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
Heaven Cooper David Gaines
Eloise Jarrett
We look forward to seeing each of 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
As you evaluate your current portfolio or consider acquiring new properties, one increasingly important factor to keep in mind is water costs.
For years, high water bills were mostly associated with the City of Flint, but it’s no longer just them. Other municipalities are now rolling out aggressive rate increases that will directly impact your bottom line. For example:
• The City of Linden has implemented a series of rate hikes that will raise typical residential water bills from $200 per quarter to $800.
• The City of Owosso has adopted a four-year plan that will effectively double their water rates.
These increases are a symptom of a larger issue: aging infrastructure. Many cities have failed to plan and budget for the replacement of critical water systems. Now, as repairs become unavoidable, those costs are being pushed onto property owners and tenants. When analyzing a deal—whether you’re buying or holding—don’t just consider taxes and insurance. Water costs and future increases should be part of your underwriting.
Also, don’t forget about your tenants’ affordability. If rising utility costs stretch their budget too far, it could impact your rent collections and turnover.
Personally, I’ve found a lot of value in properties with private wells. Not only do they eliminate surprise water bills (like that $1,000 charge from a leaky toilet), but they also reduce move-in costs by eliminating water affidavit fees. And when cities can’t leverage those affidavits, it becomes harder for them to force inspections tied to utility services.
Water may not be the first thing you think about in real estate, but in today’s market, it’s becoming a major consideration. Stay sharp, and buy smart.
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.
HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL LONG-DISTANCE LANDLORD
You don’t have to live near your rental property to be a great landlord. Here are 9 tips for remote management.
Not all landlords invest in properties near their own residence. Perhaps you moved and chose to keep your previous residence as a rental. Maybe you found an exceptional investment opportunity across state or even across the country. While being remote may change the way you manage your rentals, you can set yourself up to be a successful long-distance landlord if you know how to effectively outsource tasks and responsibilities. Here are nine tips for managing your properties and maximizing the return on your long-distance rentals.
Hire a great property manager
Whether you’re 20 or 200 miles away from your rental property, if you’re not able to check up on it regularly, you need to find someone you can trust to be the caretaker of your investment. Exercise patience when hiring a property manager and set a high standard. These are the people who will help select your tenants and interact with your enters should they have problems,
maintenance requests or concerns.
It’s important that you hire a property manager with skills in multiple areas: communication, sales, administration and technology. Paying more for a high-quality property manager can save you money in the long run by helping you avoid property damages, problem tenants and other troubles.
Make local connections
If you don’t have family members or friends near your rental, you should start networking. Attend real estate events in the area to meet local agents, inspectors, attorneys or other rental professionals with whom you can establish a good working relationship.
In the case of an emergency, it’s great to have a local contact to rely on. For example, if you need someone to check up on your unit, or if your tenants locked themselves out, local contacts can help you in a time of need.
Know the local market
Every real estate market is different, so you need to understand the dynamics of where your rental is located so you can set the right rental price and stay competitive. You can start by reviewing Zillow’s Local Market Report for your rental’s location. You can also check out the competition using Zillow to research other homes in the area that are for rent with similar features to yours.
Additionally, you will want to be familiar with the local regulations and have a relationship with a local attorney to help you navigate any concerns or issues that come up.
Finally, consider skimming the headlines from an area’s newspaper or TV station. This will keep you up on new employers coming to town or other events affecting your potential pool of renters.
Review your screening process
When you’re not on site to meet a potential tenant, screening becomes even more important. Review your processes and applications every year to ensure you have the right procedures and documentation in place, so you can find the right tenant for your long-distance rental.
Make sure your lease is right
Your rental lease agreement is one of the most important pieces to setting you up to be a successful long-distance landlord. Be sure your lease is rock solid by having an attorney familiar with the area review it. Also, make sure it clearly defines who is responsible for what, payment due dates and late fee policies, damage assessment and collections, pet policies and other clauses. This will help protect you and your property should any issues arise.
