our members. Remember to tell your friends, buyers and sellers to check out our website too. You have the ability to print out rental forms. Members can advertise their rental property on our website. We also have a Facebook page. Check us Out!
WelcomE New MembeRS!
Pamela Allen
RoseAnn Anderson
Monica Howard Coty Stowell
We look forward to seeing you at our meetings. Please take advantage of the networking opportunities before and after the meetings.
JOIN US!
Your membership in our Association gives you the chance to meet and learn from experienced investors whether you are starting out or are a longtime Landlord. We also have special Meetup meetings, the ability to obtain credit reports and past court evictions on prospective tenants, just to name a few services.
President’s Message
Spring is upon us, and the market is already starting to warm up. This is a great time to make your rounds at your properties and check the exteriors for any maintenance concerns that should be addressed this summer. Getting ahead of these items now can free up your time later so you can focus on finding new deals and growing your portfolio.
With interest rates dipping below 6% and pricing somewhat stable, some deals may start to make more sense again. Opportunities tend to show up when people are paying attention and ready to act.
Let’s make this summer our best yet. Get out there, take care of your properties, find a deal, and go make some money.
For the love of real estate,
Help the GLA Grow
Remember, for each new member you sign up with your name listed on their application, you will receive a $25 credit towards your renewal dues.
Opportunity to Network
Arrive at the General membership meeting at 6:30 pm and bring your business cards.
GLA Membership Benefits
• Monthly Meetings with expert guest speakers on a variety of topics
• Monthly newsletter containing valuable, up-to-date information
• Rental and Court forms
• Credit reports available on prospective tenants & access to OnlineRentApp.com
• List of Past Evictions
• The GLA website offers valuable Information & Rental Marketing.
• Discount on Sherwin Williams
• Networking with other investors, face to face
• Friendly office staff with answers and advice
• Notary public at GLA Office during business hours at no charge
To become a member of GLA mail your name, address, phone number and check payable to GLA G4428 Fenton Rd, Flint, MI 48507 OR on the web at glaoffice@geneseelandlords.org
Membership Application on Page 6
$147 NEW MEMBER FEE
$110 Renewing Member
You can't afford not to join!
Credit Reports
The information that is requested is for the Landlord’s exclusive use, and the Landlord certifies that inquiries will be made ONLY for permissible purpose, namely in connection with a business transaction initiated by the consumer. Specifically for rental of home account to determine whether the consumer continues to meet the terms of the account such as rental of property. Landlords may not obtain reports on themselves, associates, family members, or any other person, exception the exercise of official duties. The law prohibits the Landlord from providing a copy of the report to the applicant.
CREDIT APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE :
Applications completed in black ink only. Please be sure member name is on application and is signed.
Check to make sure the name, SSN, current address, city and zip code are readable. Make sure application is signed by the tenant giving you permission to run the credit report. The office cannot complete the credit report unless it is signed by the applicant. And again, make sure the Landlord name is on the application and signed.
# of bedrooms
Monthly income of applicant
Security Deposit to be paid
Monthly rent to be paid
Lease term
If renting now, monthly rent
Credit reports can only be ordered by members whose account status is current. Nationwide criminal search can also be obtain on your prospective tenants.
GLA EMAIL
Do we have your email address?
We will notify members of important happenings and dates through email; be sure to keep current on information by providing the Genesee Landlord Office at (810) 767-3080 or email us at glaoffice@geneseelandlords.org
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Please type or print and enclose this application with your check. One year membership fee is $147.
Name Address
City Zip
Phone
Fax
Spouse’s name
How did you hear about us?
Were you referred by a GLA member? If yes, who?
Please make check payable to : G4428 Fenton Road, Flint, MI 48507
VISA MASTERCARD Other
Number
Exp. Date Sec. Code
SIGNATURE x
Your membership in GLA affords you the possibility of becoming a more professional landlord, investor, or manager. Your continued support and participation in GLA provides the opportunity for a stronger association.
What is the value of “One Member”
One faithful member was feeling rather blue, met with a neighbor, and then there were two. Two earnest members each enrolled one more, doubling their numbers; then there were four. Four determined members just couldn’t wait till each won another, and then there were eight! Eight excited members signed up sixteen more; in another six verses, there will be a thousand twenty-four!
