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!
Harlon Green Lesley Steiner
Gleen Carpenter David Tompkins
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
I have been searching for deals lately, and finding one that actually cash flows takes work, but it is necessary work.
Many people do not spend enough time underwriting their deals to make sure they will work long term. Many investors simply subtract taxes and insurance to get their net income and then see if the debt service will work. That approach will never succeed long-term because there are so many more costs that go into running and maintaining a home.
Do not forget property management. Even if you-self manage, you should factor in 5%, and if you hire someone else, plan for 10%. Also account for a vacancy rate of 5-10%. That is a real expense because it is money you will not collect. You may get two or three years out of a tenant, but when they move out, finding a new tenant takes time, and getting the unit rent-ready takes time as well.
Also consider HVAC and maintenance costs. I budget $150 per year for HVAC, which is probably on the low side, but it will cover the service call you might get every year or two. As for maintenance, turnover costs are expensive, and roofs do not last forever. I try to make at least one improvement to my older properties every time a tenant moves out. You should plan for at least $1,200 per year for maintenance.
Do not do deals just to do deals. Do deals that make sense and that will carry their own weight.
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
$197 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 $197.
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 $197
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.
Do you have to be lucky to find a great tenant? Not if you take a proactive approach to tenant selection by defining your requirements.
Signing a great tenant involves much more than simply crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. A strategic approach that combines effective marketing and thorough screening, along with a touch of luck, is necessary to find the ideal tenant.
Here’s how to ensure you’re attracting and securing high-quality renters:
1. Define your ideal tenant profile
• Before advertising, define the qualities you’re looking for, such as income level, credit score, rental history and employment stability.
• Be mindful of Fair Housing Act guidelines, which prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics, such as race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability.
• In order to prevent Fair Housing Act violations, create a page outlining your criteria and give it
to everyone showing an interest in renting your vacancy.
2. Market your property strategically
• Create an appealing rental listing: Use professional photos and highlight key features and amenities, such as an in-unit laundry, security features, smarthomen technology or nearby schools.
• Advertise in the right places: Leverage online platforms such as Zillow or Facebook
Marketplace to reach a broad audience of qualified renters.
• Price rent competitively: Research similar properties in your area to find a fair market rate that attracts tenants while covering your costs.
3. Implement a comprehensive tenant screening process
• Request a detailed rental application: This should include
personal details, employment and income information, rental history and landlord references. These are factors you want to be aware of before you allow someone to move into your property.
• Pre-screen: Chat with potential tenants and review their application to get a feel for their suitability before ordering detailed background checks.
• Verify employment and income: Request pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns or employer letters to confirm their ability to comfortably afford the rent.
• Conduct thorough background checks: Isn’t it better to know before you sign a lease whether your applicant has been identified as a sex offender or a terrorist?
• Credit Check: A prospective tenant’s credit report is a good gauge of how conscientious they are about their financial commitments. You’ll learn how much credit they have, if they are approaching their credit limits and if they pay off their debts as agreed.
• Social Security Number Fraud Check: Is your applicant using another person’s SSN? This verification will uncover whether your candidate is who they say they are.
• Criminal Background Check: A
criminal check will tell you if they have been in trouble with the law during the last seven years. Be sure to include searches for sex offender, terrorist and federal crimes.
• Eviction History: Indicates past rental problems, usually unpaid rent or extensive damage to the landlord’s property, which can be a predictor of future behavior.
• Tax Liens and Civil Judgments: A tax lien is a lien imposed by law upon a property to secure the payment of taxes, while a civil judgment is a ruling against a defendant in a court of law. The judgment can arise from small claims, unpaid debts or property damage due to negligence. Any of these is of vital importance to a landlord when considering a possible tenant.
• Check References: Order landlord and employment verifications to confirm the applicant’s rental and job histories and behavior.
10 ITEMS TO CHECK IN A DIY RENTAL PROPERTY INSPECTION
Here are 10 items to check in a do-ityourself rental property inspection to both plan preventative maintenance and build tenant trust.
Conducting a periodic informational inspection/walkthrough of your rental property is important; we recommend at least once a year. It allows you to understand the state of your property, troubleshoot for larger issues, plan some preventative maintenance and also build trust with your tenants (more on that in a bit).
While there are hundreds of items you could inspect in a walkthrough, we’re going to focus on the lowhanging fruit and the most important boxes to check. Before we get into the list, here are a few pointers:
• Schedule this walkthrough far in advance with your tenants –they’ll keep it on the radar and (hopefully) focus on keeping the property in good shape. Most states require at least 48 hours of written notice before anyone enters the dwelling.
