2016 Newsletters
At the Landlord Law Firm, our position is clear – we represent landlords – we do not represent tenants. Our goal is to uphold and improve the laws that protect Connecticut landlords while finding ways to make landlording more rewarding and profitable.
- 2016 LLFtv Referenced Documents May 2016
2015 Newsletters
At the Landlord Law Firm, our position is clear – we represent landlords – we do not represent tenants. Our goal is to uphold and improve the laws that protect Connecticut landlords while finding ways to make landlording more rewarding and profitable.
- The LandLord Adovcate December 2015
- LLFTv: How to get involved in legal issues that affect landlords.
- Main Article: Change the rules or change the lease?
- Quick Tip: What message are you sending your tenants? Are you sure?
- The LandLord Adovcate November 2015
- LLFTv: The danger of pre-approving applicants.
- Main Article: Who ever said fair housing was fair?
- Quick Tip: Client satisfaction is key to stopping case.
- The LandLord Adovcate October 2015
- LLFTv: Tenant fines and charges - is it truly worth your while?
- Main Article: Late is late - don't accommodate "stip" tenants.
- Quick Tip: Utilize your lease (oral or written) to help define tenant fines or charges.
- The LandLord Adovcate September 2015
- LLFTv: Three timely issues for CT landlords.
- Main Article: “Do You Accept Section 8 Vouchers?” YES!
- Quick Tip: Heads up - the opposing team is busy recruiting.
- The LandLord Adovcate August 2015
- LLFTv: Summary Process Executions - if you don't use 'em, you may lose 'em.
- Main Article: Texting - The legal benefits and pitfalls.
- Quick Tip: Exercise your control by attending court.
- The LandLord Adovcate July 2015
- LLFTv: My tenant won't let me in!
- Main Article: How to avoid experiencing the recurring problem tenant.
- Quick Tip: Convincing your tenant that renters insurance is a good thing.
- The LandLord Adovcate June 2015
- LLFTv: Blaring the horn of quiet enjoyment.
- Main Article: “Where’s my security deposit?” How to best deal with this inevitable end-of-lease question.
- Quick Tip: Better decisions through better time management.
- The LandLord Adovcate May 2015
- Main Article: Dead tenants – Next-of-kin status does not guarantee access.
- Quick Tip: Set high standards and then stick to them.
- The LandLord Adovcate April 2015
- The LandLord Adovcate March 2015
- Main Article: Don’t become powerless over utility bills!
- Quick Tip: Orderly files prevent disorderly trials – especially in complex cases.
- The LandLord Adovcate February 2015
2014 Newsletters
At the Landlord Law Firm, our position is clear – we represent landlords – we do not represent tenants. Our goal is to uphold and improve the laws that protect Connecticut landlords while finding ways to make landlording more rewarding and profitable.
- The LandLord Adovcate December 2014
- Main Article: The positive impact of introducing yourself to local government.
- Quick Tip: Know your landscape.
- The LandLord Adovcate November 2014
- Main Article: Why security deposits should never be used as "last month's rent".
- Quick Tip: Decline in under-35 home ownership means unauthorized occupants are coming.
- Announcement: Once again, LLF chosen as Platinum Sponsor for CTAA Tradeshow & Education Conference.
- The LandLord Adovcate October 2014
- The LandLord Adovcate September 2014
- Main Article: Threats to landlord are serious matter.
- Quick Tip: Increase in “shared households” raises risk of unauthorized occupancy.
- The LandLord Adovcate August 2014
- Main Article: Tenant refusing to give you access? When can you legally enter after they say “NO”?
- Quick Tip: A picture is worth a 1,000 words - right?
- The LandLord Adovcate July 2014
- Main Article: Lessons learned from a disgruntled CT landlord.
- Quick Tip: Retaking apartment demands a solid legal foundation.
- The LandLord Adovcate June 2014
- Main Article: Dead tenants: How to deal with the fact that they can't take everything with them.
- Quick Tip: Principles vs. business interests – Can there be a win-win ending?
- The LandLord Adovcate May 2014
- Main Article: Don’t let your tenants off the hook when implementing a new lease.
- Quick Tip: To incorporate, or not to incorporate – that is the question.
