All Forum Posts by: Jillian Campayno

Tenant screening skills are more important than ever in this climate. If you cannot screen adequately, you may be better off leaving your units vacant. We will discuss increasing pass/fail thresholds on written applicant qualifiers, and using such qualifiers before you list a unit to evaluate whether to list at all.

We will then explain how to check credit, criminal, and eviction history. Which sources can we check? What do the reports mean? This segment will review all of these factors, as well as give a comprehensive look at discrimination protections. We'll show you how to protect your assets while also giving equal housing opportunity to all.

Under fair housing in particular, we will cover age discrimination and emotional support animals. Attendees will learn when you can take a photo ID and how to verify requests for reasonable accommodation.

This presentation will be given by Jeremy Durrin. Jeremy is the president of Background Examine, a Massachusetts employment and tenant screening company. Jeremy lives in the local Western MA community based in Westhampton MA. He has been in the background screening industry over the past 10 years working for a national company and is now the President of his own firm. Jeremy started the company 3 years ago to offer a more clear service option for company's in MA and all around the country wanting to run compliant background checks on tenants and prospective employees.

MassLandlords offers attendees of directly managed events a "No Sales Pitch" guarantee. If a guest speaker offers services, their presentation will not discuss pricing, promotions, or reasons why you should hire them. We do not permit speakers to pay for or sponsor events. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and willingness to present helpful educational content. Your purchase of an event ticket sustains our nonprofit model.

This event is regionally branded in keeping with a local tradition. This region used to meet in-person on this day at this time. You are welcome to participate in this virtual meeting no matter where you are in the state.

Thursday, November 12th

Virtual Meeting Agenda

• 5:00pm Sign-in and virtual networking: you can chit chat with others as people log in
• 5:40pm MassLandlords Business Update and Member Minutes
  • Member Minutes - Any member can have the mic for 60 seconds (introduce yourself, ask a question, share words of wisdom, etc.)
• 6:00pm Tenant Screening Overview
• 7:00pm Virtual meeting ends

Participation is Easy

As a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, our events have been replaced by webinars or virtual meetings held during the traditional event time for each former location:

• Virtual meetings include optional audience participation via video, phone, and screenshare and are not recorded.
• Webinars have limited participation options (typed questions only) and are recorded.

Our virtual registration desk is open for all events one hour starting 30 minutes prior to the event start time. Call 774-314-1896 or email [email protected] for live, real-time help signing in and using your technology.

If joining a virtual meeting, please use the zoom "test audio" feature. You will be allowed to talk to others if your microphone is good and there is no background noise. We reserve the right to mute anyone for any reason. Attendees without a microphone or who don't want to be heard can type questions.

Virtual Meeting Details (hosted by Zoom)

We will share our video, audio, and computer screen and slides.

• Optional: You can share your video with everyone, talk to everyone, and type chat with everyone. Video sharing is not required. Talking is not required.

Password will be emailed and viewable online.

Topic: Tenant Screening Virtual Meeting Thursday Nov 12, 2020 Time: Nov 12, 2020 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8806... Meeting ID: 880 6867 2441 Passcode: Will be emailed and viewable online Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 880 6867 2441 Passcode: Will be emailed and viewable online Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbgP...

Pricing

Open to the public. Membership is not required!

• Contemporaneous participation:
  • Public: $10
  • Members: $7
  • Premium Members: No charge and no need to register. Click here for meeting details and password.

This event will not be recorded. Slides and handouts, if any, will be posted at Tenant Screening page.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts pays for dedicated civil servants to help people navigate the courts. These legal professionals work in the Massachusetts Trial Court Service Centers, which are accessible now through Zoom Meeting and telephone (and in normal times, located in seven multi-court complexes through the Commonwealth). The Court Service Centers do not give legal advice or provide representation. They do:

• Provide legal information about court processes and procedures;
• Answer procedural questions without giving advice;
• Provide 1-on-1 assistance in completing court forms;
• Provide information on legal services and other community-based organizations; can refer renters to RAFT and ERMA, and owners to ERMA, and
• Provide access to an interpreter in your/your renter's preferred language.

This presentation will be relevant to new and experienced owners and managers, especially those with renter challenges like payment arrears, domestic violence, custody, and other issues for which the starting point to address an issue may be unclear. We will also discuss volunteer opportunities for those who aren't so badly impacted by the pandemic and may be willing to give back.

This presentation will be given by Jorge Colón. Jorge is a licensed attorney in the jurisdictions of Massachusetts and Puerto Rico. In his current role as the Court Service Center (CSC) Circuit Manager for the Massachusetts Trial Court, he supports the operations of five of the seven CSC locations across the state. Jorge has dedicated over eight years of his career to the housing field, especially working with landlords and tenants in eviction cases. In 2019, Jorge received the Massachusetts Trial Court Excellence Award for his work as part of the Language Access Advisory Committee.

Purchase your ticket in just a few clicks!

MassLandlords offers attendees of directly managed events a "No Sales Pitch" guarantee. If a guest speaker offers services, their presentation will not discuss pricing, promotions, or reasons why you should hire them. We do not permit speakers to pay for or sponsor events. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and willingness to present helpful educational content. Your purchase of an event ticket sustains our nonprofit model.

This event is regionally branded in keeping with a local tradition. This region used to meet in-person on this day at this time. You are welcome to participate in this virtual meeting no matter where you are in the state.