- Author Unknown
Credit Report Requirements for Your Home/Office
TransUnion requires certain information from our members in order for us to provide credit reports or to obtain reports from your office directly through TransUnion. We are required to verify the security of stored documents by our members. This means that each member will have an on-site verification of their place of business (or their home office if they manage their rentals from home).
Our members should be aware that to continue obtaining credit reports from the Association, you will be required to complete this process. There will be no invasion of your privacy by this inspection. The inspection is performed by a person on behalf of GLA.
The verification requires each member have:
• Locked file cabinet or drawer where reports are stored;
• Secure office (a lock on the room where the reports are stored);
• Alarm system (optional)
• Paper shredder
• Picture of entire office (inside and out), picture of office sign (address must show on office, house and/or mailbox) to verify current location
• Driver’s license
• Password protected computer
**Once completed email information and pictures to Linda at geneseelandlord@comcast. net
The sole purpose of the physical verification and photographs is to protect our members and the Association from a claim that the credit reports and other information concerning potential tenants was not kept secure.
Failure to comply will require you to purchase credit reports through the old system at a cost of $17 per report. If you do comply the cost of the credit report will be $12.
Message to Members who Fax Rental Applications to Office
We are still receiving incomplete and unreadable rental applications. The addresses and social security numbers are difficult to read. We must have the current address including city and zip code to run credit reports. Also all blanks on the application must be completed. PLEASE double check the information on the application for accuracy before you fax it to our office.
MAKE SURE ALL THE INFORMATION IS READABLE. If the information is un-readable or important information is missing, we cannot process the rental application. This will certainly enable our staff to process the application quickly and accurately. Your cooperation will be appreciated.
Genesee Landlord Association Store
FOR RENT SIGN
HEAVY DUTY WIRE STAND
INVESTOR PACKAGE
$10
$5
$25
PREMIUM INVESTOR PACKAGE $50
LEAD PAINT BOOKLET (EACH) $.75
LEAD PAINT BOOKLET (50) $25
7 DAY NOTICE, 30 DAY NOTICE, COMPLAINT AND SUMMONS FORMS (EACH)
7 DAY NOTICE, 30 DAY NOTICE, COMPLAINT AND SUMMONS FORMS (100)
$.50
$30
GLA MEMBERSHIP $147
For your convenience, we take orders over the phone and at our meetings for pick up or delivery (with shipping cost) of the items you need most and use everyday in your business.
It is imperative that owners request hard copies of credit reports. Credit reports can change daily, and there will never be another report exactly the same as the one the owner ran to determine acceptance of a tenant. Without a copy of the report, the owner cannot prove the financial reasons for acceptance or rejection if challenged in court.
10 WAYS TO COMBAT COMMON TENANT COMPLAINTS
When you’re a landlord, complaints from tenants are a fact of life, so here are 10 ways to combat common tenant complaints.
Being a landlord is hard work, especially if you want to be a great one who keeps your tenants happy and your units occupied. The best landlords are masters of business and people skills, able to manage their books and their properties while also handling tenant issues and managing employees. But even they get complaints from their tenants from time to time. Here are some ways to manage the most common tenant complaints.
Common Tenant Complaint #1: Insufficient Natural Light
As people continue to spend more time in their homes due to remote working during the pandemic, natural light can have a considerable influence on how a tenant feels in a space. Adding windows is a costly renovation, but you can make a rental that’s low on natural light look more inviting with a few simple changes:
• Furnish the apartment with lamps where overhead lighting isn’t sufficient, especially in corners
• Repaint using light glossy paint to
reflect light around the room.
2. Strong lease agreement
Draft a comprehensive lease agreement. Clearly outline payment terms, due dates, late fee policies, property maintenance responsibilities and behavior expectations, such as noise levels, guest limits, etc.
Complaint #2: Bugs
Wherever people gather, there are bound to also be ants, spiders, and other unwanted pests. As a landlord, you should do your part in the fight against bugs with a pest control routine to keep them from entering the rental.
However, pests can often invade a rental if the tenant doesn’t keep it clean enough. In that case, you can suggest the following solutions or do the treatments yourself:
• Sprinkle diatomaceous earth (DE)
near baseboards and window sills to kill bed bugs. If the rental is furnished, consider sprinkling it in drawers as well.