- The LandLord Adovcate April 2014
- Main Article: Eliminate bed bugs with a PEST plan.
- Quick Tip: Small steps that can lead to big results.
- The LandLord Adovcate March 2014
- Main Article: Don’t let your tenants muscle you with retaliation claims.
- Quick Tip: Stopping bed bugs at the door.
- The LandLord Adovcate February 2014
- Main Article: The heat is on: Dealing with belligerent tenants.
- Quick Tip: Housing protection for sex offenders and other protected classes.
- The LandLord Adovcate January 2014
2013 Newsletters
At the Landlord Law Firm, our position is clear – we represent landlords – we do not represent tenants. Our goal is to uphold and improve the laws that protect Connecticut landlords while finding ways to make landlording more rewarding and profitable.
- The LandLord Adovcate December 2013
- Main Article: Recent data reflects continued growth in rental markets.
- Quick Tip: Addressing the unauthorized occupant in a Violence Against Women Act ("VAWA") situation.
- Quick Tip: Pilot program to allow former inmates in public housing.
- Quick Tip: Using face-to-face small talk to increase profitability.
- Quick Tip: Your generosity may be your downfall.
- The LandLord Adovcate November 2013
- Main Article: Courts block efforts of tenant advocate groups.
- Quick Tip: Act swiftly on nonpayment of rent - even with long-term tenants.
- Quick Tip: Another year, another great show.
- Quick Tip: Ending a long-term tenancy with a lapse of time approach.
- Quick Tip: Small adjustments can make a big difference.
- The LandLord Adovcate October 2013
- Main Article: When is the right time for the government to get involved?
- Quick Tip: Use your legal actions to evaluate your processes for quality control.
- Quick Tip: Train for what you do…and do that for which you’re trained.
- Quick Tip: How well do you know what’s going on with your legal cases?
- Quick Tip: LLF named Platinum Sponsor for the 2013 CTAA Tradeshow and Education Conference.
- The LandLord Adovcate September 2013
- Main Article: Limited information leads to limited representation.
- Quick Tip: The numbers prove it - rental housing is growing.
- Quick Tip: There’s gold in your data.
- Quick Tip: Trends unearth financial issues.
- Quick Tip: Register now for the 2013 CTAA Tradeshow and Education Conference.
- The LandLord Adovcate August 2013
- Main Article: How to avoid experiencing the recurring problem tenant.
- Quick Tip: Make sure you know who's in charge of construction projects.
- Quick Tip: Not so fast – headlines can be misleading.
- Quick Tip: How to effectively set a goal or objective for your landlord attorney.
- Quick Tip: What message are you sending your tenants? Are you sure?
- The LandLord Adovcate July 2013
- Main Article: HUD changes regarding reasonable accommodations for dangerous animals.
- Quick Tip: Knowing your audience is the key to successful communication.
- Quick Tip: Handling dangerous animal accommodation requests.
- Quick Tip: Congratulations to 2013 Paragon Award winners.
- The LandLord Adovcate June 2013
- Main Article: 11,000 Section 8 HAP contracts may be at risk.
- Quick Tip: Heads up - the opposing team is busy recruiting.
- Quick Tip: “Source of income” discrimination remains illegal in CT.
- Quick Tip: National trends reflect positive outcomes for rental housing.
- Quick Tip: Sequestration and landlords with Federal Section 8 voucher tenants.
- The LandLord Adovcate May 2013
- Main Article: Change the rules or change the lease?
- Quick Tip: Easy remedy to a tough day.
- Quick Tip: Warning: What you say, and when you say it, can destroy your legal case.
- Quick Tip: “Spring” into projects in the office.
- Quick Tip: The power of a simple read - Part III.
- The LandLord Adovcate April 2013
- Main Article: How to gain leverage with an attorney's fees clause.
- Quick Tip: State capital rumblings: Landlord/Tenant law.
- Quick Tip: Don't "waive" goodbye to your ability to enforce a tenant's obligations.
- Quick Tip: Smoking ban expands.
- Quick Tip: How best to communicate ownership changes to the tenants.
- The LandLord Adovcate March 2013
- Main Article: Recent HUD decision proves Black Letter Law hard to come by.
