CT Real Estate Today - August 2023 Edition

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Pg. 08 - Big Government Takes Aim at Individual Property Rights

Pg. 16 - A Very Successful Webinar on Lead Safe Housing: New Laws for Owners, and Funding Options to Help

Pg. 18 - What is the Eviction Prevention Fund (EVP)?

Pg. 24 - Introducing TheGuarantors. Your partner in protecting your rental income and providing coverage for damages

August 2023 Published by: In This Month’s Edition

Table of Contents

Publisher’s Message

A Message From Bob DeCosmo, President Of CTPOA

News And Views From The Capitol Big Government Takes Aim at Individual Property Rights

Realtor Report

What’s Going On With the Housing Shortage in CT?

A ’Fortune’ Reporter Offers Some Reasons

Insurance Insights

7 Steps to Finding the Right Homeowners Insurance Policy and Mistakes to Avoid in the Process

Property Management Tips & Tricks

A Very Successful Webinar on Lead Safe Housing: New Laws for Owners, and Funding Options to Help

Helping Property Owners Since 1994
CTPOA’s Mission: Educate our members on the Best Practices. Increase profitability. Provide access to Core Services. Advocate for Property Owner Rights. Meet Our Team: Bob DeCosmo Carmine DeCosmo Melissa DeCosmo Paul Jenney Chelsea Sayegh PO Box 4795 Waterbury, CT 06704 800-369-6153 info@ctpoa.com Published by: CTPOA Financially Speaking What is the Eviction Prevention Fund (EVP)? Get Energy Efficient Don’t Sweat It: Energy Efficient Home Humidity Tips The Legal Corner Overview of Fair Rent Commission in Connecticut Vendor Spotlight Introducing TheGuarantors - your partner in protecting your rental income and providing coverage for damages Tenant Screening Tips & Tricks Sample Criteria For Accepting or Rejecting a Rental Applicant

Advocate For Property Owner Rights

Housing, or more appropriately the lack of “Affordable Housing” is all the talk in policy circles lately. Recent investigations reveal Connecticut needs about 89,000 more affordable housing units to fill its need and this will require the development of new housing.

Housing is built by private sector developers and non-profit developers; the government hasn’t been building much public housing in the recent past. Developers, both private and non-profit, need to make their numbers work to move forward with a project. In this past legislative sessions Bills were advanced to incentivize developers to invest their capital and create more units of affordable housing. Workforce housing was the target of these efforts.

Here’s the policy problem Connecticut faces currently. While there is a need for more housing and this will require the investment of private money, there is also a movement in the legislature to strip property owners of their rights and increase tenants’ rights.

So why would any developer risk their private capital and build housing in a State that tried in 2023 to create a 3-month eviction moratorium, impose rent control and conceal prior eviction records? The short answer is developers will not step up! The affordable housing shortfall will continue unless there is a change in sentiment in the legislature on whose rights need more protection, tenants, or property owners / developers.

04 / Publisher ’ s Message

The Connecticut legislature has been very generous in providing tenant protections since 2000 passing laws that provide free lawyers for tenants facing eviction, mandating cities create fair rent commissions, and this year passed a law that caps late fees and application fees, increased the fines cities can charge property owners and required security deposits to be returned sooner.

To create more affordable housing, the question we face is how we walk the fine legislative line and pass laws that help housing providers. While we can incentivize the builders of affordable housing to create units, we also need to protect the operators of these units who ultimately purchase the properties.

From the viewpoint of many experienced property owners and managers, there is a simple solution, pass a law that requires tenants being evicted for non-payment of rent to put their rent money into a court held escrow account, failure to do so will expedite the court date and eliminate many tenant stall tactics.

While the media is full of stories about bad landlords, the fact is perhaps there is maybe a couple hundred slumlords operating in Connecticut today but there are thousands of tenants that know how to beat the system and live rent free for extended periods of time. Their actions cost landlords millions of dollars annually needed to maintain their buildings. This also impacts good tenants and children who often are forced to flee their unit and seek other accommodations because it takes so long to evict tenants in Connecticut and many non-paying tenants also create disturbances in their buildings.

In fact, in Connecticut there are about 20,000 evictions that occur annually, and most are not because tenants lost their job as what is being portrayed in the media, it’s because they don’t want to pay rent and can get away with it.

So, the affordable housing crisis in Connecticut will continue as its just too risky for developers to step up and create more units because it’s so easy for a tenant to beat a landlord out of their rent money because bad tenants can get away with it. Payment into escrow for non-paying tenants will greatly help housing providers and could stimulate the development of much needed new affordable housing.

