ABODE February 2024

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ABODE THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

LEADERSHIP LYCEUM • HAA FOOD DRIVE PHOTOS

Houston Apartment Association 4810 Westway Park Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77041

www.haaonline.org

ABODE • FEBRUARY 2024 • VOLUME 47, ISSUE 2

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February 2024

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Do you have what it takes to take the helm? Grab the wheel and learn more from HAA’s Leadership Lyceum.

www.haaonline.org

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CONTENTS February 2024

ON THE COVER

FEATURES & PHOTOS

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28 On the Road – Photos from the Justices of the Peace and Constables Holiday Lunches .

Steering the Ship – Do you have what it takes to take the helm?

Grab the wheel and learn more from HAA’s Leadership Lyceum. And don’t miss photos from the HAA Food Drive, JP and Constable Holiday Luncheons and more.

32 Steering the Ship – Houston Apartment Association leaders talk shop with past and present Leadership Lyceum candidates.

Image © MrArtHit | iStock by Getty Images

46 5 Hiring Trends for 2024: What You Need to Know – Here are five trends reshaping the hiring process in this new year.

38 Leadership Lyceum – Meet HAA’s Leadership Lyceum Class of 2024.

50 Tell Me A Story – Suppliers: Make your sponsorship opportunities even more valuable with these tips.

54 On the Scene – Photos from the HAA Food Drive.

68 On Site with ABODE – Take a closer look at one of HAA’s Honors Awards communities.

COLUMNS & MONTHLY UPDATES 7 Letter from the President – All the love for HAA and its members.

8 Patron of the Month – Meet and support Cotton Commercial USA. 9 Legislative Update – The latest news from the HAA Government Affairs Department.

11 It’s The Law – Be prepared for emotional support animal requests.

14 Resident Relations – Learn from a recent case mediated by the HAA Resident Relations Committee.

20 Calendar – HAA’s schedule of events for the coming months.

26 NAA Update – The 2022 Income/Expense IQ shows challenging times for the rental housing industry.

58 Go-Getters – Branch out and recruit for HAA. 62 The Ambassador ONE Society – Join this HAA supplier committee and get networking.

65 Welcome Mat – Find out about the newest HAA members.

68 Portfolio Changes – Property updates from our members.

69 In the News – The latest happenings in. the multifamily industry.

70 Index of Advertisers – See the supplier partners who support this publication.

71 MarketLine – The latest area market numbers.

72 Back Page – See info about HAA’s Job Board.

We welcome your comments. Email us at comm@haaonline.org.

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OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL OFFICERS SHELLEY WATSON President-Elect

MONICA GRACIA Vice President at Large – West

JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ, CAS President Greenlogic Lighting & Electric

DEBORAH HOLCOMBE Vice President at Large – South

DEBORAH DEROUEN, CAS Vice President ClutchCity Consulting

CORRI SMITH Vice President at Large – North

BLAISE SPITALERI, CAS Secretary Gemstar Construction Development

HOWARD BOOKSTAFF General Counsel

RICHARD WALL Vice President at Large – East

NIKKI SEKUNDA, CAS Treasurer The Liberty Group

CASEY WATTS MORGAN CEO

STEPHANIE GRAVES Immediate Past President

CANDIS MOHR, CAS Immediate Past President AAA Plumbers

GINA ERWIN President

RYAN TERRELL Secretary/Treasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mack Armstrong Julie Batche Kristen Becker John Boriack Kyle Brown Tina Cavaco Terri Clifton Michelle Croasmun Deborah DeRouen Derek DeVries Scott Douglas Gina Erwin Tamara Foster Melissa Friend Diane Gilbert Monica Gracia Stephanie Graves Elizabeth Castro Gray Manu Gupta Clay Hicks Deborah Holcombe Karen Hefner Nathan Kelley Debbie Kelm Crystal Jackson Nathan Kelley Jacob Kunath Valerie Lacy Barby Lake David Lindley Betsy Marshall Joe Melton Kristin McLaughlin Candis Mohr Katy Myrick David Nargang Carlos Neto Jenifer Paneral Angelee Kumar Parikh Mark Park Velissa Parmer Michelle Pawelek Christy Rodriguez Joseph Rodriguez Kelly Scott Ingrid Shultz Nikki Sekunda Corri Smith Penny Sprang Kelley Suess Debbie Sulzer Blaise Spitaleri Ryan Terrell Starla Turnbo Richard Wall

Shelley Watson Richard Whatcott Quintina Willis Tracie Yoder DIRECTORS EMERITUS Josh Allen Ken Bohan Gary Blumberg Kathy Clem Jack Dinerstein Jenard Gross Darlene Guidry Alison Hall David Hargrove Larry Hill Stacy Hunt Hap Hunnicutt David Jones Mel Kieke Mike Koch Dick LaMarche Cesar Lima Tim Myers P David Onanian Jackie Rhone John Ridgway Kim Small Eileen Subinsky Steve Sweet Kirk Tate Suan Tinsley H J Tollett, Jr. Pat Tollett Vic Vacek, Jr. Beth Van Winkle Jerry Winograd ADVISORY DIRECTORS Susan Alvarado Jeff Blevins Michelle Bridges Roger Camp Israel Garza Billy Griffin Stacy Lastovica Mary Lawler Laura Lestus Cari Luetge Bruce McClenny Monica Morales Ruth Reyes Jake Slosburg Linsay Torres-Smith Tony Whitaker

GENERAL COUNSEL EMERITUS Joe Bax HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Claude Arnold Kenn Brown Tina Cavaco Terri Clifton Kevin Fenn Diane Gilbert Anita Harrison Dwayne Henson Mike Koch Merry Mount Monette Reynolds Sherry Stevenson Kirk Tate Suan Tinsley Sonny Unverzagt Del Walmsley Nancé Wells H.P. Paul Young Jeanne Marie Zublin Dicks PATRON MEMBERS 1961 CSC ServiceWorks 1968 Century A/C Supply 1978 Houston Planned Energy Systems 1982 Cotton Commercial USA Inc. 1984 AAA Plumbers 1985 Gemstar Construction Development 1986 Craven Carpet 1987 Dixie Carpet Installations 1993 Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search 1994 Camp Construction Services 1997 Apartments.com 1999 FSI Construction Inc.

PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL MEMBERS Susan Alvarado, CAS Century A/C Supply Chris Bell, CAS, Greenlogic Lighting & Electric Marivel Bownds, CAS, Valet Living Tammy Broadway, CAS American Fire Systems Shaun Callaway, CAS, Earthworks Neal Conant, CAS, Gemstar Construction Development Sean Cunningham, CAS, Flooring Warehouse Deborah Derouen, CAS ClutchCity Consulting Derek DeVries, CAS, Epic Multifamily Construction Marcelino “Tito" Estrada, CAS First Onsite Giovanna Gone, CAS, Century A/C Supply Dan James, CAS, Redevelopment Services Amanda Kelly, CAS, Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services

Debra Knight, CAS, Comm-Fit Stephanie Krop, CAS Emeritus, Poolsure Liz Levins, CAS Emeritus, Gemstar Construction Development Jim Martensen, CAS Epic Multifamily Construction Candis Mohr, CAS, AAA Plumbers Tracey Moore, CAS, Flooring Warehouse Karen Nelsen, CAS ALN Apartment Data Arely Pena, CAS The Liberty Group Nikki Sekunda, CAS, The Liberty Group Joseph Rodriguez, CAS, Greenlogic Lighting & Electric Blaise Spitaleri, CAS, Gemstar Construction Development Amber Whitaker, CAS FSI Construction

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FEBRUARY 2024 I VOLUME 47, ISSUE 2 Chief Executive Officer and Publisher CASEY WATTS MORGAN, MPP cmorgan@haaonline.org EDITORIAL AND DESIGN STAFF Director of Publications and Design DEBORAH NIX dnix@haaonline.org Communications Manager MADISON O’BAR mobar@haaonline.org ADVERTISING Vice President of Membership and Marketing AMANDA SHERBONDY, CAE asherbondy@haaonline.org CONTRIBUTING STAFF Chief Operating Officer SUSAN HINKLEY, CAE shinkley@haaonline.org Vice President of Government Affairs BRADLEY PEPPER bpepper@haaonline.org Chief Financial Officer TREY WIMBERLY, CPA twimberly@haaonline.org Vice President of Education and Outreach LAUREN TURNER, CAE, CMP lturner@haaonline.org Director of Resident Relations MATILDE LUNA mluna@haaonline.org Director of Events and Meetings LAUREN RAGIN, CMP lragin@haaonline.org Director of Rental Credit Reporting TINA DEFIORE tdefiore@haaonline.org Government Affairs Manager BRIANA LITTLE blittle@haaonline.org Membership and Marketing Manager KAYLON NEWCOMB knewcomb@haaonline.org Education & Outreach Manager CINDY DE LA RIVA cdelariva@haaonline.org Director of IT WILL ALFARO walfaro@haaonline.org PRINTER TGI PRINTED www.tgiprinted.com

HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES COMMITTEE Executive Nominating Fair Housing Ethics Finance Past Presidents Council Legislative Political Action Golf Century Club Education Advisory Independent Owners Connection Leadership Development Community Outreach Product Service Council Expo Exhibitor Membership Ambassador ONE Society Resident Relations A Resident Relations B Resident Relations Appeals HAF Fundraiser NEXT Property Awards

CHAIR Gina Erwin Stephanie Graves Howard Bookstaff Michelle Pawelek Gary Blumberg John Boriack Shelley Watson Stacy Hunt Starla Turnbo Nikki Sekunda Lindsay Torres-Smith Michelle Bridges

STAFF ADVISOR Casey Morgan Casey Morgan Casey Morgan Casey Morgan Casey Morgan Casey Morgan Bradley Pepper Bradley Pepper Bradley Pepper Bradley Pepper

Elizabeth Castro-Gray Kyle Brown Joe Melton Joey Rodriguez Deborah DeRouen Valerie Lacy Debra Knight Tito Estrada Karen Nelson Jessica Wheeler Karah Carrillo Darlene Guidry Neal Conant Ryan Weis Monica Morales Susan Alvarado Diane Gilbert Beth Levine

Lauren Turner Susan Hinkley Susan Hinkley Susan Hinkley Amanda Sherbondy Amanda Sherbondy

Lauren Turner

Amanda Sherbondy Matti Luna Matti Luna Matti Luna Lauren Ragin Lauren Ragin Lauren Ragin

HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MISSION AND VISION: HAA is the leading advocate, resource and community partner for quality rental housing providers in the Houston and surrounding area. HAA develops leadership in the multifamily industry by engaging broadly diverse membership, embracing effective technology and advocating for a geographically inclusive association. ABODE IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION serving the multihousing industry in Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton counties.

ABODE, FEBRUARY 2024, VOLUME 47, ISSUE 2 ABODE (USPS 024-962) is published monthly by the Houston Multi Housing Corporation. Publishing, editorial and advertising offices are located at 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041. Telephone 713-595-0300. The $50 annual ABODE subscription rate is included in all member dues and additional subscriptions are available. The annual subscription rate is $50 for members, $65 for non-members.

Advertising rates are available upon request. Contributed material does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Houston Apartment Association. Copyright © 2024 by HAA. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABODE, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041.

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SPONSOR MEMBERS These companies have generously supported the Houston Apartment Association with their sponsor membership.

Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business.

1st United Construction LLC 3BeeGuys Bee Removal 5 Star Plumbing Houston A&A Fence & Iron A1 Appliance Plug AAA Staffing Ltd AAdvantage Laundry Systems ABC Supply ACM Contractors of Texas ACT Security Group Action Buggies Action Towing Inc Action Window Coverings Inc Adobe Floors Inc Advanced Building Supply LLC Adventure Playground Systems Inc Advocate Construction Inc Alcaraz Lawn Care Alexander-Rose Associates Inc All American Mailboxes of Houston Inc All Dry Service All Power Solutions Allen Lockers ALN Apartment Data Alpha Patrol Officer Ambassador Services LLC American Builders Group LLC American Fire Protection Group American Fire Systems Inc American Platinum Builders AmRent Andrews Myers PC Apartment Lines Apex Multifamily Arborworks TX Artisent Floors ASAP Personnel Inc Assurance Electric LLC Asurety Dryer Vent & Fireplace Inspections Atom4 Security Camera AZP Multifamily B&G Construction Belfor Property Restoration Bell’s Laundries Bettencourt Tax Advisors LLC BGE Inc/aka Brown & Gay Engineers Inc BioTechs Crime & Trauma Scene Cleaning Blue HERON Technologies LLC Blue Marlin Maintenance & Services Blue Star Security LLC BluSky Restoration Contractors Brady Chapman Holland & Assoc Brokerology Properties Brown & Brown Lone Star Insurance Agency Inc BSI C4 Protection Cano Electric Inc Cantrell McCulloch Capital Disaster Solutions Capital Security Solutions Cast Iron Construction and Remodeling LLC Catalyst Construction Centex Construction Century Fire Protection Houston CEP Construction Services LLC Certified Apartment Staffing CFI Group Chadwell Supply Chicago Title Commercial Division Citi Fence & Concrete City Pups City Wide Facility Solutions Houston West Classic Same Day Blinds Clean & Green Solutions CNM Roofing Code Red Security Systems PLLC Cody’s Wrecker Service

Comfort Systems USA (South Central) Inc Comiskey Capital Insurance Agency Inc Commercial Fire Protection Community Roofing Texas Contractors Inc Core 24/7 Restoration & Construction Core Multifamily Fabrication CORT Furniture Rental CRE Business Solutions LLC Cromatik LLC Crowned Eagle Construction CSC Serviceworks CWC Renovation Inc Cypress Landscaping & Irrigation Inc D&G Quality Roofing Inc D&M Roofing DeNyse Companies Designs by Holmes DNM Contracting Inc DoodyCalls Double Oak Erosion Dryer Vent Wizard Elite Roofing LLC Embark Services Emersyn Electrical Services LLC Encore Services TX, LLC EnviroSmart Multifamily Pest Solutions Epic Air Conditioning Epic Multifamily Construction EV Charge Solutions LLC/ EV Power Kings DBA Exo Edge Fantastic Floors FASTSIGNS Missouri City Featherston Sign Partners FFH Inc DBA Liberty Builders Fiat Construction LLC Fidus Construction Services Finish Factory Inc Fire Reconstruction Inc Flavor Finish Resurfacing Floor Merchant Fortified General Contractors Foxen Frontier Waste Solutions fun abounds Gambit Construction Gateman Inc Gemstar HVAC Giordano Construction Inc Go-Staff Inc Graphic Stylus Promotional Products GraphTec Inc GRASSA Construction Great American Business Products Greater Houston Pool Management Green City Security LLC Green Garbology Greenlogic Lighting & Electric Grindstone General Contracting Gulf Storm Roofing and Construction Gulf-Tex Roofing & Services Halo Doors Inc Hamilton-Steele Outdoor Accents Hartland Roofing & Construction Hell N High Water Construction Higginbotham Hive Technology Hoover Slovacek LLP Hut Services LLC Ideal Towing Infinity Power Partners Infinity Roofing & Restoration Innovative Roofing Company Inc Insgroup Interior Logic Group Property Services

Iris MF LLC J.P. Morin Company LLC JAK Environmental LLC Jenkins Restorations Johnstone Supply Leah McVeigh Design and Consulting Ledge Lounger Lee & Barrier Builders LLC LGC Builders LLC Lifeline Roofing Systems Lift-Texas Construction/PlumbKrazy Plumbing Lincoln Jacob Construction Lithotech Printed Products/ Forms Center LM Lawns Long Point Roofing Lopez Carpet Care & Painting LP Building Solutions LSR Multifamily Maldonado Nursery & Landscaping Inc Mandalay Construction LLC Marchand Lighting Masonry Solutions Inc Matrix Construction Services McMahan's Flooring Inc Merk Electric Co Mohawk Industries Monge Contracting Group Montana Pavement Group LLC MPS Direct Mueller Water Conditioning Inc MVP Same Day Signs MX2 Commercial Paving NEI General Contracting Nelson Painting and Construction Norman Roofing and Construction NorthMarq Capital Northwood Construction On Site Towing LLC OnCall Patrol LLC DBA ParkingPass.Com Optima General Contractor LLC Outdoor Elements Over the Top Roofing and Remodeling Pace Mechanical Services LLC Parking Management Company/ PMC Towing Pasadena Insurance Agency Inc Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Houston PCS Creative Surface LLC Pepco Sales & Marketing Phoenix Staffing Power Services of Texas Precision Safe Sidewalks LLC Pretty Cleaning Service LLC Property Guardians Protos Security Pura Flo Corporation PuroClean Quatro Tax LLC Qwikkit RAM Construction Ram Jack Foundation Solutions Real Floors Inc Redevelopment Services Reliable Roofing of Texas Inc Reliant Rent.

