Association Report
Introduction: LPMA is a non-profit organization that has been offering reliable information and mentoring to landlords since 1967. We educate our members and advocate on behalf of large and small landlords at the municipal and provincial levels on issues that affect the rental housing industry. While many of LPMA’s 600-plus members are large landlords, more than 70 per cent own and manage 10 or fewer residential units.
Our board is comprised of 16 volunteer directors and one full-time administrator who contribute a great deal of time individually and as a team to our members and to continually improving our organization. Other landlord associations view LPMA as a model and have asked us to lend our expertise to improve the way they operate. LPMA is one of the longest standing landlord associations not only in Ontario, but also in Canada. The organization was formed when LPMA’s founding members came together to share ideas and information on the price of electrical work and other services. As a result, large and small landlords learned about operating costs, dealing with tenants and
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addressing common issues in running their buildings. That sense of co-operation and desire to help other members continues to this day. LPMA member benefits: One of LPMA’s strengths is the willingness of our members to work together and share ideas. We hold monthly meetings from October to May in which we discuss important issues that arise at municipal meetings, alert members to changes that affect their businesses, and present guest speakers who address areas of interest to rental housing providers. Topics at recent meetings have included: the mandatory “standard lease” and what it means to members, fire code changes and how to deal with bedbugs. Members also benefit from access on our website to a list of tradespeople and service providers who are LPMA associate members, and they can find a wide range of other helpful information through links on our website. In addition, we are able to accept online payments for event registrations and for our legal forms. Education: LPMA’s strength lies in our mix of small and large landlords, and the exchange of information between the two — all for the price of a membership. There is an education component as part of each monthly meeting to foster best industry practices and risk