- Quick Tip: Spanking back in vogue? Apparently it is in Ohio.
- Quick Tip: The importance of knowing who you work for.
- Quick Tip: What’s in a name? Part II.
- The LandLord Adovcate February 2013
- Main Article: New Acquisition? Know the ownership name and communicate it accurately and thoroughly.
- Quick Tip: Decline in under-35 home ownership means unauthorized occupants are coming.
- Quick Tip: Be involved or be left out.
- Quick Tip: Multi-family housing and factors impeding future growth.
- Quick Tip: “Thank You for calling the Landlord Law Firm, this is Shannon”.
- The LandLord Adovcate January 2013
- Main Article: A strong core leads to strong “corps”.
- Quick Tip: Rising effective rents drive residential market trends.
- Quick Tip: Update on the New Britain landlord fee saga: Unit tax may be lowered, but not eliminated.
- Quick Tip: Certificates of occupancy – different rules apply for commercial tenants.
- Quick Tip: Continuation of firm bios – Meet our IT Mastermind – Anne Altieri.
2012 Newsletters
At the Landlord Law Firm, our position is clear – we represent landlords – we do not represent tenants. Our goal is to uphold and improve the laws that protect Connecticut landlords while finding ways to make landlording more rewarding and profitable.
- The LandLord Adovcate December 2012
- Main Article: When landlord and tenant logic don’t match.
- Quick Tip: Problem tenants and the holidays.
- Quick Tip: Understanding the risks associated with occupancy standards.
- Quick Tip: New acquisition? Be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.
- Quick Tip: Increase in “shared households” raises risk of unauthorized occupancy.
- The LandLord Adovcate November 2012
- Main Article: Post-storm recovery offers opportunity for reassessment.
- Quick Tip: Consider your lease in the assessment of “Superstorm Sandy”.
- Quick Tip: Meet our Operations “Operator” – Melissa Bennett.
- Quick Tip: Client satisfaction is key to stopping case.
- The LandLord Adovcate October 2012
- Main Article: Federal Fair Housing Act requires a request before a reasonable accommodation.
- Quick Tip: Landlords targeted to close city budget gaps.
- Quick Tip: Statute vs. lease language – which applies?
- Quick Tip: Meet Lori Arsenault - Paralegal Extraordinaire.
- Quick Tip: The benefits of seeking out “the law”.
- The LandLord Adovcate September 2012
- Main Article: Sometimes a teacher, always a student.
- Quick Tip: Shuffling the housing court judges.
- Quick Tip: Certificates of occupancy may be CRITICALLY necessary.
- Quick Tip: The Landlord Law Firm adds a new attorney.
- Quick Tip: The power of simple read – Part II.
- The LandLord Adovcate August 2012
- Main Article: Making changes when times are good.
- Quick Tip: The power of a simple read.
- Quick Tip: Use your "litigation wall" when retaking possession.
- Quick Tip: A salute to our athletes.
- Quick Tip: Orderly files prevent disorderly trials – especially in complex cases.
- The LandLord Adovcate July 2012
- Main Article: Illegal unit sends landlord to prison.
- Quick Tip: When to believe your tenant.
- Quick Tip: Common vision creates clarity.
- Quick Tip: Retaking apartment demands a solid legal foundation.
- Quick Tip: Keep your perspective.
- The LandLord Adovcate June 2012
- Main Article: Evaluate your insurance program NOW to obtain long-term benefits LATER.
- Quick Tip: A picture is worth 1,000 words - right?
- Quick Tip: HUD Letters – Look closely to identify the true intent.
- Quick Tip: Don't let "the principle" drive your decisions.
- Quick Tip: Two more good reasons to join the CT Apartment Association.
- The LandLord Adovcate May 2012
- Main Article: CT courts take another bite out of landlord property rights.
- Quick Tip: Demographic trends continue to support apartment industry.
- Quick Tip: New court ruling may require changes to your insurance policy.
- Quick Tip: Average security deposit rose in 4th quarter of 2011, but number does not tell whole story.
- Quick Tip: Set high standards and stick to them.
- The LandLord Adovcate April 2012
- Main Article: The positive impact of introducing yourself to local government.
