LOBBYIST REPORT -

SB 185 - Bill to allow the victims of Domestic Abuse to cancel their lease. The bill has passes the Senate, now

goes to the House. RPOAM is neutral on this bill.

HB 5034 (H2) - Abandoned Property - The bill addresses what to do when a tenant dies in a rental. H2 version

provides that the rental property owner should contact the personal emergency contact before going into the

premises.

HB 5581 - Property Tax Freeze with Eminent Domain - relates to the Del Ray neighborhood relocation by the

new Detroit/Windsor Bridge. The bill proposes to freeze property taxes on a new purchase in the same county

for property taken by Eminent Domain. Currently applies only to residential property. Board decided that we

should ask rental and commercial properties to be included to protect business/investment income.

HB 5753 - Land Contract - a proposal to add a clause in contract to allow for renting of the property.

HB 5744 - Proposes to prevent a rental property owner from using the “open and obvious”defense in a liability

lawsuit. The board voted to OPPOSE this bill.

UTILITY THEFT - We are still working on this. In January, the utility companies’initial proposal was to hold the

rental property owners responsible for all charges and costs. With RPOAM’s input a fair bill has been developed.

The utility connections will be “hardened”after a 2nd theft in 24 months, after another theft - the service will be

disconnected. The bill will allow the owner to turn on service for a new tenant by supplying a certified copy of the

lease. The bill includes a 7 Day Notice for utility theft. We are asking to include a 24 hr. Writ of Restitution (just

like the 24 hour Drug Law). We are supporting this because the utility companies are determined to get a bill.

Michigan Lead & Renovation Act - This proposal will most likely increase fees (if the programs are self-funding),

and increased regulatory activity in Michigan. It includes a total of 5 EPA programs. This appears to be an attempt

by the Michigan Community Health Dept. to take over EPA responsibility for lead removal/control activities

and also to take over the funding. The board voted to OPPOSE this bill.

A proposed bill to require the rental property owner to provide Renter’s Insurance for all

NEW BUSINESS - Election of officers - The current officers were re-elected by acclamation.

LOCAL ISSUES -

BATTLE CREEK - For budget reasons, city employees have been on 3 day weekly furloughs. The Fire dept.

refused to do it and several were laid off. The firemen soon returned to the 3 day furlough plan.

GENESEE - The city is having problems with a large number of fires. The downsized Fire Dept. fought 4000

fires last year with the department at 1/2 strength. Some of the fires appeared to be set by scrap metal scavengers

who go in after the fire for the metal. The Land Bank is causing competition problems for rental property

owners.

GRAND RAPIDS - The city is looking at many ways to increase revenue by increasing taxes. The new administration

is not keeping all of its previous agreements with the association.

KALAMAZOO - The Kalamazoo Assoc. merged with the “Investors Education Network”to expand the services/

benefits for members, and to increase the total membership.

LANSING - Their association’s attempt to get group insurance failed due to current market conditions.

MUSKEGON - Conflicting Lead Certification Requirements from OSHA & EPA are causing builders and renovators

problems. Muskegon has switched to monthly water bills.

OAKLAND - The association has moved to a new meeting location; a hall that serves dinner served at round

tables to promote networking. Board members sit at various tables with the members and guests. There were

140 at the last meeting, a panel discussion on “Flipping is Back in Style”.

WEBSITE: http://www.rpoaonline.org/page_templates/rpoaonline.cfm?nPage_id=6

Don Eichstaedt