Check in with your tenants
Even if you’ve hired a property manager, it’s important for your tenants to feel comfortable talking with you. They may also be more likely to treat your property with respect if you’ve developed a good rapport and they know you care about their needs. Give your tenants a call or send an email every few months. Ask how things are going and make sure everything is working properly in the unit..
Keep an eye on expenses
No matter how amazing your property management company is, you’ll want to review your expenses in detail every month. You should ask them for an
itemized bill, so you can see exactly what you’re paying for. You also need to read your property’s statements each month and keep track of repairs and other unplanned-for expenses.
What’s more, stay ahead of large repair costs by knowing when certain items need to be replaced and have local estimates at-the-ready. This way you’ll know the expected costs and can choose a vendor who is going to charge you a fair price.
Get tech savvy
Since you won’t be able to just pop by your investment property, it’s essential to have the right mix of technology in place. Tenants expect you to be available via text message and email. Some may even expect to pay their rent online. Be sure you have the hardware and software to meet tenants’ expectations and successfully manage your investment property. You may even be able to write some of it off as a business expense.
Visit your property
Try to see the property in person a few times a year. Property managers don’t necessarily drive by the units they manage on a regular basis, so they might miss issues that need to be addressed. The best way to know what’s going on with your property and ensure that it’s in good shape is to see it yourself. Don’t forget, you may be able to deduct your travel costs as a business expense.
4 KINDS OF FRONT DOORS FOR YOUR RENTAL AND PROS AND CONS OF EACH
Here is a look at 4 kinds of front doors you can choose for your rental property when you are making repairs or replacing and the pros and cons of each. The look, feel and features of a rental property’s front door are more important to tenants than landlords and property managers might think.
So, taking a look at front door material and the look of the door is the maintenance checkup from Keepe. The front door is one of those subtle elements that can actually make a big difference to the overall feel of a property. Experts point out that a property’s front door can actually be responsible for significant fluctuations in the value of the property. Potential tenants will likely take notice of a damaged, flimsy or older-looking entryways. They could interpret this as a sign of lack of upkeep for the property or concern for the well-being of tenants. Additionally, a damaged front door can make it easy for burglars to identify a certain property as one that they could successfully break into.
Pros and Cons of Front Door Material for Your Rental Property
Purchasing a brand-new front door is not a routine expense. So, if you are thinking of replacing old doors or upgrading doors on your property, here are some front door materials to consider:
Pros and Cons of Wooden Front Doors
Pros:
1. Ultra-customizable – wooden doors can be tailored to match countless designs, shapes and color schemes, while also being able to house additional decorative elements, such as glass mosaics and panels.
2. Flexible price points – the unique natural look of wood can be accessible for most budgets as different varieties of woods are available at a variety of price points.
3. Unique look – Many property owners and designers find wood to be worth the investment as it
presents a naturally variegated and “high-end” refined look that other man-made materials cannot replicate.
Cons:
1. Weather-sensitive – wood is a material that is prone to be affected by its exposure to the weather and other environmental elements. Direct sunlight can fade the natural coloring of the wood, and high-moisture levels in the air (or from precipitation alone) can lead to warping and even rotting of the wood.
2. High-maintenance – to ensure that the wood ages well and without being damaged by the natural elements discussed above, it’s essential to regularly treat the wood. Tinctures and sealants should be regularly applied by a reliable maintenance professional, which will be an added maintenance cost to consider.
3. High-price for top-quality – some wood varieties are naturally more resistant and sophisticated-
looking, which contributes to their one-of-a-kind appeal and/ or ability to last through the years without needing major attention. Premium varieties, such as mahogany or cedar, will be considerably pricier.
Pros and Cons of Steel Front Doors
Pros:
1. Super safe – when it comes to property intrusions, reinforced steel doors are known to be safest against breaches, allowing for increased confidence in a property’s overall defenses against unwanted visitors.
2. Affordable but effective –when considering its wood and fiberglass counterparts, steel stands out as being far more affordable, while still offering the safety element that it shares with fiberglass and being much more low-maintenance than wood and its issues with exposure and aging.