Resia Construction LLC Resident IQ Restoration 1 of Central Houston Revelation Windows & Doors REVS (Refuel Electric Vehicle Solutions) Right Scope LLC Riverway Title Roadrunner Restoration Company LLC Roto-Rooter Services Co

Rotolo Consultants Inc (RCI) RTC Restoration & Glass Inc SafeRent Solutions Saint Clair & Sons Inc Scoop Troop HTX SEAL Security Solutions LLC Secure Insurance Sergeant Fifty-Five Insurance ServiceMaster Recovery Management SERVPRO of Cypress Servpro of Sugar Land Sherwin Williams Shipman Fire Protection Sign-Ups & Banners Signal of Houston Smart City Locating Snappt Southern Exposure Landscaping LLC Space CT Towing Sprout Marketing State Patrol Services LLC Steward Trash Valet Service Stormwater Professionals Group Strata Roofing and Construction LLC Strategic Protection Solutions Structural Concrete Systems LLC Sunny Pressure Washing LLC Surface Experts Sutton AC Contractors LLC Swain & Baldwin Insurance & Risk Management Texas Apartment Pool Services Texas Concrete Professional Company Texas Crime Prevention Agency Texas Southwest Floors Inc Texas Window Cleaning Co Inc The Apartments Concierge The Dick Law Firm The Legends Group LLC The Liberty Group The Window Source of Houston Tidal Electrical Services Inc TradeCon Industries Tradition Services Two Brothers Foundation Repair United Protective Services Urban Design Constructors Urban Value Corner Store USA Heroes Coalition dba USA Real Estate Professionals (USAREP) USA Patrol Division Valet Living VBM Waste LLC Vima Decor WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems Watermark Restoration and Construction Webb Pest Control Westpark Communications Whitmans Contracting and Roofing Wilsonart LLC WorldVue XXL Construction Inc Yulf Decoration Group LLC

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Letter from the President

By GINA ERWIN, 2024 HAA President

FEBRUARY IS THE MONTH OF LOVE - WHICH ONLY SEEMS FITTING FOR ME TO SHARE WITH YOU ALL HOW MUCH I LOVE THIS ASSOCIATION AND ITS MEMBERS. Last month I had the pleasure of having over 700 members together at once, for one night, to celebrate the start of my presidency for HAA at the 2024 Gala. It was a night of greeting new faces, seeing old friends and lots and lots of denim and bling! I truly felt so loved and I wanted to make sure HAA feels the love right back. So, to everyone who attended this year’s GALA, I love you and appreciate you and you mean the world to this association!

Now, I would like to take a moment to play cupid. I have the perfect match for all management/owner members, married and single, and it’s a safe hook up. 😊 The Redbook Seminar (I’m sure this is exactly what you were all thinking). On February 29th, sharpen your knowledge of your legal rights and responsibilities as a rental housing owner or manager by participating in one of the REDBOOK seminars being offered at the Houston Apartment Association. These seminars emphasize changes in management practices that are required by new laws and updates to key regulatory issues that affect property management. Pretty important stuff! The 2024 REDBOOK seminar delivers the quality legal instruction you expect from TAA in a totally new way (you guys know that I love trying out new ways to do things) with case studies and exercises to help you learn how to apply the law to your job. Like I said, it could be true love! Make sure you register today and tell them cupid sent you. To all of the members that continue to stay to involved and updated in the HAA universe, I love you and appreciate you and you mean the world to this association!

Lastly, let’s not forget to show some love to all of our on-site teams.

This industry handled itself with such grace during last month’s freeze, it was almost like it’s happened before… But seriously! WOW what a crazy start to the new year! I know your teams were working 24/7 to ensure your property was well maintained and residents were safe when the temperatures dropped below freezing, so don’t forget to send them a little (or big) thank you note for being so awesome and prepared this go around! For all of our onsite-teams, I love you and appreciate you and you mean the world to this association!

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These companies have generously supported the Houston Apartment Association with their patron membership. Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business.

February Patron of the Month

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Houston Planned Energy Systems

Apartments.com

HAA Member since 1978

HAA Member since 1997

Cotton Commercial USA Inc.

Gemstar Construction Development Inc.

HAA Member since 1982

Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search

HAA Member since 1985

AAA Plumbers

HAA Member since 1993

HAA Member since 1984

CSC ServiceWorks

FSI Construction Inc.

HAA Member since 1961

HAA Member since 1999

Craven Carpet

Dixie Carpet Installations

HAA Member since 1986

HAA Member since 1987

Camp Construction Services

Century A/C Supply

HAA Member since 1994

HAA Member since 1968

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Legislative Update By SHELLEY WATSON, HAA Legislative Chair, with BRADLEY PEPPER, Vice President of Government Affairs

HUD INSPECTIONS New NSPIRE requirements effective October 1.

LAST YEAR, HUD released the National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) which is a new inspection program for certain housing programs and all HUD-funded properties. These new standards replace all previous inspection requirements.

Although these standards were adopted in October of last year, Local Public Housing Agencies that administer inspections for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program will have until October 1, 2024 to fully implement these requirements.

The NSPIRE physical inspections will focus on three areas: the housing units where HUDassisted residents live, elements of their buildings’ non-residential interiors and the exteriors of buildings, ensuring that components of these three areas are “functionally adequate, operable and free of health and safety hazards.”

Examples of the in-unit Affirmative Habitability Requirements include: hot, cold water and adequate safe drinking water in bathroom/kitchen; bathroom in proper operating condition; one bedroom for each two persons; battery-operated or hard-wired smoke detector in working condition in certain locations; meet carbon monoxide detection standards and permanently mounted light fixture in the kitchen and each bathroom.

A full checklist is available on the HUD website at: https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PIH/documents/NSPIRE_Checklist.pdf

Deficiency classifications and correction timelines have also been updated. Any deficiency identified as life-threatening must be corrected within 24 hours after notice. Severe and Moderate deficiencies must be corrected within 30 days after notice and low deficiencies within 60 days.

There will be three types of inspections: 1) Initial; 2) Periodic – may occur annually, biennially or triennially for small, rural PHAs; and 3) Special – for tenant-requested, complaint inspections, and quality control.

Again, these new requirements only apply to HUD assisted housing.

Help Your Business – Join HAA PAC Not all of us like politics. It can be polarizing, contentious and even unscrupulous. That said, politics absolutely affects your life and your business, so it is important.

In 2024, we will vote on who occupies the White House, one of our two United States Senators, all members of Congress, Texas State Senators and Representatives, County Commissioners, JPs and Constables and Judges.

So regardless of where you live, there will be important races on your very long ballot.

Throughout the year, the Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committree will actively screen candidates to endorse and support in both primary and general election races.

Elections have consequences and who we elect to offices up and down the ballot have an impact on not only our industry, but our daily

lives as well. It is critical that we continue to elect candidates that are pro-industry and follow the law.

Important 2024 Primary Election Dates: Last Day to Register to Vote: Monday, February 5 First Day of Early Voting: Tuesday, February 20 Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail: Friday, February 23 Last Day of Early Voting: Friday, March 1 Primary Election Day: Tuesday, March 5 If you are not a member of the HAA PAC, please consider joining. We offer several levels of membership to accommodate your involvement.

For more information on the HAA PAC, please contact Brie Little at blittle@haaonline.org.

If you have a regulatory problem or question, call the HAA main line at 713-595-0300 and ask for Government Affairs. If a particular code requirement or issue concerns you, let us know by emailing Bradley at bpepper@haaonline.org.

The Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee is the PAC of the Houston Apartment Association, a non-profit trade association representing the area apartment industry. Without political capital, our industry would not be as successful in representing you or your clients’ interests, and thus, your financial well-being. The HAAPAC participates in local and state political campaigns, helping candidates who support the apartment industry and its supplier businesses.

You can participate in the HAAPAC on several levels.

For more on HAAPAC, visit www.haaonline.org/haapac

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It’s the Law By HOWARD BOOKSTAFF, Hoover Slovacek LLP , HAA General Counsel

WHAT’S YOUR ESA POLICY? Be prepared for emotional support animal requests.

I JUST SAW an ad on the internet that I couldn’t pass up! The ad read: “ESA approvals in 48 hours.”

All I have to do is answer some questions and I can take my pet almost anywhere! The ad says the certificate I will get complies with all federal laws and will save me money by eliminating costly fees and deposits.

It seems the apartment industry has been overrun by requests for emotional support animals. HUD has provided guidance to help housing providers distinguish between a person with a non-obvious disability, who has a legitimate need for an assistance animal, and a person without a disability, who wants to have a pet or avoid the costs and limitations imposed by housing providers’ pet policies, such as pet fees or deposits. The guidance can be found at https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/PA/documents/HUDAsstAnimalNC1-28-2020.pdf.

Most properties have had applicants and residents requesting an accommodation for having an emotional support animal. If you have not yet experienced a request for an emotional support animal, chances are you will. Be prepared! Let’s take a look at what your policy might be with respect to addressing these requests.

General policy A request for an assistance animal is a request for a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act. HUD has stated that there are two types of assistance animals: (i) service animals (HUD defines a “service animal” as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability); and (ii) support animals (other trained or untrained animals that do work, perform tasks, provide assistance, and/or provide therapeutic emotional support for individuals with disabilities). Most likely “emotional support

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animal” will be a “support animal” under HUD’s definitions.

If you have not yet experienced a request for an Your general policy might be emotional support animal, chances are you will. that you comply with all asBe prepared! Let’s take a look at what your policy pects of applicable fair housing might be with respect to addressing these requests. laws. Accordingly, you will make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, praci. is necessary to verify that the person tices or services when such accommodations meets the Act’s definition of disability; and may be necessary to afford persons with ii. shows the relationship between the disabilities equal opportunity to use and disability and the need for the assistance enjoy a dwelling. animal.

Request for an assistance animal.

A. Evaluating whether a person has a The most common request for an assisdisability under the Act: HUD provides that tance animal will be made by either an appliif the following information is provided, the cant or a resident. Housing providers can requestor is deemed to be disabled under request, but not require, a requestor to put the Act: the request in writing.

• A determination of disability from a fedThe Fair Housing Act allows housing providers to consider: (i) whether the person eral, state or local government agency. seeking to use and live with the assistance • Receipt of disability benefits or services animal has a disability (i.e., a physical or (Social Security disability income), Medicare mental impairment that substantially limits or supplemental security income for a perone or more major life activities); and (ii) son under age 65, veterans’ disability benewhether the person making the request has a fits, services from a vocational rehabilitation disability-related need for an assistance aniagency, or disability benefits or services from mal (in other words, does the animal work, another federal, state or local agency. perform tasks, provide assistance and/or • Eligibility for housing assistance or provide therapeutic emotional support with a housing voucher received because of respect to the disability?). a disability.

• Information confirming disability from a Evaluation of a request healthcare professional – e.g., physician, opHUD does not view assistance animals as tometrist, psychiatrist, psychologist, physipets. Breed, size and weight limitations and cian’s assistant, nurse practitioner or nurse. fee and deposit requirements do not apply to assistance animals.

B. Evaluating whether documentation Unless the disability or need for the resupports a disability-related need for the quested accommodation is readily apparent, assistance animal: HUD has stated that a known or obvious, when a request is made relationship or connection between the disfor an assistance animal, you may ask for the ability and need for the assistance animal applicant or resident to provide reliable dismust be provided. ability-related information that:

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HUD recommends that individuals seeking a reasonable accommodation for a support animal ask healthcare professionals to provide information related to the following: • Whether the patient has a physical or mental impairment; • Whether the patient’s impairment substantially limits at least one major life activity or major bodily function; and • Whether the patient needs the animal because it does work, provides assistance, or performs at least one task that benefits the patient because of his or her disability, or because it provides therapeutic emotional support to alleviate a symptom or effect of the disability of the patient or client, and not merely as a pet.

Note: major life activities include: seeing, hearing, walking, breathing, performing manual tasks, caring for one’s self, learning, speaking and working.

C. What to look for in supporting documentation: Housing providers may not require a healthcare professional to use a specific form, to provide notarized statements, to make statements under penalty of perjury, or to provide an individual’s diagno-

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sis, medical or disability information (other than the disability verification that may be requested to verify eligibility for a reasonable accommodation), or other detailed information about a person’s physical or mental impairments. Housing provider’s must rely on professionals to provide accurate information to the best of their personal knowledge, consistent with their professional obligations.

Documentation contemplated in certain circumstances is recommended to include the following general information: • The patient’s name; • Whether the healthcare professional has a professional relationship with that patient or client involving the provision of healthcare or disability-related services; and • The type of animal for which the reasonable accommodation is sought.

