A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
There has been a lot going on with the RHA since our last newsletter! The end of 2023 into 2024 has seen us grow as an organization. In addition to growing our membership, we brought on Sara McKee as our new Executive Director. From online lunch & learn meetings with our legislative advocate Dan Bernier and The City of Portland, to in-person meetings with the Portland Fire Chief and Mayor of Biddeford, Sara has been working diligently to bring a consistent program of networking and educational events to our membership.
Advocacy at both the state and local level has continued to be a primary focus of the organization. At the state level, our highly respected lobbyist, Dan Bernier, led our efforts to fight off half a dozen bills that negatively affect landlords. Dan has been instrumental in helping us to strengthen our position and reputation in Augusta. Locally, we have begun talks with key municipal leaders in both Brunswick and Biddeford as rent control initiatives emerge in those communities
Another initiative over the past year has been creating a stronger presence in the greater Saco/Biddeford and Brunswick communities. We have had several successful events, including a meet and greet with Mayor Grohman at Sacred Profane Brewery in Biddeford and a lunch and learn on the Biddeford sales and rental market. As we move into 2025, the RHA will continue to expand member activities in these communities, and strengthen our position as the premier organization for housing providers throughout the state.
Finally, the RHA Foundation continues to grow. Thanks to generous donations from our membership, we were able to present the Quality Housing Coalition with a donation at our May meeting. The event featured Portland’s Mayor Dion presenting a special proclamation to the QHC
Thank you to all our members for your continued support. We look forward to providing you with more beneficial networking, education and advocacy for the rest of this year and into 2025.
Brit Vitalius
Brit
Vitalius,
RHA President
ADVOCACy Year in Review
Housing providers in Maine can finally take a breath as the second half of the 131st Maine Legislature has officially adjourned. Our longtime advocate at the State House, Dan Bernier said that this was “easily the most aggressive anti-landlord legislature” he has ever seen. Thankfully, Dan is well-respected by members and was largely successful in stopping the worst bills and making the bad bills workable for landlords. The laws passed in the second session will go into effect January 1, 2025 Here are the top take-aways from this session:
LD 1490 was the most impactful for landlords in Maine. This bill aims to reduce rental housing costs by eliminating additional fees at or prior to the commencement of a tenancy. Landlords are required to have a simple rent formulation rather than charging multiple additional fees. They must disclose all fees on a one-page disclosure form if they charge additional fees. Deterrent fees are exempt from this disclosure requirement
LD 853 proposed an amendment to the Maine Constitution to establish a right to housing. This bill did not receive support to move forward, however a study committee down the line is likely.
LD 1710 focused on preventing discrimination against tenants based on their use of housing vouchers. Currently, landlords are required to accept the voucher but can refuse to sign the housing contract associated with it. We were successful in killing this bill in committee.
ESSAGE FROM THE ECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dear Members,
I hope this message finds you well. As we embark on the third quarter of the year, I want to update you on the latest developments and initiatives at the RHA Your feedback and involvement are invaluable as we strive to serve you better. I am honored to be a part of this organization and welcome your thoughts and ideas!
Membership Growth and Engagement: We are thrilled to report that our membership continues to grow steadily, with just under 700 members Our virtual meetings have consistently attracted over 100 attendees, reflecting strong participation from the housing community.
Advocacy Efforts: Our advocacy efforts have been making significant strides in staying ahead of state and municipal legislation, such as rent control and short-term rental restrictions. We have been actively engaging with policymakers and stakeholders to promote policies that support affordable housing and protect the rights of landlords.
Educational Initiatives & Upcoming Events: Over the past quarter, we have successfully hosted a series of educational events, including our well-attended lunch & learn series. These virtual workshops focused on landlord-tenant relations, legislative updates, and property management best practices As we look ahead, we have some exciting events and activities planned for the remainder of the year (see our calendar in this newsletter.)
Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to the RHA. Together, we continue to make a positive impact and advocate against detrimental legislation affecting our industry. We can’t do this without your support!
Warmest Regards,
Sara McKee
Sara McKee RHA Executive Director
UPCOMING EVENTS
MAINE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION LUNCH & LEARN BACK TO BASICS: HOUSING PROVIDER 101
When: Tuesday September 3rd
Where: Zoom Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm
ON THE AGENDA: Topics will include retaliation, updates on protected classes, service animals & More!
