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The government claims that the African-American landlords discriminated against a Hispanic woman when they suggested that she would not feel comfortable in a predominantly black neighborhood, and that the statements were intended to discourage her from renting there. Many Reiterate NMHC/NAA’s Call for Balanced Housing Policy
Before you say “yes” to an applicant, consider the pros and cons. by Charles Brown
A. These seven categories are the only protected classes under the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988. However, many state and local governments often have their own laws and ordinances making housing discrimination illegal, and may include categories in addition to the ones protected by the federal law. Alternatives exist if ceiling joists make job difficult
by Bill and Kevin Burnett, Inman News
In 1979, a 16-by-24-foot addition was built on the ground floor, first floor and top floor. On the top floor, a wall separates the kitchen from the rest of this area. On the other two floors there is no wall in this area. This wall goes floor to ceiling, is 9 1/2 feet long and runs parallel to the 16-foot dimension (of the addition). Can I assume that because no wall exists in this place on any of the other floors, this is not a weight-bearing wall? How can I tell? Do I need to bring in an engineer? Rent it Right
by Janet Portman, Inman News
 Q: The street in front of my apartment building has become a popular spot for day laborers to hang out and wait for jobs. The place is quite messy and my tenants are upset. They don’t like having to walk through the crowd, say they feel intimidated, and have asked me to do something about it or they’ll move out. I’m also worried that if they are harmed, I’ll be responsible. Any suggestions? –Arnold J.(more…) Tip #71: Pay it Forward
by Thomas F. Scanlon, CPA, CFP®
Why is this important? To avoid any potential penalty for underpayment of estimated taxes. How do you calculate this? Someone with AGI over $150,000 needed to have paid in 110% of the prior year tax.
Here are four reasons to review this now: The Required Minimum Distribution (”RMD”) is back. Taxpayers over age 70½ with IRA’s or qualified retirement plan assets will have to take their RMD again this year. Last year there was no requirement to do this. This will increase taxpayer’s taxable income. All taxpayers need to be aware of the Alternative Minimum Tax (”AMT”). This is a nasty back door tax that may affect many more taxpayers this year. Congress created a “patch” the past few years to keep a lot of taxpayers out of paying AMT. If the “patch” is not approved again this year, many more taxpayers will be in for an unpleasant surprise and a tax increase. The AMT is not really titled very well—there is nothing “alternative” about it. Taxpayers don’t get to choose if they pay this or not. Taxpayers need to calculate their taxes two ways. First, calculate the tax under the regular method, second under the AMT method. Pay the higher of the two taxes. The AMT starts with regular income and then makes adjustments to it. The biggest add back is typically for state, local, and property taxes.
Taxpayers that started collecting social security benefits in 2010 will also have higher taxable income.
Tax rates may rise in 2011. By reviewing your withholding and estimated tax payments now, you will be in a better position to handle potential changes that may be made in 2011.
ACTION ITEM: Review your withholding and estimated tax payments to assure you will not have to pay a penalty for underpayment of taxes. Thomas F. Scanlon, CPA, CFP®. is with Borgida & Company, P.C., Certified Public Accountants in Manchester, Connecticut, celebrating 44 years of tax, advisory and accounting services. Call 860.646.2465 for more. See last week’s Landlord Quick Tip. Do you have a quick tip to share with other landlords? If so, please email our editor at kim@joinaaoa.org. American Apartment Owners Association offers discounts on products and services for landlords related to your rental housing investment, including rental forms, tenant debt collection, tenant background checks, insurance and financing. Find out more at www.joinaaoa.org.
Collecting rent, in full and on time, is key to keeping rental properties profitable. Below is a compilation of the top ten methods that landlords and property managers utilize to collect rent. Take a look to see if there’s a trick or two you haven’t tried yet: Marketing to investors vs. current tenants
DIY landlords working on pre-1978 buildings must sign up for certification classes by September 30. Failure to meet new certification and training standards could result in significant fines up to $37,500 per violation.   Add Super Saver to any membership for only $ 19.95! 
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Two Cleveland-area landlords are facing charges of discrimination for statements made to a prospective tenant.
WASHINGTON, DC – Reform of the housing finance system must address the specific needs of the multifamily industry and must be done in the context of rebalancing our national housing policy. That was one of the recurring themes at yesterday’s White House Conference on the Future of Housing Finance.
Should landlords allow tenants to work out of residential rental property?
Q. Are race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status and handicap the only protected classes?
Q: I co-own a duplex in San Francisco that was built around 1912. This was a single-family home that was converted to two flats. I occupy the upstairs flat.
The first half of the year is in the books. It’s time to take a look at your withholding and estimated tax payments.
Screening tenants and signing a lease are half the battle for successful landlords.
Q: I have a rental condo that I want to sell due to some financial issues and I could really use the money. My tenants have had three one-year leases and asked that I give them a new two-year lease because they say they love my rental condo. Because I was unsure of my finances, I let their current lease expire so that they now are on a month-to-month rental agreement. My understanding of our state law is that I am simply required to give them a minimum of 60 days’ written notice to terminate their tenancy. Can I give them 60-day notice and then have the unit vacant for selling?
The EPA’s new Renovation, Repair and Painting rules are already in effect. 
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