The Associated Landlords of Cumberland (ALOC) has been in existence since the mid 1980’s and they have been involved in every major event regarding rental housing in the Cumberland area and the state of Maryland over the years. ALOC works closely with the City of Cumberland regarding their Housing Codes and their members are familiar with the Housing Codes enacted in nearby cities such as Frostburg and Westernport. Essentially ALOC provides educational services to the investment property community including regulatory issues, financial matters, legal concerns, management guidance and assistance with the court system.  

The Association was started by the late Bruce Gurenson who was President for many years and when he retired in 1997 the reins were passed to J. Jeffrey Hutter, Sr. Gurenson and Hutter spent many days in Annapolis during the mid 1990’s participating in the crafting and passage of Lead Poisoning Regulations for rental properties that are administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). Others instrumental in getting ALOC started included Rose Selby, former Cumberland City Councilman Ed Hedrick, Mary Miltenberger, Henry Holzshu, Clarence Anderson and Milt Sarver. There are currently 125+ members including local owners and absentee Landlords.  

The current officers with ALOC besides Hutter are Carey Walker Vice President with Board Members Steve Jenkins, Clarence Anderson and Robert Saville. Hutter has been a Landlord since 1985 and has taught Landlord courses locally for Allegany College of Maryland, was appointed by Governor Glendening in 1998 to the Landlord-Tenant Law Commission that rewrote regulations passed by the Legislature in 1999 and has provided support services to area Landlords for many years. He has testified at many legislative hearings in Annapolis before the Senate and the House of Delegates concerning real estate matters. Hutter also serves as Vice President of the Property Owners Association of Maryland; Inc. Walker is a Landlord, retired school teacher and currently is a Licensed Lead Inspector. Jenkins also owns rental properties, has a contracting business and manages rental units for area Landlords. Anderson is a long time Landlord and recently retired as a general contractor. Saville is a school teacher and is also a Licensed Lead Inspector.  
ALOC is also a founding member of the Maryland Property Owners Network in 1996 which later became the Property Owners Association of Maryland, Inc. and actively participates in efforts to see that the State of Maryland treats Landlords and Tenants fairly. The POAM meets regularly in Annapolis to review real estate legislation during the legislative session.  

Meetings are held at the South Cumberland Library Community Room from 630-830 PM on the following dates in 2009 – May 11th, September 14th and November 9th. The meeting of ALOC members usually includes a guest speaker and all Landlords are invited to attend any of the meetings to learn more about the Association and its services. Membership does not require attendance at any meetings.  

Each month the Association sends out a newsletter to its membership keeping them up to date on a plethora of items, events, legislative matters and etc. that are important to the investment property community. In many cases this includes information about pending legislation, local Housing Code changes, training opportunities, legal actions, new vendor offerings and general information.  

In today’s very heavily regulated environment it is impossible for the average Landlord to keep up with all of these matters. Some of the regulations that require consideration include EPA Title X, Fair Housing, MDE Lead Regulation, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Cumberland-Frostburg-Westernport Housing Codes, Maryland Landlord Tenant law just to name a few. The officers and members of ALOC have many years of experience with all of these items and can assist Landlords as they try to make a living while maneuvering through the regulatory minefield we have in Maryland.  

ALOC has developed leases, move in checklists, EPA-MDE disclosure forms and rental applications that are supplied to the membership at low cost. These forms ensure compliance with various regulations and make it easier for Landlords to conduct their business. ALOC has also organized and arranged many training courses and seminars for Landlords. Upcoming training is scheduled for June 23-24 and October 6-7 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM with discounted rates for ALOC members.  

Landlords or others wishing to get more information about the Associated Landlords of Cumberland can visit its website www.cumberlandlandlords.com . Hutter can also be reached at his office during business hours 301-777-2692 ext. 137or at Home 301-777-0379 evenings and weekends. For Landlords wishing to get an information package mailed to them about ALOC can call 301-759-0530 at any time day or night to request a packet.