• Communicate to your tenants why you’re conducting this walkthrough. You want to know what’s going on with the property but you also want to make sure you’re providing a hospitable environment for your
tenants
• We recommend conducting these walkthroughs with a general contractor or maintenance pro (RentalRiff can help) as an unbiased third party and someone who can easily diagnose/fix certain issues.
Without further ado, here we 10 items to check in a rental property inspection:
1. Replace furnace filters
This is an easy one. You’ll need a filter on hand but it’s easy and not expensive. Replacing a broken furnace, on the other hand, is very expensive.
2. Replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries
Here is another easy one that is a critical safety tool. Aside from the liability you’ll have on your hands if these alarms don’t work during an emergency, let’s keep everyone
3. Clean out dryer vents
While cleaning out a dryer vent may require slightly more elbow grease than changing batteries, it’s another important safety precaution. If your dryer can’t ventilate, two things can happen: Your dryer breaks ($$$) or, much worse, a fire can start.
4. Switch the GFIs
We can’t tell you how many calls we get for electrical work that can be solved with the push of a button. Get ahead of these issues by switching the GFI for your tenants.
5. Run water and check for leaks under the sinks
An easy way to do this is to turn on the water and throw a baking pan under the plumbing to see if any liquid is captured. Sometimes leaks can be small, but they can cause serious damage.
6. Turn on all appliances
Checking to see that appliances are in good working order is definitely helpful. Appliances are expensive
and that weird sound your dishwasher is making may indicate a new one is in your future.
7. Run the garbage disposal
The No. 1 maintenance request landlords receive is for garbage disposals. We recommend giving them a tighten with an Allen wrench and/or a reset. Olive pits love giving landlords a headache.
8. Test the heating and air conditioning
You’re required as a landlord to provide a humane environment for your tenants; this means a livable temperature. We like to turn the AC on full blast to check, then switch to heat – it’s easy to inspect other items while checking these systems.
9. Inspect crawl spaces and attics
Pests and water damage love the areas of your property where people don’t hang out. It’s pretty easy to spot both (poop and watermarks) and if left untreated, they can cause big problems.
10. Check ceilings, walls, floors, doors, and windows
All right, so we crammed a few into No. 10 here, but they’re all important. Any sign of water damage is a big red flag and requires an immediate solution. Walls/ceilings/floors are expensive fixes.
10 TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR RENTAL PROPERTY FOR SUMMER
Summer is the time to get your rental home in tip-top shape for all of your visitors! A summerhouse is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the warmer weather. It is the best time to rent them out for family gatherings or weekend getaways. Assuming that your house is already in good condition and needs a few touch-ups, here are some tips to get it ready for the influx of visitors:
Deep Clean Your Home
A clean and fresh house is always inviting. Be sure to give your rental a deep clean before the summer season begins. It means scrubbing floors, polishing windows, dusting surfaces, washing area rugs, and decluttering rooms. You want your guests or renters to feel like they are walking into a brand new home. Deep clean your rental now, so you don’t have to do it again in the middle of summer. Also, wipe the glasses and dishes in the cabinets with rubbing alcohol to prevent germs from spreading. You never want your guests to get sick while on vacation.
Check Your Air Conditioning Unit
You never want your guests to be sweating during their stay. Be sure to check your air conditioning unit and make sure it is in good working condition. Consider upgrading to the latest model if your unit is old. Also, be sure to change the air filter so that the air quality in your rental is good. If the air conditioner is not working properly, your guests will not be happy. It also wouldn’t hurt to provide fans for your guests if the air conditioner goes out. Never do anything to make your guests uncomfortable during their stay.
Prepare Your Outdoor Space
Your rental property should have a beautiful outdoor space for your guests. If you have a pool, clean it and add fresh water. Also, make sure the area around the pool is safe and free of any hazards. The outdoors is as important as the indoors when it comes to making your guests comfortable. You may consider adding some outdoor furniture and a few potted plants to make the space more inviting. It is the perfect season to take advantage of your rental property’s location. If you’re near the beach, make sure your guests know about it and how to get there.
Make it Well Furnished
The furniture in your rental property should be comfortable and stylish. Summer is the perfect time to update any worn-out furniture or add new pieces. You want your renters to feel like staying in a luxurious vacation home, not a college dorm room. If you need help picking out furniture,
there are plenty of online resources and interior design blogs you may consider. Also, invest in some best-quality oriental rugs to make your house more comfortable and luxurious. Painting the walls is also a good idea to make your rental property feel more fresh and new.