• Spray peppermint oil, water, and witch hazel near doors and windows.
• Spray a solution of water and dish soap on cockroaches.
Complaint #3: Temperature Issues
Whether your unit is old or new, drafts have a way of making their presence known. Unfortunately, in extreme climates, drafts have the potential to make your tenant uncomfortable.
If the temperature issues are extreme, it may be time to explore some renovations to upgrade windows or add more insulation, but in most cases, a few simple DIY solutions can help:
• Place a door snake on the bottom of the door or window to prevent drafts from sneaking in.
• Add weatherstripping to doors and windows.
• Replace door sweeps.
Complaint #4: Lack of Insufficient Storage
Whether your rental is furnished or not, your tenant may complain about not having enough spacefor all their belongings. In that case, consider the following options:
• Hang floating shelves on the wall to free up floor space, which will make the room feel less cluttered.
• Provide furniture that does double-duty: storage ottomans or bookcase headboards can make a difference!
• Decorate with storage baskets that fit under beds, benches, or tables to tuck things out of sight in unused space.
Complaint #5: Tight Spaces
Unfortunately, you can’t manufacture space where there isn’t any. You can, however, make sure your rental is painted in light and cohesive colors to make the rental feel bigger.
If the rental is furnished, hang mirrors on the wall and invest in dual-purpose decor.
Complaint #6: Unpleasant Odors
Some odors can’t be helped, like
when a neighbor decides to cook spicy food. But if your tenant is complaining of a musty or stale smell in their rental, there are a few deodorant tricks to try:
• Clean the washing machine with white vinegar, baking soda, and essential oil.
• Run it on the hottest cycle.
• Deodorize the fridge with essential oils and a box of baking soda.
• Sprinkle baking soda on the carpet, let it sit, and vacuum after an hour.
Complaint #7: Privacy Concerns
Everyone wants to feel safe in their home, so it’s understandable why some common tenant complaints are about privacy. To help your tenant feel safer, it’s best to invest in the following:
• Privacy screens in a studio apartment
• Window shades or blinds to keep people from looking in
• New locks for every new tenant
Complaint #8: Unsightly Fluorescent Lighting
Tenants want their homes to be cozy, but fluorescent lighting often screams industrial or commercial spaces.
Replace fluorescent fixtures with traditional ones and put in warm LED light bulbs. For lights with shades, don’t replace the entire fixture; instead, swap out the shade for a more modern look.
Complaint #9: Noisy Neighbors
Some problems are beyond your control, like a neighbor who has people over and cheers a little too enthusiastically during the big game. If it’s in the afternoon, there’s no recourse other than politely asking the sports fan to tone it down a little bit.
But an excellent landlord can also suggest a few DIY solutions for their tenants:
• Move big items of furniture like bookcases against a shared wall
• Hang fabric panels on the wall.
As the landlord, you can also make
sure all cracks in drywall are sealed to minimize sound.
Complaint #10: Outdated Finishes
Long-term tenants may complain that
their rental is starting to look a little outdated. While a full-scale renovation may be out of the budget, there are a few relatively low-cost changes you can make:
• Replace old hardware on bathroom and kitchen cabinets with updated models.
• Repaint the walls or cabinets.
When you’re a landlord, complaints from tenants are a fact of life, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the world. Stay calm, communicate, and be proactive, and your tenants will stick around for the long haul.
4 STEPS TO MAKE YOUR RENTAL HOME CARPET LAST LONGER
Flooring experts believe carpets should be changed every seven years, but not many carpets make it to that timeline, especially in a rental home, so here are some suggestions from Keepe on how to make carpet last longer in your rentals.
From all manner of trampling, dust, children and pet accidents, carpet is arguably the most heavily used item in the home and requires frequent replacing.
If you hope to keep your rental-home carpeting for more than a few years, here are some steps that will make
rental home carpet last longer and help keep your expensive carpeting looking new.
Common Causes of Rental Home Carpet Deterioration
While carpet is not built to last forever, you can extend its lifespan by a couple of years by understanding the common causes of carpet destruction.