Wednesday, November 4th

Virtual Meeting Agenda

• 5:00pm Sign-in and virtual networking: you can chit chat with others as people log in
• 5:40pm MassLandlords Business Update and Member Minutes
  • Member Minutes - Any member can have the mic for 60 seconds (introduce yourself, ask a question, share words of wisdom, etc.)
• 6:00pm Local Manager Meeting Introduction
• 6:05pm Court Service Centers
• 7:00pm Virtual meeting ends

Participation is Easy

As a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, our events have been replaced by webinars or virtual meetings held during the traditional event time for each former location:

• Virtual meetings include optional audience participation via video, phone, and screenshare and are not recorded.
• Webinars have limited participation options (typed questions only) and are recorded.

Our virtual registration desk is open for all events one hour starting 30 minutes prior to the event start time. Call 774-314-1896 or email [email protected] for live, real-time help signing in and using your technology.

If joining a virtual meeting, please use the zoom "test audio" feature. You will be allowed to talk to others if your microphone is good and there is no background noise. We reserve the right to mute anyone for any reason. Attendees without a microphone or who don't want to be heard can type questions.

Virtual Meeting Details (hosted by Zoom)

We will share our video, audio, and computer screen and slides.

• Optional: You can share your video with everyone, talk to everyone, and type chat with everyone. Video sharing is not required. Talking is not required.

Password will be emailed and viewable online.

Topic: Court Service Centers Time: Nov 4, 2020 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8722... Meeting ID: 872 2764 6904 Passcode: Will be emailed and viewable online Dial by your location +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 872 2764 6904 Passcode: Will be emailed and viewable online Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdyS...

Pricing

Open to the public. Membership is not required!

• Contemporaneous participation:
  • Public: $10
  • Members: $7
  • Premium Members: No charge and no need to register. Click here for meeting details and password.

This event will not be recorded. Slides and handouts if any will be uploaded to our page on Housing Court.

At this event we will help owners and managers evaluate for themselves whether they are prepared for court following the end of the state moratorium and the start of the CDC moratorium. A sample checklist of considerations:

• Is the issue primarily nonpayment, cause, or no fault?
• If the issue is nonpayment, is the renter covered or likely to be covered under the CDC moratorium?
• Are there code issues with the unit?
• Is there a security deposit? Is it compliantly held?
• And much more

This presentation will be given by attorney Kate Higgins-Shea. Attorney Higgins-Shea is a partner at Lyon & Fitzpatrick, LLP in Holyoke. Her practice concentrates on housing, representing landlords and property managers in civil and eviction cases. She also represents court-appointed receivers. She has been instrumental in developing our rental forms and has been a long-time contributor at MassLandlords Greater Springfield. As the courts become fully virtual, attorneys based in any region may represent clients anywhere in the state.

Purchase your ticket in just a few clicks!

MassLandlords offers attendees of directly managed events a "No Sales Pitch" guarantee. If a guest speaker offers services, their presentation will not discuss pricing, promotions, or reasons why you should hire them. We do not permit speakers to pay for or sponsor events. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and willingness to present helpful educational content. Your purchase of an event ticket sustains our nonprofit model.

This event is regionally branded in keeping with a local tradition. This region used to meet in-person on this day at this time. You are welcome to participate in this virtual meeting no matter where you are in the state.

Monday, October 26th

Virtual Meeting Agenda

• 5:00pm Sign-in and virtual networking: you can chit chat with others as people log in
• 5:40pm MassLandlords Business Update and Member Minutes
  • Member Minutes - Any member can have the mic for 60 seconds (introduce yourself, ask a question, share words of wisdom, etc.)
• 6:00pm Attorney Higgins-Shea
• 7:00pm Virtual meeting ends

Participation is Easy

As a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, our events have been replaced by webinars or virtual meetings held during the traditional event time for each former location:

• Virtual meetings include optional audience participation via video, phone, and screenshare and are not recorded.
• Webinars have limited participation options (typed questions only) and are recorded.

Our virtual registration desk is open for all events one hour starting 30 minutes prior to the event start time. Call 774-314-1896 or email [email protected] for live, real-time help signing in and using your technology.

If joining a virtual meeting, please use the zoom "test audio" feature. You will be allowed to talk to others if your microphone is good and there is no background noise. We reserve the right to mute anyone for any reason. Attendees without a microphone or who don't want to be heard can type questions.

Virtual Meeting Details (hosted by Zoom)

We will share our video, audio, and computer screen and slides.

• Optional: You can share your video with everyone, talk to everyone, and type chat with everyone. Video sharing is not required. Talking is not required.

Password will be emailed and viewable online.

Topic: Cape, Islands, and Statewide Virtual Meeting: Checklist for Preparing for Court Time: Oct 26, 2020 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8309... Meeting ID: 830 9169 0608 Passcode: Will be emailed Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) Meeting ID: 830 9169 0608 Passcode: Will be emailed Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcW8...

Pricing

Open to the public. Membership is not required!

• Contemporaneous participation:
  • Public: $10
  • Members: $7
  • Premium Members: No charge and no need to register. Click here for meeting details and password.

This event will not be recorded.

Housing court is not like it used to be. The Massachusetts eviction moratorium is at an end. The CDC moratorium is in full effect. A backlog of ten thousand cases is being worked through diligently by our housing court staff, who previously were stopped by the legislature from doing their job. The courts are socially distant with Zoom hearings the norm. And the detailed court process has changed.