D. Documentation from the Internet: Documentation from the internet may or may not satisfy the needed documentation.

HUD has recognized that some websites sell certificates, registrations and licensing documents for assistance animal to anyone who answers certain questions or participates in a short interview and pays a fee. In HUD’s ex-

perience, such documentation from the internet is not, by itself, sufficient to reliably establish that an individual has a non-observable disability or disability-related need for an assistance animal.

By contrast, HUD states that many legitimate, licensed healthcare professionals deliver services remotely, including over the internet. One reliable form of documentation is a note from a person’s healthcare professional that confirms a person’s disability and/or need for an animal when the provider has personal knowledge of the individual.

Response to the Request Pushing back has some degree of risk and requires a balance between protecting against fair housing liability versus maintaining integrity in your rules. Pushing back on a request could raise a fair housing complaint.

Not pushing back when the supporting documentation is insufficient may diminish your ability to enforce pet policies.

If you desire to push back, your response should be in writing and the following is an outline of a push back letter: / See Law, Page 45

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Resident Relations from the RESIDENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE

CUPID DIDN’T SEND THE BILL A resident disputes move out charges after claiming she left the unit in good condition.

A RESIDENT FILED a complaint with the Houston Apartment Association to have charges removed from her final account invoice.

The property charged the resident $1,280.81 for items including repainting the unit, carpet repair and a new bathtub resurface. The resident lived in the unit for three years and claimed that there was no damage beyond normal wear and tear. The resident did not deny the need for carpet cleaning after living in the unit for so long, but reached out to the HAA to have the other charges disputed.

HAA reached out to the apartment property management and passed along the information and that response was forwarded to the resident. Enclosed in the management’s response were copies of the final account statement, re-

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ceipts of work done to the unit and pictures of damage. The apartment property did not turn in a copy of the resident’s signed lease that covers what natural wear and tear of the unit was considered.

The case was heard during a Resident Relations Committee meeting where the committee decided in favor of the resident. The committee noted that without a copy of the residents lease, they would not be able to determine what the property considered normal wear and tear and if the charges were justified or not. So, the charges were dropped and the final account statement was updated to show that the resident owed a balance of $0.

The HAA Resident Relations Committees provide an impartial review of resident complaints

using the documentation provided by both the resident and management. When the committee finds in favor of the resident, HAA appreciates a direct response from the property to the resident within two weeks and a copy of the payment sent to HAA for our records. When the committee finds in favor of the resident, management may file an appeal. When the committee finds in favor of the management owner, the decision is final. If you are a manager with a resident issue, call HAA at 713-595-0300 for direct assistance. Renters can be referred to HAA by calling713-595-0300 to speak to a trained consultant, fluent in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Residents can also be directed online to www.haaonline.org/renters.

www.haaonline.org

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2024 HAA Volleyball Tournament Dust of your skills, grab your coworkers and get ready to bump, set and spike your way to the top!

Festivities include lunch and snacks, networking opportunities and checking out the HAA athletes.

Teams are registered on a first-come, first-served basis.

All players must be members of HAA. Form your teams now (maximum two teams per company).

Teams are not confirmed until payment has been received.

Friday, March 22 Gates open at 9:30 a.m.

Registration and Practice: 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Tournament begins at 10:30 a.m. *Each team must have all players present by 10:15 a.m. to play.

District 249 23238 State Highway 249 in Tomball, 77375 Tournament fee is $375 per team of 8 (6 players, 2 alternates).

Spectator fee is $50 per person.

Save up to 15% by registering before February 24!

Register online at www.haaonline.org.

Requests for refunds must be received in writing by end of business day on March 15 and will be subject to a $50 cancellation fee.

No refunds will be granted after March 15 or for no shows.

No refunds will be given for individual tickets, but tickets are fully transferrable.

Questions? Contact the Meetings and Events Department at 713-595-0323, or email at events@haaonline.org.

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BE A PART OF THE NEXT GENERATION OF HAA LEADERSHIP. This niche group within HAA is dedicated to the networking and professional development needs of HAA’s young professionals and it is open to all members. Network with your peers and grow your career together among the next generation of HAA leadership! To learn how to become involved with NEXT, see online at www.haaonline.org/next.

NEXT Mission Statement: A network of young professionals committed to the growth of future leaders with the Houston Apartment Association through education, peer-to-peer networking, and legislative and community involvement.

HAA NEXT programs include networking socials hosted at various venues across Houston and professional development breakfasts held at the HAF Education Center. The Professional Development programs feature special guest speakers on timely topics relevant to enhancing and furthering your multifamily industry career.

2024 NEXT Co-Chairs:

Register online at www.haaonline.org/next or email us at events@haaonline.org for more information.

We look forward to meeting you!

Monica Morales, CAM, Q10 Property Advisors

Susan Alvarado, CAS, Century A/C Supply

s and r a d n e EXT! our cal y N s k ’ r t a a M r wh o f d e n stay tu

2024 NEXT Events: Professional Development Breakfasts: February 21 June 11 September 24 Socials: April 18 August 15 December 5

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Get it in a Minute!

NEW for 2024: The first Thursday of each month, HAA will release a series of videos by legal topic with multiple videos for each chosen theme. Don’t miss this continously building library of legal information, with subscriber access all year long.

Cost: $250 per subscriber/per email for one year of access.

For more information, visit www.haaonline.org.

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FEBRUARY S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

Calendar HAA Education, Events and Meetings SCHEDULE

MARCH S M T

W T

F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

FEBRUARY 6

CALP: Certified Apartment Leasing Professional Course Tuesday, February 6 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit www.haaonline.org/education for more information or contact education@haaonline.org.

7

New Supplier Orientation Wednesday, February 7 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Via Zoom All new supplier members or representatives can attend this online orientation. Learn how to get involved and take advantage of member benefits. Email members@haaonline.org for details.

Ambassador ONE Society Meeting Wednesday, February 7 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Kirby Ice House Memorial Supplier partners can join this committee for HAA Ambassadors to find out how to promote HAA Events, contact properties to survey them on benefits, and network with other supplier partners. Supplier members only.

Email members@haaonline.org for details.

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Avenues: Maintenance 1 Thursday, February 8 8:30 a.m. to Noon See Page 23 for details.

Sponsored by The Liberty Group

HAA Offices Closed Monday, February 19 The HAA offices will be closed in observance of President’s Day.

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CALP: Certified Apartment Leasing Professional Course Tuesday, February 20 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit www.haaonline.org/education for more information or contact education@haaonline.org.

CALP: Certified Apartment Leasing Professional Course Tuesday, February 13 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit www.haaonline.org/education for more information or contact education@haaonline.org.

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Resident Relations Committee B Meeting Wednesday, February 14 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed committee meeting via Zoom

Redbook Seminar Wednesday, February 14 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

See Page 25 for details.

Sponsored by Arborworks and Lincoln Jacob Construction

15

HAA PAC Luncheon Thursday, February 15 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sponsored by Gambit Construction

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NEXT Young Professionals Breakfast Wednesday, February 21 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Visit www.haaonline.org/next for details.

22

Avenues: Leadership 1 Thursday, February 22 8:30 a.m. to Noon See Page 23 for details.

Sponsored by Texscape Services

23

ACES Luncheon Friday, February 23 11 a.m to 2 p.m.

Visit www.haaonline.org/events for more information or contact education@haaonline.org.

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CALP: Certified Apartment Leasing Professional Course Tuesday, February 27 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit www.haaonline.org/education for more information or contact education@haaonline.org.

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State of Montgomery County Wednesday, February 28 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Visit www.haaonline.org/events for more information or contact education@haaonline.org.

Sponsored by American Fire Systems and Gambit Construction

29

Redbook Seminar Thursday, February 29 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

See Page 25 for details.

Sponsored by Arborworks and Lincoln Jacob Construction

Did they pay their rent?

Rental Credit Reporting (RCR) was established in 1977 to solve screening problems the Houston Apartment Association founders felt plagued the local apartment industry. RCR has unsurpassed data on resident rental histories in the Houston region. The Houston Apartment Association and SafeRent are partnered to expand RCR and include numerous searches in one bundled report with immediate and unlimited inquiry access.

To learn more and subscribe, call RCR at 713-595-0300, email rcr@haaonline.org or visit www.haaonline.org.

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www.haaonline.org

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Please note that dates and times are subject to change. Check the calendars at www.haaonline.org/events for the most up-to-date information.

MARCH 5-7

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CAM/CAS: Certified Apartment Manager/Certified Apartment Supplier Course Tuesday, March 5 through Thursday, March 7 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit www.haaonline.org/education for more information or contact education@haaonline.org.

IROC: Independent Rental Owner Breakfast Thursday, March 7 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Visit www.haaonline.org/education for more information or contact education@haaonline.org.

Resident Relations Committee A Meeting Wednesday, March 13 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed committee meeting via Zoom

Volleyball Tournament Friday, March 22 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

District 249 See Page 16 for details.

6 New Supplier Orientation Wednesday, March 6 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Via Zoom All new supplier members or representatives can attend this online orientation. Learn how to get involved and take advantage of member benefits. Email members@haaonline.org for details.

Ambassador ONE Society Meeting Wednesday, March 6 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Kirby Ice House Memorial Supplier partners can join this committee for HAA Ambassadors to find out how to promote HAA Events, contact properties to survey them on benefits, and network with other supplier partners. Supplier members only.

Email members@haaonline.org for details.

8 Go-Getter Meet and Greet Thursday, March 8 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

See Page 58 for details.

Baytown Redbook Seminar Thursday, March 7 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

SpringHill Suites Baytown See Page 25 for details.

Sponsored by Arborworks and Lincoln Jacob Construction

12 Avenues: Main 1 Tuesday, March 12 8:30 a.m. to Noon See Page 23 for details.

Sponsored by Best Plumbing

19-20 CAM/CAS: Certified Apartment Manager/Certified Apartment Supplier Course Tuesday, March 19 through Wednesday, March 20 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit www.haaonline.org/education for more information or contact education@haaonline.org.

19 State of the Industry Brazoria County Tuesday, March 19 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Hilton Garden Inn Pearland Visit www.haaonline.org/events for more information or contact education@haaonline.org.

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CPO in Spanish Wednesday, March 13 to Thursday, March 14 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visit www.haaonline.org/education for more information or contact education@haaonline.org.

HAA Board Meeting Thursday, March 21 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

26 Woodlands Redbook Seminar Tuesday, March 26 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Woodlands Country Club See Page 25 for details.

Sponsored by Arborworks and Lincoln Jacob Construction

27 Avenues: Leadership 2 Wednesday, March 27 8:30 a.m. to Noon See Page 23 for details.

Sponsored by Texscape Services

29 HAA Offices Closed Friday, March 29 The HAA offices will be closed in observance of Good Friday.

UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, all events meet at our Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., second floor, in either the Direct Energy and Liberty Personnel & Executive Search or the Camden and Michael Stevens Interests Room.

Meetings located at the HAA Offices, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., first floor, will be held in the Redi Carpet and Winograd Families/Judwin Properties Conference Room. See www.haaonline.org/events for an interactive calendar.

www.haaonline.org

February 2024

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HAA 2024 Event Calendar FOR THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MARK YOUR CALENDARS for these fabulous networking and professional development events in 2024. Please note that dates and prices are subject to change.

These are just a few of our many events and educational offerings.

Check the calendar pages at www.haaonline.org for the most up-to-date information and registration links, or contact members@haaonline.org for more information.

JANUARY

APRIL

Annual Open House – January 11 #HAAOpenHouse Free for all members

Pearland Redbook Seminar – April 4 at Hilton Garden Inn – Pearland $125 prepaid | $155 at door

Gala presented by Camp Construction Services – January 18 at the Houston Country Club #HAAGala $200 individual | $1,900 group of 10

Spring HAA Political Action Committee Fundraiser: Top Golf – April 11 at Top Golf Katy #HAAPAC $600 to $700 per team

Winter Business Exchange and State of the Industry Luncheon – January 30 Omni Hotel Riverway #HAASOI $400 supplier for both events | $125 all members for State of the Industry only | $95 executive level member for both events

State of the Industry-Fort Bend County – April 30 Location TBA #HAASMOCO $95 prepaid | $125 at door

Sponsorship Auction – January 31 #HAAAuction Free for supplier members

MAY

SEPTEMBER

Sports Challenge – May 10 Location TBA #HAAAllStars $20/spectator | $400 team

Go-Getter Happy Hour – September 12 Location TBA Free for all new members and recruiters

FEBRUARY Redbook Seminar – February 14 at the HAF Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center $125 prepaid | $155 at door Redbook Seminar – February 29 at the HAF Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center $125 prepaid | $155 at door State of the Industry-Montgomery County – February 28 at The Woodlands Country Club #HAASMOCO $95 prepaid | $125 at door

MARCH

HAA Education Conference & Expo – May 16 at NRG Center #HAAExpo Education Conference $160 early | $185 regular Credential Holders Pricing $125 early | $145 regular Walk up attendee $195 Booth prices for supplier members start at $1,065 *Exhibitors only

JUNE Sponsorship Auction – June 12 #HAAAuction Free for supplier members

Dinerstein Golf Tournament – September 30 Sugar Creek Country Club #HAAGolf $800 per foursome on competitive course $600 per foursome on non-competitive course

OCTOBER Chili Fest – October 19 at Humble Civic Center Arena #HAAChili Prepaid: $20/person | $15 children under 12 | Free children under 5 On site: $30/person | $20 children under 12 | Free children under 5

Baytown Redbook Seminar – March 7 Location TBA $125 prepaid | $155 at door

Honors Awards – June 27 at the Hilton Americas #HAAHonors $115 early | $130 regular | $1,200/$1,350 table of 10

Go-Getter Happy Hour – March 7 Location TBA Free for all new members and recruiters

JULY

Industry Achievement Luncheon and Annual Meeting – November 14 at the Westin Memorial City #HAAAchievements $75 early | $95 regular | $800/$1,000 table of 10

Go-Getter Happy Hour – July 11 Location TBA Free for all new members and recruiters

DECEMBER

AUGUST

Go-Getter Happy Hour – December 12 Location TBA Free for all new members and recruiters

State of the Industry-Brazoria County – March 19 at Hilton Garden Inn – Pearland #HAASMOCO $95 prepaid | $125 at door Volleyball Tournament – March 22 at District 249 #HAAVBall Team $325 early/$375 regular | Spectator $45 early/$50 regular Woodlands Redbook Seminar – March 26 at Woodlands Country Club $125 prepaid | $155 at door

NOVEMBER

Bowling Tournament – August 2 at Copperfield Bowl #HAABowl Team $350 early/$500 regular | Spectator $40 early/$50 regular Summer Business Exchange – August 8 at West Houston Institute #HAABizX For suppliers: $400 per person for first two per company | $425 for third person

Visit www.haaonline.org for more.