05 / Publisher ’ s Message
Register at CTPOA.com/events

Big Government Takes Aim at Individual Property Rights

Lately, Progressives in Connecticut, and across the nation, have taken aim at individual property rights. Of course, they set the stage with popular ideas (but still bad) like going after “rich” property managers from out-of-state. Connecticut Progressives have also shown an equal disdain for “landlords” in their own state, whom they accuse of profiting from the misery of their tenants.

This is a clever strategy. Who doesn’t feel sympathy for seniors on fixed incomes or wants to feel as if they are helping the poor? Do not be fooled. Progressives are not motivated by helping folks who are struggling. Rather, they hide behind it to further their true intention of minimizing individual freedom in favor of state control.

In this instance, property managers and “landlords” will not be the only individuals in the

crosshairs. Soon, Connecticut Democrats will be knocking on all our doors to dictate what we can do with OUR property.

Yes, this is a bold statement. It is also a statement rooted in fact. There have been several bills in the Connecticut legislature in recent years that seek to impose this government force on private property owners. This past year, multiple new restrictions on housing providers (“landlords”) were passed— as well as more, farther-reaching policies like rent control, price caps, preventing reasonable evictions, and creating local bureaucracies designed to interfere in the marketplace called “Fair Rent Commissions.”

Make no mistake. These are terrible and unAmerican ideas. Worse, they will not help a single person. Perhaps a few isolated individuals will make out (at someone else’s

08 / News & Views From The Capitol

expense), but any benefit will be short-lived. These changes will soon hurt the market itself and will result in even fewer options for those in need.

One such bill that passed this year was S.B. 988, which aims to fully undermine the property and ownership rights of one singular class of property owner: those who own mobile home parks.

Since the bill received little to no media coverage, here’s the idea: the government is now dictating who a park owner may sell to (even if they already have an agreement with a willing buyer), that they may have to wait up to six months for a matching offer, and even who determines the price of the park in certain situations (someone other than the park’s owner).

The impact of these provisions is more farreaching than at first glance. Park owners effectively lose their property rights under this new law. When someone else can determine the value of your property and how and when you can dispose of it, is it really yours anymore?

I was shocked to not only see progressive Democrats, but also a few of my Republican colleagues rushing out to support this tragic, divisive, and misguided law.

I was proud to stand in opposition to this harmful measure on the Senate floor for more than two hours, offering multiple amendments as alternative solutions, hoping to preserve the

rights of private property owners and protect the interests of unitowners at the same time. Unfortunately, each of my amendments were rejected along party lines. That the Democrat-majority in Hartford said ‘no’ to these commonsense ideas illustrates how far the legislature has drifted from the values of freedom, personal responsibility, hard work, accountability, equal protection, and justice itself.

It is wholly immoral to use government, and the FORCE of law to deprive someone of the value of property THEY own for your own benefit. This is a key example of what is wrong with government in general. Growing government means increasing the power of politicians to engage in policymaking that results in unequal treatment – for their own political benefit.

How can our American principles be preserved?

As I always say, Connecticut residents must get more involved and begin holding their elected officials accountable. Don’t assume how they are voting. You owe it to yourself, and to future generations, to take an interest.

09 / News & Views From The Capitol

What’s Going On With the Housing Shortage in CT? A

Fortune’ Reporter Offers Some Reasons

The Hartford, New Haven and Bridgeport areas have lost more "for sale" housing inventory since the pandemic began than have all major housing markets in country, except for Allentown, Pennsylvania. That's according to statistics compiled by Realtor.com.

Fortune Magazine housing market reporter Lance Lambert pointed out in a recent tweet that those three metro areas have each seen inventory declines of between 74-80% since 2019. He talked about the stark difference in Harford’s inventory in

May of this year vs. four years ago.

In Hartford, there were just 882 homes available for sale,” Lambert said. “In May 2019, there were 4467. So for every five homes available for sale in Hartford in May 2019. There's just one now. That's an 80% decline.”

Lambert says that scarcity of housing supply-combined with higher interest rates-have led to skyrocketing prices for the few houses that do become available.

“98% of Connecticut ZIP codes just set a new all-time high for price in

10 / Realtor Report

May,” Lambert said. “It's the worst of both worlds for buyers, right now, in Connecticut. Very little inventory for sale and very pressurized affordability.” So, what explains Connecticut’s overheated housing market, even in the face of rising prices and interest rates?