When: Tuesday, September 17th
Where: The Portland Elks, 1945 Congress St Time: 5:00 - 8:00 pm
ON THE AGENDA: Our popular housing provider bootcamp including forms update, fair housing, and evictions.
RHA ANNUAL MEETING & FIRE SAFETY UPDATE
LEAD PAINT LUNCH & LEARN
When: October 15th
Where: TBA Time: 5:30 - 8:00 pm
ON THE AGENDA: Hear from local fire chiefs on best practices for fire safety and other general safety precautions to implement in your buildings.
When: October 29th
Where: Zoom Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm
ON THE AGENDA: Speakers will include abatement professional, Community Concepts and a state lead representative.
RHA HOLIDAY SOCIAL
When: November 19th
Where: TBA Time: 5:00 - 8:00 pm
Contact admin@rhamaine.org to learn more and be sure to visit www.rhamaine.org/events for registration information and updates as they become available!
HIGHLIGHTING HOUSING PROVIDERS
INTERVIEW WITH BOBBI COPE, RHA MEMBER & COMMUNITY ACTIVIST
“I remember when we bought our house in 1983, I was like, why do we have to buy a house? Can't we just live in an apartment for the rest of our lives?”
In the dynamic and challenging landscape of Portland’s real estate, Bobbi Cope is the prime example of a quality housing provider. Bobbi still has the same deep-seated belief in fairness and a commitment to her tenants that she did when she started over 40 years ago. Her journey and dedication offer a compelling look into the life of a landlord who strives to balance business with compassion.
A LEGACY OF LONG-TERM TENANCY
One of Bobbi’s most notable achievements as a landlord is her ability to foster long-term relationships with her tenants Reflecting on her experience, Bobbi recalls a particular tenant who resided in one of her properties for an impressive 20 years. “I don’t think I ever raised her rent,” Bobbi shares. “She left when she was able to buy a house. This enduring stability is a testament to her philosophy of maintaining rents below market rate and treating tenants like extended family.
Part of her success in retaining long-term tenants can be attributed to her own experience of apartment living. Having lived in an apartment her entire life, she eschews the conventional American dream of homeownership. Her contentment with apartment living shapes her empathetic approach to being a landlord. “I’m perfectly content living in an apartment,” she says, highlighting how her own experiences inform her understanding and treatment of her tenants
SPEAKING UP AND SPEAKING OUT
Bobbi is deeply concerned about Portland’s future, especially considering the political climate surrounding housing policies.
The nationwide housing crisis has already strained the tenant-landlord relationship and local policies like rent control have only exacerbated it Bobbi played a pivotal role in the campaigns to reform rent control She authored a letter to voters, spoke to news outlets and created dozens of homemade signs. This didn’t come without consequence though, as she received threatening messages and had her signs vandalized. This did not break her stride though and she remains active in Portland’s local politics. She is unnerved by two selfproclaimed Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) running for Portland City Council this fall. They will only make it harder for her and other landlords to provide fair and affordable housing
A COMMUNITY CONNECTOR
Beyond her role as a landlord, Bobbi is a respected community figure. As President of the Woodfords Club and a member of Portland Voices, she plays a pivotal role in bringing people together Her recent hosting of a “salon” with Portland Council candidates underscores her commitment to fostering dialogue and community engagement
Bobbi Cope’s story is a powerful example of how dedication to fairness and community can influence both personal and professional spheres. Her approach, rooted in empathy and a long-term vision, serves as a model for others navigating the complex world of real estate and tenant relations As Portland continues to grapple with housing challenges, Bobbi’s commitment to ethical practices and community cohesion stands as a hopeful beacon for the future.
“I don’t think I ever raised her rent, she left when she was able to buy a house.”
RHA foundatio 2024 update
In 2023 the main focus of the Foundation was advocating for our community partner, the Quality Housing Coalition. In June of 2024, we were able to deliver the funds raised to the QHC and set a benchmark for how we can continue to move forward as an organization We were joined by Mayor Dion, who presenting Victoria Morales, Executive Director of the QHC, with a City of Portland Proclamation honoring the Quality Housing Coalition. A few happy tears were shed and the evening was a huge success!
Through the launch of our new membership level - Evergreen Members, which incorporates a $1/unit per month donation into the membership account - we have been able to raise the funds donated Thank you to those of you who are current Evergreen Members as well as those of you who made a one-time donation to the RHA Foundation. Your support in these efforts is crucial to our success.