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What is Avenues?

It is a series of seminars presenting nationally-acclaimed speakers who are experts in their fields, with sessions for every level of multifamily professional.

Who Can Sign Up? We offer multiple options for registration: • Annual per property subscription • based on the number of units.

• Individual Annual Supplier • Partner subscription • Individual/Corporate • subscription rate

What does this get me?

Once you sign up it gives you access to all 15 education sessions through out the year. All you need to do is respond to the reminder email before each session letting us know how many are attending.

Pricing: • Fewer than 200 units: $210/year • 201-350 units: $410/year • More than 351 units: $510/year • Supplier: $210/year • Corporate Individual: $210/year • Individual sessions: $60/person Three (3) CEC credits awarded per session.

Look for the class schedule at www.haaonline.org for details. Contact the HAA Education Department at education@haaonline.org or register online at www.haaonline.org.

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Dates: Tuesdays from February 6 through 27 Registration: 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Program: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cost: $450/person

Visit www.haaonline.org/events for more information and to register.

For questions, email education@haaonline.org.

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Choose your date! Choose your location!

REDBOOK SEMINAR 2024 Updates February 14 or February 29 in Houston Location – HAF Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd. (off Clay Road and the Beltway)

March 7 in Baytown Location – TBA March 26 in The Woodlands Location – Woodlands Country Club

April 4 in Pearland Location – Hilton Garden Inn – Pearland

8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Program Fee (includes lunch) – $125 prepay; $155 at the door Seminar counts for 6 CEC hours Sharpen your knowledge of your legal rights and responsibilities as a rental housing owner or manager by participating in one of the REDBOOK seminars being offered around the state.

Seminars emphasize changes in management practices required by new laws passed during the last legislative session as well as updates on key regulatory issues that affect property management.

Presented by Howard Bookstaff, HAA General Counsel

For more information and to register, see online at www.haaonline.org/events.

Sponsored by ArborWorks and Lincoln Jacob Construction

Each section will include an interactive exercise to help you learn how to apply the law to your job. Full of videos and interactive tools, the 2024 REDBOOK seminar will deliver the quality legal instruction you expect from TAA. Here’s your chance to hear from the experts and get answers to your questions. Learn the major changes to TAA’s Rental Application, Lease and other major forms. Understand major operational issues and get comfortable with the newly updated REDBOOK.

Watch your email for more information and visit www.haaonline.org/events to register.

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Industry Update from the NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION

2022 INCOME/EXPENSE IQ Challenging times for the rental housing industry

By Paula Munger and Erioreoluwa Bajomo December 14, 2023 This is an excerpt from www.naahq.org.

For the full article, including details and graphs, visit: https://www.naahq.org/challenging-timesrental-housing-industry Overview Insurance, insurance, insurance: it dominated discussions of the apartment industry in 2022 and 2023, but evidenced by data in this report, the financial pain of operating apartments did not stop there. Cooling demand, along with increased competition from new supply and high interest rates, also put a dent in the revenue side, making this time period one of the most challenging for the apartment industry in years.

The 2022 Income/Expense IQ, in partnership with Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), covers 2022 financials. For the apartment sector, some 4,500 properties representing over 1 million units in 100+ markets are included in the benchmarking data, which was released in August 2023.

This year, NAA is pleased to present a same store analysis in this Executive Summary, enabling direct, absolute comparisons with 2021 data. For this analysis, 31 markets containing more than 20 properties in the sample for a total of 1,603 properties are included. All figures are expressed as per unit per year, unless otherwise noted.

National Results With headline inflation averaging 8.0% in 2022, just about every expense category increased for owners and operators of rental housing. For top-line categories in the

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benchmarking data, costs for utilities experienced the highest increase, up 14.3% yearover-year. Natural gas and heating fuel came out on top, increasing by 41.8% and 19.1%, respectively, although electricity, internet/wireless and water/sewer all rose by double or near-double digits. Total repairs and maintenance were up 13.7% with a median cost of $950: driven by appliances, painting/decorating, and general repairs, all of which increased by 20% or more. Expenses for general building exteriors and grounds maintenance decreased while costs for carpets and landscaping moderated. Management fees increased 12.4% compared to a 6.2% increase for all services measured by the Consumer Price Index. Property taxes averaged a 6.5% increase, driven by double digit increases in Orlando, Norfolk, Va.; Minneapolis; Riverside, Calif.; and Salt Lake City, among others.

Payroll and other administrative expenses increased by 8.5%, fairly in line with Bureau of Labor Statistics data, which showed a 9.2% increase in wages during the same time period for the industry sector “Lessors of Residential Buildings,” in which much of the apartment industry is classified. Labor market challenges have plagued the industry for years, particularly for onsite staff, but the red-hot job market that was kickstarted by the pandemic recovery and stayed strong through 2022 only exacerbated the problems.

Job openings in the broader real estate sector increased 35.5% vs. 12.1% for all nonfarm payrolls. Similarly, a higher percentage of employees in the real estate industry quit in 2022 versus all industry sectors, 16.4% vs.

6.1%, respectively. Enhanced compensation packages, including benefits and bonuses, were just one way owners and operators dealt with labor shortages.

The properties included in this analysis experienced a 9.1% increase in insurance costs.

It’s important to remember that this represents pricing in 2022 compared to 2021 and that numerous reports recently released by real estate firms cover 2023 data. Insurance cost increases through Q2 2023 ranged from a low of 18.8% year-over-year as reported by Yardi to a high of 33.0%, according to Marcus & Millichap. Not surprisingly, Florida and California have witnessed the greatest increases in insurance premiums. Of the 10 markets in these two states that Marcus & Millichap analyzed, insurance increases ranged from 27.2% in Los Angeles to 79.1% in Orange County, Calif., while rent growth in these cities measured 3.9% and 2.4%, respectively, during this time.

Conditions were especially challenging for affordable property owners, according to a survey conducted by NDP Analytics on behalf of the National Leased Housing Association. It found that nearly one in three affordable housing providers faced insurance increases of 25% or more in 2023.

Although rent growth has slowed considerably in 2023, the median rent in this analysis of $1,811 per month showed a 10.3% increase from 2021 to 2022. Loss to lease increased substantially, however, from $95 to $110, a 15.9% increase. Other adjustments to rent that worsened were losses due to vacancies, increasing by 26.8%, and bad debt, up 22.9%.

Concessions being mainly a 2023 phenomenon, decreased in 2022. All told, net effective rent experienced a 9.8% increase. Ancillary income rose 14.0% resulting in total income growth of 10.1%. Net operating income increased by 10.8%, a figure we know from both other data sources and anecdotally, will decrease dramatically by the end of 2023. / See NAA Update, Page 69

www.haaonline.org

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On the Road with HAA

Harris and Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace and Constable Holiday Appreciation Luncheons Friday, December 8 and Friday, December 15 Thank you to everyone that joined us at the Harris County and Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace and Constable Appreciation Luncheons. Local Justices of the Peace and Constables play a critical role in our industry. These luncheons provided the association and its members with an opportunity to recognize them for their hard work and dedication to their constituents.

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www.haaonline.org

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www.haaonline.org

February 2024

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On the Road with HAA Harris and Fort Bend County Justice of the Peace and Constable Holiday Appreciation Luncheons Friday, December 8 and Friday, December 15

Your Vote Matters 30

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The Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee is the PAC of the Houston Apartment Association, a non-profit trade association representing the area apartment industry. Without political capital, our industry would not be as successful in representing you or your clients’ interests, and thus, your financial well-being.

The HAA PAC participates in local and state political campaigns, helping candidates who support the apartment industry and its supplier businesses. You can participate in the HAA PAC on several levels.

For more on HAA PAC, visit www.haaonline.org/haapac www.haaonline.org

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Image © MrArtHit | iStock by Getty Images

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www.haaonline.org

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Sthteeering Sh

Houston Apartment Association leaders talk shop with past and present Leadership Lyceum candidates.

O

Tinsley

Lestus

Brown

Boriack www.haaonline.org

ip

n September 28, the Houston Apartment Association held a Leadership Lyceum session for past graduates and current candidates, led by acclaimed trainer and educator Bill Nye. Panelists included: 2007 HAA President and 2017 HAA Hall of Fame Recipient Suan Tinsley, recently retired from DayRise Residential; 2020 HAA Product Service Council President Laura Lestus, The Liberty Group; 2017 HAA President Kyle Brown, Highmark Residential; and 2021 HAA President John Boriack, Veritas Equity Management. Here is what they had to say, edited for length and clarity.

active listening. I learned very quickly that I don't know a lot and the people I work with, people on the front lines, they tend to know a lot more and have a lot of better ideas than probably I do on how it should be done. The more questions I can ask, the more people feel seen and heard and understood, that builds a consensus that builds the buy in. I would much rather have a mediocre – or even bad plan – that the people implementing the plan are bought into and believe in, than my perfectly crafted plan that they have no buy in on. Their bad plan with their buy in will go much better than my perfect plan without their buy in.

Bill Nye: The first question is what skills do you most often use in the in your role as a leader?

Suan Tinsley: Mine are my people skills, the human factor. It's all about our teams. People, people, people. That's my recipe.

Kyle Brown: I think good communication skills are very important. I've dealt with a lot of communication problem solving and the employee issues related around that.

Laura Lestus: My self-awareness and emotional intelligence is something that I'm having to really focus on. When I communicate with my teams, individually and as a group, being self-aware of how I'm acting and feeling, because you must lead by example. Not being emotional and angry in front of your teams. Stop, take a couple minutes, check yourself and be very self-aware.

John Boriack: The skill I've had to use the most revolves around question asking and

Bill: What are some defining leadership characteristics great leaders need to possess?

John: The great leaders are often characterized by the quality or the quantity of their followers – people aren’t going to follow somebody they don't trust. I'll use the phrase servant leadership, and I don't mean that I'm just running around serving everybody. When somebody knows I want the best for them – my overarching motivation, the overarching goal behind what you know, me being a leader – what I'm wanting is what is best for them.

Laura: 100% that servant’s heart is something I look for personally. And adaptability is high up on my list. Things are thrown at us every day, curveballs that we sometimes can predict or see things in the future, sometimes things come out of left field, when you just must be able to adapt on a dime.

Kyle: A good leader should be honest, have integrity and be consistent. Your team's not February 2024

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Acclaimed trainer and educator Bill Nye leads the discussion for HAA’s Lyceum Panel: 2007 HAA President and 2017 HAA Hall of Fame Recipient Suan Tinsley, recently retired from DayRise Residential; 2020 HAA Product Service Council President Laura Lestus, The Liberty Group; 2017 HAA President Kyle Brown, Highmark Residential; and 2021 HAA President John Boriack, Veritas Equity Management.

going to follow you if they don't feel like they can trust you. They need to know that you will respond consistently in situations where they know, before they even ask you something, they know how you're going to answer and respond.

Suan: One of the things that people know about me, is you know where you stand. I am not afraid to have tough conversations with people. They might not like what I have to say, but I'll hug them and I'll tell them how much they mean to me and the organization. But they know where they stand. If you're ready to cut ties with someone and you catch them off guard, you have not done your job. I think very frank conversation, very open conversation just helps people develop.

Bill: What are some big decisions that leaders must make that need to always be attacked with a sense of urgency.

Suan: Urgency is my middle name. I read in a leadership book to make quick decisions. It said 10% of the time you might have chosen to make a different one, but 90% of the time you'll be right on target. Be very decisive. Trust your gut.

Kyle: If you've got a group and you've got one person who's not buying in, you've got to focus on that person and either, not necessarily get them to change or understand your plan, but at least not let them poison the rest of the group. Take them out, have a side conversation with them or they're going to continue to poison everything you're trying to do.

Laura: I have personal experience with this and not made important decisions when they should have been made. You have to look at the greater good for the entire team. If there happens to be one person that's poisoning the water, you’ve got to make a decision, and those are the toughest conversations to have.

And if you don't know, ask your resources –

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your circle or your boss. Don't feel afraid to ask for HR direction.

John: As a leader, we're often hit with people who are in some kind of crisis mode. “Oh my gosh, this thing's on fire, this person is going to quit, this resident is going to sue us.” It's important for us to ask the questions, so you're informed about what's going on and then have the higher level, overarching view of where we're going and what we're chasing.

Know the goal. If the goal is to just make money, then that informs every decision. If the goal is to grow and expand the footprint, then that impacts the decision. If the goal is to have a high degree of impact and benefit those who we're interacting with, then that impacts the decision – knowing where you're going and what you’re chasing. You’ve got to know that before anything else happens. If you do that and you do that well, then when the crisis critical decisions come at you, it's easy to know the right path forward.

Bill: We've gone through a tremendous amount of change in the last three to four years. What are some of the biggest challenges you see facing leaders today that they need to be prepared for?

John: We’re in a crunch time for our industry. There's a lot of pressure from decision makers. When budgets are tight and pressure is high, everybody's real colors come out.

If you picture a boat traversing a lake, a boat has a wake and it's kind of a “v” coming off two sides. And that's how I think about a leader crossing this environment, there's two factors of wake being left behind, there's the results that we got, which is usually where the focus is, “Give me this number. Give me this profit. Give me this.” That's the results. The other side of the wake is the people and the people you are interacting with and the decisions you make. It's easy to only focus on one

side of that wake, but a boat that's only making wake on one side is not going anywhere.

It's going in circles.

It's important to not lose sight of both sides of that wake. Be careful of the bridges you're burning. Be careful of the people you're tempted to not be honest with or not stay committed to. It’s easy to start cutting corners when the pressure is high and the temps hot and so the results are important. You got to have that, but don't forget about the other half of that equation.

Laura: I think a huge challenge for leaders now is finding talent: attracting, growing, raising new talent, and getting them in our industry is a huge problem. We need to really look outside our industry and try to attract new talent. I'm not one to tell anybody not to go to college but learn a trade. Get your kids to learn a trade. If you're changing your knobs and changing your ceiling fan, whatever you're doing at home, do it with your kids. I think learning a trade and being resourceful in that aspect is huge.

Kyle: Another challenge leaders face is remaining balanced. You've got a lot of different things coming at you, a lot of different priorities. Learn how to prioritize what is needed.

If you can't stay focused on the biggest task at hand, you're not going to be successful, you’ll be chasing your tail.

Suan: We are all spokes on a wheel and it takes every spoke to make that wheel turn.

Don't have your people look at you and call you a boss. Don't have your people say they work for you. They work with you, they are the reason that we have a paycheck, and I reminded them of that all the time.