“Demand has not pulled back that much, despite the mortgage rate spike," Lambert said. "And so in some markets out West, like Austin, Boise, Las Vegas, those places softened and active listings grew as demand pulled back and home sat on the market longer. That hasn't exactly happened in Connecticut. And one of the reasons being is that while home prices are up quite a bit, they weren't up the 60 or 70% in two years that markets like Austin and Boise."

Another factor is construction.

Connecticut," Lambert said. "I think it was just like 2,000 homes for permits for Connecticut versus places out West and down in the southwest where there's lots of construction.”

Connecticut lawmakers recently passed an omnibus housing bill that included a strengthening of tenants' rights. But the measure did not include what many hoped it would: Mandates for towns to zone more areas for affordable housing construction.

11 / Realtor Report
"There's just not much building in
More housing permits and construction are needed to address the state's housing shortage, Lambert said.

7 Steps to Finding the Right Homeowners Insurance Policy and Mistakes to Avoid in the Process

Your home is probably the most expensive thing you own, so you want to have enough insurance to replace it in the worst-case scenario. Being underinsured, or signing with a company that can't pay claims, are mistakes you should avoid when shopping for homeowners insurance. However, many consumers overlook the importance of adequate coverage and quality customer service and instead focus on the lowest rates.

It is important to do your due diligence to find an insurer you trust and purchase coverage that fits your needs. By shopping around, you get the right coverage at a competitively priced premium. We'll take you step by step through what you need to know to do that.

Step 1: Figure out what you need covered

Start by determining the replacement cost of your home, the total value of your personal

belongings, and the total value of your assets. You also want to consider covering additional structures such as garages or sheds and purchasing flood or earthquake insurance if you live in a high-risk area.

Step 2: Calculate how much coverage you need

Calculate the replacement cost of your dwelling: Local construction cost and you're home's size are two of the most significant factors affecting your home's replacement cost, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Factors such as your home's exterior and interior construction materials or other special features on your property like garages or a pool will also determine how much coverage you'll need.

There are several ways to estimate your dwelling's replacement cost. You can either get

12 / Insurance Insights

an estimate from your insurer or use a thirdparty replacement cost calculator. You can also hire an in-person appraiser, which may be more costly, or you can do it yourself by multiplying your local construction cost by the square footage of your home. Use multiple methods to get the most accurate replacement cost, which will ensure you're covered entirely.

• Perform a home inventory: Creating a detailed list of your possessions will help you assess how much you'll need in homeowners insurance. After recording your home's inventory, consider whether you'd like to insure your personal property for its actual value or replacement cost coverage. Take note of expensive items like jewelry or expensive electronics. If your inventory includes things that require more coverage, consider purchasing a personal property floater or endorsement.

• Figure out how much additional living expense insurance you'll need: Most policies cover you if you need to make alternative living arrangements while rebuilding your home after a claim. According to the III, the cost to pay for living expenses during repairs amounts to 20% of the home's replacement cost. Check with your insurer as additional living expense limits vary with each provider. You can increase this coverage at an extra charge.

Determine how much liability insurance

you'llneed: You should purchase enough liability insurance to cover your assets. Most homeowners insurance policies have a minimum of $100,000, but consider having at least $300,000 to $500,000 of coverage, says the III. If that's not enough to cover your assets, consider purchasing an umbrella or excess liability coverage.

Step 3: Have your personal information and your home's information

Having your personal and home's information on hand can help you expedite gathering home insurance quotes.

1. Personal information: Name, date of birth, marital status, and contact information

2. Basic information about your home: Address, how long you've lived in your there, what type of home you reside in and if it's your primary residence, if there's a mortgage on the property, the year it was built, square footage, number of bedrooms/ bathrooms, number of stories

3. How your home was built: Material your building, exterior wall, and roof are made out of, heating or cooling systems, and the type of foundation and construction your home has

4. Safety: How far your home is from the nearest fire station and fire hydrant, if you have home safety systems

5. If you need extra coverage: Jewelry and high-end electronics, pets, swimming pools, or

13 / Insurance Insights

trampolines if you operate a business in your home

Step 4: Gather and compare home insurance quotes

The III recommends gathering quotes from at least three different companies. To begin your search, ask friends and relatives for recommendations. You can also contact your state insurance department to provide you with rates and complaint ratios of major insurers.

To compare quotes, know what's going into your policy's coverage to make the best applesto-apples comparison. A standard homeowners insurance will include dwelling, personal belongings, liability protection, and additional living expenses coverage. Ensure any additional coverage you opt to purchase is included in your quote.