Cons:
1. Insulation is not its forte – steel is a known conductor of heat and electricity, which makes it problematic when it comes to wanting to keep a property’s interior temperature at a set level. Steel will contribute to heating up the space when heated by outside temperatures and/or sunlight and will struggle to keep the cold out during the winter months. Insulating layers and treatments can improve this downside, but they will come at an added cost.
2. Denting – steel can easily become dented or chipped following impact, and this often results in unappealing marks that are difficult to completely erase. To effectively get rid of the unappealing look of those visible surface damages, an entirely new door might need to be purchased.
3. Rusting – while steel is not as sensitive to moisture as wood, it can easily rust over time as it is exposed to moisture and precipitation. Our experts encourage consulting the manufacturer to understand whether and how professional treatments can help with rustproofing.
Pros and Cons of Glass Front
Doors
Glass doors made for the purpose of being a property’s front door are generally reinforced to make it difficult for intruders to gain access.
1. Unique look – solid glass doors can be made to match a great variety of preferred styles, with varying cuts, shapes and opacity available to be reproduced as desired.
2. Luminosity – glass allows natural light to enter the home like no other material can, which some property owners find to be a valuable addition to the look and feel of their property.
Cons:
1. Fragility – experts agree that glass is naturally delicate even when it is reinforced, making it essential to be mindful of potential scratches, cracks and chipping that could easily occur.
2. Privacy – while some might be excited about the way glass allows for natural light to illuminate the home, some can be put off by the way glass makes it easy for passerby’s to peek inside a property
3. Questionable safety factor –glass door made for the purpose of being utilized as a property’s front door are generally reinforced to make it difficult for intruders to gain access by easily shattering the glass surface. This being said, glass re-
mains rather fragile and much more easy to break than wood, steel, and fiberglass combined.
Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Front Doors for Your Rental
Many property owners choose fiberglass front doors as opposed to wood because they are not vulnerable to discoloration and damage from exposure, while still closely resembling the look of wood.
1. Versatile – fiberglass paneling is man-made, which allows for creating a variety of unique textures and styles. Fiberglass doors can be made to resemble a natural wood grain, or also present smooth and glossy or matte and satin surfaces for distinguished coloring that can match a variety of architectural elements.
2. Resistant – many property owners choose fiberglass front doors as opposed to wood because they are not vulnerable to discoloration and damage from exposure, while still closely resembling the look of wood. They are also more resistant to wear and tear than their steel counterpart.
3. Low-maintenance – these doors should be maintained occasionally as they age, but they do not require sealants to be regularly applied, which does help with saving considerable amounts when it comes to maintenance expenses.
4. Secure – our experts confirm that fiberglass doors are just as secure as their steel counterpart, which allows them to stand strong and dentfree following forced impact
5. Efficient – while all door types can be treated to add insulating properties, fiberglass vastly surpasses wooden and steel door when it comes to insulation. While steel will always struggle with efficiently insulating and wood is vulnerable to temperature and humidity changes, fiberglass is not affected by any of these issues. Having optimal insulation can help ensure lower energy use and expenses as it allows for a property to easily remain hot or cool temperatures as desired.
6. Affordable – while aesthetic additions – such as integrated wood or glass decors – will rise costs, basic fiberglass door models are generally rather affordable.
Cons:
Pricey add-ons – fiberglass doors are fairly affordable. But can get expensive as they are further customized with the addition of decorative elements or coats.
ONE OF YOUR TENANTS SMELLS GAS LEAK? HERE’S WHAT TO DO
A gas leak at your property is an emergency that requires immediate attention and action. This article will focus on what you or your tenants should do if they suspect a gas leak.
Luckily it’s pretty easy to know if there’s a gas leak at the property. Gas companies inject a non-toxic odorant called mercaptan into the gas. This provides the rotten egg or sulfur smell to alert the resident that there’s a leak.
If you or your tenants smell gas, leave the property immediately. When you can no longer smell gas you should be safe – if you smell gas outdoors, leave that area as well. Keep your distance from the property until the issue has been resolved.
As you exit the property, leave the doors open if possible. This won’t stop the leak but it’ll allow some gas to escape and reduce the risk and potential damage to the property.
