Press Releases
For Immediate Release
Date: April 3, 2006
Contact: Carrie Rannow
Phone: 616-494-8842
Free Landlord – Tenant Forum
Ottawa County Community Action Agency, the City of Grand Haven, and the Northwest Ottawa Housing Coalition are sponsoring a free Landlord – Tenant Forum on Tuesday, April 18, 2006 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Grand Haven Community Center located at 421 Columbus Street in Grand Haven. Presenters include George Dood, Senior Housing Inspector from the City of Grand Haven, Susan Cervantes, Program Supervisor of Ottawa County Community Action Agency, and Lona Levandoski from Hendricks Property Management. The forum provides an opportunity for landlords and tenants to receive information and ask questions on issues related to rental housing. The forum is free, but registration is encouraged by calling Carrie at Ottawa County Community Action Agency, 616-494-8842.
George Dood, Senior Inspector for the City of Grand Haven will present information on basic housing codes and the specific housing-property maintenance code for the City of Grand Haven. He will also review the process by which rentals are registered and inspected. Inspections are conducted to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the occupants and public. Additionally, they ensure that the landlord is protected. The inspectors adhere to the Housing Inspection Checklist, which is a comprehensive list of basic housing standards.
Susan Cervantes, Program Supervisor of Ottawa County Community Action Agency, will be presenting on the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, formerly Section 8, funded by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). Housing Choice Vouchers provide low-income families monthly financial assistance towards their rent. The tenant is responsible for a portion of the rent, based on his or her income, and MSHDA pays the difference. HCV’s make housing more affordable for those who struggle to pay their rent every month. Ms. Cervantes will describe the voucher process and the responsibilities of landlords who accept the vouchers.
Lona Levandoski is a property manager at Hendricks Property Management. Her business currently has HCV tenants who reside in their rental units. She will discuss the vouchers from a landlord’s perspective. Ms. Levandoski will describe the advantages of HCV’s and how to deal effectively with the extra responsibilities of the vouchers.
It is the mission of the Ottawa County Community Action Agency to reduce the effects of poverty in Ottawa County by promoting self-sufficiency and economic independence. Information on Community Action Agency is available at www.miottawa.org/caa. Auxiliary aids available upon request to individuals with disabilities. An equal opportunity employer / program.
