December 2010 OAHC Newsletter...
Posted
on
January 4, 2011
Find out more about what’s new and what’s ahead through our newsletter…
Find out more about what’s new and what’s ahead through our newsletter…
Now, victims of domestic violence can be legally released from rental lease obligations if they need to vacate the premises due to domestic violence. The release from the obligation to pay rent is effective on the first day of the second month after the tenant gives notice. For example, a tenant who submits written notice by certified mail on November 15, 2010, would be released from the obligation to pay rent on January 1, 2011. The release is effective only if the tenant vacates the premises. It does not require the landlord to return any prepaid rents and the landlord may process the security deposit pursuant to statute. In addition to the written notice, a tenant must submit written documentation consisting of at least one of the following:
· A valid PPO or foreign (from another state) protection order or an
order removing an abusive person from a home under the Juvenile Code. The order must be in effect at the time of the submittal.
· A valid probation order, conditional release order or parole order
(still in effect at the time of submittal) that imposes conditions to
protect the tenant or the tenant’s child, including a no contact order.
· A written police report that resulted in charges no more than 14
days before the submittal of the notice and the documentation.
· A written police report that resulted in charges more than 14 days
before the submittal of the notice and documentation if accompanied by a
form demonstrating a verifiable threat (the format and substance of the form
are detailed in the statute).
· A report verified by a qualified third party (sexual assault or
domestic violence counselor, licensed health professional, mental health
professional, member of the clergy). Leases may contain the following
provision
– “A tenant who has a reasonable apprehension of present danger to him or
her or his or her child from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking
may have special statutory rights to seek a release of rental obligation
under MCL 554.601b.”
If the lease contains the provision, the language should be exact. If the
lease DOES NOT contain the provision, the landlord must either post written
notice in the management office visible to a reasonable person or deliver
written notice to the tenant at the time the lease is signed. The statute
limits the distribution of the vacating tenant’s forwarding address and
provides that other tenants jointly and severally liable under the lease are
not released from the obligation to pay rent. This statute is effective NOW,
and you should arrange to provide the required notice with all new leases,
renewals and modifications.
For detailed information, follow this link for a copy of the new statute.
http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2009-2010/publicact/pdf/2010-PA-0199
.pdf
The Semi-Annual Point in Time count of homeless persons will take place all day January 27, 2011 and volunteers are needed!
If you can help, please contact Laura Herrick, AmeriCorps member, at 616.738.1170 or lherrick@communityactionhouse.org.
To train as many Mental Health First Aiders as possible, Community Mental Health of Ottawa County is currently offering this course for only $15–the cost of materials!
For more information, contact:
Kelly Sall, Consumer Service Coordinator
Community Mental Health of Ottawa County
12263 James Street
Holland, MI 49424
616.494.5545
ksall@miottawa.org
Download this brochure to learn more about the program:
Join Community Mental Health for a presentation on Finding Mental Health Help through Community Mental Health’s Family Information Series on June 14 at 6:30 p.m.
This Family Information Series presentation will be held at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap in Holland. For more information, contact CMH customer service at 616.494.5545 or send an email to ksall@miottawa.org
Join Joyce Gregory, MD, psychiatrist, for a presentation on Addictions and Mental Illness through Community Mental Health’s Family Information Series on March 15 at 6:30 p.m.
This and other Family Information Series presentations will be held at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap in Holland. For more information, contact CMH customer service at 616.494.5545 or send an email to ksall@miottawa.org
Also in 2010:
Finding Mental Health Help, June 14
Join Patti Mulder, MSW, LMSW, for a presentation on Tough Love Made Easy through Community Mental Health’s Family Information Series on January 18 at 6:30 p.m.
This and other Family Information Series presentations will be held at Christ Memorial Church, 595 Graafschap in Holland. For more information, contact CMH customer service at 616.494.5545 or send an email to ksall@miottawa.org
Also coming in 2010:
Addictions and Mental Illness, March 15
Finding Mental Health Help, June 14
Interested in volunteering at the Holland Rescue Mission? Join us for a free Volunteer Orientation. These one-hour, fast-paced, information-filled workshops provide new volunteers information about the scope of the ministry and where they can plug in. On-line applicants are welcome to attend. If you are interested, please contact Paulette Brouillette, Volunteer Coordinator at 616.928.3407.
January orientations will be held on Monday, Jan. 18, from 7:00-8:00 pm and Thursday, Jan. 21 from 10:00-11:00 am at the Mens’ Ministry Center, 166 S. River Avenue in Holland
January is here and in today’s economy, what better way to start the year than by evaluating your financial health? Join us for a free series of financial education classes every Monday evening in January at the Loutit District Library. You’ll learn to be smarter with your income and your spending, how to plan for your future, and how to improve your overall financial heath. And we’ll cover a wide range of relevant topics including identity theft, financial organization, and much more. To sign up, contact Larry Halverson by email at lhalverson@loutitlibrary.org, by phone at 616.842.5560 extension 222, or via the web at www.loutitlibrary.org.
Join us for the Fair Housing Center of West Michigan’s Book Swap!
Bring any new or gently used, wrapped book that another Fair Housing Book Club member might enjoy and be prepared to share why you selected this particular book to share. All topics and genres are welcome.
Book swap and discussion will take place on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 in the Disability Network Lakeshore office (426 Century Lane, Holland) at 11:45 a.m. Please RVSP to lkeegan@fhcwm.org or by calling 616.451.2980. Bring a lunch, bring a friend, and join the discussion!