Attendees at this event will learn:

• How the litigation against the moratorium in state and federal court impacted the transition we are now in;
• What the CDC declaration is, and how it can impact your relationship with your renters;
• What the CDC affidavit is, and how it can change your court procedure;
• When old and new cases will be heard;
• Paperwork from before is still good; and
• How long will an eviction take?

This presentation will be given by two attorneys.

Attorney Jordana Roubicek Greenman is an attorney and a title agent for First American Title Insurance Company and WFG in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Attorney Roubicek Greenman has a solo practice with a main office in Watertown and additional office in Downtown Boston. Her practice consists of a broad range of real estate-related legal matters, including commercial and residential landlord/tenant disputes, condominium association representation, general real estate litigation and commercial and residential real estate closings. Attorney Roubicek Greenman has a well-respected reputation for aggressively advocating for her clients' goals and ensuring beneficial outcomes at a reasonable cost. She was among the first attorneys to take legal action in response to the unfunded eviction moratorium; her case is before the Superior Court.

Richard D. Vetstein, Esq. is founding partner of Vetstein Law Group, P.C.. He is a nationally recognized real estate attorney and litigator. Recently, Rich was lead counsel in the successful federal legal challenge to the Massachusetts Eviction Moratorium, which received national and statewide publicity. Rich’s legal analysis has been quoted in the Boston Globe, Banker & Tradesman, Wall Street Journal’s SmartMoney.com, Bloomberg News, and Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. Mr. Vetstein has also been selected as Metrowest Boston’s Best of the Best Lawyers, and one of Inman News’ 100 Most Influential in Real Estate. He is the former Co-Chair of the Boston Bar Association’s Title & Conveyancing Committee. A dedicated advocate for property owners, Rich was instrumental in the passage of the Act Clearing Title to Foreclosed Properties, and has testified at the State House in support of the Rent Escrow Bill and many other landlord legislative initiatives. An intense advocate, Rich’s efforts led to the indictment of a criminal syndicate in one of the largest real estate forgery schemes in Massachusetts history.

Purchase your ticket in just a few clicks!

MassLandlords offers attendees of directly managed events a "No Sales Pitch" guarantee. If a guest speaker offers services, their presentation will not discuss pricing, promotions, or reasons why you should hire them. We do not permit speakers to pay for or sponsor events. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and willingness to present helpful educational content. Your purchase of an event ticket sustains our nonprofit model.

This event is regionally branded in keeping with a local tradition. This region used to meet in-person on this day at this time. You are welcome to participate in this virtual meeting no matter where you are in the state.

Wednesday, November 11th

Virtual Meeting Agenda

• 5:00pm Sign-in and virtual networking: you can chit chat with others as people log in
• 5:40pm Business Update
• 6:00pm Housing court post-moratorium
• 7:00pm Virtual meeting ends

Participation is Easy

As a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, our events have been replaced by webinars or virtual meetings held during the traditional event time for each former location:

• Virtual meetings include optional audience participation via video, phone, and screenshare and are not recorded.
• Webinars have limited participation options (typed questions only) and are recorded.

Our virtual registration desk is open for all events one hour starting 30 minutes prior to the event start time. Call 774-314-1896 or email [email protected] for live, real-time help signing in and using your technology.

If joining a virtual meeting, please use the zoom "test audio" feature. You will be allowed to talk to others if your microphone is good and there is no background noise. We reserve the right to mute anyone for any reason. Attendees without a microphone or who don't want to be heard can type questions.

Virtual Meeting Details (hosted by Zoom)

We will share our video, audio, and computer screen and slides.

• Optional: You can share your video with everyone, talk to everyone, and type chat with everyone. Video sharing is not required. Talking is not required.

Password will be emailed and viewable online.

Topic: Statewide Virtual Meeting Wed Nov 11: Housing Court Post-Moratorium Time: Nov 11, 2020 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8374... Meeting ID: 837 4888 7958 Passcode: Will be emailed and online. Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 837 4888 7958 Passcode: Will be emailed and online. Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbzT...

Pricing

Open to the public. Membership is not required!

• Contemporaneous participation:
  • Public: $10
  • Members: $7
  • Veterans Free Today: Thank you for your service. Purchase a ticket, then email [email protected], your ticket will be fully refunded; you will still get automatic access to the event password this way.
  • Premium Members: No charge and no need to register. Click here for meeting details and password.

This event will not be recorded.

Slides if any will be uploaded to COVID-19 Coronavirus Landlord-Tenant Laws, Regulations, and Procedures.

This comprehensive training is split over two days to reduce screen time. Learn everything you need to succeed as an owner or manager of residential rental property in Massachusetts.

This fast-paced course is strictly limited to 16 participants to allow for detailed discussion and Q&A. Course tuition includes:

• Small group session with the Executive Director, a trained presenter and experienced landlord, and the attorney.
• A comprehensive agenda, see below.
• Your choice of two books:
  • Every Landlord's Tax Deduction Guide by NOLO,
  • The Good Landlord by Peter Shapiro,
  • Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher, and/or
  • The Housing Manual by H. John Fisher.
• A bound summary of all material presented.
• A MassLandlords ballpoint pen.
• A coupon for 10% off any MassLandlords annual membership.
• A MassLandlords certificate of completion and permission to use "MassLandlords Crash Course graduate" on your marketing material.

