





![]()






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!
Renee Strnad
Yusef Robinson
Kevin Jenkins
We look forward to seeing each of you at our meetings. Please take advantage of the networking opportunities before and after the meetings.
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.
With spring finally here, now is the perfect time to start thinking about the projects you want to tackle on your properties this year. For many of us, that means checking off items like replacing that roof that needed to be done last year or addressing maintenance issues before your next rental inspection rolls around. Take advantage of the good weather while you can—it’s a lot easier to stay ahead now than to catch up later.
If you’re planning to sell any of your properties this year, remember that summer is the best time to do it. In areas with high demand for owner-occupied homes, you’ll often get a better price if the property is vacant and ready for a new buyer to move in.
On the other hand, if your property is in a heavily rented area, you’re likely better off selling it with a solid tenant in place. Investors want to see a strong lease, water affidavits, and a lowmaintenance tenant—no one wants to inherit your problem tenant.
Whether you’re making improvements or planning an exit, keep value in mind and think strategically. A little planning now can go a long way in maximizing your returns.
Here’s to a productive and profitable spring!

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.
Arrive at the General membership meeting at 6:30 pm and bring your business cards.

• 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!
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.
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.

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
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.
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


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.
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.


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.
The maintenance checkup this week focuses on the challenges of communication with tenants these days and some suggestions on how to improve.
Do you have a hard time reaching your tenants?
Do they complain you are hard to reach?
It might be time to upgrade and modernize your communication strategy with tech-based tools to better serve your customers.
1. Take a mobile-first approach
Take advantage of the fact that most of your tenants use smartphones and adopt a mobile-friendly website to empower tenants and prospects to easily direct your business.
Optimizing your content for the web is a growing expectation and demand from tenants that will help you stay competitive within the rental market.
2. Be accessible via text message
Before sending an email, ask yourself if the message you want to send to a tenant can be done via text message.
Texting often yields greater efficiency and effectiveness than other modes of communication. Build a stronger bond with your tenants by utilizing two-way text messaging as a channel for routine

discussion.
3. Maintain your online presence
In addition to going mobile-friendly and utilizing SMS communications, speed up your productivity by maintaining and optimizing your digital presence.
Providing up-to-date information on your property will benefit your tenants and prospective tenants, and leave you with less repetitive inquires, leaving you more time to focus on other areas of your business.
4. Connect with Your Tenants
• Trust: When you make it easy for renters to contact you when they have issues, and then resolve the issue in a timely manner, it helps build trust and loyalty.
• Satisfaction: Enhancing communication and quickly resolving issues, helps improve renter satisfaction. In the
long-term, this flow of communication allows for relationship building and encourages community spirit.
• Efficiency: Using tech-based platforms allows property managers to quickly connect with tenants and reduces the chance for common manual-based error.
• Security: Issues with payment are one of the most frequent issues property managers face today. Using an online platform to accept payments from tenants is a safer option for renters and managers.
Upgrade your communication with tenants to match their digital style of communication.
New tools can help you streamline your communication and the way you do business. By applying these tips, you will stay ahead within the digital market and keep your tenants happy


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:
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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 slipn-slide.
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!
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!
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!
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.
When you update your exterior with a fresh paint job, be sure to think carefully about what colors you will be using.
In general you should stick to timeless finishes, in other words neutral paint colors.
To appeal to the masses, stick to colors such as beige, grey, cream and tan. Also, make sure your exterior paint varies from the inside of your building.
At the least, be sure to vary the hues outdoors by a couple of shades to ensure your property is offering your tenants an enticing greeting.
Pay attention to how the colors in your building influence the mood of your space to ensure you are providing a welcoming presence. Warmer tones tend to offer people a feeling of security and warmth whereas cooler tones offer calming and inspiring response to people.
When choosing multiple colors for your exterior, consider adopting a complementary color scheme. First, assess what tone you want, warmer or cooler, and stick within your tone when you look for a perfect complimentary finish.