Bill: Looking back on your career, what's a risk that you took that if you had it to do all over again, you would?

Suan: Bruce Peterson worked with us at the www.haaonline.org

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save the date

may 16, 2024 nrg center • hall b #madeforthis

#haaexpo2024

www.haaexpo.org

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Finger Companies and he asked me one day, “Suan, if you had an extra hour of the day, how would you spend it? Would you spend it focusing on revenue or expenses?” I always killed it on the revenue, driving revenue was something I enjoyed and being very successful at that, I said I would focus on expenses. Bruce said, “Always focus on the revenue and everything will fall into place.” You will find team members say, “Oh, it's not in the budget.” You have to watch that. Make that revenue, it'll get you home every time.

Kyle: I worked with a previous mentor who came to me and said, “Hey, we're going to start this management company and we want to build.” I came on at an entry level and it was a very big risk and a very good learning experience for me. One thing I would change is to do a little more homework into who the key players were because it ended up blowing up badly. I would totally do it again, but I'd do a little more homework first.

Laura: It's my job to advocate for my team, and if I don't think it's a good idea for how they're asking me to proceed, challenge the process. I've gotten my courage to challenge the process and the rewards have been great with my team.

John: As president of HAA, I got a lot of encouragement to challenge the process and that felt like a big risk that highly paid off. I wear so many different hats, all of which require different levels of risk. Two that stand out, and if you have started a business or currently own a business, this may resonate: The risk to myself financially to get a business up and going is real, but I wouldn't be where I'm at if I wasn't able and willing at the time to take that risk. More pertinent to the leadership topic, early on, it felt breathtakingly risky to delegate the control of my business to others who, I have since learned, are far more capable of running it than I am. If I had not

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delegated, it would have been an absolute dumpster fire. It was hard, but that has paid off big time.

Bill: How do you get buy in from your team?

John: I think as a leader it can be easy to not spend enough time focusing on the culture development and the values and the mission.

But if you do put in the time and establish clearly upfront what the values are – how we make decisions, how this group operates, what our culture is – then it makes the day-to-day decisions of everyone very easy, because they know the decision-making process. When my VP or someone on site encounters a situation – I'll say a resident situation of some kind – I'm not worried about them making a decision because I've spent years embedding the decision-making values we have about how to handle every situation. We all know how we do this. We value people over profit. We want what's best for the person. So that should be easy.

It's way more important to focus on and develop character and values than specific systems or specific tactics and strategies. If you put me in a room with an AR15 and a Navy SEAL in the room with a knife and put us to battle against each other, you should bet on the Navy SEAL. Even though I have a better tool, that guy has the training, character, history and grit to execute better. It's way more important to focus on the people and the character of the people doing the implementing than the specific system or tactic or model that you use.

Laura: I think the daily or weekly check-ins with everybody on your team is vital. Seeing where they are emotionally, personally, and how they're managing the tasks or the goals that were put in place. Finding out what makes them tick, some people want monetary rewards, some people want personal time off.

But you’ve got to find out what each individual team member is driven by and focus on that.

Everybody learns differently, they receive information differently, so you have to stay self-aware.

Kyle: I find that I keep people on track and get buy in if you've got a relationship with your team. If they don't know you or trust you, they're not going to follow you. You've got to learn a little about them. You don't have to be friends with them, but you've got to build a relationship with them where they know what you're going to ask of them, and they're going to trust we're going to do the right thing.

Suan: I love and love on all of our teams. I get to know them. I get to know their families.

I can ask them, hey, how is your granddaughter doing? How's your spouse doing? Spending time in the field with every single person makes a huge difference. As leaders, you can't just walk in, bypass your staff and visit with the team leader. You have to connect with them. That's what I love to do. You get a lot in return just for listening and knowing about them and caring about them.

Bill: You have worked with a lot of people who wanted to be promoted. What are some of the things you look for in making that decision?

Suan: I look at the results that they currently have in the role that they're in. I also look for zest. I had an HR manager tell me at Alliance, he said, “Always look for and hire zest.” He said you can train this, but you can't train this.

I look for those people that have already proven themselves. What are they doing to better themselves? Are they taking classes? I look for something they've already accomplished and the type of interpersonal skills that they have.

Kyle: You want to look at their record of what they've done and what their skills are. www.haaonline.org

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You also have to look at what you're considering to promote them to. If it's a good fit for that person. I can take an excellent leasing person and put them in an assistant, but if where I have the opening to put them does not fit that person, they're not going to have as good of a chance to succeed. Finding what is the right fit with that person's personality and their drive is very important.

Laura: Somebody that's going to show up and I don't mean physically. Attendance doesn't mean anything. I mean showing up, being present, engaging in conversations and ideas. Somebody being present wanting to do better and grow themselves and their team around them. A servant’s heart lifting people up around you and wanting people to grow.

John: Individuals with a lot of untapped potential. Maybe they had the commitment, diligence, and willingness, but in my opinion, the track record was meh. When my VP really wanted to promote them, I said, “Are you sure that we are talking about the same person?” And sure enough – she's much, much better in these decisions than I am – that person would blossom in that role and maybe was a bad fit before. Or they just needed that extra boost of confidence. It's certainly not skill sets. We can train skill sets.

It's the character, the commitments, the value add, the culture fit. Tom Brady and Johnny Manziel were both very good naturally at football and they had very different outcomes because one of them was willing to be disciplined and put in the work, and one did not.

Do you have what it takes to be a leader?

For more on HAA’s Leadership Lyceum Program, see Page 44.

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Chris Bell, CAS Senior Account Manager, Greenlogic Lighting & Electric How long have you been working in the multifamily industry?

I have had the pleasure of building a network of lasting relationships at different levels within the multifamily industry in a capacity of both management and supplier partner totaling over a decade.

Meet HAA’s

Leadership Lyceum Class of 2024 HAA created this leadership development program to identify high-caliber, effective, well-informed industry professionals and educate them on the mission and strategic objectives of the association and its affiliated associations. Do you have what it takes to be a leader?

See Page 44 to learn how you can apply for 2025.

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Which committees have you served at HAA? I have been privileged to serve on Community Outreach and Career & Community Development (2015), Product Service Council (2021), Chili Committee (2023) and AmbassadorONE Society (2024) Describe one personal accomplishment or service as a volunteer you have had that makes you proud?

A personal accomplishment I take great pride in is obtaining my Certified Apartment Supplier designation, along with joining the Product Service Council.

These steps have allowed me to be a vessel and utilize my platform for current suppliers and to connect with new members, helping be a bridge or reference point to assist with their growth and knowledge of and within the association.

What do you hope to gain from the Lyceum program?

A better understanding of the inner moving pieces and functions that make up the largest and greatest apartment association nationwide.

What do you think makes a person a great leader?

A leader is passionate about their work and goals. A leader listens and communicated effectively. A leader builds relationships. A leader is an active collaborator. A leader is accountable. A leader empowers and encourages those around them. A leader continues to learn daily. Most of all, a leader leads by example. www.haaonline.org

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Compiled by DEBORAH NIX, HAA Director of Publications/Design

Alisha Cain, CAM

Randa Dick, CAPS

Dana Dovell

Regional Property Manager, Greystar

Multifamily Operations Consultant, Lifestyles Unlimited Inc.

Vice President, Kaplan Multifamily

How long have you been working in the multifamily industry?

I have been working in the multifamily industry for 20 years. I started by answering phones on the weekends in order to get a discount on my rent shorty after graduating from Texas Tech University. I fell in love with the opportunity and quickly became a full-time leasing professional. After eight years in the multifamily industry in Dallas, I made a move to Houston, in order to push my career forward.

How long have you been active in HAA? I have been active in HAA for 10 years. After obtaining my CAM, I joined the NEXT and PAC committees. These committees enabled me to connect with industry professionals outside of Greystar. The relationships I made have provided me with lifelong friendships. I have recently joined the Education Committee and I am extremely excited to help teach the next generation in the multifamily industry.

Describe one personal accomplishment or service as a volunteer you have had that makes you proud?

One organization I have volunteered with over the years is Amazon Outreach, a mission organization that takes teams of people to provide clothes, goods, medical and dental services to the tribal people that live along the Amazon River in Brazil.

What do you hope to gain from the Lyceum program?

I am hoping the program will help develop me into a more diverse and educated leader, that not only grows my career, but also allows me to push my team to new heights. www.haaonline.org

How long have you been working in the multifamily industry?

20 years How long have you been active in HAA? Since starting as a leasing agent 20 years ago.

Which committees have you served at HAA? Go-Getters, Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor credential Describe one personal accomplishment or service as a volunteer you have had that makes you proud?

Overall, it’s helping my members at Lifestyles Unlimited by providing education in achieving the best product, best price, best people and best communities in their markets.

What do you hope to gain from the Lyceum program?

I hope to gain further knowledge in the local, state and national apartment associations and how they all work together to shape the future of the multifamily industry. My ambition is to continue to learn how I can effectively contribute and advocate for what affects operations, teams, communities and owners.

What do you think makes a person a great leader?

Great communication and understanding individuals need to feel empowered so their talents shine.

How long have you been working in the multifamily industry?

My career started over 30 years ago as a temporary staffing leasing consultant working parttime on weekends. My dear friend Jamie Blevins referred me to Anne Rozelle & Associates, and I could immediately see a fulfilling career from the start.

How long have you been active in HAA? My first experience in participating in and supporting HAA was in 1998 for my first of many, Chili Fest events. The incredible energy and camaraderie have continued with every event I’ve attended since.

Which committees have you served at HAA? I have enjoyed Go-Getters over the years, and especially enjoyed service on the TAA Education Committee.

Describe one personal accomplishment or service as a volunteer you have had that makes you proud?

Early in my career I was fortunate to have generous leaders and mentors that invested in my professional success, and my greatest joy has come from contributing to others and their personal and professional growth.

What do you think makes a person a great leader?

I find the greatest leaders have a genuine desire to contribute to benefit others, are generous with sharing their knowledge, provide honest feedback, and are considerate and compassionate for the weight of the challenges their teams face every day.

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Emily Frost

Xochitl Flores

Giovanna Gone, CAM, CAS

Talent Acquisition Specialist, SYNC Residential

Business Development, Church Pool Services and Church Foundation Repair

Outside Sales – North Territory, Century A/C Supply

How long have you been working in the multifamily industry?

Multifamily four years, Property management overall 10 years

How long have you been working in the multifamily industry?

14 years

Which committees have you served at HAA? NEXT and Expo Committee

How long have you been active in HAA? Four years

Describe one personal accomplishment or service as a volunteer you have had that makes you proud?

I have been a member of The Junior League since 2016, starting in Fort Myers and transferring to the Houston League upon relocation.

My placement for the 2022-2023 League Year was the Houston Food Bank. I have made it a commitment to always invite a friend to join me for the day when I volunteer there. While it isn't always glamorous (Have you ever been in the "meat room" at the HFB? I'll never forget that smell!), every single time whoever I brought with me has ended up coming back for additional volunteer days. While this is a relatively small impact, it is something I am very proud of.

Which committees have you served at HAA? NEXT, Expo Committee, Chili Committee, HAA PAC and the Ambassador One Society

How long have you been working in the multifamily industry?

I joined the industry right after high school graduation, in the summer of 2009. I worked as a temporary leasing agent for The Liberty Group during the day and attended community college at night. I worked in property management for 10 years. I switched to the “dark side” in December 2018. I have loved every minute of being a Supplier Partner because I understand my clients’ day-to-day business operations and my job is to make their job easier.

What do you hope to gain from the Lyceum program?

I hope to become a more knowledgeable advocate for HAA to help show future prospective members the impact HAA, TAA and NAA make within our industry. From speaking to graduates of the program, they all said how much more vested they were in HAA and our industry upon completing the program.

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Describe one personal accomplishment or service as a volunteer you have had that makes you proud?

Being a Captain for Ambassadors and providing industry tips and information to our team members so they can succeed in their business.

What do you hope to gain from the Lyceum program?

I would like to continue to grow within this industry in different ways and expand my industry education. I hope to learn more about our apartment industry and how each city handles things differently, whether that be law, education, finances, etc.

What do you think makes a person a great leader?

I believe a leader is someone who gives back knowledge and helps others continue to grow and achieve their goals. A leader is not someone who sits back and gives direction, a leader is someone who works with their team hands on, supports them, mentors them and is by their side cheering them on as they continue to expand their knowledge and achieve their goals.

Which committees have you served at HAA? Ambassador ONE Society, Community Outreach, Go-Getters, NEXT, HAA PAC and the Product Service Council Describe one personal accomplishment or service as a volunteer you have had that makes you proud?

When I was awarded Spirit of the Squirrel 2020 at Century A/C Supply. The award is an individual award handed out at Gung Ho, our annual company meeting, to an employee who personifies the Gung Ho spirit and goes above and beyond to help customers and fellow employees. I was the first Sales employee to win this award and I did it after my first year of employment during COVID. What do you think makes a person a great leader?

Being a good role model, humble, nonbiased, engaged, empowering others, leading by example, etc. I like to greet old and new friends with a smile and a warm hug. Helping others succeed is my happiness. www.haaonline.org

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Karen Hefner Senior Vice President, Asset Living How long have you been working in the multifamily industry?

40 years How long have you been active in HAA? 15 years Which committees have you served at HAA? HAA Board of Directors 2023 and 2024, Honors Committee Describe one personal accomplishment or service as a volunteer you have had that makes you proud?

I was very excited to be part of the HAA Board of Directors in 2023. I’m eager to play a more active role in 2024 and contribute to meaningful initiatives.

What do you hope to gain from the Lyceum program?

I believe that participation in the Lyceum program will offer me valuable insights and networking opportunities, and a deeper understanding of HAA. It’s also a chance to enhance my knowledge and connect with like minded individuals.

What do you think makes a person a great leader?

A great leader possesses qualities like effective communication, empathy, decisiveness, adaptability, and the ability to motivate and inspire others.

Leadership is about fostering a positive and collaborative work environment while guiding a team toward our common goals.

www.haaonline.org

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Isaiah Johnson

Jenny Juarez

Lori Latham, CAM

Sales Manager, Camden Property Trust

Regional Vice President, RPM Living

Education & Strategy Manager, Morgan Group

How long have you been working in the multifamily industry?

Five years, six months

How long have you been working in the multifamily industry?

Since 2011, started in student housing while attending University of Texas at Austin.

How long have you been working in the multifamily industry?

22 years. I started as a leasing consultant

Which committees have you served at HAA? HAA NEXT Committee Describe one personal accomplishment or service as a volunteer you have had that makes you proud?

Since the age of 13, I have made volunteer work a big part of my mission to find the best version of myself. The ability to act in the interest of others speaks volumes to one’s character, so aside from any one contribution, I am most proud of the perspective and habits I have developed through years of giving back to the communities I represent.

