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Roma Rental Owners & Managers Society of British Columbia
Category: Home Services Real Estate Property Management Property Management [Edit]
830B Pembroke StVictoria, BC V8T 1H9
(250) 382-6324
One review for Roma Rental Owners & Managers Society of British Columbia
1 review in English
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Review from D'Arcy S.
Chilliwack, BC
2/20/2010
Is the "Rental Owners and Managers Society of BC" getting too large for the small landlord? Is it time for Al Kemp to step down as CEO? I believe it is!
When I joined in March 1998, the "ROMA of BC" consisted of approximately 500 members and they were accepting landlords with one or more tenants.
The association was very good and the advice was accurate.
As a landlord, I joined to learn how to be a better landlord and pick better tenants. But when a tenant was bad, I turned to ROMA of BC to assist me in resolving situations. As we landlords know, there is no convenient time for dealing with bad tenants. This is why I joined ROMA of BC.
However, the society has grown to over 2000 members and the staff has changed and increased as well.
As a result, the service is slower and the advice is not always accurate since the society has had this massive expansion.
As my emails with Al Kemp show, Al has become arrogant and condescending when challenged.
It appears that even though they tout being there at all times for the landlord, it is no longer the case.
I asked for my email to be sent to the President "Debbie Hunt" and the directors, but I wonder if she will ever see it.
Also, I recommend calling the Residential Tenancy Branch for help. It is free!!
From: "Al Kemp" alkemp@romsbc.com
Date: February 15, 2010 8:52:07 AM PST
Hi D'Arcy,
I regret that you have made this decision, however, it is obvious that
nothing I could say or do would change your mind, so I won't attempt to
dissuade you.
Incidentally, we have held an annual trade show every year since 1995 --
before you became a member.
One other minor point that I must clarify -- we do not make any money on the Alaska cruise -- in fact we have to pay ourselves.
. . . . Al
Sent: February 13, 2010 8:01 AM
To: Al Kemp
Subject: Not Renewing My Membership
Al,
After 12 years as a member, I have decided not to renew my membership.
Since I joined in March 1998, I feel that the ROMS of BC is getting too
large and that the little landlord like myself is less important than in the
past. Now it appears it is the "big picture" that matters.
As such, I do not like the direction ROMS of BC is heading. It started
out small to protect landlords and like many businesses it has expanded too fast and has lost it's way. You may disagree, but if you do then you are not listening to my opinion as a member.
The ROMS of BC always touted itself as "always" being there for the
landlord. I feel that this is no longer the case. The problem with tenant
issues is that they happen anytime, and anywhere.
The last tenant issue I had was very important to me and turned out
very expensive as well.
As a result, I was unable to get help from your office at a desperate
time. I ended up getting help from the tenancy branch.
In addition, I did not appreciate your response below. That has been on
my mind ever since. I joined the ROMS of BC for help and guidance. I do not go to trade shows or Alaskan cruises. It's appears that ROMS of BC is more interested in "cash cow" events than individual members concerns. That is unfortunate.
Also, I have noticed that some of the advise from some of the younger
staff has not been as accurate as when you and Sandra Found operated the much smaller association. Another member that I had join also experienced the same inaccuracies. I ended up finding accurate information from the tenancy branch.
Moreover, I am not happy with many of the associate members, especially Megson Fitzpatrick for promising to renew my membership then pulling the rug out from under me a month before renewal. In addition, Megson does not give enough time for payments (3 months). My insurance costs ********* per year.
That would be ********* per month.
You could say budget for it. However, that is difficult when life
throws fires at you. The insurance has gone up considerably since 9/11.
That said, I have found a better rate somewhere else with almost as
good a coverage and they have 12 months to pay.
Lastly, I do not feel that my concerns are taken seriously anymore.
This began with my tenant's complaint against Hunter, and your response to it, as well as complaints against associate members, and the associations lack of action to these complaints, and my complaint below.
As a result, I will no longer be advocating that landlords join ROMS of
BC, but quite the opposite.
Lastly, I would like this email sent to the President and board of
directors.
- D'Arcy S.
On 2009-11-04, at 9:23 AM, "Al Kemp" alkemp@romsbc.com wrote:
D'Arcy.
I am REALLY bothered by your reply. Did you not read my explanation
of the one-off situation yesterday. Do you expect us to have people
in the wings in case one member is ill? Do you honestly feel we should have not been holding a trade show for 200 members in case one
member (you) might call? I can't believe you could be that unreasonable.
. . . . Al