You will receive a box packed with your personalized signed certificate, your choice of two books, course notes, pen, and half a dozen other pieces of literature. Materials will be mailed when the US curve flattens and we have a local team member healthy for fourteen days consecutively. Electronic course notes will be downloadable for printing at home and notetaking prior to the event.

Saturday, November 7th, 2020 and Saturday, November 14th, 2020

Virtual Course Agenda

Saturday, November 7th, 2020

• 8:30 am - Introduction of MassLandlords and course participants
• 8:50 - Rental markets
  • Urban, suburban, rural
  • Luxury, college, professional, working, subsidized, rooming houses
• 9:05 - Property selection
  • Lead paint (Legal highlight)
  • Utilities
  • Bones vs surfaces
  • Amenities
  • Repairs and renovations
  • Durable vs beautiful
  • What if I'm stuck with what I've got?
• 9:20 - Sales and marketing 101 for rental property managers
  • Marketing rentals
  • Sales process
  • Staying organized
  • Branding a small business
  • Getting more or fewer calls
  • Tips and tricks
• 10:05 - Break
• 10:15 - Applications and screening
  • Criminal, credit, eviction
  • Discrimination (legal highlight)
  • Tenant Screening Workshop
• 11:20 - If time allows, start Rental Forms
  • Lease vs Tenancy at Will
  • iCORI
  • Eviction notices
• 12:15 - End Day One, course resumes the following Saturday

Saturday, November 14th, 2020

• 8:30 - Review of Day One and follow-up questions
• 8:45 - If needed, finish Rental Forms
  • Lease vs Tenancy at Will
  • iCORI
  • Eviction notices
• 9:15 - Legal Matters start
  • Late fees
  • Security deposits
  • Eviction process
  • Move-and-store
  • Water and electrical submetering
  • Housing Court vs District Court
  • Warranty of habitability
  • Inspections
  • Subsidies
  • Rent control
• 10:05 - Break
• 10:15 - Legal Matters finish
• 11:00 - Maintenance, hiring, and operations
  • Keeping the rent roll and expenses
  • Filing taxes
  • To manage or not to mange
  • Tenants as customers
  • Notifying tenants
  • Extermination
  • Monitoring contractors
  • Lease violations and conflict resolution
  • Record keeping
• 11:50 - Overview of books and resources for further education
• 12:00 - Review of unanswered questions
• 12:15 - End Day Two and End Course

Please note that end time each day may vary based on questions.

Participation is Easy

As a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, our events have been replaced by webinars or virtual meetings held during the traditional event time for each former location:

• Virtual meetings include optional audience participation via video, phone, and screenshare and are not recorded.
• Webinars have limited participation options (typed questions only) and are recorded.

Our virtual registration desk is open for all events one hour starting 30 minutes prior to the event start time. Call 774-314-1896 or email [email protected] for live, real-time help signing in and using your technology.

If joining a virtual meeting, please use the zoom "test audio" feature. You will be allowed to talk to others if your microphone is good and there is no background noise. We reserve the right to mute anyone for any reason. Attendees without a microphone or who don't want to be heard can type questions.

Virtual Meeting Details (hosted by Zoom)

We will share our video, audio, and computer screen and slides.

• Optional: You can share your video with everyone, talk to everyone, and type chat with everyone. Video sharing is not required. Talking is not required.

Password will be emailed and viewable online.

Topic: Crash Course Nov 7, 14 Time: Nov 7, 2020 08:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Every week on Sat, 2 occurrence(s) Nov 7, 2020 08:00 AM Nov 14, 2020 08:00 AM Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system. Weekly: https://us02web.zoom.us/meetin... Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8633... Meeting ID: 863 3015 4854 Passcode: Will be emailed One tap mobile +13126266799,,86330154854#,,,,,,0#,,628948# US (Chicago) +16468769923,,86330154854#,,,,,,0#,,628948# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 863 3015 4854 Passcode: Will be emailed Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kVsM...

Food

This is a virtual course. You are free to prepare food at home and eat while you listen.

Pricing

Open to the public. Membership is not required, but advance registration is required!

• Online:
  • Non-members: $205
  • Members: $195 (log in before you register or you will see the non-member price)
• Online registration required. All ticket sales final.

The course is the same price as usual, because our estimate of shipping and handling on a box of course materials is equal to our historic cost per person of catering. You will receive a box packed with your personalized signed certificate, your choice of two books, course notes, pen, and half a dozen other pieces of literature. Materials will be mailed when the US curve flattens and we have a local team member healthy for fourteen days consecutively. Electronic course notes will be downloadable for printing at home and notetaking prior to the event.

Tickets at MassLandlords.net/events

This event will teach attendees the legal alternative to filing for eviction and waiting for a court hearing: the "cash for keys" mutual release.

A variety of factors make "cash for keys" arrangements desirable from an owner/manager point of view:

• Rent arrears for many of us are into the tens of thousands of dollars;
• The state legislature won't enact a housing guarantee because reasons;
• The Governor's administration isn't setting aside enough money to pay for the arrears;
• The judicial branch is working hard but ultimately can only do so much with a nine month backlog.

