New landlords group plans first meeting

LYNN – A Swampscott woman?s plan to form a landlord group with regular meetings to talk about common concerns and needs is coming to fruition, starting with an introductory meeting on March 1.Stacey Devendorf has been trying to form an association for property owners and landlords since 2008, but couldn?t get the ball rolling until last May. Since then, she has been putting in hundreds of hours and dollars of her own money to create the non-profit organization designed to be “an ally of property owners.”The North Shore Rental Property Association will have an informal first meeting at LynnArts at 6:30 p.m. on March 1, an informal, “round table”-type gathering where property owners of commercial and residential units all over the North Shore can talk about expectations for the organization, Devendorf said. Property management companies are also welcome to attend the introductory meeting.Devendorf, who is a landlord for units in Lynn?s Diamond District as well as in Swampscott, where she lives, and in Florida, said she has been “lucky” with her tenants in Lynn, but still sees the need for an outlet where landlords can talk to other landlords about their experiences.?A lot of issues can be avoided with communication,” Devendorf said.Devendorf envisions the group to have monthly or bi-monthly meetings starting April 9 at the Lynn Housing Authority that will last about two hours – one hour to discuss landlord questions and concerns and brainstorm solutions, and one hour devoted to a keynote speaker relevant to the business teaching landlords about how to draw up a good lease, lead abatement, the eviction process or tenant screenings, to name a few ideas.The introductory meeting is free and open to just about anyone, Devendorf said, but there will be a fee for future meetings of about $15, or some type of membership fee.Devendorf is also considering having a few classes to educate tenants on their first time renting a home, discussing issues as simplistic as how to fill out an application.?A lot of first-time tenants just have no idea what to do when they rent their first apartment,” she said. “It would be almost like job training.”Lynn Ward 5 City Councilor Brendan Crighton said he supports the group?s efforts and was pleased with what he heard at a meeting with Devendorf last week.?I?m always supportive of residents and businesses organizing to promote positive change in the city,” he said.But Councilor-at-large Hong Net said his meeting with Devendorf left him with questions. He said he?d be happy to get behind a landlords group if it prompts good tenant-landlord relationships.?If they are more friendly to tenants I will support them, but I haven?t been able to give my support yet because I?m still learning,” Net said.Once the organization gets going, Devendorf, who became a landlord at age 19, is looking to branch out into fun workshops, such as design classes, aimed at younger landlords.?There are a lot of younger people out there who own smaller houses or are thinking about becoming landlords. We?re reaching out to them,” she said.The ultimate goal of the organization is a simple one, Devendorf said: to be a voice about landlord issues on the North Shore. The Bay State Realty owner was careful to point out the meetings will not be a place for people to peddle their products. Presentations will be strictly educational.?This is not a place to sell encyclopedias,” she said. “I want it to be a welcoming environment, a judgment-free zone.”More information about the North Shore Rental Property Association can be found at its website, http://www.northshorerpa.com or on the group?s Facebook page.Taylor Provost can be reached at [email protected].