• Lack of consistent cleaning: In most cases, carpet depreciation is usually a result of a lack of consistent acuuming, or allowing liquid stains to soak in. Poor cleaning habits can turn your rentalhome carpet to ruins.
• Pet-related issues: Pets can be a disaster for rental-home carpets if not properly monitored. They can easily urinate, defecate, spread mud, or chew the carpet. It is important that you have a strict pet policy in place.
• Lack of house rules: The lack of dedicated house rules can lead to rental-home carpet deterioration. Tenants who don’t leave their shoes at the door or clean regularly can cause premature destruction of your rental-property carpet.
4 Ways to Extend Your Carpet’s Life
No. 1: Regular Vacuuming
Vacuuming is important because there is a lot of dry soil and stains that your carpet can hold even though it isn’t obvious. When this happens, the dirt breaks up the carpet fiber, destroying your carpet in no time.
Vacuuming once or twice a week will help you extend your carpet lifespan. Today, many property managers provide renters with a low-budget vacuum cleaner to help with this.
No. 2: Do A Yearly Deep Carpet Cleaning
Since stored dirt can destroy your carpet (or distort its color), getting your rental-property carpets deepcleaned regularly is important. Annual or bi-annual cleanings will keep the carpet in good shape.
No. 3: Set a strict pet policy
The importance of having a pet policy cannot be stressed nearly enough. While you may allow pets, you need to have a firm stance on what kind of pets they are, whether they’re allowed indoors, and who is responsible for accidents or cleanings.
No. 4: Do Spot Cleaning
The earlier you get to the spill the better!
Even if your rental-home carpet comes with a stain blocker, that doesn’t mean it will block the spill. It only helps you prevent the stain from getting set in and makes it easier to clean. Always blot to clean, never rub or scrub, and don’t over wet the carpet.
In Conclusion
By adhering to the above tips, you’re sure to prolong the lifespan of your rental-home carpets, save money on regular carpet replacement, and give your carpet an appealing look.
4 TENANT-SCREENING MISTAKES THAT COULD COST YOU THOUSANDS
Tenant screening is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your investment so here are four tenant screening mistakes that could cost you.
Many landlords still fall into common traps that leave them vulnerable, so let’s look at four tenant-screening mistakes you want to avoid.
Mistake #1: Skipping Screening Because “It Takes Too Long”
Some landlords believe they can judge a tenant’s reliability just by looking at their application. But modern online screening tools make it easy to get a full picture within minutes. With only basic applicant details, such as date of birth and Social Security number, you can instantly access reports covering credit history, eviction records, criminal background checks, and identity verification.
Bypassing this step might feel like a time-saver now, but it can create major headaches later if your tenant turns out to be unreliable.
Mistake #2: Relying Only on Credit Score and Income
A high credit score and a solid job may suggest financial stability, but they don’t tell the full story.
A tenant who pays bills on time could still neglect your property, clash with neighbors, or break lease terms. On the flip side, someone with a modest credit score may be a responsible and respectful renter. Screening should look beyond income and credit to include rental history, landlord references, and eviction records to truly gauge tenant reliability.
Mistake #3: Skipping Background Checks to Save Money
Some landlords hesitate to pay for tenant background checks, assuming they’re too expensive.
But the truth is, the cost is minimal compared to the potential losses. Evictions alone can cost an average of $3,500, not to mention property damage or months of unpaid rent. Many landlords charge applicants an application fee, eliminating the need to pay for the screening themselves.
Whether you cover the cost or not, skipping a background check can leave you exposed to significant financial risk.
Mistake #4: Believing Credit Checks Will Hurt an Applicant’s Score
It’s a common misconception that running a credit check will damage a tenant’s credit score.
In reality, AAOA landlord credit checks are considered “soft pulls,” which don’t affect scores at all. Only “hard pulls,” such as applying for a mortgage or credit card, temporarily lower credit scores by a few points. Reassuring tenants about this distinction can help ease concerns and streamline your application process.
The Bottom Line
Approving a tenant based on gut feeling or incomplete information is a gamble that can quickly turn costly. By avoiding these common mistakes and running thorough background and credit checks, you’ll protect your property, minimize turnover risks, and improve your chances of finding tenants who pay on time and respect your investment.
