Information
January 2012 Members' Luncheon
The Guest Speaker for our January Membership meeting will be John Benson from Tenant Data Services, Inc.
Mr. Benson is President and majority owner of Tenant Data Services, Inc. Tenant Data has been in the business of providing applicant screening services to the rental industry since 1992. Tenant Data is designed to provide information not only on your applicant's payment histories, but also on their personal suitability as a potential resident. Both large property management companies and private landlords are reporting this critical information to our database.
Prior to purchasing Tenant Data in 1996, Mr. Benson was involved in real estate management as an owner and property manager. He has served on the Board of the Apartment Association of Greater Omaha and Lincoln, and is a licensed real estate broker.
Mr. Benson will be speaking about tenant screening, rental applications, rental criteria, credit reports, eviction and tenant history reports.
The luncheon is Tuesday, January 24, 2012 from 11:30 to 1 pm at the Kirkwood Room, 515 Kirkwood Avenue, Iowa City. This location is in the building west of Lensing Funeral Home. The price of each meal is $11.00 each. This month's menu is Ham, Cheesy Potatoes, Broccoli and Cauliflower, salad, roll and a drink. The speaker will have the floor from noon to 1pm. We look forward to seeing you Tuesday.
Please RSVP to Kayla Cress at 319-337-7392 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the number from your office or household who will be attending.
New Informational Disclosure Form
The City of Iowa City's revised Informational Disclosure and Acknowledgement form is now available online.
City of Iowa City Informational Disclosure and Acknowledgement Form
Revisions to the form include a section defining whether the basement or attic of a property is habitable or non-habitable and a section outlining instructions for return of a security deposit. The updated form is now required with all Iowa City rental agreements.
December 2011 Luncheon
There will be no luncheon in December. Our next scheduled luncheon date will be on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. You should receive a meeting notice and newsletter via email prior to the luncheon. If you are a member and are not receiving the monthly emails, please let Kayla know at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Have a wonderful and safe Holiday Season and we will see you in the New Year.
November 2011 Members' Luncheon
The Guest Speaker for our November Membership meeting will be Tom Markus, City Manager for the City of Iowa City.
Mr. Markus previously served for 21 years as City Manager for the Detroit suburb of Birmingham. Markus took over as Iowa City Manager on December 1, 2010.
The City Manager is the chief administrative officer for the City and is appointed by the City Council. The City Manager implements policy decisions of the City Council and enforces City ordinances. In addition, the City Manager appoints and directly supervises the directors of the City's operating departments and supervises the administration of the City's personnel system and further supervises the official conduct of City employees including their employment, training, compensation, reclassification, discipline and discharge.
The City Manager also oversees administration of City contracts, execution of public improvements, as well as construction, improvement, and maintenance of all City facilities. The City Manager prepares a proposed annual budget and submits it to the City Council for consideration and final approval consistent with State law, along with presenting recommendations and programs to the City Council.
The luncheon is Tuesday, November 22, 2011 from 11:30 to 1 pm at the Kirkwood Room, 515 Kirkwood Avenue, Iowa City. This location is in the building west of Lensing Funeral Home. The price of each meal is $11.00 each. This month's menu is Baked Chicken Breast, Party Potatoes, Caesar Salad, roll and a drink. The speaker will have the floor from noon to 1pm. We look forward to seeing you Tuesday.
Please RSVP to Kayla Cress at 319-337-7392 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the number from your office or household who will be attending.
Proposed Changes to Iowa Code
The Central Iowa Apartment Alliance is proposing a change to the Iowa Code section 535.2 regarding late fees. The proposal would allow a late fee of no more than 10% of the rental amount, if agreed to in a lease. The proposal would also change the monthly limit to $80, with no more than $20 in any one day.
Joe Kelly, the Landlords of Iowa lobbyist, is also proposing the addition of a new clause to section 364.17 of the Iowa Code. This would add a provision regarding sprinkler systems. Mr. Kelly’s proposal states that “a city may adopt provisions for sprinkler systems in rental housing only when such units are first constructed or when there is substantial, new construction on existing rental units and only if similar sprinkler provisions apply to all housing.”
If you would like updates on proposed changes to the Iowa Code and other legislative issues, you can sign up for the Joe Kelly’s email list by sending a request to Joe Kelly at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .