We meet on the first Tuesday of the month at the Somerset Trust Community Room at 116 Market Street at 7:00 pm
The GJLA met on May 4th. The topic was the new Federal Lead Paint Law that requires landlords who perform renovation on their properties to be certified by the EPA. The cost for the certification and training is several hundred dollars and the regulations are in effect as of April 1st, 2010. To learn more, read this document from the EPA.
We have handouts and the application you need to become certified.
If there is sufficient interest we will host a training. Please let us know if you are planning to become certified.
On November 3rd, Rita Dallago, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Rental Owner's Association was our guest. PROA is your voice in Harrisburg. Please visit www.proassoc.org for more information.
On September 1st, CPA Sylvester Scaletta joined us to discuss LLCs and changes to the tax law. Mr. Scaletta is available to talk to you about asset protection and your tax preparation. The end of 2009 is approaching fast.
In January Terry Douglas from Cambria County MH/MR spoke to us about housing needs for individuals with special needs.
In November Scott Daugherty from FWF Insurance explained the different types of insurance policies and what protection a landlord should have in today's business climate.
On September 2nd the GJLA welcomed Charlie Himmelreich from Laurel Legal Services to discuss Fair Housing Law. He gave a comprehensive review of the rules and regulations landlords and property managers must abide by when renting properties. The rules can be complicated but the GJLA has a booklet that may make things easier. Just email us for a copy.
Our meeting in August featured a discussion of tenant screening techniques,mortgage reduction services, and advertising
The GJLA meeting on July 1st featured a discussion of new sewer ordinances regarding ground water infiltration. Every property owner needs this information.
Also, we discussed our new Property Evaluation Form and examined some properties currently for sale. How much are your properties really worth to an investor?
Thanks to Rob Bantly from Bantly Hardware for showing our members how to fix a copper pipe without solder, change a lock in 10 seconds, and avoid messy wax rings when changing a toilet. Visit Bantly Hardware on Von Lunen Road to find out how.
The GJLA welcomed Angela Gorzelsky from the Johnstown Credit Bureau in May. Her presentation dealt with credit reports, the Tenant Database and collecting on judgments and past due rent. When you join the GJLA you are automatically a member of the Johnstown Credit Bureau. And now credit reports for a single person are just $6! Members can get a packet of information and forms at our next meeting.
On May 9th Senator Wozniak spoke during a special luncheon. He discussed current legislation of interest to our members and the GJLA looks forward to working with him to draft new legislation to balance some of the inequities of the Landlord Tenant Act.
In April attorney David Raho discussed the new GJLA lease.
In March the GJLA welcomed District Justice Rick Varner from Salix. His highly informative presentation featured the procedures to evict tenants, dealing with abandonment, sheriff sales, and the different ways District Justices run their offices. Any landlord or property manager should attend our next meeting to receive a packet of documents prepared by Magistrate Varner about Landlord Tenant complaints.
Make the next meeting your first one. No problem or question is too small or simple. Take advantage of the knowledge gained by others so you do not have to re-invent the wheel.