You also want to check that your deductibles and coverage amounts are equal across all your quotes. A deductible is an amount you have to pay before your insurance provider

delivers your claim. The lower your deductible is, the higher your premiums will be. Additionally, it's necessary to ensure your coverage amounts are the same across the board. You don't want to end up underinsured if you need to rebuild your home, replace your personal property, or get sued for accidents that occur on your property.

Step 5 : Look into discounts you qualify for

While it is important not to overlook your coverage for a lower rate on your homeowners insurance premiums, there are still ways to reduce your costs. Here are some of the popular discounts homeowners insurance offer:

• Multi-policy discounts: Receive a discount for bundling your homeowners insurance policy with another insurance product, usually auto insurance.

• New home/new home buyer discounts: If you're a new home buyer or just purchased a newly constructed home, you may qualify for a

14 / Insurance Insights

• discount. What qualifies as a "new home" varies among insurance companies.

• Automatic, pay-in-full, electronic funds transfer, paperless discount: Get a discount for choosing a payment type.

• Claims-free discount: Receive a discount for having a clean record with your homeowners insurance.

• Loyalty discount: Your provider may offer a discount for being insured with them for a consecutive number of years.

• Home safety discount: You may be eligible for a discount if you have devices like burglar alarms or smoke detectors installed.

• Smoke-free discount: Non-smokers can get a discount for having a smoke-free household.

• Home improvement discount: Get a discount for upgrading your roof, electrical, heating, and plumbing systems to improve the quality of your home.

Step 6: Research the trustworthiness of each company

To ensure you get the best value, research the trustworthiness of an insurance provider. An insurer's financial strength, rated by independent agencies, can help you determine if it can compensate you for a claim when you need it. AM Best assigns insurance companies letter grades from A+ to F. If a

company is rated anything below a B, it is not financially stable and cannot pay claims reliably.

You can also check a company's trustworthiness by looking at customer satisfaction. J.D. Power's home insurance customer satisfaction survey ranks major insurance companies based on a 1,000-point scale.

Step 7: Finalize and purchase your policy

Once you've selected the right policy for you, ensure all your information is correct before signing. Note that your insurance company may require a home inspection to make sure your application's replacement cost coverage and property information is accurate.

You also want to know how you will be paying your insurance premiums. You will usually pay your insurance premiums to your homeowners insurance provider or mortgage lender. You'll pay your premiums in full or in recurring payments through your homeowners insurance company. If you have a mortgage lender, you may have to pay premiums with your monthly mortgage payment through an escrow account.

Finally, you'll have to choose your policy's date. If you are purchasing a new policy, notify your mortgage lender.

15 / Insurance Insights

A Very Successful Webinar on Lead Safe Housing: New Laws for Owners, and Funding Options to Help

Thank you to everyone who attended July’s webinar! We had amazing engagement, and thanks to our extremely knowledgeable speakers, dozens of landlords left the presentation with greater knowledge about lead poison levels in CT (that are changing!) and how you can get funding to pay for abatement through the state.

If you missed the presentation or want to watch it again, login into the CTPOA Resource Center and search for webinars (available to Members Only). Here’s a recap:

• Two great guest speakers, Kim Ploszaj from the State of CT, Dept of

Public Health and Chris Corcoran manager of the Healthy Homes Program at CT Children's Hospital

• Topics Discussed:

1. Legislation impacting lead poisoning

2. Testing requirements when a child's been poisoned

3. How the Healthy Homes Program can help fund lead abatement

4. How best to work with local health departments on lead abatement

16 / Property Management Tools & Tips
17 / Property Management Tools & Tips

What is the Eviction Prevention Fund (EVP)?

There’s been lots of talk and confusion whether or not the UniteCT program (this name might sound familiar from primeCovid tenant financial relief) is back with more funding. While the exact program that ran about a year or two ago is no longer operating, it is true that the Department of Housing has received additional funding and is offering the Eviction Prevention Fund (EPF), a program that can help your tenants stay in their homes if they are facing eviction. The EPF is funded by the UniteCT program, which is a federal program that provides rental assistance to low-income households.

To be eligible for the EPF, your tenant must meet the following criteria:

• They must be a resident of Connecticut.

• They must have a pending eviction action against them.

• Their household income must be below 80% of the area median income.

• They must be able to pay their rent with the assistance of the EPF.

If your tenant is eligible for the EPF, they can receive up to $15,000 in rental assistance. This assistance can be used to pay their past due rent, their current rent, or their security deposit.