As a landlord, deciding when to paint your property can be a big decision.
On one hand, it’s important to limit unnecessary expenses, while on the other hand, maintaining a fresh and clean living space is crucial to your business.
Evaluating your property’s current condition should be the first step before deciding to take on paint makeover. Painting your property should be a priority for the following reasons:
1. To aid wear and tear: Painting your property should be a part of your regular maintenance. Owners should expect to upgrade their exteriors every few years to protect the health of your exterior building and maintain a fresh feel for you and your tenants. A little paint can go a long way in your investment property. Repaint your property every 5-7 years to please your tenants and maintain

2. Competitive edge: If your rental property is facing significant competition, a fresh paint job can boost the aesthetic and feel of your property and attract new tenants and keep your investment thriving. Modern accent color to special features of your building such as windows or entry ways can add a special touch to your property.
If you find that your property doesn’t need a fresh coat of paint, consider these easy alternatives to maintain your curb appeal:
1. A power wash: Review the state of your current exterior paint job. Are there any scuffs or dirt marks building up on the walls? Sometimes a simple power wash can take care of the buildup and leave your exterior refreshed and looking like new. If it’s been less than five years since your last exterior paint job, try this alternative before
committing to a new coat of paint.
2. A partial paint job: If your current paint job is in shape or you don’t want to invest in upgrading your entire exterior at one time, try a partial paint job. Paint the high traffic areas such as the main office, walkway areas, and other spaces outdoors between buildings where tenants reside. You can also stick to freshening up your property by adding a contrasting color to the trims of your building. Remember, new paint doesn’t have to be an all or nothing project.
Take these tips into consideration to help you make the decision on whether or not a paint job is right for you and your property.
Regardless of your reasoning, remember that upgrading the exterior paint job of your residential property can benefit both potential and current tenants.
Ensure your property stays up to date by regularly scheduling property maintenance practices into your routine.
How to help tenants understand septic systems and what it takes to maintain them to avoid problems is the maintenance checkup this week provided by Keepe.
If your rental property has a septic system, you must learn the warning signs that can save you and your tenants a lot of trouble – and expense.
Let’s explore the most common issues in septic systems and rental property that are likely to arise:
• As a property manager or landlord, you are responsible for maintaining your building’s septic tank. Regular plumbing every three to four years, depending on your tank, is the key to maintenance to avoid premature failing of septic systems.
• You can give your tenants a list of do’s and don’ts for what to put and not to put down the toilet or kitchen sink drain.
• In addition, give tenants information on the common symptoms they might see when a septic tank is failing to ensure you can identify the problem quickly before more damage happens.
Tenants should also avoid very long showers, use the washing machine no
more than once a day, and refrain from excessive use of garbage disposals. Drain Maintenance Habits
Do not put these items down a drain (including toilets, sinks, tubs and showers) since they can trigger a septic-system failure:
• Baby wipes and diapers
• Large amounts of food waste
• Any kind of grease. When needed, use alternative cleaning solutions that are septic-safe (like vinegar).
Tenants should also avoid very long showers, use the washing machine no more than once a day, and refrain from excessive use of garbage disposals. Tenants should know to report any drain issues as soon as possible. Being aware of these bad habits can keep tenants informed and aware if any issues were to arise.

Sewer smells can be an indication of an issue with the septic system. Septic systems are fragile, and issues are bound to arise at some point. Be proactive by keeping an eye out for the most common problems that occur with septic systems:
1. Backed-up toilet: An overflowing toilet might be a sign that your septic tank is failing, but in most cases, it’s easy to plunge or snake the toilet to drain any buildup.
2. Sewer smells: Sewer odors are likely to arise if your tank is overflowing. Other reasons might be due to a pump malfunction, such as a transfer pump that has stopped working. In this case, you’d have to have the system inspected to verify the issue. Another reason for a smelly sewer could be due to frozen rank or outflow pipes. If the weather is cold in your region, your septic tank may have frozen. In this case, you would need your tank pumped.
3. Drain cleaners: Drain cleaners such as toilet disinfecting products that sit in the tank and dissolve slowly might actually have a negative effect on your drain. Also, hazardous chemicals, paints, solvents, antifreeze, and other drain cleaners can have a similar negative effect. Encourage tenants to

avoid using these products.
Let tenants know where your septic field is so tenants can enjoy outdoor activities and plant gardens away from the area to avoid contamination.
As a property manager, make sure to communicate the status of your septic tank to tenants to avoid related septic issues such as the following:
• Limited-capacity tank: If your septic tank’s capacity is limited, let your tenants know so they can limit how many guests they have during gatherings in the building.
• Septic field location: Let tenants know where your septic field is so tenants can enjoy outdoor activities and plant gardens away from the area to avoid contamination.