Is it time to cut your losses and move on? This presentation will review:

• Have cash for keys been allowed under the MA eviction moratorium? (Yes, we'll review the case law)
• What does a properly structured cash for keys agreement look like?
• What is best practice for going forward given the state of the Massachusetts and CDC moratoriums.
• What is the benefit of attempting a cash for keys mediated move-out, compared to waiting for a court date.
• What is the likelihood of success of trying to game the system by filing a no-fault, no cause eviction when rent arrears are owed? (Hint: not good.)
• What is best practice for starting the conversation with a renter who is long-term unstable in their current housing?

Part of the presentation will be given by Peter Vickery of Bobrowski & Vickery, LLC. Attorney Vickery practices law in Western Massachusetts where he focuses on landlord-tenant law (representing landlords in Housing Court) and discrimination defense (representing business owners in the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination). He graduated from Oxford University (Jesus College) with a BA in Modern History; obtained his Post-Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of the West of England in Bristol; his JD from Boston University School of Law; and his Masters in Public Policy & Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Attorney Vickery served one term on the Governor's Council (the elected 8-member body that approves or vetoes the governor's choice of judges in Massachusetts) and on the State Ballot Law Commission. As Legislative Affairs Counsel for MassLandlords he drafts bills, bill summaries, and testimony in the area of housing law, and writes amicus briefs in cases that have strategic significance for rental-property owners.

Part of the presentation will be given by Peter Shapiro. A graduate of MIT's Master's Program in City Planning, Peter founded and directed Mediation For Results, a Program at Just-A-Start Corporation, a nonprofit in Cambridge, Massachusetts. From 1990 to 2015, Peter and his team provided landlord counseling, mediation and homelessness prevention, and led landlord support groups across Metro Boston. Peter now provides Helpline and Member services for MassLandlords and also provides landlord counseling and mediation for the City of Boston. Peter is the author of The Good Landlord: A Guide to Making a Profit While Making a Difference.

MassLandlords offers attendees of directly managed events a "No Sales Pitch" guarantee. If a guest speaker offers services, their presentation will not discuss pricing, promotions, or reasons why you should hire them. We do not permit speakers to pay for or sponsor events. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and willingness to present helpful educational content. Your purchase of an event ticket sustains our nonprofit model.

This event is regionally branded in keeping with a local tradition. This region used to meet in-person on this day at this time. You are welcome to participate in this virtual meeting no matter where you are in the state.

Tuesday, October 20th

Cambridge & Statewide Virtual Meeting Agenda

• 5:10pm Sign-in and virtual networking: you can chit chat with others as people log in
• 5:40pm MassLandlords Business Update and Member Minutes
  • Member Minutes - Any member can have the mic for 60 seconds (introduce yourself, ask a question, share words of wisdom, etc.)
• 6:00pm Local Manager Meeting Introduction
• 6:05pm Cash for keys
• 7:00pm Virtual meeting ends

Participation is Easy

As a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, our events have been replaced by webinars or virtual meetings held during the traditional event time for each former location:

• Virtual meetings include optional audience participation via video, phone, and screenshare and are not recorded.
• Webinars have limited participation options (typed questions only) and are recorded.

Our virtual registration desk is open for all events one hour starting 30 minutes prior to the event start time. Call 774-314-1896 or email [email protected] for live, real-time help signing in and using your technology.

If joining a virtual meeting, please use the zoom "test audio" feature. You will be allowed to talk to others if your microphone is good and there is no background noise. We reserve the right to mute anyone for any reason. Attendees without a microphone or who don't want to be heard can type questions.

Virtual Meeting Details (hosted by Zoom)

We will share our video, audio, and computer screen and slides.

• Optional: You can share your video with everyone, talk to everyone, and type chat with everyone. Video sharing is not required. Talking is not required.

Password will be emailed and viewable online.

Topic: Cambridge and Statewide Virtual Meeting October 20, 2020 

Time: Oct 20, 2020 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8431... 

Meeting ID: 843 1714 8107 

Passcode: Will be emailed 

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) 

Meeting ID: 843 1714 8107 

Passcode: Will be emailed 

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kIau...

Pricing

Open to the public. Membership is not required!

• Contemporaneous participation:
  • Public: $10
  • Members: $7
  • Premium Members: No charge and no need to register. Click here for meeting details and password.

This event will not be recorded. Any slides or handouts will be posted at "Cash for Keys Could it Work for You?"

This comprehensive training is split over two days to reduce screen time. Learn everything you need to succeed as an owner or manager of residential rental property in Massachusetts.

This fast-paced course is strictly limited to 16 participants to allow for detailed discussion and Q&A. Course tuition includes:

• Small group session with the Executive Director, a trained presenter and experienced landlord, and the attorney.
• A comprehensive agenda, see below.
• Your choice of two books:
  • Every Landlord's Tax Deduction Guide by NOLO,
  • The Good Landlord by Peter Shapiro,
  • Getting to Yes by Roger Fisher, and/or
  • The Housing Manual by H. John Fisher.
• A bound summary of all material presented.
• A MassLandlords ballpoint pen.
• A coupon for 10% off any MassLandlords annual membership.
• A MassLandlords certificate of completion and permission to use "MassLandlords Crash Course graduate" on your marketing material.

You will receive a box packed with your personalized signed certificate, your choice of two books, course notes, pen, and half a dozen other pieces of literature. Materials will be mailed when the US curve flattens and we have a local team member healthy for fourteen days consecutively. Electronic course notes will be downloadable for printing at home and notetaking prior to the event.