It’s All About the Curb Appeal
Your rental property’s curb appeal is very important, especially during summer. Most people are looking for a vacation rental that looks like a paradise, so make sure your property fits that description. First impressions always matter, so take some time to ensure your property’s landscaping is up to par. The lawn should be mowed well, the bushes should be trimmed, and the flowers bloom. If you have a pool, make sure it is clean and inviting. Add some outdoor furniture and colorful
towels or umbrellas to give your property that perfect summertime feel.
Maintaining the Pool
If you have a pool on your rental property, it’s important to keep it well-maintained. It means regularly cleaning the pool, checking the pH levels, and ensuring the chlorine levels are balanced. Also, check the condition of the pool deck and make sure there are no cracks or trip hazards. If you don’t have a pool, but your tenants want to cool off in the summer heat, consider investing in a kiddie pool or slip-nslide.
Check for Pests
No one wants to share their home with pests, so check for any critters that may have made their way inside. It is especially important if your rental is located in an area prone to flooding, as pests are often drawn to moisture. Check under sinks, cupboards, and any other dark or damp areas. If you find pests, call a professional to remove them safely. You never want your tenants to be dealing with a pest problem!
Inspect All Appliances
All of the appliances in your rental should be in good working order before your tenants move in. Be sure to inspect the stove, oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and other appliances included with the rental. If any of the appliances need to be repaired or replaced, be sure to do so before your tenants arrive. Also, make sure to invest in smart thermostats. This will make your tenants happy, but you’ll save money on your energy bills!
Check the Airflow
The airflow is the key factor to a comfortable home, especially during the summer months. Be sure to check all vents and make sure they are unobstructed. Also, be sure to change the air filters in all vents. It will ensure that your tenants
have a comfortable experience in their new home. Inspect the windows and doors. Ensure that all of the windows in your rental property are properly sealed. It will help keep the cool air in and the hot air out. Not to mention, it will also help to reduce your energy bills!be repaired or replaced, be sure to do so before your tenants arrive. Also, make sure to invest in smart thermostats. This will make your tenants happy, but you’ll save money on your energy bills!
Invest in Some Unique Decor
A well-designed and beautifully decorated home is the key to a
successful rental property. Be sure to add some unique and stylish touches to your home. It will make it stand out from the rest! Invest in some colorful rugs (RugKnots is the best place for rugs shopping), Artistic frames and artwork, paintings, and other stylish accessories.
Also, make sure the entrance of your rental property is clean and inviting. The first impression matters the most! In addition, add some plants and flowers to your front porch or balcony. It will make your rental property more welcoming and homely.
Final Thoughts!
Your home is your biggest investment. So, take care of it and keep it in good condition.
By following the tips mentioned above, you can easily prepare your rental property for summer and make it more attractive to potential tenants. Good luck!
THE LIAISON
Presented by Bobbie Kirby, Gla Executive director
City of Flint Rental Safety Initiatives
City of Flint condemned an apartment building on North Saginaw Street and ordered all tenants to vacant the property by Saturday, April
4. City inspectors found several building code violations during an inspection on April 2 and posted a condemnation notice on Monday, April
6. The problems stem from a roof replacement project that left the building exposed during a rainy night, causing water damage to multiple units, according to tenants and the property manager. The unit still shows signs of damage with stained and peeling walls and the smell of mold. City building inspector Jack Hippe described what his team found during the initial inspection.
“They encountered substantial water coming into the building. Some of the interior of the roof was collapsing. Sheetrock was falling on the beds. There was water coming on the electrical system, causing electrical shorts.”
Rental Registration Violations
Officials are urging the enforcement of ordinances against landlords who fail to pay fees or register properties, which prevents necessary inspections.
Grant Funding for Tenants
The Community Services Division has received $472,000.00 from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) for the MI Neighborhood Grant. The City of Flint is using this funding to provide support to renters within the city who have accessibility needs through repairs and updates to their homes. Selections will be based upon a first come first serve basis,
and on whether the renter and their landlord meet program requirements.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
The CDBG Program supports community development activities to build stronger and more resilient communities. To support community development, activities are identified through an ongoing process. Activities may address needs such as infrastructure, economic development projects, public facilities installation, community centers, housing rehabilitation, public services, clearance/acquisition, micro enterprise assistance, code enforcement, homeowner assistance, etc.
HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)
The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) provides grants that the City of Flint uses, often in partnership with local nonprofit groups, to fund a wide range of activities including building, buying, and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for rent or homeownership or providing direct rental assistance to low-income people. HOME is the largest federal block grant to state and local governments designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households.
New Housing Developments
To address the shortage, projects like The Gatehouse are bringing new, mixed-income, and affordable rental units to the area.
Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
The purpose of the Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) program is to assist individuals and families quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis or homelessness.
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:
1/2 Page Ad
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
Graphic Designer