The EPF is a valuable resource for both you and your tenant. If your tenant is facing eviction, the EPF can help them

18 / Financially Speaking

stay in their home and avoid the financial and emotional stress of eviction. As a landlord, the EPF can help you avoid the costs and hassle of evicting your tenant. To apply for the EPF, your tenant must contact the UniteCT Resource Center. The Resource Center will help them complete an application and will also provide them with information about other rental assistance programs that may be available to them.

Here are the steps on how to apply for the Eviction Prevention Fund:

1. Your tenant should contact the UniteCT Resource Center at 1-844-864-8328.

2. They should schedule an appointment with a Resource Center staff member.

3. They should complete an application for the EPF.

4. They should provide documentation to support their application, such as proof of income, proof of rent arrears, and a copy of the eviction notice.

5. If their application is approved, they will receive a check from the EPF.

The Eviction Prevention Fund is a limitedresource program, so it is important to apply as soon as possible. If your tenant is facing eviction, you should encourage them to contact the UniteCT Resource Center today to see if they are eligible for assistance.

I hope this information is helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions.

19 / Financially Speaking
For More Information Visit Our Website: landlordcollections.net Give Us A Call: (800)-369-6153

Don’t Sweat It: Energy Efficient Home Humidity Tips

Unrelenting summer heat can bring out the complainer in all of us. The only thing worse is a friend who replies, “It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity.”

No matter how much you might not want to admit it, chances are they’re not wrong. Sure, long summer days full of direct sunlight don’t help, but on those mercilessly agonizing, sweat-pouring-downyour-forehead days, humidity is the one to blame.

Heat and humidity might be sisters, but they aren’t twins; Because they operate differently, counteracting them requires separate approaches. What works for one might not work for the other, but both can be energy-intensive if you don’t know what you’re doing. How can energy-efficient homeowners keep humidity outdoors without

wasting power on things that won’t work?

What is humidity?

Perhaps you already have a basic understanding of humidity, or the amount of moisture in the air. However, do you know why a humid day feels much worse than a regular sunny summer day? The Massachusetts Institute of Technology says it’s because high humidity levels stop your body’s sweat system from working properly.

Pores secrete sweat to naturally cool down a person’s skin as the liquid evaporates into the air. But if the air around that person is already chock full of moisture, there’s nothing for the sweat to vaporize into. Humidity prevents perspiration from performing the only thing it’s intended to do, leaving people damp, uncomfortable and incapable of cooling down.

20 / Get Energy Efficient

While people could suffer heatstroke from humidity, increased moisture around the house could lead to trouble if left unattended to. If you want to avoid structural damage, you may need to think outside of the box when it comes to energy consumption.

Why the AC won’t do the trick

Even though air conditioners soak up a lot of energy in the summer, they’re necessary evils when the weather turns past tepid and into torturous. However, unless you happen to have a top-of-theline HVAC system already installed, your air conditioner probably can’t control temperature and humidity independently, according to the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and AirConditioning Engineers.

Running the air conditioner might cure the immediate symptoms, but it won’t stop the underlying issues. Something is stopping your home from getting rid of excess moisture. A little bit of temporary comfort will cost you big on your next utility bill, and it could distract you from taking action against the real problem.

So what can be done about fixing humidity for good?

To curb home humidity, address how

moisture leaves the premises, inside and out. Start with the two spots in your home that generate the most moisture: the kitchen and the bathroom. Every time you take a shower or defrost a package of frozen chicken wings, you’re filling the air with extra moisture. Consider installing a ventilation system for these places.

Large fans in windows might help in a pinch, but homeowners could accidentally let in more humid weather than they plan on expelling. Additionally, patch up any minor leaks to keep condensation to a minimum.

Next, perform a perimeter check and inspect all moisture exhaust systems. Clogs in these drainage ducts could trap humidity in the home’s infrastructure, resulting in rot and mold in the walls and floors. Energy Star believes the worst perpetrators are clothes dryer ducts as well as any and all gutters and downspouts around your home or underneath the foundation. You may have to dislodge an industrial-sized ball of lint with your hands, but a few seconds of discomfort could save your home from a costly renovation.

21 / Get Energy Efficient

Overview of Fair Rent Commission in Connecticut

A fair rent commission is a municipal board that has the power to prevent rental charges in residential housing that are "so excessive, with due regard to all the circumstances, as to be harsh and unconscionable." The commission can hold hearings and make decisions in response to tenant complaints, and can order landlords to reduce rents for specific reasons.

How many fair rent commissions are there in Connecticut?

The 2022 CT Legislature mandated every city with a population over 25,000 residents create a Fair Rent Commission but individual cities have had the right to establish them for many years and several towns already have them in place.

