How do you stay up to date on local regulation?

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  • Richard F.
    Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6mo

    Most licensed PM's are required to attend Continuing Education Classes every year, or every other year. Any laws being discussed, or passed into law are a primary element of these classes. They may be Federal, State, or Local laws, they all get followed and covered for these classes. 

    Alternatively, you need to follow all applicable sources...which are numerous!

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  • Jose Ignacio Garcia Suarez
    OP
    Member since 2020 · 3 posts · 1 vote
    6mo

    Wow so they basically have to read everything that the various governments publish. That's a ton of work for small landlords who can't afford a PM. 

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    • Richard F.
      Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
      6mo
      Quote from @Jose Ignacio Garcia Suarez:

      Wow so they basically have to read everything that the various governments publish. That's a ton of work for small landlords who can't afford a PM. 


      You are correct, Sir. But, considering the potential Fines for violating some of those rules can wipe out your profits, that knowledge should be a priority for investors. Sadly, it is not.

      Here is just a sample from the past 2 years, courtesy of Grok:

      Scale matters: Individual owners of 1–4 unit buildings or duplexes often see lower totals ($10k–$50k range) focused on damages + training, while small companies managing dozens of units can hit hundreds of thousands when violations affect many tenants.
    • Combined remedies: Cash penalties are supplemented by restitution to tenants, mandatory fixes (e.g., lead abatement, repairs), policy overhauls, and monitoring—making the effective burden higher.
    • Increased local/federal focus: Lead paint (EPA/HUD), habitability (state/local AGs), and fair housing drive most actions against smaller players. "Mom-and-pop" landlords are not immune, especially in high-enforcement areas like NYC, where repeat violators face escalating daily fines or bans.
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  • Dominic Magallanez
    Investor · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2026 · 43 posts · 10 votes
    6mo
    Quote from @Jose Ignacio Garcia Suarez:

    Wow so they basically have to read everything that the various governments publish. That's a ton of work for small landlords who can't afford a PM. 


     I know! I feel you there

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  • Jose Ignacio Garcia Suarez
    OP
    Member since 2020 · 3 posts · 1 vote
    6mo
    Quote from @Jose Ignacio Garcia Suarez:

    Hi there, 

    How do you all stay up to date on local regulation for properties? Is there a website or tool you are all using? Or do you have lawyers? 

    There’s this app that consolidates the rental regulations for Chicago but only shows you the laws that are relevant for your address. It stays up to date on the latest regulations. https://landlord-compliance-rz6n.vercel.app/
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  • Aaron ZimmermanBusiness Member
    Accountant · Chicago, IL · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    6mo

    Straight up Chicago investor podcast and local meetups. 

    [email protected]
    Brick House CPAs53 Reviews
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  • Jonathan KlemmBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Contractor · Chicago, IL · Member since 2016 · 4k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    6mo

    Hey @Jose Ignacio Garcia Suarez - That's a very good important question.  I think one of the easiest ways is to simply do what you are doing - asking questions and networking!

    Of course there are courses, classes, and more formal ways to stay up to date, but if you simply stay active on BP, attend meetups, and listen to some local Chicago podcast (Like @Aaron Zimmerman mentioned) you'll for sure stay more up to date than most people.

    AI of course something to be considered as well...it's probably my first step with everything I do now.

    [email protected]
    Quality Builders4.966 Reviews
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