- Quick Tip: Apartment smoking bans moving to CT.
- Quick Tip: Inspections can be for any reason, including just to inspect.
- Quick Tip: Criminals - The next protected class?
- Quick Tip: Apartment leases excluded from lease accounting rules.
- The LandLord Adovcate March 2012
- Main Article: Proposed legislation could change how you deal with bed bugs.
- Quick Tip: Help for eliminating administrative paperwork headaches.
- Quick Tip: Inspections can help improve Landlord-Tenant relationship and decrease expenses
- Quick Tip: Know more than your tenants.
- Quick Tip: Effective documentation = success when dealing with housekeeping and property damage matters.
- The LandLord Adovcate February 2012
- Main Article: How Summary Process (eviction) statutes help protect landlords from lawsuits.
- Quick Tip: Effective documentation means victory for the landlord.
- Quick Tip: Skip the "last" in "first, last and security".
- Quick Tip: Utilize rent collection policies to increase cash flow and management authority.
- Quick Tip: Know your landscape.
- The LandLord Adovcate January 2012
- Main Article: How to be prepared for whatever 2012 may bring.
- Quick Tip: Utilize your lease (oral or written) to help define tenant fines or charges.
- Quick Tip: Presenting your case to the judge like a teacher.
- Quick Tip: Protecting yourself from mold claims.
- Quick Tip: Small steps that can lead to big results.
2011 Newsletters
At the Landlord Law Firm, our position is clear – we represent landlords – we do not represent tenants. Our goal is to uphold and improve the laws that protect Connecticut landlords while finding ways to make landlording more rewarding and profitable.
- The LandLord Adovcate December 2011
- Dealing with malicious tenant damages.
- Fair housing guidelines for the holidays.
- Don’t become a “Rent Chaser” during today’s job crisis.
- Protecting your assets through inspections.
- Quick Tip: Attorney Fees Clause.
- The LandLord Adovcate November 2011
- How a simple postmark can help protect you from a “professional tenant”.
- Lease violations – Why YOU may be the cause.
- In landlording, there’s more to social media than just being “Friends”.
- Accepting - and ensuring you get to keep - late tenant payments.
- The LandLord Adovcate October 2011
- Dead tenants – Being next-of-kin does not guarantee access.
- What the Internet is teaching your tenants about your duties as a landlord.
- “Re-upping” a lease when tenant issues still exist from the old lease.
- Don’t get burned with this winter’s heating bills.
- The LandLord Adovcate September 2011
- How guaranteed is your guarantee?
- Security deposit guarantee now a lawful source of income.
- Employees seek Autonomy, Master and Purpose - not just money.
- The LandLord Adovcate August 2011
- The right data can help identify the perfect tenant.
- How to predict an eviction timeline.
- Security Deposits – Know how to hold ‘em, know how to fold ‘em.
- How simple planning could help take the bite out of bed bugs.
- Quick Tip: Simplify to save your sanity.
- Quick Tip: FAQs on security deposits.
- The LandLord Adovcate July 2011
- Criminal reentry issue resurfaces.
- To incorporate, or not to incorporate – that is the question.
- We missed you at the NAA. Next stop – Mohegan Sun!
- Property manager transition requires planning.
- BREAKING NEWS: Security deposit interest rates to be properly aligned.
- Quick Tip: Corporations, LLPs, and LLCs require an attorney.
- The LandLord Adovcate June 2011
- Milton Bradley's Monopoly guide to landlording.
- The legal benefits and pitfalls of texting.
- The voice at the end of the phone.
- Establish a "litigation wall" to protect your rights.
- Quick Tip: YOU are in control.
- Quick Tip: Exercise your control by attending court.
- The LandLord Adovcate May 2011
- Study shows increased confidence in 2011.
- Acting promptly protects you in many ways.
- CFLs - handle with care to protect yourself and your tenants.
- Set and enforce boundaries with your tenants.
- Quick Tip: Mitigating or eliminating employee theft.
- The LandLord Adovcate April 2011
- Recent Appellate case reinforces the use of plain language in Landlord-Tenant statutes.
- A little knowledge DOES go a long, long way.