Presented by Bobbie Kirby, Gla Executive director
After GLA made several phones calls, along with advertisements and meetings, the City of Grand Blanc has tabled their rental property inspection program. We will continue to work for our members and keep you informed if this comes up again.
The City of Flint, in partnership with LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation) Flint, announced the launch of the Flint Small Business Rescue Fund — a targeted grant initiative designed to support the recovery of local small businesses still facing the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars, this program will provide one-time reimbursement grants of up to $20,000 to 20 eligible small businesses located within Flint city limits.
Covered expenses include payroll, rent, utilities, equipment purchases, and other pandemic-related costs. Applications will be reviewed by LISC Flint, and if demand exceeds available funds, a random lottery will determine final awardees.o be eligible, businesses must:
To qualify, businesses must:
• Be a brick-and-mortar, forprofit small business operating within the City of Flint
• Employ no more than 30 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees
• Have been operational prior to October 1, 2020 (LLC must have been filed before this date)
• Be in good standing with the City of Flint (ARPA Good Standing Document must be signed off by the City)

• Be able to document financial hardship and provide proof of qualifying expenses
• Grant awardees will be notified by June 2025.
The City of Flint is proud to announce May 2025 as Love Your City Month, a citywide effort to clean and beautify Flint’s neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces. This annual campaign invites residents, block clubs, local organizations, and volunteers to roll up their sleeves and help keep Flint clean, green, and beautiful.
Keep Genesee County Beautiful will provide free garbage bags, yard waste bags, and cotton work gloves to individuals and groups conducting exterior cleanup activities in public areas, such as parks, schoolyards, libraries, traffic medians, and other shared spaces.
To request supplies, call Keep Genesee County Beautiful at 810-767-9696 at least 10 days in advance of your cleanup date. For complete information, visit the Love Your City Month page.
Registered block clubs and community groups are encouraged to apply for a neighborhood cleanup event. For more
information and to apply, contact the Office of Blight Elimination at 810-2372090.
Residents are encouraged to take part in three weeks of special curbside pickup services throughout May:
• May 5–9: Unlimited Large Item Pickup
Items must be placed curbside by 7AM on your regular collection day. Prohibited items: refrigerators, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, cast iron tubs, tires, shingles, demolition debris, plumbing, countertops, concrete, and eviction/move-out cleanouts.
• May 12–16: Unlimited Bagged Trash Pickup
All trash must be bagged and placed curbside by 7AM on your regular collection day. Bags must weigh less than 50 pounds.
• May 19–23: Unlimited Bundled Brush Pickup
Bundles must be no longer than 4
feet, with branches under 2 inches thick and weighing less than 50 pounds. Bundles should be tied with rope or twine (no wire or belts) and placed curbside by 7AM
Note: Regular compost collection will continue as scheduled.
Helpful Contacts:
• Questions about curbside pickup? Call Priority Waste at (855) 9278365
• Questions about the Love Your City campaign? Contact the Waste Service Coordinator at (810) 4101134
Mayor Sheldon A. Neeley has sent a formal letter to Special Master Deborah Greenspan, the court-appointed administrator of the Flint Water Crisis Settlement, urging the immediate release of settlement payments to Flint residents who have waited far too long for justice and relief. He goes on to emphasize the urgency of the situation, stating, “Many of our residents are still dealing with the long-term effects of lead exposure, medical bills, and emotional distress. They cannot afford to wait any longer.”
























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:
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

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.
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
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

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
Graphic Designer


