For information about the Pottawattamie Countly Landlord Association, contact Dianne Willenborg, 402-290-3538

Monthly Meetings

The Pottawattamie County Landlord Association meets the 2nd Thursday of every month, except in June and July. We now meet at Key Realty, 501 South Main Street in Council Bluffs, Iowa.  You can park in the back and enter there.  The meeting is downstairs.
The Board meeting will start at 5:30 P.M.  Dinner will start at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting at 7:00 p.m. as usual and end about 8:30 p.m.

Upcoming Educational Speakers

Our next meeting, Thursday December 8.  We will have a soup supper.  Bring your favorite soup, salad, or dessert.
Speaker: someone from Hamilton & Associates CPAs, talking about taxes.

Membership dues are $125 for January-December 2023, which includes meals and a $50 per group for state dues (in 2023). Our business meeting and program will begin at 7:00 pm and finish by 8:30 p.m.  Come at 6:30 for supper (No charge-included in membership dues).

New Member and Membership Renewal form Membership (pdf) or Membership (Word)

NOTE:  A legal lease is available from the Iowa Landlord Association for paid members

From: Paul Pate
Dear Business Filer,
Welcome to the first newsletter in our Cybersecurity Awareness Month series. Protecting Iowa's elections and businesses with proven cybersecurity controls is a top priority for my office. Below are some useful ways to help you keep your business cybersecure. I hope they will be a valuable resource to you.
Sincerely,
Paul D. Pate
Iowa Secretary of State

5 TIPS & TRICKS FOR STAYING CYBER SECURE AT WORK

In 2019, the U.S. business sector had a 17% increase in data breaches. Those cybercriminals rely on human error to gain access to systems -- such as employees failing to install software patches, or clicking on malicious links.
1. TREAT BUSINESS INFORMATION AS PERSONAL INFORMATION.
Many consider trade secrets and company credit accounts as proprietary data, however, it also includes employee personally identifiable information (PII) that is taken from tax forms and payroll accounts. DO NOT share PII with unknown parties or over unsecured networks.
2. DON'T MAKE PASSWORDS EASY TO GUESS.
Security measures only work if used correctly by employees. All Smart technology (smartphones, laptop computers, wireless printers, etc.) run on data, increasing their chances of a data breach. Take proper security precautions to ensure and correct configuration to Smart technology in order to prevent data breaches.
3. BE UP TO DATE.
Turn on automatic updates for your security software for the latest versions available, and for your security software to run regular scans, so you don't have to worry about it.
4. SOCIAL MEDIA IS PART OF THE FRAUD TOOLSET.
Simply by scanning your organization's social media sites, cybercriminals can gather information about your organization's human resources and financial departments. Employees should avoid conducting official business, exhanging payment, or sharing PII on social media platforms.
5. IT ONLY TAKES ONE TIME.
Data breaches can be traced back to a single security vulnerability or instance of accidental exposure. Be wary of unsual sources, do not click on unknown links, and delete suspicious emails. We hope these tips and tricks help secure your business from cyber threats, and help you to plan for the future. For more information about how you can Do Your Part to #BeCyberSmart, visit www.cisa.gov/ncsam

Office of the Iowa Secretary of State
State Capitol
Des Moines, IA 50319
Memo on Coronavirus and Landlord Tenant Law

The above memo stresses that we need to be consistant in how we handle requests from tenants for a rental deferment.  It is recommended that all deferments (which includes partial payments since you are allowing the tenant to defer part of the rent) should be handled in writing.  

For Tenants:  Information on financial resources available to you during the Corona virus crisis. These resources will assist with income replacement and other assistance stemming from Corona virus hardships.

Financial Impact Resources
There may be additional benefits, possibly in the form of checks mailed directly to certain Americans, to be implemented by the U.S. Government in the future, and there are further resources available regarding how families can protect themselves from the financial impact of COVID-19.
Families First Coronavirus Response Act
New benefits are available as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, effective April 2, which provides extended FMLA and paid leave benefits.
State Unemployment Benefits
Iowa has implemented an expanded unemployment benefits program, with loosened restrictions, for all qualifying individuals affected by COVID-19, with benefits provided for up to 26 weeks and with checks expected to be issued within 7-10 days after the claim has been filed.
Pottawattamie County General Assistance - 712-328-5867 United Way of the Midlands Inter-Faith Services

Good Video on fires from 9 Volt batteries.