- Use the correct criteria when building your support team.
- The importance of setting a goal.
- Quick Tip: Things to keep in mind with week-to-week tenants.
- The LandLord Adovcate March 2011
- One important test you had better pass.
- “Where’s my security deposit?” How to best deal with this inevitable end-of-lease question.
- How missing a birthday could really ruin your day (and your case).
- OK - we agree that lease language matters. Now what?
- Quick Tip: The value of welcoming change.
- Quick Tip: Keeping track of tenant-related documents.
- The LandLord Adovcate February 2011
- Gaining access - It's your right - not their choice.
- My tenant is "gone". Can I change the locks?
- Train your Tenants.
- Section 8 tenancies? Remember BOTH contracts.
- Quick Tip: Economy leads to higher numbers of unauthorized occupants.
- Quick Tip: Family members do NOT have automatic right to dead tenant's unit.
- The LandLord Adovcate January 2011
- Vague lease language spells defeat for the landlord.
- Achieve this year's goals with a strong foundation and proper plan.
- CT-IREM - A strong and valuable landlord organization.
- The value of ritual in your workday.
- Quick Tip: New CT law allows domestic abuse victims to break lease.
- Quick Tip: Ritually review your lease.
2010 Newsletters
At the Landlord Law Firm, our position is clear – we represent landlords – we do not represent tenants. Our goal is to uphold and improve the laws that protect Connecticut landlords while finding ways to make landlording more rewarding and profitable.
- The LandLord Adovcate December 2010
- Appellate court decision strengthens landlord's position.
- Reap the benefits of an Annual Company Plan.
- The importance of setting aside time to think strategically.
- More words of thanks.
- The LandLord Adovcate November 2010
- Felons and Fair Housing.
- Recent decision backs landlord's right to enforce the law.
- Trends to watch and studies worth discussing.
- Getting help from CT's DECD - an agency you may not be aware of.
- Quick Tip: CT energy programs and services to save you money!
- The LandLord Adovcate October 2010
- Bed bugs in the State Capital.
- Bad strategy gone worse - why you should always challenge a tenant's claim or defenses.
- Keeping yourself clear of the fox / hen house dilemma.
- The secret to effective settlements and the recovery of expenses.
- Quick Tip: Challenging tenant motions for attorney fees.
- Quick Tip: Fearing cabin fever? Get a winter project.
- The LandLord Adovcate September 2010
- Creative discrimination claims growing.
- Using lease clauses to protect against slips and falls.
- Are you using the correct lease?
- Criminal housing matters - "Housing is not just a civil matter".
- Quick Tip: Giving tenants exclusive possession and control can be a "good thing".
- Quick Tip: What's your passion?
- The LandLord Adovcate August 2010
- Know when to fight the fight.
- "Do you accept Section 8 vouchers?" - YES.
- A big heart that caused a huge problem.
- CT landlords MUST participate in Section 8 voucher programs - even the VOLUNTARY ones.
- Quick Tip: Forgiveness isn't always better than permission.
- Quick Tip: Beware the unauthorized occupant.
- The LandLord Adovcate July 2010
- How to avoid a "Show me the money!" scene.
- HUD insights from the NAA 2010 Education Conference & Exposition.
- Think your hands are tied? Think again - you have options.
- Dealing with tenant-to-tenant noise complaints.
- Quick Tip: Remember to consider the source.
- Quick Tip: Owners lease property, not property management companies or their managers.
- The LandLord Adovcate June 2010
- Take note of the legal winds of change.
- How to bypass and/or downplay the impact of tenant damages.
- The importance of the landlord-police relationship.
- Protect your rights - stay in the loop!
- Quick Tip: A second testimonial for SOPs.
- Quick Tip: Make time for a simple escape.
- The LandLord Adovcate May 2010
- Tenant locking you out? When can you legally enter after they say "NO"?
- Finding the win-win with third-party management companies.
- Ensuring consistency through the use of SOPs.
- The importance of establishing the policy before the procedure to enact it.
- Quick Tip: Don't kill the "stip" judgment by offering a renewal lease.
- Quick Tip: Implementing immediate lease modifications.
