Choosing the right professional association
can provide a wealth of benefits in managing your multiple
dwelling. Those apartment building realty professionals
who identify their needs/growth objectives will aid themselves
in finding a 'best fit' amongst industry options, namely
the Multiple Dwelling Standards Association (MDSA) and
the Fair Rental Policy Organization of Ontario (FRPO).
The Multiple Dwelling Standards Association
focuses on the needs of small scale independent property
owners and investors. Formed in 1970, MDSA's 600 members
manage and/or own a combined 62,000 apartment building
units. "The association has come to know many members
on a one-to-one basis, so there is a real sense of connection
to each other," says MDSA President, Bob Aaron.
Starting at a minimum of $100, annual membership
fees are $3 per unit, to a maximum of $500. Member benefits
include a monthly newsletter of up-to-date information
on natural gas, hydro, oil, market conditions, laws, and
regulations concerning rental housing. Members can call
the office for advice or instruction on landlord/management
issues, or be referred by MDSA to paralegal services amongst
associate members.
Across Greater Toronto, MDSA periodically
holds educational seminars on landlord-tenant relations
and government legislation at the provincial and municipal
levels. The association's lobbying efforts are made in
response to anticipated changes in legislation, generally
providing counter positions or damage control to its impact.
Members currently enjoy savings through
MDSA's bulk purchasing plans for natural gas and oil.
Through associate members, discounted rates on appliance
purchasing, insurance, mortgage financing, and trade services
may also be available.
Working with a broader scope, the Fair Rental
Policy Organization of Ontario focuses on representing
and protecting the interests of private sector rental
housing providers through the promotion of fair rental
housing policies within the province.
"Many individual members tend to join
for [FRPO's] membership purchasing power and networking
opportunities, while corporate-size organizations join
for the political lobbying," says FRPO President,
Vince Brescia.
Founded in 1985, FRPO's 800 members manage
a combined 250,000 apartment building units. Approximately
90 per cent of the membership are apartment building owners
or property managers. From a base fee of $150, annual
membership is calculated on a sliding scale of $4 per
unit for the first 1,000 units, $3 for the following 4,000,
and $1 for each unit thereafter. First-year applicants
receive an introductory rate upon joining.
FRPO provides members with topical legal
and technical information for regulatory changes affecting
multiple dwelling realty. Regular educational seminars
are conducted throughout Ontario with recognized industry
experts on issues as fire code retrofit, landlord/tenant
relations, and human rights issues. FRPO's monthly newsletter
outlines strategic advice to assist landlords in how to
respond to industry developments. Fax broadcast bulletins
provide breaking industry news.
Members can contact the association for
advice on management issues, or consult the FRPO's paralegal,
available free of charge, for specific legal questions.
Lobbying efforts focus on provincial and
federal levels of government. The organization will provide
municipal representation on certain issues, at the request
of local member associations. Recent lobbying efforts
included the fair application of the GST on new rental
multiple dwellings in the 2000 federal budget, resulting
in a 2.5 per cent tax rebate. Currently, it is developing
a position before the CRTC for ownership of inside wiring
within multiple dwellings for the purposes of cable television.
Needs of the smaller apartment building
owners (defined by FRPO as 50 apartment units or less)
are focused on discounts. Like MDSA, its natural gas purchase
plan provides substantial savings. Brescia says bulk purchasing
programs for cable television and electricity will soon
be announced. Other member rates include property and
liability insurance, employee benefit plans, car rental
rates, and office supplies.
For
more information contact:
MDSA: Bob Aaron, President
Tel: (416) 364-9366 Fax: (416) 364--3818
FRPO: Vince Brescia, Executive Director
Tel: (416) 385-1100 or 1-877-688-1960
