WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE STATE OF MICHIGAN - Nov. 2006
by Don Eichstaedt, Secretary, Rental Property Owners Assoc. of Michigan (RPOAM)
2006 RPOAM ANNUAL CONFERENCE - Our First Annual Conference went well with 67 paid admissions, and 4 national speakers who sold 28 packages. The intention is to grow the conference each year similar to the very successful annual conference in Ohio which has been in operation for ten years.
LEGISLATION - The Mortgage Fraud Legislation will not come up until next year. The proposed legislation needs work, our lobbyist will monitor the situation.
The Small Business Tax (SBT) replacement legislation currently has 4 proposals. The legislature may repeal the Personal Property Tax and may add a service tax.
The legislature is currently in a state of flux as the new leadership positions are filled.
The LLC Bill may make some progress in the “lame duck” session if conditions are right.
The emphasis next year could be on consumer protection, the internet and ID theft
For up to date information - go to the Karoub & Associates website:
For current update on bills in the House and Senate, go to www.michiganlegislature.org
RPOAM - RPOAM is considering a Spring (‘07) reception so that the new legislators can get to know us.
The executive director is going to a conference on government affairs being held by the new Traverse City association.
LOCAL ISSUES
It was stressed at the meeting that it is very useful for members of the locals associations to make contact with their local officials and local leaders to develop rapport with them. You should also get yourself appointed to the Housing Commission, the local Tax Appeals Board, the Housing Appeals Board, etc. You can contribute positive real estate input to these community activities and improve the image of rental property owners at the same time.
Battle Creek - The city has proposed a rental property registration ordinance. They currently have a $40.00 per month Vacancy Fee that is assessed on all vacant properties, including those for sale.
Benton Harbor - The city is concentrating on clean up, The inspection Dept. is going after tall grass and trash on all properties by writing citations.
Big Rapids - Egress window size is still an issue. Some rental property owners are fighting the issue.
Flint (Genesee County) - The city has a problem with copper plumbing and aluminum siding being stolen off vacant houses. City officials recently had a meeting with scrap metal dealers in attempt to reduce the market for stolen copper and aluminum.
Grand Rapids - Water Affidavits - The city is pleading ignorance of the state law and won’t accept the affidavits. A Grand Rapids and RPOAM Board member is on the Grand Rapids Housing Appeals Board. He feels that his presence and input have made a slight improvement in the Board’s understanding of real estate and rental issues.
Kalamazoo - The city is concentrating its efforts on abandoned properties with 3 inspectors. They are harassing rental property owners less.
Kentwood (Grand Rapids area) - They have inspections on SFH. They want to add duplexes.
Oakland County - The REIA of Oakland Pontiac Subgroup is still working on their two suits against the city, one for lack of due process when condemning rentals and the other on excessive inspection fees.
Next RPOAM Meeting: Monday, December 11; Location: TBD, at 1:00 PM, Lunch at 12:00 Noon
RPOAM WEB SITE: Check out at: http://reiawaynecounty.org/rpoam_michigan.html