What can a fair rent commission do?

A fair rent commission can do the following:

• Receive and investigate rent increase

complaints

• Issue subpoenas and compel the attendance of witnesses

• Hold hearings and make decisions

• Order landlords to reduce rents

• Require housing code inspections

• Suspend rent payments until housing code violations are fixed

• Order landlords to pay tenants for retaliatory acts

How do I file a complaint with a fair rent commission?

To file a complaint with a fair rent commission, you will need to contact the commission in your town or city. You can find contact information for the fair rent commissions on the Connecticut Department of Housing website.

22 / The Legal Corner

What is the fair rent process?

The fair rent process begins with you filing a complaint with the commission. The commission will then investigate your complaint and may hold a hearing. If the commission finds that your rent is excessive, it can order the landlord to reduce your rent. How will fair rent commissions affect landlords?

Fair rent commissions can affect landlords in a number of ways, including:

• Limiting their ability to raise rents. Fair rent commissions can order landlords to reduce rents that they believe are excessive. This can limit landlords' ability to raise rents in response to rising costs, such as property taxes or insurance premiums.

• Increasing the cost of doing business. Landlords may need to hire lawyers or other professionals to help them navigate the fair rent process. This can increase the cost of doing business for landlords.

• Creating uncertainty. The existence of fair rent commissions can create uncertainty for landlords about how much rent they can charge. This can make it difficult for landlords to plan for the future.

However, it is important to note that fair rent commissions are not designed to be punitive to landlords. They are simply intended to protect tenants from excessive rent increases.

In most cases, landlords will be able to raise rents as long as they can justify the increase.

Here are some tips for landlords who are concerned about the impact of fair rent commissions:

• Stay informed about the laws in your town or city. Make sure you understand the rules and regulations that govern fair rent commissions in your area.

• Be transparent with your tenants about your rent increases. Explain why you are raising rents and be willing to negotiate with tenants if they are concerned.

• Hire a lawyer if you have any questions or concerns. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations under the law.

• Understand the “Fair Market Rent” for your area as HUD publishes these numbers annually and keep your rent inline with their rates

Overall, fair rent commissions can have a significant impact on landlords. However, by staying informed and being transparent with tenants, landlords can minimize the impact of these commissions on their businesses.

Important note: As of July 1, 2023, all towns in Connecticut with a population of 25,000 or more are required to have a fair rent commission. However, as of this writing (8/2/23), not all towns have yet implemented a fair rent commission.

23 / The Legal Corner

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24 / Vendor Spotlight
25 / Vendor Spotlight

Sample Criteria For Accepting Or Rejecting A Rental Applicant

This is not intended to Replace Legal Advice, we suggest you consult your own attorney when creating your tenant selection criteria

1. All information on the application is correct; any factual errors are an automatic rejection.

2. The application is signed and dated and has authorized the property owner to conduct a background check.

3. Any criminal record of drug dealing, drug trafficking, manufacture, or distribution are an automatic rejection.

4. Any record of prostitution, illegal gambling, or any other crime that would violate State laws regarding illegal use of a rental property are an automatic rejection.

5. Any records of criminal activity that that property owner would deem puts the property, its owner or other residents at risk, including, but not limited to, sex offences, violations of the US Patriot Act covered by the Office of Foreign Asset Control or other international judicial authorities, arson, domestic violence, any other crimes of violence, weapons violations, etc. Criminal records may be reported indefinitely under the FACTA update of 2003.

6. Eviction History. How long ago is acceptable? How many evictions? The reason for the eviction? The FCRA only allows TenantTracks to report eviction records for seven (7) years. (Create your own policy and stick with it)

26 / Tenant Screening Tips & Tricks

7. Landlord History. TenantTracks may only report information obtained from owners and management companies for seven (7) years including notices to quit, noise issues, cash for keys, etc. How many? How recent?...again; (Create your own policy and stick with it)

7a. Landlord References. If they are a career renter, I would ask for the last three at minimal, and then call the second two. They have nothing to lose by giving the truth, but grill them about the information, last addresses they gave on that application (might be hiding something), and did they pay the rent on time/in full/how many late-payments, any problems. This may seem like “Landlording 101”, but this is helpful information on how they will perform as your tenants.

8. If your property is carpeted, do they own a vacuum cleaner? It's a strange criterion, but you want to protect your investment so it IS a fair question to ask.