- The LandLord Adovcate April 2010
- Are you sure your lease is legally enforceable?
- Avoiding tenant disputes and The War of the Roses.
- How to doubly protect yourself against injury claims.
- How easily are you swayed? Tools to help combat "The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior"
- Quick Tip: Explain your legal position ONCE and just ONCE
- Quick Tip: Why is it always a matter of time?
- The LandLord Adovcate March 2010
- Google-savvy tenants - what they may be learning via the Internet.
- A landlord victory and the lessons learned.
- An informant amongst us - are you being tested?
- Show me the money - avoiding Section 8 rent subsidy abatements.
- Quick Tip: CT House Bill 5206 - Expanding Tenant Rights
- ORGANIZATIONAL TIP: Creating a Contracts Binder
- The LandLord Adovcate February 2010
- Don't let your tenants muscle you with retaliation claims.
- Identify theft - protect yourself by protecting your tenant.
- Security deposit programs - a great business tool when properly planned for.
- Unauthorized occupants and war.
- Quick Tip: Don't be misled about lead.
- Quick Tip: Handling security deposits
- The LandLord Adovcate January 2010
2009 Newsletters
At the Landlord Law Firm, our position is clear – we represent landlords – we do not represent tenants. Our goal is to uphold and improve the laws that protect Connecticut landlords while finding ways to make landlording more rewarding and profitable.
- The LandLord Adovcate December 2009
- Winter's coming - turn up the heat on your tenants
- The devil's in the details.
- In case of emergency: always be prepared!
- Working effectively with rental assistance organizations.
- Quick Tip: Effectively communicating with your attorney
- The LandLord Adovcate November 2009
- Don't let your tenants "off the hook" when implementing a new lease.
- Case study: The risks behind form leases, guarantees and assignments.
- Fair housing vs. the holidays - things to consider before decorating.
- Case study: The importance of wording in lease-based options to buy.
- Quick Tip: "Lease Term" vs. "Lease Effective" dates
- The LandLord Adovcate October 2009
- Lessons learned from a disgruntled CT landlord.
- Accommodating the "problem tenant".
- Changing the rules about what's "fair' in fair housing.
- The importance of outlining your options and rights.
- Quick Tip: Are your tenants using aliases when applying for apartments?
- Quick Tip: Stopping bed bugs at the door
- The LandLord Adovcate September 2009
- Executing your tenant - Well not exactly...
- Still more lessons from August's case studies.
- Shape up or ship out! Implementing a Tenant Behavior Modification Program.
- Items to address before attempting to refinance or borrow.
- Quick Tip: Got bed bugs? Step aside and let the experts take charge!
- Quick Tip: Combating tenant delays in evictions
- The LandLord Adovcate August 2009
- Threat to Kill is License to Vacate
- You May Need to Dig Deeper after an Eviction Withdrawal
- DSS Security Deposit Guarantee: Take it - You Can't Leave it
- Court's Version of "Notice to Quit" puts Landlords on NOTICE
- MINI CASE REVIEW: Fix the Hot Water - Don't Get Yourself in it
- The LandLord Adovcate July 2009
- Dysfunction junction - What to do when you inherit a bad lease.
- How one document can help you avoid he said / you said.
- Landlord's a-knockin' but he can't come in.
- Attorneys as Business Advisors - It's not just about the eviction.
- Quick Tip: Take the money… It’s yours
- Due diligence in property acquisitions
- The LandLord Adovcate June 2009
- Dead tenants: How to deal with the fact that they can't take everything with them.
- Who's in the zoo? The perils of not knowing who's actually living in your rental units.
- What's in it for me?" How to come out a winner with tenants who request renewal concessions.
- Keeping your head low: How to avoid getting caught in the crossfire of tenant-to-tenant disputes.
- Quick Tip: Student Housing: Guarantors & Unauthorized Occupants
- The LandLord Adovcate May 2009
- Eliminate bedbugs with a PEST plan.
- Don't become powerless over utility bills!
- Ledger cards - a powerful tool or a curse?
- Rent collection strategies - how to keep the money coming in.
- Quick Tip: Late Fees in Residential Leases
- Quick Tip: Rent Collection
- The LandLord Adovcate