Saturday, October 17th, 2020 and Saturday, October 24th, 2020

Virtual Course Agenda

Saturday, October 17th, 2020

• 8:30 am - Introduction of MassLandlords and course participants
• 8:50 - Rental markets
  • Urban, suburban, rural
  • Luxury, college, professional, working, subsidized, rooming houses
• 9:05 - Property selection
  • Lead paint (Legal highlight)
  • Utilities
  • Bones vs surfaces
  • Amenities
  • Repairs and renovations
  • Durable vs beautiful
  • What if I'm stuck with what I've got?
• 9:20 - Sales and marketing 101 for rental property managers
  • Marketing rentals
  • Sales process
  • Staying organized
  • Branding a small business
  • Getting more or fewer calls
  • Tips and tricks
• 10:05 - Break
• 10:15 - Applications and screening
  • Criminal, credit, eviction
  • Discrimination (legal highlight)
  • Tenant Screening Workshop
• 11:20 - If time allows, start Rental Forms
  • Lease vs Tenancy at Will
  • iCORI
  • Eviction notices
• 12:15 - End Day One, course resumes the following Saturday

Saturday, October 24th, 2020

• 8:30 - Review of Day One and follow-up questions
• 8:45 - If needed, finish Rental Forms
  • Lease vs Tenancy at Will
  • iCORI
  • Eviction notices
• 9:15 - Legal Matters start
  • Late fees
  • Security deposits
  • Eviction process
  • Move-and-store
  • Water and electrical submetering
  • Housing Court vs District Court
  • Warranty of habitability
  • Inspections
  • Subsidies
  • Rent control
• 10:05 - Break
• 10:15 - Legal Matters finish
• 11:00 - Maintenance, hiring, and operations
  • Keeping the rent roll and expenses
  • Filing taxes
  • To manage or not to mange
  • Tenants as customers
  • Notifying tenants
  • Extermination
  • Monitoring contractors
  • Lease violations and conflict resolution
  • Record keeping
• 11:50 - Overview of books and resources for further education
• 12:00 - Review of unanswered questions
• 12:15 - End Day Two and End Course

Please note that end time each day may vary based on questions.

Participation is Easy

As a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, our events have been replaced by webinars or virtual meetings held during the traditional event time for each former location:

• Virtual meetings include optional audience participation via video, phone, and screenshare and are not recorded.
• Webinars have limited participation options (typed questions only) and are recorded.

Our virtual registration desk is open for all events one hour starting 30 minutes prior to the event start time. Call 774-314-1896 or email [email protected] for live, real-time help signing in and using your technology.

If joining a virtual meeting, please use the zoom "test audio" feature. You will be allowed to talk to others if your microphone is good and there is no background noise. We reserve the right to mute anyone for any reason. Attendees without a microphone or who don't want to be heard can type questions.

Virtual Meeting Details (hosted by Zoom)

We will share our video, audio, and computer screen and slides.

• Optional: You can share your video with everyone, talk to everyone, and type chat with everyone. Video sharing is not required. Talking is not required.

Password will be emailed and viewable online.

Topic: Crash Course October 17 & 24 

Time: Oct 17, 2020 08:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Every week on Sat, 2 occurrence(s) Oct 17, 2020 08:30 AM Oct 24, 2020 08:30 AM 

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8253... 

Meeting ID: 825 3765 2189 

Passcode: Will be emailed 

Dial by your location 

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) 

+1 646 876 9923 US (New York) 

+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) 

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) 

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) 

+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) 

+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) 

Meeting ID: 825 3765 2189 

Passcode: Will be emailed 

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kdSY...

Food

This is a virtual course. You are free to prepare food at home and eat while you listen.

Pricing

Open to the public. Membership is not required, but advance registration is required!

• Online:
  • Non-members: $205
  • Members: $195 (log in before you register or you will see the non-member price)
• Online registration required. All ticket sales final.

The course is the same price as usual, because our estimate of shipping and handling on a box of course materials is equal to our historic cost per person of catering. You will receive a box packed with your personalized signed certificate, your choice of two books, course notes, pen, and half a dozen other pieces of literature. Materials will be mailed when the US curve flattens and we have a local team member healthy for fourteen days consecutively. Electronic course notes will be downloadable for printing at home and notetaking prior to the event.

The laws are constantly changing, so we will give you a comprehensive update on all the proposals being discussed and where they stand. We will start with the current status of emergency laws, like the eviction moratorium, and work backward from "closest to passing" to "most far off in the future". We will review the specific proposals as well as where they stand:

• Massachusetts eviction moratorium
• CDC eviction moratorium
• Tenant opportunity to purchase act/tenant right of first refusal
• Right to counsel
• Eviction sealing
• Rent cancellation
• Rent control
• Fair and Equal Housing Guarantee via Surety Bonds

This presentation will be relevant to investors making decisions, grassroots volunteers who contact Reps and Senators regularly, and anyone interested in housing policy.

MassLandlords offers attendees of directly managed events a "No Sales Pitch" guarantee. If a guest speaker offers services, their presentation will not discuss pricing, promotions, or reasons why you should hire them. We do not permit speakers to pay for or sponsor events. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and willingness to present helpful educational content. Your purchase of an event ticket sustains our nonprofit model.