What do you hope to gain from the Lyceum program?

I hope to gain a profound understanding of how HAA, TAA and NAA work in tandem within the multifamily industry. I then hope to be able to help shape the future of our industry as it continues to change for the better.

What do you think makes a person a great leader?

A great leader is someone who can find value or gratification in things other than their title.

A great leader quantifies success in terms of their ability to execute consistently, their ability to be adaptable in any situation, and the impact that they have on their organization and those who look up to them. They are innately selfless and recognize the importance of leading by example.

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Which committees have you served at HAA? Joining Expo Committee this year and look forward to being part of this event. I’ve also attended NEXT events, while inviting our younger leaders to join HAA and start to grow a network of their own.

Describe one personal accomplishment or service as a volunteer you have had that makes you proud?

While being part of RPM Living, I’ve had the opportunity to join several committees that will enhance our associate experience, whether it be policy implementation, or updating our best practices. This brings a significant sense of accomplishment, knowing that my voice was heard and that we are constantly evolving as a company.

What do you hope to gain from the Lyceum program?

I’d love to learn how the legislative process affects our daily operations and how I can better use my voice to help our industry.

What do you think makes a person a great leader?

I believe that when your actions inspire others to learn more, dream more, and do more, you’re a leader. A great leader produces more leaders, and not just followers.

Which committees have you served at HAA? Education Committee Describe one personal accomplishment or service as a volunteer you have had that makes you proud?

I have given back in diverse ways and they all make me proud for different reasons. What has come to the front of my mind most recently was my time in Cuba. This was a trip designed to serve and support Cuban college students.

The country is so lovely, I liken it to an aged Hollywood star without Botox. The beauty is evident regardless of age. Why am I proud of this service? It's because of the many great relationships built with the art students.

Relationships that are still alive today. One of my most favorite things in the world is connecting with new people and being a conduit for their growth and success.

What do you hope to gain from the Lyceum program?

I want to expand my circle to influence, broaden my network and increase my knowledge and understanding of the multifamily industry as a whole. I want exposure to statewide and nationwide policies, operations and initiatives that have great impact on multifamily.

Elevating my knowledge of the big picture in multifamily space is important to me. I am by nature a very curious, open minded person that wants to see more and understand the why behind decisions. www.haaonline.org

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Beth Levine, JD

Grace Rocha

Ryan Raser, CAPS

Management Executive, Judwin Properties

Regional Supervisor, Q10 Property Advisors

Director of Operations, GWR Management

How long have you been working in the multifamily industry?

Over six years

How long have you been working in the multifamily industry?

18 years

Which committees have you served at HAA? HAA PAC, Property Awards Committee, NEXT Committee, Education Advisory Council

How long have you been active in HAA? 15 years

How long have you been working in the multifamily industry?

25 years in September; however, my housing career started in university housing three years prior in 1996 at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania where I earned my degree.

Describe one personal accomplishment or service as a volunteer you have had that makes you proud?

I have really enjoyed being a member of the Property Awards Committee. Getting to go out and see these amazing properties and being able to recognize their hard work and dedication has been really rewarding. Seeing the joy and excitement when their name is called at the awards has been a blessing. It seems like such a small thing, but it really does have a big impact to those that win their category and I have been truly honored to have a small part.

What do you hope to gain from the Lyceum program?

I want to learn more about what HAA does for us as members and what we, as members, can do for HAA. I want to gain a better understanding of what happens behind the scenes and how what we do at the local level impacts the state and national apartment associations.

What do you think makes a person a great leader?

A great leader is always willing to learn and grow. Someone that surrounds themselves with others who are just as smart. A great leader also encourages those around them to reach their maximum potential. www.haaonline.org

Which committees have you served at HAA? Resident Relations Committee, Go-Getters Describe one personal accomplishment or service as a volunteer you have had that makes you proud?

I volunteered at MD Anderson and I was the patients and caregivers resource. I interacted with patients that were never leaving the hospital and were bound until their last days. I got to see many go home after successful treatments and others that there was no other treatments for, who chose to return home to spend their last days with their loved ones and sadly some that had no one to go to. I learned that resiliency was crucial for the human spirit.

Years later, I became my mom’s caregiver.

She battled cancer for three years and I lost her five years ago on December 4. Had I not volunteered at MD Anderson and realized how important resiliency is, my mom, my kids and I would have had a much more difficult time during this battle. Most importantly, I learned that we ALL have a battle to fight and my encounters with anyone come from a very vulnerable andempathetic state of mind. The way I perceive my interactions with coworkers, mentors, peers and new people I mee are an opportunity to learn something from them.

Even those that teach me how not to be or become. That is what I am most proud of as a volunteer and servant in life.

How long have you been active in HAA? I have been associated with HAA for 25 years now.

Which committees have you served at HAA? Early in my career I was on Go-Getters and Ambassadors as well as Chili Cook Off and the annual Food and Toys For Tots drives. For the past three years, I have been on the Resident Relations Committee Team B. Describe one personal accomplishment or service as a volunteer you have had that makes you proud?

When I was in university, a colleague of mine on the resident hall staff was diagnosed with cancer. Debi's road was going to be long, difficult, and costly. I created a fundraiser called "Dimes and Dollars for Debi." We installed collection bins in all resident halls, classroom buildings, cafeterias, and I met with organizations to explain what the program. I'm happy to say that we raised a lot of money for her to help with expenses and that Debi beat cancer.

What do you hope to gain from the Lyceum program?

I have been proud to witness my direct supervisor and friend, Gina Erwin, and her journey through HAA to become our 2024 President.

I look forward to being able to investigate further the inner workings of HAA. February 2024

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Do you have what it takes to be a leader?

Do you have what it takes to be a leader?

HAA created this leadership development program to identify high-caliber, effective, wellinformed industry professionals and educate them on the mission and strategic objectives of the association and its affiliated associations.

Who is eligible?

Individuals working for HAA members are eligible to apply. If you have three or more years of multifamily property management experience and have served as an HAA volunteer you may apply. If you are a supplier partner, you will need at least two years experience working for a supplier company and have served as an HAA volunteer.

What does the program include?

The program includes six sessions with specific topics, generally presented in a half-day format. You have two years to complete the program so if you miss a session, you can catch it when it is offered the following year.

How many people will be selected?

Up to 12 individuals will be selected for each class.

How do I apply?

The 2024 class of candidates has been selected. If you would like to apply for the 2025 class, please contact Susan at shinkley@haaonline.org. Your application must

be accompanied by TWO letters of recommendation. One letter of recommendation should be from a supervisor and the second letter from a colleague active in the industry. The Leadership Development Committee, comprised of HAA Executive Committee leaders, past Lyceum graduates and Past Presidents of HAA will review applications and select participants. Applicants will be notified after the committee meets, typically in early December.

Once I complete the program how will I be recognized as a graduate?

Candidates who complete the program will receive recognition and their HAA Lyceum pin at the HAA neeting in November.

All graduates will also receive recognition in HAA’s monthly magazine ABODE and the HAA website.

Program Topics: • Inside HAA • Building Effective Legislative Advocacy Initiatives • Media/Government Affairs and the Industry • How HAA works with TAA and NAA • Leadership Skills for Apartment Professionals Questions?

Contact Susan Hinkley at shinkley@haaonline.org.

“Such a great experience to see firsthand, and understand how our local association works with our local and state government.”

– Nikki Sekunda, CAS, Class of 2022, The Liberty Group

“The program gave me an inside look at how things run and why and will help me be a better leader in the organization. “ – Valerie Lacy, CAM, CAPS, Class of 2022, Cushman & Wakefield

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Law, continued from Page 12 i. State your policy with respect to the Act and responding to a request for a reasonable accommodation (see above); ii. Confirm the requestor’s request (what you believe the requestor is asking for); iii. Restate what the requestor has provided to date in support of the request; iv. Identify any red flags you see with either the information in support of the request or the history of the applicant’s/resident’s circumstances; and v. Request further information to satisfy whether the person has a disability or disability-related need for the assistance animal (you should error on the side of requesting more information as opposed to denying the request).

Note: If you are confused with respect to what the request is, you are also permitted to ask the requestor to describe the needed accommodation.

Hopefully this helps you get started on what your policy might look like. Good luck!

Want more Howard?

He’s online!

Go to http://issuu.com/haa_abode for past columns or subscribe and watch his Legal Minute videos every month, contact education@haaonine.org for details.

www.haaonline.org

NEW for 2024: Got a minute?

The first Thursday of each month, HAA will release a series of videos by legal topic with multiple videos for each chosen theme. Don’t miss this continously building library of legal information, with subscriber access all year long.

Cost: $250 per subscriber/per email for one year of access. For more information, visit www.haaonline.org.

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Here are five trends reshaping the hiring process in this new year.

By ROBERT COTE, Hire Priority Staffing and Executive Search

5 Hiring Trends for 2024:

What You Need to Know

A

s 2024 arrives, the nature of talent acquisition undergoes a foundational transformation shaped by shifts in workplace structure and ever-increasing opportunities leveraging tech advancements. With the emergence of skills-centric recruitment, the growing role of AI in streamlining the candidate screening process, the following hiring trends will require organizations in 2024 to reimagine how they attract, retain and get the best form top-tier talent.

Here are five trends reshaping the hiring process in this new year:

1. EMPLOYER/EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIP Recent layoffs continue to strain the employer-employee relationship. In 2024, this tension will need to be addressed.

Transparency will be the key to preserving employee trust. In light of this, employers should continually provide clear information about the work environment, job expectations, and team dynamics a new hire will encounter. Successful organizations will clearly outline bonus opportunities for exceptional performance, growth prospects beyond a current role, timeline and metrics for pay increases, and the reality of work environment changes due to market opportunities. Specific to multifamily organizations, transparency around acquisition & divestiture strategies along with business development will ensure engagement in the current role and enthusiasm for what’s still to come.

“New and tenured associates within any organization are very invested in the direction of their company. They chose or choose to remain to fulfill the short term and long-term goal of the company. The more they know, the more they will be bought into the company.”

– David Nargang, CAPS – President of Property Management, Allied Orion Group. www.haaonline.org

In 2024, ‘A’ candidates will demand clarity from prospective employers regarding compensation. Negotiations should not only detail base pay but must include all benefits that the employer has to offer. Nargang adds, “Simply put, be honest and direct!

New hires as well as current employees will respect the candor and more importantly trust the organization a great deal more.”

This emerging need for absolute clarity prior to a hire is now necessary to ensure new hires do not quickly become misfires!

Multifamily finds itself in a period of rapid consolidation and should heed the lessons learned by industries like banking, telecom and hospitality which all faced similar headwinds in the previous two decades.

2. HIRING FOR HIGH DEMAND SKILLS The skills-first approach to hiring is inescapable in 2024.

Gone are the days of success by association where who you know counts for considerably more than what you know – think alma mater and resume stops. Employers would do well now to open the hiring relationship with, “What expertise can you quickly deploy and how well does it marry the specific role requirements?”

“Behind us are the days of 3–5-year work experience requirements. Immediate utilization of the skills already present within a new hire is critical path. Building on those initial skills with an integrated approach to Learning and Development will create early success for new hires and enduring impact for legacy employees.” – David Nargang For hiring managers, this approach reduces recruitment timelines with an emphasis on role specific skill mapping and preinterview assessments. Employers reach entirely new depths of the talent pool when prioritizing role specific experience and knowledge over generic and limited industry work history.

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2024 ushers in an era where the employer-employee relationship evolves, skills take precedence, AI revolutionizes recruitment, employer influence in the job market strengthens, and soft skills become instrumental in securing roles.

Arising from this trend is the need for refined job descriptions focused on core competencies essential to success in a volatile work environment.

In the bigger picture, the combination of skills-centric hiring with a commitment to robust Learning and Development programs is a vital recipe for sustained organizational growth. In an era where fixed competencies quickly fade owing to digital shifts, L&D at the core of an organization is its best hope of preventing ‘A’ talent from leaving the organization.

3. AI POWERED RECRUITMENT TOOLS In 2024, AI recruitment tools have emerged and are transforming the hiring landscape in unpredictable ways. Some tools already in use such as: automated resume screening, ondemand video interviewing and most importantly, predictive analytics, have already streamlined or eliminated outdated, timeconsuming and costly processes.

Implementation of AI marks a foundational shift, where understanding and leveraging new technology is a competitive advantage for organizations hoping to secure and retain top-tier talent in the highly competitive and emerging, skills-led labor market.

“82% of CEOs and senior leaders said they expect AI to have a significant or even extreme impact on their business.”

– https://www.kornferry.com/insights/featured-topics/talent-recruitment/talentacquisition-trends-2024 The recruitment landscape will see a surge in automation adoption among firms to simplify tasks, enhance the hiring authority’s performance, and drive smarter, data-centric hiring decisions. With AI's advancements, recruitment is becoming more efficient while demanding a shift towards data-driven decision-making, fostering better candidate selection and budget forecasting for companies.

However, along with many promising advancements, increasing integration of AI in recruitment also poses potential risks. It must be kept in mind that AI programs do not have 100% accuracy, can potentially cause information breach and most importantly, make

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the recruitment process lose a human touch if applied incorrectly.

4. THE EMPHASIS ON WORKPLACE WELLNESS Emerging in 2024 fully set to take centerstage in the employer/employee dynamic is the idea of ‘Workplace Wellness’. Respected mental health experts posit nearly 70% of a person’s health and overall sense of well-being emanates from their career and job choice.

Organizations embracing this concept appreciate the ROI on a ‘healthy’ work environment is BOTH substantial and irreplaceable.

This is NOT about gym membership reimbursements or healthier snacks in the office kitchen (though both are appreciated). Rather, it is about employers committing to the wellness of their work force – in all aspects – to a degree that matches organizational expectations of employees to commit to team objectives, project deadlines and especially, profitability and stakeholder return.

Clarity and transparency around work/life balance and wellness programs should no longer take a back page in the offer package to compensation breakdowns and job descriptions. Employees now desire to exercise full autonomy when balancing career, family and overall wellness in their lives. An organization intent on attracting, engaging and retaining ‘The Best’ is well served with a comprehensive, fully integrated ‘Workplace Wellness’ strategy. A well-executed plan reduces negative turnover, lowers time and cost per hire, increases productivity and in light of the mass exodus of retiring ‘boomers’ aides in reducing brain drain, preserving valuable institutional knowledge.

As a healthy corporate culture is passed from this generation of workers to the next, ‘Workplace Wellness’ is both essential and inescapable to those organizations seeking to thrive and not just survive.