9. Credit History. What is the minimum Vantage Score to be accepted? This will vary by property. We recommend that the criteria is signed and dated and can be updated as market conditions change e.g.

the rental market tanks and you lower your score requirement to attract more potential renters (and accept more risk) and vice versa, if you get more applicants, you raise the score requirement.

9a. If you are accredited to receive a full credit report, then how many thirty (30), sixty (60), ninety (90) day late-payments do you allow? How many collection accounts? How many charged off accounts (unpaid debt)

10. IF employed, how long should they have been there? Can you independently confirm this? I recommend calling the HR Department and faxing/emailing a release to provide you with the information, as an alternative you can ask for a copy of the applicant’s last tax return, if not employed, ask for proof of income.

Have a potential tenant you need screened? Visit tenanttracks.com for all your tenant screening needs!

Know Who You Are Renting To!

27 / Tenant Screening Tips & Tricks

What’s Happening Near You?

The Statewide Events and Meetings calendar is a resource for local landlords and property owners to meet up, network and grow your real estate opportunities. Get Involved, Stay Informed.

August 2023 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 NEI 18 19 20 21 CTREIA 22 CTREIA CTPOA ECAR 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Events & Meetings & Networking

The NEI Real Estate Investor Meetup

(NEI)

Next Meeting: August 17th

Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Where: Back Nine Tavern

245 Hartford Road New Britain, CT 06053

Contact: 203-915-3803

About: Join us for a delectable evening of networking and collaboration at the August 2023 NEI Real Estate Investor meetup. Our special Vendor Showcase event is centered around helping you "Build Your Team," connecting you with a diverse array of local vendors and companies offering valuable services catered to real estate investors. Food will be included. Register here!

Connecticut Real Estate Investors Association (CTREIA)

Next Meeting: August 21st

Time: 5:45 PM - 9:00 PM

Where: Sheraton Rocky Hill 100 Capital Blvd. Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Contact: (860) 265-4414

About: John will help you take your Real Estate Investing Business to the next level.

He will teach you:

• How to Get Paid $10,000.00 UPFRONT on Every RE Deal

• How to Get all the Money You Ever Wanted for RE Deals and much more! Register here!

Connecticut Real Estate Investors Association (CTREIA)

Next Meeting: August 22nd

Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Where: Keller Williams 2777 Summer St, Suite Stamford, CT 06905

Contact: (860) 265-4414

About: John will help take your Real Estate Investing Business to the next level.

He will teach you:

• How to Get Paid $10,000.00 UPFRONT on Every RE Deal

• How to Get all the Money You Ever Wanted for Deals and much more! Register here!

Connecticut Property Owners Alliance (CTPOA)

Next Meeting: August 22nd

Time: 1:00 PM

Where: Zoom Webinar

Contact: (800) 369-6153

About: Connecticut is requiring towns to create Fair Rent Commissions to help resolve rent disputes. What does this mean for you?

• What is a Fair Rent Commission & their power

• What is the process of being investigated & more!

Register here!

Eastern CT Association of Realtors (ECAR)

Next Meeting: August 22nd

Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Where: Outer Light Brewing

266 Bridge Street Groton, CT 06340

Contact: (860) 892-295

About: Come test your skills and WIN PRIZES to help the teachers and students of one school get ready for their 2023 -24 school year!

Proceeds/supplies collected at this event will benefit one school in Eastern CT. Register here!

Greater Hartford Association of Realtors (GHAR)

Next Meeting: August 31st

Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Where: Warehouse 635 635 New Park Ave, #2F West Hartford, CT 06110

Contact: (860) 561-1800

About: Join 3 hilarious local comedians and our very own GHAR member, Joe Malone, as they lighten up the room with comedy at Warehouse 635 in West Hartford- all for 2 great causes. Proceeds from the evening will support Rebuilding Together Hartford, a non-profit whose vision is to create safe homes and communities for everyone. Register here!

Real Investors Association August PM Williams Suite 700 4414 you the
UPFRONT Money for RE more!

Name Contact Service

BestWay Mortgage, Brandon Parenti

Phone: (203) 441-4059

Website: Click here! Mortgages & Loans (Professional Services)

Pro Property Management

The Law Office of Yona Gregory

Phone: (203) 909-6333

Website: Click here! Property Management Services (Professional Services)

Phone: (860) 443-9662

Website: Click here! Attorney / Evictions (Professional Services)

The Brodrick Law Firm

Phone: (203) 758-8822

Website: Click here! Attorney / R.E. Closings (Professional Services)

TenantTracks

Phone: (888) 610-4710

Website: Click here! Tenant Screening (Professional Services)

Tammy Enquist Canfield: Comparion Insurance Agency

ServiceMaster Restore by Recovery Solution

Phone: (203) 695-3893

Website: Click here! Insurance (Professional Services)

Phone: (860) 735-4704

Website: Click here! Restoration (Maintenance & Tradesmen)

Rentdrop

The Guarantors

Email: support@rentdrop.io

Website: Click here!

