The PPMA's schedule of educational seminars began with a seminar on "How to Properly and Effectively above the Guideline" held on January 23, 2001.
Ernie Gagnon, Manager of Adjudication at the Residential Tenancies Branch and Avrom Charach, C.G.A. from Kay Four Properties presented at this seminar, which was attended by eleven members of the PPMA.
The seminar began with a complete review of the standard application form by Mr. Gagnon. He focused on what items were placed on each line of the form and the methods allowed for accruing the period costs of specific items, such as utility bills. For example, utility bills may be accrued or two sets of twelve bills may be used even though they will overlap the start or end of a period by few days; the overlap will even out on both ends be coming non-material.
Those present asked many questions about the finer points of such items as maintenance and capital repairs. Mr. Gagnon was extremely helpful, providing great insight into this somewhat complex task. I was able to provide some helpful hints and tips for property managers in preparing the form.
Those tips focused on ensuring accuracy and using proper accounting techniques to maximize the increase in rent. One of the areas covered was proper use of accruals when calculating your utility costs, a very useful topic in these times of rising heating costs.
The attendees were surprised that the turnout was relatively small. Their feedback was that the seminar provided valuable answers in an easy to understand manner. They were especially impressed with the answers that Mr. Gagnon had for their questions.