5. EQ OVERTAKES IQ In the 2024 hiring landscape, a shift already underway will accelerate as employers realize the increasing value of qualities like adaptability, communication, empathy, and problem-solving (often regarded as Emotional

Intelligence or EQ) in potential hires.

This trend is a welcome departure from exclusive focus on technical expertise and work history. Good organizations are recognizing that a candidate's ability to navigate diverse environments, collaborate effectively, and exhibit resilience while faced with challenges are key drivers of success. In 2024, the interviews and assessments will delve deeper into evaluating candidates' interpersonal resilience and emotional intelligence.

Businesses will progressively start to adopt behavioral analytics technology in their hiring procedures, prioritizing candidates who align best not only with the role but also with company culture, and team dynamics. By integrating behavioral science into hiring practices, hiring managers gain valuable insight into a candidate’s overall fit, where personality, values and attitudes, all influence compatibility with existing employees. The utilization of behavioral analytics tools in recruitment not only enhances engagement but also minimizes turnover rates and boosts overall employee satisfaction.

In conclusion, 2024 ushers in an era where the employer-employee relationship evolves, skills take precedence, AI revolutionizes recruitment, employer influence in the job market strengthens, and soft skills become instrumental in securing roles. Understanding these trends will be pivotal for employers in navigating the ever-evolving job market landscape. As we progress into 2024, staying agile and receptive to these trends will be instrumental in building resilient, dynamic, and future-ready organizations.

Remember, adapting to these changes can set the stage for success in the modern job market!

Robert Cote is Chief Operating Officer for Hire Priority Staffing and Executive Search.

Robert can be reached at rcote@hirepriority.com and visit www.hirepriority.com for more information.

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Suppliers: Make your sponsorship opportunities even more valuable with these tips.

By SUSAN WESTON, The Susan Weston Company

Tell Me A Story

T

his past November, HAA finished up another successful CAM/CAS Cram class. I was fortunate enough to facilitate this great group of professionals.

As is the custom, each day we had a product supplier partner sponsor. A sponsor typically caters breakfast and lunch and gets some “stage” time in the morning to talk about their product and/or service.

Over many years, I have led NAA credential programs at association affiliates across the country and supplier partners are an important reason why these programs can happen! Each time our sponsors present to the group, I am reminded of two ways our partners can make this sponsorship opportunity even more valuable.

First, consider the audience and their shoes!

Whether you are presenting to leasing, maintenance or management personnel, each participant is there to learn. While they are in class, daily work goes on at their property. They will be missed. So somewhere in the back of their mind, they’re wondering what’s happening while they aren’t there – many, in fact, get phone calls while in class. Mix in the variety of experiences, cultures and bosses they’ve had and you have a very interesting environment.

So, before you jump into your promotional information, show your Powerpoint or video, or talk about the ad specialty items you’ve brought them, take two minutes to connect. Ask, rather than tell. Ask how they are, how the class is going (if it’s several days), ask about their properties, work orders, occupancy. If you provide basic parts and supplies, ask how their inventories are.

If you provide pest control, what products or services do they like. You get the drift. Connect before you promote your own solutions – the students will be more ready to listen to you.

Second, tell your stories! These echo the experiences the class may have had as well. Stories about when your product or service saved the

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day. Or what happened when a client didn’t buy the product or service and had a failure.

As the class facilitator, I will often jump in to get things warmed up by asking my own questions. This week I asked our plumbing sponsor what was the weirdest thing he ever had to un plug in a drain. Gnarly, right? I remember years ago another CAM Cram class in a different market where the same pest control supplier sponsored every breakfast. He was in the classroom bright and early every morning and each day we learned about a different pest! It was brilliant!

That Friday, he could only stay briefly because he was headed out to the suburbs to treat for roof rats! Who knew?!

Supplier partners will always be an integral part of an apartment association. It is a win-win relationship for all members. So when you consider your next sponsorship of an event or program that gives you a short introductory stage, think about who’s sitting in those seats and what they would like to hear from you. Connect first and then bring them in with a story – it’s a better formula for building a relationship.

Susan Weston has operated The Susan Weston Company since 2010, consulting and training in the multifamily industry.

Her industry career spans more than 40 years in executive capacities in operations, human resources, and learning and development at both publicly traded and private companies.

She is a Certified Apartment Manager, a Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor, a Subject Matter Expert for the National Apartment Association Education Institute credential programs, a member of NAAEI Senior Faculty and a licensed Texas real estate broker.

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HAA STAFF CONTACTS Casey Watts Morgan, MPP, CEO Oversees the entire association staff and the association’s mission. Works directly with the HAA Board of Directors on all association functions.

Contact 713-595-0304 or email cmorgan@haaonline.org.

Susan Hinkley, CAE, Chief Operating Officer Oversees staff and organizes events and volunteers for numerous Community Outreach programs, including the Food Drive and the All Stars Sports Challenge. Liaison to the HAA supplier committee, the Product Service Council.

Contact 713-595-0313 or email shinkley@haaonline.org.

Trey Wimberly, CPA, CGMA, Chief Financial Officer Oversees cash management and revenue collection. Monitors operations and accounting for HAA's three corporations.

Also handles personnel and employee benefits administration.

Contact 713-595-0310 or email twimberly@haaonline.org.

Bradley Pepper, Vice President, Government Affairs Monitors government actions in Houston, Harris County and surrounding cities and districts, as well as the state and federal levels. Keeps members up-to-date on government action – pro and con – and works with government policymakers to see that the needs of the apartment industry are considered.

Contact 713-595-0303 or email bpepper@haaonline.org.

Amanda Sherbondy, CAE, Vice President , Membership and Marketing Answers questions about member benefits and services. Assists supplier members in marketing their business to owner/management companies through ABODE and Directory & Buyer’s Guide advertising, selling exhibit space for the annual HAA Education Conference & Expo and sponsorship auctions.

Contact 713-595-0316 or email asherbondy@haaonline.org.

Lauren Turner, CAE, CMP, Vice President, Education and Outreach Oversees the Houston Apartment Foundation education programs, credential programs and coordinates outreach meetings for the association’s 12-county area.

Contact 713-595-0335 or email lturner@haaonline.org.

Will Alfaro, Director, IT/Webmaster/ Online Media Oversees online media including the Web site and email communications.

Provides information technology and job board support. Contact 713-595-0327 or email walfaro@haaonline.org.

Briana Little, Manager of Government Affairs Assists with communication and advocacy with the City of Houston, Harris and surrounding counties, including elected officials and key departments. Assists elected officials with apartment-related constituent requests and casework. Responsible for the filing, administration, fundraising, and meeting planning related to HAA’s Political Action Committee (PAC) fundraisers and meetings. Contact 713-595-0302 or email blittle@haaonline.org.

Deborah Nix, Director, Publications/Design Oversees the creative development, editorial content, design and distribution of association publications, including ABODE magazine, the annual Directory and Buyer’s Guide, branding, event marketing and related projects.

Contact 713-595-0333 or email dnix@haaonline.org.

Lauren Ragin, CMP, Director, Events and Meetings Oversees and organizes general membership meetings, special events and fundraisers, including the gala, chili cook-off, Honors Awards, and volleyball and bowling tournaments.

Contact 713-595-0323 or email lragin@haaonline.org.

Tina DeFiore, Director, Rental Credit Reporting (RCR) Responsible for the sales and marketing of RCR, in partnership with CoreLogic, which includes the development of marketing plans, recruitment of new subscribers, collection of data, building partnerships with management districts and retention programs for existing customers. Contact 713-595-0330 or email tdefiore@haaonline.org.

Matilde Luna, Director, Resident Relations Answers questions from both apartment personnel and residents concerning the TAA lease and owners rights and responsibilities to provide an alternative to filing court cases. Oversees the two Resident Relations Committees.

Contact 713-595-0331 or email mluna@haaonline.org.

Kaylon Newcomb, Member Services/ Marketing Manager Assists HAA staff and members with membership and marketing information.

She handles membership records and updates and coordinates volunteer involvement.

Contact 713-595-0322 or email knewcomb@haaonline.org.

Madison O'Bar, Communications Manager Oversees social media and video production. Researches, writes and edits articles, coordinates and leads interviews for ABODE magazine. Contacts and maintains relationships with outside writers and members on magazine content and maintains relationships with news media.

Contact 713-595-0334 or email mobar@haaonline.org.

Cindy Ramirez, Accounting Manager Assists in revenue collections and daily operational accounting items including recordkeeping, invoicing, form sales and member accounts.

Contact 713-595-0311 or email cramirez@haaonline.org.

Lan Tran, Accounting Assists in daily operational accounting items and recordkeeping.

Contact 713-595-0308 or email ltran@haaonline.org.

Cindy De La Riva, Education and Outreach Manager Handles course registrations and questions about designations and other education programs. Contact 713-595-0346 or email cdelariva@haaonline.org.

Melanie Garcia, Member Services Coordinator Assists in daily membership operations.

Contact 713-595-0314 or email mgarcia@haaonline.org.

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Do you really know your applicant?

Comprehensive applicant screening tools available today can uncover financial and criminal background information. Proper screening can also reveal identity fraud issues, including stolen and fabricated identities, which may result in costly problems. Comprehensive screening using Rental Credit Reporting can also tell you who hasn’t paid rent, who has broken leases and who has received their deposit refund.

RCR provides Houston’s apartment industry with the most effective rental credit reporting tool available. RCR was established in 1977 to solve screening problems HAA founders felt plagued the local apartment industry. RCR has unsurpassed data on resident rental histories in the Houston region and gives your leasing staff immediate access to information about which prospects have fulfilled their leases and who have been residents in good standing.

The Houston Apartment Association’s Rental Credit Reporting and SafeRent Solutions have partnered to offer numerous searches in one bundled report with immediate and unlimited inquiry access.

a service of

in partnership with

To subscribe or to learn more, call RCR at 713-595-0300, email rcr@haaonline.org or visit www.haaonline.org.

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On the Scene with HAA COMMUNITY OUTREACH

HAA Food Drive This year’s Annual Food Drive was another great success! We had a record-breaking year for collections and a total of 24 pallets with boxes of food. Many thanks to the properties, companies and volunteers who make this all possible.

Community best decoration display: 1st Place: The Addison Apartments 2nd Place: The Preserve at Spring Creek 3rd Place: Pointe at Steeplechase Apartments 4th Place: The Rosslyn at Garden Oaks 5th Place: Savannah Oaks Community with the highest collected based on percentage of units: 1st Place: The Grove at Renwick 2nd Place: Park Colony Community with highest total number collected: 1st Place: The Addison 2nd Place: Lakes at Cinco Ranch 3rd Place: 7 Seventy Top Management Company, total items collected, based on percentage to units: 1st Place: Betterworld Properties, 15,970 total items collected, a new record 2nd Place: Francis Property Management, 15,130 total items collected 3rd Place: Greystar, 4197 total items collected 4th Place: Q10 Property Advisors, 3859 total items collected

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Volunteers: Samatha Rojas, Veritas Equity Management Matilda Rodriguez, Veritas Equity Management Ruha Vohra, Veritas Equity Management Noella Howard, Mohawk Industries Tammy Broadway, American Fire Systems Crystal Varela, Century A/C Supply Mallory Hess, Century A/C Supply Giovanna Gone, Century A/C Supply Jacob Kunath, Century A/C Supply Victoria Sepulveda, GreenLogic Lighting and Electric Tracey Moore, Flooring Warehouse Yvonda Lewis, Steward Trash Valet Xochitl Flores, Church Pools Doug Sandlin, Church Foundation Kimberly Baker, BH Management Chelsea Sanders, BH Management Elaine Cisneros, Morgan Group Adoteh Akue, Redevelopment Services Alex Chacon, Venterra Realty Kristi Kohls, Greystar Arely Pena, The Liberty Group Dennis Juarez, Furniture Options Jennifer Devine, Stealth Monitoring Liz Levins, Gemstar HVAC Amanda Kelly, Brandt Electric Chris Chavez, Chadwell Supply David Reynoso, Cotton Commercial The Cotton Warehouse Crew Jack Blythe, Camp Construction Services Marlo Simmons

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On the Scene with HAA COMMUNITY OUTREACH HAA Food Drive

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The Go-Getters HAA’s MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS

IT WAS IN THE BAG!

The Go-Getters grew HAA membership to new levels in 2023 and invite you to join them in 2024.

1. Sponsor American Fire Systems 2. Sponsor Best Plumbing 3. Recruiting Grand Prize LV bag winner Paola Rodriguez, Foresight Management

1

2

3

Get Ready!

Join 2024 Chairs Valerie Lacy and Debra Knight for Go-Getter meetings in 2024. Check the HAA calendar at www.haaonline.org for updates.

THE GO-GETTERS ARE THE BACKBONE of the Houston Apartment Association. By recruiting new members, the Go-Getter Club helps both new management and supplier companies and the association grow for the future.

To join the club and get going on recruitment, see online at www.haaonline.org or contact Amanda and Kaylon in the Membership Department at members@haaonline.org.

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Go-Getters Holiday Happy Hour Thursday, December 14 at Kirby Ice House – Memorial City

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The Go-Getters HAA’s MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS Go-Getters Holiday Happy Hour Thursday, December 14 at Kirby Ice House – Memorial City

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The Ambassador ONE Society HAA’s WELCOMING COMMITTEE

NEW YEAR, NEW LEADS!

The Ambassadors hold their first meeting of 2024, reaching out to more HAA members.

Mark your calendars and join us!

Ambassador ONE Society meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month: January 10, February 7, March 6, April 3, May 1, June 5, July 3, August 7, September 4, October 2, November 6, No meeting in December The meeting spot is Kirby Ice House, 1015 Gessner Road, Houston, Texas 77055. at 3:30 p.m Photos at top: 2024 Ambassdor Chairs Tito Estrada and Karen Nelsen.

Aces Tammy Broadway, Xochitl Flores and Tracey Moore.

THE AMBASSADOR ONE SOCIETY is an organized network exchange that helps supplier partners build their business contacts within HAA. It’s the perfect way for new suppliers to get started with the association. Group members share leads, make introductions and support HAA and its members. For details on how to join and for meeting dates, visit www.haaonline.org/ambassadors or contact Amanda in the Membership Department at 713-595-0316, or email asherbondy@haaonline.org.

