MassLandlords: Real Estate Events for Education & Networking

MassLandlords, in partnership with Banker & Tradesman, is considering offering a course on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Right now, the course structure, length and breadth is undetermined. But this series - call it an ADU Academy - could teach you about building an ADU, finding contractors to build one or multiple ADUs, locating lenders, renting your new dwellings, and other details from your input.

We want to know if an ADU Academy, or series of ADU sessions, would be of interest to you. If so, how might such a series help you most in your ADU endeavors? What would you want to learn in an ADU course? What would it ideally look like to you?

Register to attend this free info session, on Tuesday, March 3, at 5:30 p.m. to help us gauge interest in learning about ADUs, and how best to craft an ADU educational course. Online and open to the public.

ADUs can provide a lucrative rental option if they can be constructed cheaply. ADUs can also serve as a low-income rental option for the right renter. By their nature, ADUs are small in square footage. According to state law, they can be no more than half the square footage of the larger dwelling on a property, or 900 square feet, whichever is smaller. Further size restrictions may be imposed by respective municipalities.

As of 2025, you can build an ADU on your single-family property as of right, without the need for a zoning variance or special permit. Maybe it's time for you to build one. Let us know how an ADU Academy could help you do it.

Part of this presentation will be given by Doug Quattrochi, Executive Director, MassLandlords, Inc. Doug was a founding member of MassLandlords in 2013. He became the association's first Executive Director under new bylaws in 2014. Since then, he has scaled the organization from a core of 160 members in Worcester to approximately 2,500 dues paying businesses from Pittsfield to the Cape, and from an all-volunteer team to approximately 20 full and part-time staff plus 50 volunteers. Doug has been instrumental in advancing democratic governance mechanisms, including score voting for policy priorities and a staggered and democratically elected Board of Directors. Doug also oversees the RentHelper spin-off, which is expanding access to electronic banking for those of us who are unbanked or underbanked. Prior to MassLandlords, Doug held leadership roles in various Massachusetts startups, two of which are still operating. Doug holds a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"Doug's presentation was excellent. He was very clear and provided detailed explanations." -Larry

"Doug always holds very informative classes full of substance and Very organized!" -Thomas

"Your answers to member's questions were most helpful." -Liz

"No Sales Pitch" Guarantee
MassLandlords offers attendees of directly managed events a "No Sales Pitch" guarantee. If a guest speaker offers services, their presentation will not discuss pricing, promotions, or reasons why you should hire them.

We do not permit speakers to pay for or sponsor events. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and willingness to present helpful educational content. Your purchase of an event ticket sustains our nonprofit model.

Tuesday, March 3rd
Zoom Chat Agenda

• 5:30 pm Start
• 6:30 pm Zoom Chat ends

We'll be having open office hours about any rental real estate topics you may care to bring. You can also ask about MassLandlords services or share feedback.

We will not address questions in private. We will have a group discussion about topics of interest to attendees. Questions will be answered at Doug's discretion and as time allows.

Part of this presentation will be given by Doug Quattrochi, Executive Director, MassLandlords, Inc. Doug was a founding member of MassLandlords in 2013. He became the association's first Executive Director under new bylaws in 2014. Since then, he has scaled the organization from a core of 160 members in Worcester to approximately 2,500 dues paying businesses from Pittsfield to the Cape, and from an all-volunteer team to approximately 20 full and part-time staff plus 50 volunteers. Doug has been instrumental in advancing democratic governance mechanisms, including score voting for policy priorities and a staggered and democratically elected Board of Directors. Doug also oversees the RentHelper spin-off, which is expanding access to electronic banking for those of us who are unbanked or underbanked. Prior to MassLandlords, Doug held leadership roles in various Massachusetts startups, two of which are still operating. Doug holds a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"Doug's presentation was excellent. He was very clear and provided detailed explanations." -Larry

"Doug always holds very informative classes full of substance and Very organized!" -Thomas

"Your answers to member's questions were most helpful." -Liz

"No Sales Pitch" Guarantee
MassLandlords offers attendees of directly managed events a "No Sales Pitch" guarantee. If a guest speaker offers services, their presentation will not discuss pricing, promotions, or reasons why you should hire them.

We do not permit speakers to pay for or sponsor events. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and willingness to present helpful educational content. Your purchase of an event ticket sustains our nonprofit model.

First Fridays with Executive Director Doug Quattrochi next on Friday, March 6th
Except for holidays or where his schedule requires otherwise, Doug will be available to members on the first Friday of every month.

Zoom Chat Agenda

• 12:00 pm Start
• 1:00 pm Zoom Chat ends

Attorney Mark Burrell - presenting

In the past couple of years there have been some changes at the housing court that will be reviewed. Mark will talk about these changes and illuminate with some examples of cases he's had in the recent past. He has practiced for years addressing landlord issues with tenants at most housing courts in MA. Mark is always an enjoyable speaker and offers thoughtful replies to a wide variety of questions pertinent to landlords. Come, learn and enjoy this presentation and question session.

We will be having open office hours about any rental real estate legal topics you may care to bring. This meeting is a great opportunity for members to learn from an experienced non-attorney counselor.

We will not address questions in private. We will have a group discussion about legal topics of interest to attendees. Questions will be answered entirely at Peter's discretion and as time allows.

Attendance is capped at fifteen attendees for depth of discussion. If an office hours is full, check another person's office hours or try again next month.

Part of this event will be presented by Peter Shapiro. A graduate of MIT's Master's Program in City Planning, Peter founded the Housing and Mediation Services Program at Just A Start Corporation, a nonprofit housing group in Cambridge, MA. Since 1990, Peter and his team have been providing landlord counseling, mediation, training, landlord support groups, and homelessness prevention assistance across metro Boston and statewide. Peter now provides Helpline and Member services for MassLandlords, and also provides landlord counseling and mediation for the City of Boston. Peter is the author of: The Good Landlord -- A Guide to Making a Profit While Making a Difference.

"No Sales Pitch" Guarantee
MassLandlords offers attendees of directly managed events a "No Sales Pitch" guarantee. If a guest speaker offers services, their presentation will not discuss pricing, promotions, or reasons why you should hire them.

We do not permit speakers to pay for or sponsor events. Guest speakers are chosen for their expertise and willingness to present helpful educational content. Your purchase of an event ticket sustains our nonprofit model.

Second Wednesdays with Peter Shapiro next on Wednesday, March 11th
Except for holidays and where his schedule requires otherwise, non-attorney counselor Peter Shapiro will be available to members on the second Wednesday of every month.

Zoom Chat Agenda

• 4:30 pm Start
• 5:30 pm Zoom Chat ends