Fire Information Video

Property Taxes

Property taxes are due in March and in September.
They are late the 1st of April and the 1st of October.

Useful Links

Iowa Courts Online (Court Proceedings)
Iowa Tax and Tags (to pay vehicle and property taxes online)
Pottawamttamie County Assessor (Assessment, Taxes, property owner)
Landlords of Iowa (State Landlord Association)
TenantData (Rental History and credit check)
CBSI-Credit Bureau Service of Iowa (Rental History and credit check)
City of Council Bluffs
Pottawattamie County
Council Bluffs Rentals (To list rentals and find rentals)
Zillow Rentals (To list rentals and find rentals)
Council Bluffs Zillow Rentals (Rentals available in Council Bluffs)

Biennial reports filing for LLCs, charitable organizations
Building Inspection Office

Yearly Rental Unit fees are $71 per unit (starting in 2023) and are due on or before Dec 31 for 2023.  They are late on Jan 1.
The late fee for non-registration is $25.00 per dwelling unit. The penalty fee for non-registration of a rental unit (per unit) is $1,000 and institution of this fee will place the dwelling or dwelling unit on a one year inspection cycle for three years. Dwelling units that are found non-registered must pay registration fees: a single family dwelling fee is $200.00 per year for three (3) years, a two-family dwelling (duplex) is $400 per year for three (3) years and Multi-family dwellings are $200.00 and $50.00 per unit per year for three (3) years.

209 Pearl Street
Council Bluffs, IA 51503
City Hall Office #207
Phone: 712-328-4980
Fax: 712-328-7007
buildinginspection@councilbluffs-ia.gov
http://www.councilbluffs-ia.gov

Call the Housing Inspectors at (712) 328-4980. Normal office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Inspector's Office Hours are 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.

City Inspection Suggestions

Inspections are good for three years.
Call the city and schedule an inspection when the property is unoccupied.

Critical inspection items.

  • Carbon Monoxide detectors outside each bedroom (as of July 1, 2018)
  • Smoke detectors in each bedroom and on each house level
  • Smoke detectors work
  • At least one window opens for egress in each bedroom
  • No exposed electrical wiring
  • Railings on stairs
  • Working fan in bathroom or window that opens
  • Water not leaking under sinks
  • Minimum bedroom size - 70 square feet
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist
  • Outdoor Faucets: Shut off valves to outdoor faucets. Open spigots and drain, store hoses.
  • Be sure downspouts are directing water at least 4 feet away from foundation.
  • Check vents, chimneys, and areas for bird nests, squirrels, and insects.
  • Check windows, door, corner boards, and joints for decay. Check for proper caulking, glazing, putty around windows, and weather stripping.
  • Thermostat: Clean heat sensor, contact points, and contacts. Check accuracy and replace thermostat if it is not functioning properly.
  • Roof: Inspect roof surface, flashing, eaves, and soffits. Repair if needed.
  • Gutters and Downspouts: Clean out. Inspect and repair weak points. Check for proper slope.
  • Chimney or Stovepipe: Clean flue (more frequently if needed). Repair any cracks in flue or any loose or crumbling mortar
  • Siding: Inspect and clean siding and repair if needed.
  • Exterior Caulking: Inspect caulking and replace any that is deteriorating.
  • Storm Windows and Doors: Replace any cracked or broken glass. Tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repair if needed. Replace damaged hardware. Tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
  • Window and Door Weather Stripping: Inspect and repair or replace if it is deterioratingor if it does not seal.
from Home Buyers Protection Company
Winter Warm-Up Tips

Change Your Sheets - Not only do flannel sheets feel great, but they'll keep you warmer throughout the winter season. Don't forget extra blankets if needed!

Turn Off the Bathroom Fan - Exhaust fans in bathrooms pull hot air to the ceiling and out of your home. Instead, while you shower, leave your bathroom door open or cracked. By doing so, you will let the warm, steamy air travel throughout your home.

Use Area Rugs - Area rugs do more than add a design element to your room. They can also serve as another layer of insulation to the floor, which, in turn, traps the cold air underneath and keeps it from seeping up into the room.

Open the Oven Door - Once you've finished cooking dinner or holiday baking, remember to leave the oven door open while it cools so the hot air will fill the room. You've already paid for the gas or electricity - you might as well use it.!

from Farm Bureau Financial Services

For errors or broken links, contact Dale Willenborg, DaleWillenborg@gmail.com