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Showing posts from 2012

The end is near! Is your tenant ready?

If you believe the world will end on December 21, 2012 you can skip the rest of this article.   However if you’re concerned about the increased number of natural disasters and want to encourage your renters to be prepared you may want to take notes. Many property owners leave move-in gifts for new renters as a way to say welcome.   Why not put together a disaster kit for them?   As hurricanes, wildfires, snow storms and other natural disasters increase survival kits have become very popular.   The cost to setup a complete survival kit may exceed your budget for a move-in gift so start small with some basics.   First you will need a large plastic tub.   Fill it with a basic first aid kit, personal hygiene items, matches in a water proof container and a flash light with batteries.   Make sure to add a survival kit check list so your renters can complete the emergency kit with other items like food and water.   If you need a full list of recommended items or more information about su

The election and you!

Hello Apartment Industry Advocates! With the election a mere five weeks away, it seems appropriate to devote this edition of the Apartment Industry Mobilization Service (AIMS) communication to our role as advocates for the apartment industry in the upcoming election. There is no denying it – this year’s election has the capacity to impact every level of government. Not only will control of the White House and House and Senate be decided on Election Day, but 11 governors and numerous state legislatures, city councils and mayors’ races, 166 statewide initiatives in 35 states and a staggering number of local community questions will also be determined. Although media attention may be focused on the presidential election, virtually everything federal, state and local policymakers do, or don’t do, impacts your business and your bottom line. So, no matter which side of the political aisle you’re on, your participation and vote on all these ballot items are vita

Landlord Liability

Do you allow dogs in your rental properties?   Do you have a pet policy in place that restricts certain breeds? Recently in a 4-3 decision, the Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that owners of pit bulls, mixed breed pet bulls and the landlord can be held strictly liable for damages resulting from the dogs attack. Wikipedia states , strict liability is a standard for liability which may exist in either a criminal or civil context. A rule specifying strict liability makes a person legally responsible for the damage and loss caused by his or her acts and omissions regardless of culpability (including fault in criminal law terms, typically the presence of mens rea ). Strict liability is prominent in tort law (especially product liability ), corporations law , and criminal law . The new ruling changes the current laws dealing with pit bull attacks.   The simple presence of the animal on the property is enough to establish a case for damages.   The Maryland Court of Appeals conc

A Colorado Legislative Update

Apartment Association of Southern Colorado Industry Alert A Legislative Update TUESDAY, MAY 22nd 11:30 - 1:00pm At The Antlers Hilton Hotel Come hear from Nancy Burke as she informs us on current issues within the industry. See what changes took place during the 2012 Legislative session. $35/$45 - Members $52.50/$62.50 - Non-Members Late Registration goes into effect after May 15th! To Register Via Fax, Click here. To Register Online, Click here. http://www.aaschq.org/

Attention Washington Clients!

If you have not been following Senate Bill 6315, you need to read the following link. Senate Bill 6315 If you do not have written criteria in place please contact Rental Services.  We can provide you with criteria that can be customized to meet your needs.

Account Updates

Each year Trans Union, Equifax and Experian add additional requirements to individuals and companies that access credit information.  To make sure all of our clients stay in compliance with the new rules we audit client files each year.  If your file is missing information we will contact you to update your account.  Please make sure that you return any forms or documentation in a timely manner.  Files not in compliance may be suspended until they are updated.