This event is regionally branded in keeping with a local tradition. This region used to meet in-person on this day at this time. You are welcome to participate in this virtual meeting no matter where you are in the state.

Wednesday, October 7th

Virtual Meeting Agenda

• 5:10pm Sign-in and virtual networking: you can chit chat with others as people log in
• 5:40pm MassLandlords Business Update and Member Minutes
  • Member Minutes - Any member can have the mic for 60 seconds (introduce yourself, ask a question, share words of wisdom, etc.)
• 6:00pm Local Manager Meeting Introduction
• 6:05pm Policy update in-depth
• 7:00pm Virtual meeting ends

Participation is Easy

As a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, our events have been replaced by webinars or virtual meetings held during the traditional event time for each former location:

• Virtual meetings include optional audience participation via video, phone, and screenshare and are not recorded.
• Webinars have limited participation options (typed questions only) and are recorded.

Our virtual registration desk is open for all events one hour starting 30 minutes prior to the event start time. Call 774-314-1896 or email [email protected] for live, real-time help signing in and using your technology.

If joining a virtual meeting, please use the zoom "test audio" feature. You will be allowed to talk to others if your microphone is good and there is no background noise. We reserve the right to mute anyone for any reason. Attendees without a microphone or who don't want to be heard can type questions.

Virtual Meeting Details (hosted by Zoom)

We will share our video, audio, and computer screen and slides.

• Optional: You can share your video with everyone, talk to everyone, and type chat with everyone. Video sharing is not required. Talking is not required.

Password will be emailed and viewable online.

Topic: Waltham and Statewide Virtual Meeting October 7, 2020 

Time: Oct 7, 2020 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) 

Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8315... 

Meeting ID: 831 5508 0329 

Passcode: Will be emailed 

Dial by your location 

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) 

+1 646 876 9923 US (New York) 

+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) 

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) 

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) 

+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) 

+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) 

Meeting ID: 831 5508 0329 

Passcode: Will be emailed 

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kekm...

Pricing

Open to the public. Membership is not required!

• Contemporaneous participation:
  • Public: $10
  • Members: $7
  • Premium Members: No charge and no need to register. Click here for meeting details and password.

This event will not be recorded.

This event is operated by MassLandlords staff.

Want to speak at a MassLandlords meeting? Submit a speaker request.

This is part of the Greater Waltham rental real estate networking and training series.

Cambridge & Statewide Virtual Meeting Tues Sep 15: Laws Before and After COVID-19

COVID-19 has dramatically changed the policy landscape for Massachusetts owners and managers of residential real estate. Find out what's new in this comprehensive talk:

• Federal CARES Act Eviction Moratorium and Mortgage Forbearance: expired
• Massachusetts eviction moratorium: still in force
• Eligibility for RAFT, ERMA, and other funding: increased

We will be addressing what's going on with the Vetstein Roubicek Greenman lawsuit, what options landlords have especially with cash for keys voluntary move-outs, and whether there's any light at the end of the tunnel.

This part of the presentation will be given by Attorney Jordana Roubicek Greenman. She is an attorney and a title agent for First American Title Insurance Company and WFG in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Attorney Roubicek Greenman has a solo practice with a main office in Watertown and additional office in Downtown Boston. Her practice consists of a broad range of real estate-related legal matters, including commercial and residential landlord/tenant disputes, condominium association representation, general real estate litigation and commercial and residential real estate closings. Attorney Roubicek Greenman has a well-respected reputation for aggressively advocating for her clients' goals and ensuring beneficial outcomes at a reasonable cost. She was among the first attorneys to take legal action in response to the unfunded eviction moratorium; her case is before the Superior Court.

Click here to purchase tickets for this event

MassLandlords offers attendees of directly managed events a "No Sales Pitch" guarantee. If a guest speaker offers services, their presentation will not discuss pricing, promotions, or reasons why you should hire them. We do not permit speakers to pay for or sponsor events. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and willingness to present helpful educational content. Your purchase of an event ticket sustains our nonprofit model.

This event is regionally branded in keeping with a local tradition. This region used to meet in-person on this day at this time. You are welcome to participate in this virtual meeting no matter where you are in the state.

Tuesday, September 15th

Cambridge & Statewide Virtual Meeting Agenda

• 4:00pm Sign-in and virtual networking: you can chit chat with others as people log in
• 4:40pm MassLandlords Business Update and Member Minutes
  • Member Minutes - Any member can have the mic for 60 seconds (introduce yourself, ask a question, share words of wisdom, etc.)
• 5:00pm Local Manager Meeting Introduction
• 5:05pm Legal talk
• 6:00pm Virtual meeting ends

Participation is Easy

As a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, our events have been replaced by webinars or virtual meetings held during the traditional event time for each former location:

• Virtual meetings include optional audience participation via video, phone, and screenshare and are not recorded.
• Webinars have limited participation options (typed questions only) and are recorded.

Our virtual registration desk is open for all events one hour starting 30 minutes prior to the event start time. Call 774-314-1896 or email [email protected] for live, real-time help signing in and using your technology.

If joining a virtual meeting, please use the zoom "test audio" feature. You will be allowed to talk to others if your microphone is good and there is no background noise. We reserve the right to mute anyone for any reason. Attendees without a microphone or who don't want to be heard can type questions.

Virtual Meeting Details (hosted by Zoom)

We will share our video, audio, and computer screen and slides.