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Team photos at left, from top: Purple Rain Brownsughaa Orange Crush

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Welcome Mat Introducing HAA’s NEW MEMBERS OWNERS

SUPPLIERS

BranHTX Properties LLC Jeremy Bran

Catalyst Construction Facundo Villarreal

4119 Montrose Blvd #470 Houston, TX 77006 (832) 559-6604 BranHTX Properties LLC Properties Referred by Christopher Bran

700 Louisiana St #4250 Houston, TX 77002 (800) 205-0762 General Contractors, Painting Contractors, Remodeling & Repair-Building Contractors, Drywall Contractors, Tile - Ceramic Contractors, Concrete Contractors

Gemstone Management LLC

5868 Westheimer Road #476 Houston, TX 77057 (713) 325-0760 Ashford Court Trails of Ashford Apartments GG RE Holdings LLC Gary Graber

3128 Nasa Parkway 131 Seabrook, TX 77586 (425) 345-6688

CORT Furniture Rental Dan Watkins

8155 Kempwood Drive Houston, TX 77055 (832) 413-5619 Furniture Renting & Leasing, Office Furniture - Rental EV Charge Solutions LLC/ EV Power Kings DBA Tariq Alkhatib

27410 W Balsam Fir Circle Spring, TX 77386 (832) 764-0000 Electric Vehicle-charging docks, Amenities Floor Merchant Mo Aly

ALL SUPPLIER MEMBERS are listed online

at www.haabuyersguide.com, searchable by product/service category or company name.

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14045 Northwest Fwy Houston, TX 77040 (713) 750-9464 Baseboards, Building Materials, Cabinets, Counter Tops, Carpet Wholesale, Carpet Dealers, Carpet Dealers-New & Used, Carpet Installation, Granite, Floor Materials, Kitchen Cabinets, Tile Ceramic Contractors, Tile - nonceramic, Tile Dealers, Stone, Stone - Granite/Natural, Vinyl Flooring

Greater Houston Pool Management Brandon Greer

322 Present St Stafford, TX 77477-6211 (713) 771-7665 Swimming Pool Contractors, Swimming Pool Equipment & Supply, Swimming Pool Repair & Resurfacing, Swimming Pool Service & Maintenance LP Building Solutions Amy Pierce

1367 Fm 1791 Road Huntsville, TX 77340-2056 (230) 081-5114 Building Materials, Siding Materials

Synco Carol Andrews

19111 Timberlake Grove Lane Tomball, TX 77377 (281) 460-6307 Computers-Software Property Mgmt, Computers - Software & Service The Window Source of Houston David Mallette

14211 Hirschfield Road Tomball, TX 77377 (281) 547-6900 Window-Replacement & Repair, Shower Doors

Pretty Cleaning Service LLC Yolanda Pulido

12203 Old Walters Road Houston, TX 77014 (713) 628-3070 Painting Contractors, Cleaners, Resurfacing, Remodeling & Repair-Building Contractors SP Plus Bassem Wassef

1200 Smith St Ste 620 Houston, TX 77002-4378 (917) 482-9776 Parking Area Maintenance & Marking, Parking Garages, Parking Lots-Equipment & Supplies

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Portfolio Changes The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios: • Ascension Commercial Real Estate LP: Villas De Paseo, 384 units at 3030 Elmside Drive.

• Asset Living: Vivo Willowbrook, 131 units at 13223 Champions Plaza Drive, Retreat at Barbers Hill, 120 units at 10929 Eagle Drive in Mont Belvieu and Hawthorne Terrace, 90 units at 3203 Hayes Road.

• BranHTX Properties LLC: BranHTX Properties LLC – Properties, 22 units at Various Locations.

• Capstone Real Estate Services Inc: Summit at Renaissance Park, 325 units at 12121 Greenspoint Drive.

• Centra Partners LLC: Clear Lake Apartment Homes, 244 units at 300 Cyberonics Blvd.

• Cornerstone Income Properties: Aster on Aldine, 163 units at 4505 Aldine Mail Road and Cavalcade Apartments, 16 units at 5513 Cavalcade Street.

• Cypressbrook Multifamily Management LP: Ariza Westview, 240 units at 1945 Westview Blvd in Conroe.

• Greystar: Silos Harvest Green, 372 units at 3502 Harvest Bounty Drive in Richmond.

• Investors’ Property Services: Skylar Pointe, 449 units at 1110 El Camino Village Drive.

• Willow Bridge Property Company: The Peri on Westheimer, 300 units at 13328 Westheimer Road and The Milo on Westheimer, 230 units at 13250 Westheimer Road.

• Martin Fein Interests Ltd: Willow at Marvida, 368 units at 21054 Montego Breeze Lane in Cypress and Willow at Sierra Vista, 97 units at 110211 Alpine Lake Ln in Rosharon.

• Mosaic Residential Inc: Sola Westchase, 318 units at 3354 Rogerdale Rd. • ParaWest Management: Carrington Court, 111 units at 7900 Westheimer Road.

• Portico Property Management: Advenir at Milan, 360 units at 13100 W Bellfort Ave. • Royal American Management Inc: Pine Forest Place, 143 units at 5353 Deep Forest Drive and Pine Forest Park, 200 units at 5959 Pinemont Drive.

• Sisters Property Management LLC: Lakewood West Apartments, 30 units at 11909 Grant Rd Cypress.

• Southhampton Management Inc: San Palmas, 370 units at 15915 Kingfield Drive.

• Vachi Ventures: Buena Villa Apartments, 318 units at 11500 Keegans Ridge Rd. • Valiant Residential: Belle Spring Branch, 258 units at 2308 Bingle Road.

Do you need to find a product or service for your property on the go?

The Buyer’s Guide is online!

Simply search for a member by name or category to find the most up-to-date HAA supplier member listings.

You can contact the companies directly or use our “Request for Information” tool. It's quick and easy!

www.haabuyersguide.com

WANT MORE ABODE? WE ARE ONLINE, TOO! Follow us today at

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In the News Andrea Stewart of Stonemark Management has won the top honor in Multi-Housing News’ Excellence Awards in the Property Manager of the Year category.

She earned the Gold Award for her work at Cantera at Towne Lake in the Houston suburb of Cypress, Texas.

Congratulations to Rasa Floors for celebrating their 30th year in business.

Have something to report from your company or for yourself? Email us your news at comm@haaonline.org.

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On Site with ABODE Featuring HAA Honors Award Property Winners

Note: Properties are listed with owner/management at time of the award.

PARK ON NAPOLI

Built in 2022 Property of the Year Property: Park on Napoli Owner/Management: RPM Living Location: 13802 Napoli Drive Units: 239 Web: https://www.parkonnapoli.com/ Photos provided by Park on Napoli The Park on Napoli cares about the property and its residents inside and out.

They have set themselves apart from the competition in the immediate market area with personal touches fit for any resident who finds themselves working from home.

The Park at Napoli is the only community in the immediate market area with a co-working space for work-at-home residents living in the community.

This unique amenity space layout that has direct access to breezeways and outdoor recreational areas, with a library and reading room included. There is an outdoor terrace with a fire pit lounge and a resort-like setting with extensive space for all their WFH residents.

For other residents, the community has a well-kept walking trail and extensive natural landscaping throughout the entire property. Some units have individual pet yards for that house-like feel. The property has the largest resortstyle pool with a tanning ledge, shaded cabanas and lounge seating in the immediate market area with one of the largest, if not the largest, amenity center in a Houston suburban setting. Inside the units there are spacious walk-in closets and exceptionally efficient floor plans. There are even EV charging availability in most garages, with a number of community charging stations in the parking lot.

The Park at Napoli not only has amazing features but a hard-working on-site team. The property has maintained a 4.7 out of 5 on Google in the year 2022, with their work order completion within 24 hours over 90%. They also maintain a high social media presence where they interact with current and potential residents and post multiple times a week.

The Park at Napoli is also participating in environmental initiatives, HAA events, food drives and low-income housing grocery pop-ups that are being provided to residents at no charge.

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NAA Update, continued from Page 26 Metropolitan Area Overview The full 2022 Income/Expense IQ provides apartment benchmark data for over 100 metropolitan areas. The benchmarking data analysis in this summary focuses on same store data in the top 25 metro areas, each of which contains more than 30 properties. This section highlights the year-over-year trend breakdown of revenue, operating expenses, and net operating income for the metro markets.

All but one market experienced positive growth in the annual revenue generated. Total revenue in 2022 dropped by 17.2% in San Francisco, fueled by increased remote work opportunities that gave people the freedom to migrate to other cities. The top markets for revenue growth were Norfolk, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, Orlando, Dallas, with the growth ranging from as high as 24.5% to 19.3%. Rent increases, higher parking fees and lower concessions are factors that led to higher revenue generation in those markets.

On the other hand, Minneapolis; Oakland, Calif.; Houston; and San Jose, Calif.; ranked the lowest in revenue growth after San Francisco, ranging between 1.5% and 6.6%. This lower growth was ascribed to increases in vacancies, rent losses and bad debts.

Operating expenses ranged from as high as $17,608 per unit in San Francisco to as low as $5,470 per unit in Las Vegas. About 96% of the markets analyzed for this report experienced a year-over-year increase in operating expenses, with the leading markets being: Las Vegas (16.4%), Norfolk (14.6%), Orlando (14.5%), Minneapolis (11.9%), and Atlanta (11.0%). The increased cost in these markets was attributed to the rising cost of natural gas, water and sewer, repairs and maintenance, and electricity.

The markets that observed the lowest year-over-year change in operating expenses had a combination of positive growth in San Jose (4.3%), San Francisco (4.1%), and Washington, D.C. (1.8%), and a negative growth of 3.9% in Chicago. The decline in costs was traced to lower leasing expenses; however, the reduction in Chicago’s operating expenses was specifically due to declines in security services costs.

Net Operating Income (NOI) in 2022 varied from $23,216 in San Francisco to $3,662 in Minneapolis. The top three markets experiencing high growth in net operating income were Norfolk, Dallas, and Salt Lake City, with growth rates of 36%, 29.5%, and 28.5%, respectively. On the opposing side, three markets experienced negative growth levels in NOI: Houston (-0.3%), Minneapolis, (-18.3%), and San Francisco, (-28.3%). While the income per unit for Norfolk, Dallas and Salt Lake City rose, markets with negative growth in NOI experienced low revenue growth coupled with higher cost of expenses.

year. The regulatory environment, which remains heated, will only exacerbate these challenges.

If the U.S. avoids recession, interest rates begin to decrease, and the labor market can muster some growth; the apartment industry will be able to weather these difficulties with an eye on the longterm. Solid fundamentals and demographics, and the relative affordability of rentals, also work in the industry’s favor.

About the Income/Expense IQ NAA, IREM, and BOMA have partnered with Lobby CRE to provide comprehensive income and expenses benchmarking data for the apartment sector in a simplified digital format. Data for the 2022 Income/Expense IQ were reported to have multifamily benchmarks for more than 4,546 conventional properties containing 1,026,974 units. Benchmarks are based on 2022 operating data provided by NAA and IREM members and other real estate practitioners. Currently, there are multifamily benchmarks available for 108 U.S. metro markets. The benchmark data is presented in three forms: Total dollar amount, dollars per unit and dollars per unit as a percentage of income.

Paula Munger is NAA’s Vice President, Research.

Erioreoluwa “Eri” Bajomo is NAA’s Industry Research Analyst.

For more from the National Apartment Association, visit www.naahq.org.

Outlook At the time of this writing in Q4 2023, the industry had gone through ups and downs throughout the year. Demand picked up somewhat, leading to positive absorption, but rent growth was sluggish in the best performing markets and negative in the worst. Multiple reports on expenses during the past several months revealed that 2023 was another difficult year in which to operate apartments. Yardi reported an average increase of 9.3% in expenses for the 12 months ending June 30, 2023, with insurance, repairs/maintenance, administrative and payroll topping the list. On the revenue side, RealPage was tracking falling revenue in more than half of the 150 markets they track through Q3 2023, teeing up 2024 as another challenging

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Index of Advertisers By CATEGORY

A/C Supplies

Paint

Century A/C Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 281-530-2859 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.centuryac.com

Behr Paint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 800-431-3000 . . . . .www.homedepot/proxtra.com

Carpet Installation

Personnel Agency

Dixie Carpet Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 281-261-6334 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dixiecarpet.com

ASAP Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 972-432-6667 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.asapdo.com

Texas Southwest Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 800-719-4321 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.texasswfloors.com

Plumbing Contractors

Collection Agencies

AAA Plumbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 713-462-4753 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.aaaplumbers.com

Alexander-Rose Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 713-644-4441 . . . . . . . . . . .www.alexanderrose-inc.com

Resident Screening Service

Electric Contractors

SafeRent Solutions . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover 888-297-8821 . . . . . . . . .www.saferentsolutions.com

Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services . . . . .15 281-693-3383 . . . . . . . . . . .www.brandtelectrical.com

Screens

Foundation Repair

Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com

Church Foundation Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 713-468-8400 . . .www.churchfoundationrepair.com

Swimming Pool Service Poolsure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 800-858-POOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.poolsure.com

General Contractors Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . .Back Cover 713-413-2267 . . . . . . . .www.campconstruction.com Cotton Commercial USA Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 877-511-2962 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.cottongds.com

HAA Products & Services

TARGET QUALIFIED LEADS With HAA’s job board, you’ll discover a professional community that’s committed to helping you find the right candidate or your next job opportunity in the greater Houston and surrounding areas.

www.haaonline.org jobs@haaonline.org 713-595-0300

Rental Credit Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 713-595-0300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.haaonline.org/rcr

Gemstar Construction & Development . . . . . . . .1 281-821-1195 . . . . . .www.gemstarconstruction.com Guardian Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 832-672-4196 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.guardianconst.com MultiFamily Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 713-266-9100 RENCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover 713-666-3636 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rencon.com

Glass – Plate, Window, Etc.

HAA reserves the right to reject any advertising if its content is inappropriate or inconsistent with HAA’s standards for publication or HAA’s business interests, in HAA’s sole opinion.

www.haaonline.org

Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com

Landscape Contractors Texscape Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 281-846-3779 . . . . . . . . . .www.texscapeservices.com

Laundry Equipment & Supplies Scott Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 713-686-7268 . . . . . . . . .www.scott-equipment.com

Want to see current and previous issues of ABODE online? Go to http://issuu.com/haa_abode.

Or view this issue on your computer, tablet or smartphone at http://issuu.com/haa_abode/docs/abode_feb2024.

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MarketLine By BRUCE MCCLENNY, Senior Director, MRI ApartmentData from MRI Software

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Back Page with News from around the COMMUNITY

Questions? saleshelp+haa@webscribble.com 888-995-2244 Ext 1057 Working in multiple Texas markets? Visit the TAA Career Center at www.taa.org/careers/ 72

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ABODE THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

LEADERSHIP LYCEUM • HAA FOOD DRIVE PHOTOS

Houston Apartment Association 4810 Westway Park Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77041

www.haaonline.org

ABODE • FEBRUARY 2024 • VOLUME 47, ISSUE 2

Sthteeering Sh

February 2024

ip

Do you have what it takes to take the helm? Grab the wheel and learn more from HAA’s Leadership Lyceum.

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