Phone: (720) 706-8902

Rent Collection (Professional Services)

Website: Click here! Rental Insurance (Professional Services)

Premier Real Estate Investment Group

Phone: (860) 335-0681 Real Estate Multi-Family (Professional Services)

Cesar L. Sousa, Real Estate Attorney

Phone: (203) 583-8299

Website: Click here! Attorney / Personal Injury (Professional Services)

PosiGen Phone: (866) 767-4436

Website: Click here! Solar Panels/Green Energy (Maintenance & Tradesmen)

Pet Screening Website: Click here! Tenant Screening (Professional Services)

Nick Minicucci: New England Residential Finance, LLC

Phone: (203) 509-2717

Website: Click here! Mortgages & Loans (Professional Services)

Landlord Collection Agency Phone: (800) 369-6153

Website: Click here! Collection Agency (Professional Services)

Junk Bear Phone: (860) 378-2801

Website: Click here! Rubbish & Hauling (Maintenance & Tradesmen)

First World Mortgage: Jesus A. Carrero

Phone: (203) 715-0961

Website: Click here! Mortgages & Loans (Professional Services)

The Miranda Team Home Inspections

Phone: (203) 490-7855

Website: Click here! Home Inspections (Professional Services)

Name Contact Service

Marion Szarzynski, HomeBridge Mortgage Loan Originator

Brenda Tate, Photographer

Phone: (203) 768-5098

Website: Click here!

Mortgages & Loans (Professional Services)

Jeff Zappone, Loan Officer at CrossCountry Mortgage

Phone: (860) 631-7622

Website: Click here!

Phone: (203) 592-3602

Website: Click here!

Real Estate Photography (Professional Services)

Dawn Cabral, Broker/ Owner, GRI, SRES at West View Properties LLC

Dana M Guiliano

Venoal M. Fountain, Jr., Partner at Hirsch, Levy & Fountain, LLC

Phone: (203) 228-7564

Website: Click here!

Mortgages & Loans (Professional Services)

Phone: (203) 419-5857

Real Estate Residential (Professional Services)

Attorney / Evictions (Professional Services)

Attorney Emanuele A. Mangiafico

Phone: (203) 336-3144

Website: Click here!

Attorney / Evictions (Professional Services)

Reckmeyer & Reckmeyer, Law

Ranciato Public Adjusters Group, LLC

Phone: (860) 827-8064

Website: Click here!

Phone: (860) 333-5677

Website: Click here!

Attorney / R.E. Closings (Professional Services)

Attorney / Evictions (Professional Services)

Phone: (888) 298-9014

Website: Click here! Public Adjuster (Professional Services)

About the CTPOAVendor Program

Let the Connecticut Property Owners Alliance help promote your business to the Real Estate and Property Owner community through our Vendor Affiliate Member Program!

Your company will be listed in our priority vendor database for all CTPOA members. Our events will allow you to display your promotional materials on our vendor tables, interaction with prospective customers and grow your presence on social media. CTPOA makes it easy for you to gain more customers without spending valuable time searching for them.

Providing a Wide Range of Benefits

To sign up to be a CTPOA Vendor, click here!

P. (800)369-6153 F. (888)900-9773 E. info@ctpoa.com www.ctpoa.com
CT Real Estate Today allows you to hit your target audience for all things real estate. Contact us at info@ctpoa.com Follow ADVERTISE WITH US! Become Visit: The Connecticut composed of REALTORS improve the business
Follow CTPOA: https://www.facebook.com/CTPOA/ Become a CTPOA Member! Visit: https://ctpoa.com/ Connecticut Property Owners Alliance is of experienced property managers, REALTORS and landlords working together to business conditions for rental property owners.

About Us

Advocates For Property Owners

The Connecticut Property Owners Alliance is composed of experienced property managers, realtors and landlords working together to improve the business conditions for rental property owners. The Alliance saves its members money on essential real estate services, reviews and testifies on pending legislation & law changes and offers its members workshops and meetings on topics that impact landlords.

Why The Property Owners Alliance Was Formed

The Alliance strives to ensure your success in real estate by:

• Saving you money on essential real estate services

• Informing you of law changes impacting your business

• Providing workshops and meetings to help you become a better educated and prosperous rental property owner.

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