After you or the tenants are a safe distance away from the property and don’t smell any gas, call the fire department (911) and the gas company. They’ll be able to assist with shutting off the gas to the property. Do not under any circumstances create a spark if you smell gas. Here are a few household items that can create a spark:
• A telephone, or any mobile device that has a battery
• Matches, a lighter, or another source of ignition
• Electrical switches, including lights
• Appliances
• Car ignitions/spark plugs
• Flashlights
• Garage door
Once the gas has been shut off, it’s time to call in a pro to assess and repair the piping or appliance that caused the leak. Leaks are most likely caused by faulty appliances or because someone hits and/or ruptures a gas line. Your RentalRiff property specialist can help with this as can many HVAC companies.
Gas Leak Checklist for Tenants
Here is a checklist you can provide tenants on what to do if they smell gas (often we’ll print cards with these instructions for our customers/tenants to put on the refrigerator):
• If you smell rotten eggs or sulfur leave the property immediately.
• Leave doors open as you exit the property.
• Once you’re a safe distance away, call the fire department (911) and the gas company – they’ll be able to shut off the gas.
• Call in a pro (either your RentalRiff property specialist or an HVAC company) to assess your gas pipes and make the necessary repairs.
City of Flint
Presented by Bobbie Kirby, Gla Executive director
to entice more families to come here to live and to work.
More people are moving to Flint.
After decades of decline, a new report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows Flint’s population is growing. The U.S. Census Bureau is estimating a population increase of 76 residents, marking the first rise in population in 25 years.
“We can see all the new construction, the housing, the economic investments. The commitments to doing better and more in our community, and now we’re seeing people and families coming back here to live.” said Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley.
After the decline of the UAW and General Motors jobs, it’s been a level of decline every year, especially after COVID, the Water Crisis, we’ve seen a lot of loss in population. Now we see a level of stability and growth in our community.
Census data shows Flint’s population declined from 102,434 people in 2010 to 81,252 people in 2020.
While this new number represents a small increase, the mayor said it shows the city is now trending in the right direction.
It was stated that Flint was going through growing pains, restoring our ambulance service inside the city of Flint. Flint is also doing better with construction and housing, and demolition of old structures along with the improvement of infrastructure. The City of Flint is doing many things in this community to be able
The increase is a population estimate from the U.S. census. We’ll officially find out how much the population went up or down when the next census is released in 2030.
Storm Damage
In response to last week’s severe storms and high winds that caused significant tree damage across the city, the City of Flint administration will introduce a resolution to Flint City Council requesting an additional $200,000 allocation for the city’s residential tree removal program.
The increased funding will allow the City to respond to the growing number of requests from residents seeking assistance with the removal of dead, dying, or hazardous trees located on private property. The tree removal program, available to current City of Flint residents, prioritizes public safety, neighborhood preservation, and hazard mitigation. “Last week’s storms served as am powerful reminder of how quickly extreme weather can impact our community,” said Mayor Sheldon Neeley. “This program helps residents address dangerous trees that threaten homes, power lines, and lives.”
If approved, additional funding will be used to expand the City’s capacity to process applications and complete removals more swiftly, particularly for those most affected by the recent storms.
For more information about the program or to apply, residents can contact the City of Flint at (810) 766-7280.
THE LIAISON REPORT
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 reason- able 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
2025-2026
Ed Constable - President (810) 938-3339
edconstable1@yahoo.net
Aaron Dionne - Vice President (248) 705-1399
rangerbronco@charter.net
Bryan Udell - Treasurer (810) 287-4486 cbu@homeventures.com
Bobbie Kirby - Exec. Director 810-919-5130 ledesta1@att.net
Ryan Scully - Secretary (810) 577-3146 scullyrealestateteam@gmail.com
BOARD MEMBERS
Bernard Drew
Craig Fiederlein (810) 232-1112
cfiederlein@cflegal.net
Michael Kennedy (810) 210-7347
Kennedyhousing1@gmail.com
Terry Hanson (810) 767-2500 terrylhanson@yahoo.com
Political Action Chairman
Henry Tannenbaum (810) 238-2600 hrt@USOL.com
Ohunwa Carthan 810-259-2724 caribo1387@att.org
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