Looking ahead, we are in the process of selecting a community partner for 2024. Please take a moment to complete the 2024 Community Partnership survey you received in your email Your ideas, feedback, and support are instrumental in shaping our charitable efforts and making a positive difference in our communities. The partnership with a valuable community organization strengthens our connections and addresses critical housing needs. Learn more about the RHA Foundation on our website.
~ Mike Ross, RHA Foundation President
insurance INSIGHT
Flood Risk: Key Facts for Real Estate Owners
from Clark Insurance , a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC company
Global decision-makers at the 2023 World Economic Forum cited natural disasters and extreme weather as the most severe risks in the short term (two years) and long term (10 years). Floods are the most common natural disaster in the U.S. causing major damage to businesses, homes, and personal property – and many floods occur outside of designated high-hazard flood zones.
The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federally funded program, covers commercial buildings up to $500,000 and contents up to $500,000. Residential properties can secure up to $250,000 for the building and $100,000 for contents. Insurance through the NFIP gives you a secure way to protect your property and possessions and helps lessen devastating financial loss.
Read the complete insurance insight on Flood Insurance from Josh Fifield on our website.
RHA MEMBER TESTIMONIAL
I attended my first RHA meeting last night and just wanted to say what a great organization RHA is. I have served on several boards and been a part of many organizations, and I was a commercial property and Airbnb owner for over 20 years, mostly in the mid-coast area. I saw firsthand last night what a valuable organization and resource RHA is to its members; I am so impressed with the members, Executive Director, board members, meeting format, presentation, questions, etc Keep up the great work!
Susan Desgrosseilliers | VP, Commercial Loan Officer | RHA Program Member
RHA MEMBER MEMO:
Trelawney 657, LLC vs. Ethan Strimling
We have been following the case brought on by Former Portland Mayor, Ethan Strimling, against his Landlord, Geoff Rice. This case has been on-going for several years and recently was settled after a 90-min deliberation by the jury. It was found that Rice did illegally retaliate against Strimling for his involvement in forming a tenant’s union in 2021.
The three precise issues before the jury were:
Whether the landlord was evicting the tenant in retaliation for having participated in the Trelawney Tenants Union; Whether the landlord was evicting the tenant in retaliation for having successfully, through the Tenants Union, complained to the City of Portland about the landlord's failure to comply with the Portland Rent Control Ordinance; and Whether the landlord rebutted the presumption of retaliation by showing that he was evicting for other, non-retaliatory reasons
To briefly summarize the parties' positions: Mr. Rice's case was that he was evicting Mr. Strimling because he was intimidated by Mr. Strimling, and because Mr. Strimling nickel-anddimed him constantly. Mr. Strimling's position was that Mr. Rice only moved forward with eviction after the City of Portland required Mr Rice to refund thousands of dollars of rent twice to the residents of the 100-unit 657 Congress Street building
Sam Sherry, Attorney and RHA Board Member, followed the case closely and provided a detailed memo to RHA members of both the accounts of the case as well insights into how this pertains to our membership, steps to avoid a similar situation and an evaluation of the laws surrounding this issue You can read the full memo on our website (click here)
As a landlord in Maine, maintaining a professional and legal approach to tenant issues is crucial, and avoiding retaliation is not only ethical but also legally required. We are thankful to Sam for his dedication and work to providing this important information to our members.
event highlights: the faces of RHA
President
Brit Vitalius
Vice President
Ned Payne
Secretary
Priscilla Dunn
Treasurer Kelly Walker
Board of Directors
Carleton Winslow
Melissa McHugh
Amanda Scrivini
Alan Levi
Rudina Gribizis
Gary Robbins
Michael Ross
Sam Sherry
Mat Leighton
Wendy Harmon
Kim Sutton
RHA Executive Director Sara McKee 207-200-1301 admin@rhamaine.org 306 Congress Street, Portland, ME
DISCLAIMER
Please note all positions are voluntary and may not be legal professionals Any interpretations of articles within this newsletter should be independently verified The contents of this newsletter represents the statements of the author They do not necessarily represent the official position of RHA The statements contained in this newsletter are not intended as legal or tax advice
Reproduction of this newsletter, in whole or in part, for other than your own use, without authorization of the RHA, is prohibited.
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