8 SPRING MAINTENANCE ITEMS TO CHECK INSIDE
1. Inspect the exterior for damage or wear, especially the roof. It is best to hire a professional to climb on the roof and check for cracks that might cause interior leaks.
2. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Sometimes it is unclear whether the tenant or maintenance should check batteries, so be sure everyone knows who is responsible.
3. Check for leaks or water damage indoors. Windowsills and entryways can easily develop cracks. Those cracks make it possible for critters to enter the property while also contributing to straining the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. A professional can easily reseal cracked thresholds.
4. Maintain exterior surfaces. A cleaning and pressurewashing specialist can assess the conditions of a property’s exterior siding and recommend whether it should be thoroughly cleaned. Cleaning dirt and debris from siding keeps mold and fungi from growing and should be a part of spring rental-property maintenance.
5. Complete roofing, siding or concrete repairs. Check for any interior leaks. Additionally, natural debris – such as leaves and branches – can easily collect on the roof during the winter, which makes the spring a good time to schedule a roof-cleaning service. If your property has an exposed brick or concrete foundation, check for cracks and signs of deterioration.
6. Schedule your big capital construction projects for spring.
7. Resolve any outstanding water-damage issues. After a winter of snow or showers, it is necessary to check whether any water remains undrained around the property. Noticing whether puddles fail to disappear after 24 hours is one way of gauging this. If water fails to properly drain, moisture can easily increase around the property’s foundations and walls.
8. Assess for mold problems and address as needed. Often, heightened moisture levels within or around the property causing water damage to walls and floors can facilitate mold growth.
THE LIAISON REPORT
Presented by Bobbie Kirby, Gla Executive director
ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE OR BUSINESS WITH GLA CONSIDER RUNNING AN AD IN OUR NEWSLETTER AND ONLINE
Advertising not only offsets the cost of newsletter printing and member outreach, it also provides services to our association from sources who are excited to work with us at reasonable and reliable rates. Our newsletter reaches an extensive network of real estate investors. Please refer to our local businesses when possible and let them know you saw their ad. If you are interested in placing an ad or know someone who is, the rates are as follows:
GLA SUGGESTION FORM
What do you like most about the GLA?
What changes would you like to see?
Meeting topic suggestions
Member benefits you’d be interested in
Vendors you’d like to see at meetings
Comments
The following is optional:
Name Phone Email
Would you like to be on committe? Yes / No
VIDEO RECORDING AND PICTURES CAN REDUCE DISPUTES
Reduce disputes with tenants by videotaping or taking pictures with your cell phone or camera of the unit’s condition before move-in and after move-out. If you do this when the unit is vacant, the tenant cannot claim his or her privacy was invaded. When move-out is completed, repeat the process again and have evidence of any damage that occurred during the occupancy of the affected tenant.
GLA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2026-2027
Ed Constable - President (810) 938-3339
edconstable1@yahoo.net
Aaron Dionne - Vice President (248) 705-1399 rangerbronco@charter.net
Ryan Scully - Secretary (810) 577-3146 scullyrealestateteam@gmail.com
Terry Hanson - Treasurer (810) 767-2500 terrylhanson@yahoo.com
Bobbie Kirby - Exec. Director 810-919-5130 ledesta1@att.net
BOARD MEMBERS
Bernard Drew
Craig Fiederlein (810) 232-1112
cfiederlein@cflegal.net
Bryan Udell (810) 287-4486 cbu@homeventures.com
Danny Helkowski (810) 228-0478 dannyhelkowski@gmail.com
Political Action Chairman
Henry Tannenbaum (810) 238-2600 hrt@USOL.com
Ryan Bilkos (810) 660-3174 ryan.bilkos@gmail.com
Office Secretary
Amanda Lynch (810) 767-3080
Melanie Fiederlein (810) 288-9334 melfiederlein@gmail.com (810) 422-3655 mrbdrew@gmail.com
Contributor Linda MacKay
STATE LEGISLATORS
SENATORS
Ruth A. Johnson (R) Senate District 24
Contact: Senator Johnson Phone: 517-373-1636
Kevin Daley (R) Senate District 26
Contact: Senator Daley Phone: 517-373-1777
John Cherry (D) Senate District 27
Contact: Senator Cherry Phone: 517-373-0142
REPRESENTATIVES
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