• Optional: You can share your video with everyone, talk to everyone, and type chat with everyone. Video sharing is not required. Talking is not required.

Password will be emailed and viewable online.

Topic: Cambridge and Statewide Virtual Meeting September 15, 2020 Time: Sep 15, 2020 04:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8223... Meeting ID: 822 3020 7954 Passcode: Will be emailed Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) Meeting ID: 822 3020 7954 Passcode: Will be emailed Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kblR...

Pricing

Open to the public. Membership is not required!

• Contemporaneous participation:
  • Public: $10
  • Members: $7
  • Premium Members: No charge and no need to register. Click here for meeting details and password.

This event will not be recorded.

During the pandemic stay-at-home order, people needed to have a home to stay in. And during the medical and economic recovery that lies ahead, the Commonwealth's residents may need this housing for a long while yet to come. We have said from the beginning that this shared burden should be covered by the Commonwealth as a whole. No one should be evicted because of the pandemic or its aftermath. No housing provider should be asked to provide this needed public housing for free, to pay for upcoming months or years of repairs, real estate taxes, utilities, and mortgages without income.

The eviction moratorium is a Band-Aid, but stitches are required. We have developed and found funding for a Fair and Equal Housing Guarantee via Surety Bonds, but none in leadership have agreed to file it. We have asked the Governor not to extend the moratorium, but he has extended it to October and may extend it again after that. The amount of rent relief so far organized from federal, state, and municipal sources seems to be adding up to less than 10% of the funding that will be required by the time we get through this.

We now turn to the courts to make it clear, on a case-by-case basis, how much damage has been done. We are not launching an assault on the constitutionality of the moratorium. At this event, we will announce the Individual Claims Council, a network of attorneys who are now collaborating and available to help landlords make individual claims against the Commonwealth. The purpose is not to evict anyone. The purpose is to obtain the reasonable compensation to which we are now entitled as providers of public housing during a pandemic, and to eliminate our renter's unpaid obligations by court ordered public subsidy. Together the Commonwealth can keep us all housed.

This initiative will run in parallel to our continued advocacy for a Fair and Equal Housing Guarantee via Surety Bonds.

This part of the presentation will be given by Peter Vickery of Bobrowski & Vickery, LLC. Attorney Vickery practices law in Western Massachusetts where he focuses on landlord-tenant law (representing landlords in Housing Court) and discrimination defense (representing business owners in the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination). He graduated from Oxford University (Jesus College) with a BA in Modern History; obtained his Post-Graduate Diploma in Law from the University of the West of England in Bristol; his JD from Boston University School of Law; and his Masters in Public Policy & Administration from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Attorney Vickery served one term on the Governor's Council (the elected 8-member body that approves or vetoes the governor's choice of judges in Massachusetts) and on the State Ballot Law Commission. As Legislative Affairs Counsel for MassLandlords he drafts bills, bill summaries, and testimony in the area of housing law, and writes amicus briefs in cases that have strategic significance for rental-property owners.

MassLandlords offers attendees of directly managed events a "No Sales Pitch" guarantee. If a guest speaker offers services, their presentation will not discuss pricing, promotions, or reasons why you should hire them. We do not permit speakers to pay for or sponsor events. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and willingness to present helpful educational content. Your purchase of an event ticket sustains our nonprofit model.

This event is regionally branded in keeping with a local tradition. This region used to meet in-person on this day at this time. You are welcome to participate in this virtual meeting no matter where you are in the state.

Thursday, September 10th

Virtual Meeting Agenda

• 4:10pm Sign-in and virtual networking: you can chit chat with others as people log in
• 4:40pm MassLandlords Business Update and Member Minutes
  • Member Minutes - Any member can have the mic for 60 seconds (introduce yourself, ask a question, share words of wisdom, etc.)
• 5:05pm Local Manager Meeting Introduction
• 5:10pm Individual Claims Council
• 6:00pm Virtual meeting ends

Participation is Easy

As a result of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, our events have been replaced by webinars or virtual meetings held during the traditional event time for each former location:

• Virtual meetings include optional audience participation via video, phone, and screenshare and are not recorded.
• Webinars have limited participation options (typed questions only) and are recorded.

Our virtual registration desk is open for all events one hour starting 30 minutes prior to the event start time. Call 774-314-1896 or email [email protected] for live, real-time help signing in and using your technology.

If joining a virtual meeting, please use the zoom "test audio" feature. You will be allowed to talk to others if your microphone is good and there is no background noise. We reserve the right to mute anyone for any reason. Attendees without a microphone or who don't want to be heard can type questions.

Virtual Meeting Details (hosted by Zoom)

We will share our video, audio, and computer screen and slides.

• Optional: You can share your video with everyone, talk to everyone, and type chat with everyone. Video sharing is not required. Talking is not required.

Password will be emailed and viewable online.

Topic: Springfield and Statewide Virtual Meeting September 10, 2020 Time: Sep 10, 2020 04:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8521... Meeting ID: 852 1210 7923 Passcode: Will be emailed Dial by your location +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose) +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose) +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) Meeting ID: 852 1210 7923 Passcode: Will be emailed Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kduI...

Pricing

Open to the public. Membership is not required!

• Contemporaneous participation:
  • Public: $10
  • Members: $7
  • Premium Members: No charge and no need to register. Click here for meeting details and password.

This event will not be recorded.