ABODE June 2020

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ABODE THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

www.haaonline.org

June 2020

s l a i t n e s s E e h T

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CONTENTS June 2020

ON THE COVER

FEATURES & PHOTOS

40

14 COVID-19 Update – Develop a cleaning and disinfecting plan with the help of this CDC guidance.

#multifamilystrong – Multifamily housing is proud to be one of the essential industries. See Page 40 for photos of our industry superheroes supporting their communities during the pandemic. Also this month, Bruce McClenny reports the latest market news and we continue our coverage of COVID-19 with more useful information for our industry.

30 Back to the Future – ApartmentData.com’s market report: “Marty, whatever happens, don’t ever go to 2020.”

Cover images from our #multifamilystrong HAA members

40 The Essentials – HAA members show how they are #multifamilystrong.

38 Your Essential Employees – Lifting your teams out of uncertainty and fear and into empowerment and productivity.

48 Engagement in the New Normal – How leaders can engage and connect with their employees and customers in a challenging time.

COLUMNS & MONTHLY UPDATES 7 President’s Corner – Discussing the coronavirus at press time.

8 Patron of the Month – Meet and support Camp Construction Services.

9 Legislative Update – Houston adopts $15 million Rental Assistance Program.

11 It’s The Law – Answers to your questions on eligibility, scheduling, enforcement and the acceptance of partial payments.

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

26 NAA Update – Learn the proper use of COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment.

52 Reopening Apartment Swimming Pools – How to reopen your pools for safe and healthy use as statemandated quarantine lifts.

28 RCR Update – How apartment communities can build their digital toolboxes for online leasing.

54 Navigating Unchartered Waters – Ideas for successfully leasing apartments in the midst of coronavirus.

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

58 Reshaping Communities – How coronavirus could alter apartment living and operations for the long haul.

60 TikTok Makes Its Way into Apartment Marketing – Learn how to utilize this new, fun and creative platform to market your apartment community and engage with your residents.

62 Your Role in Teamwork – Connection – The fourth and final article of Debbie Phillips’ series on the four cornerstones for effective teamwork.

66 Go-Getters – Membership: Engage!

68 The Ambassador ONE Society – Essential suppliers at work.

70 Portfolio Changes and In The News – Property updates and industry news clips from our members.

74 Index of Advertisers – See the supplier members who support this publication.

75 MarketLine – The latest area market numbers.

72 60 Years – The history of the Houston Apartment Association’s community outreach.

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

www.haaonline.org

June 2020

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OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP JOHN BORIACK President-Elect

TINA CAVACO Vice President at Large

CLAY HICKS President

SCOTT DOUGLAS Vice President at Large

STEPHANIE GRAVES Vice President at Large CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ Secretary/Treasurer SHELLEY WATSON Vice President at Large

HOWARD BOOKSTAFF General Counsel

JEFF HALL Executive VP BOARD OF DIRECTORS Clay Hicks President Starla Turnbo Immediate Past President Mack Armstrong Jeff Blevins, CAS Jill Bounds, CAM Michelle Bridges, CAS Kyle Brown Joseph Bryson, CAM, IROP John Boriack Tina Cavaco Terri Clifton Michelle Croasmun Derek DeVries, CAS Ian Douglas Scott Douglas Gina Erwin Tamara Foster Israel Garza, CAS Diane Gilbert Monica Gracia Stephanie Graves Ira Gross, CAPS Bryan Head, CAM Melissa Herrera Deborah Holcombe Crystal Jackson, CAM, CAPS Debbie Kelm Jacob Kunath, CAS Barby Lake Laura Lestus, CAS David Lindley, CAS Robert Lopes, NALP, CAM, CAPS Sonia Lopez, CAM, CAPS Betsy Marshall, CAM, CAPS Kristin McLaughlin, CASE Candis Mohr, CAS Carlos Neto Dean O’Kelley, CAS Jenifer Paneral Mark Park, CAS Velissa Parmer Michelle Pawelek Loyal Proffitt Jackie Rhone Christy Rodriguez Kelly Scott Kurt Seidel Kelley Suess Debbie Sulzer Dana Tucker Shelley Watson Quintina Willis, CAM Tracie Yoder, CAPS

DIRECTORS EMERITUS Josh Allen Ken Bohan Gary Blumberg Kathy Clem Jack Dinerstein Jenard Gross Darlene Guidry David Hargrove Alison Hall Larry Hill Stacy Hunt Hap Hunnicutt David Jones Mel Kieke Mike Koch Dick LaMarche Tim Myers P David Onanian 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 Billy Griffin Manu Gupta Cesar Lima Mary Lawler Patrick Magnuson Bruce McClenny Angelee Kumar Parikh Nikki Sekunda Penny Sprang Theri Tinelli 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 PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL OFFICERS Laura Lestus, CAS, President The Liberty Group David Lindley, CAS, Vice President FSI Construction Derek DeVries, CAS, Secretary Camp Construction Services Candis Mohr, CAS, Treasurer AAA Plumbers Jacob Kunath, CAS, Immediate Past President Century A/C Supply MEMBERS Marivel Bownds, CAS, Valet Living Dixie Caldwell, CAS, The Liberty Group Shaun Callaway, CAS, Earthworks Peggy Charles, CASE, Fidus Construction Services Neal Conant, CAS, Gemstar Construction Development Sean Cunningham, CAS, Flooring Warehouse Deborah DeRouen, CAS, Designs By Holmes Clark Gregg, CASE, Fidus Construction Dan James, CAS, Redevelopment Services Debra Knight, CAS, Fidus Construction Services Stephanie Krop, CASE, Poolsure Liz Levins, CAS, Rasa Floors Tracey Moore, CAS, Flooring Warehouse Karen Nelsen, CAS ALN Apartment Data

Matthew Nunn, CAS, Camp Construction Services Doug Oehl, CAS. Flooring Warehouse Joseph Rodriguez, CAS, The Urban Foresters Nikki Sekunda, CAS, The Liberty Group Blaise Spitaleri, CAS, Gemstar Construction Development Blake Subinsky, CAS, HD Supply Mat Tilley, CAS, WeDoTrash Alan Young, CAS, Dixie Carpet Installations PATRON MEMBERS 1961 CSC ServiceWorks 1986 Craven Carpet 1994 AAA Plumbers 1996 Houston Planned Energy Systems 1997 RentPath 1999 FSI Construction Inc. 2003 Cotton Commercial USA Inc. Dixie Carpet Installations 2006 Maintenance Supply Headquaters 2009 Camp Construction Services 2013 Interior Logic Group Property Services 2018 Apartments.com

SPONSOR MEMBERS 1968 Century A/C Supply Hoover Slovacek LLP Reliant 1973 Brady Chapman Holland & Assoc CORT Furniture 1974 Mueller Water Conditioning 1976 Great American Business Products 1977 Webb Pest Control 1978 The Liberty Group 1981 AmRent Marvin F Poer & Company 1983 Sherwin Williams Company 1984 RENCON 1986 ApartmentData.com 1988 W Partnership 1992 Alexander-Rose Associates Saint Clair & Sons Inc 1998 AAA Staffing Ltd CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions 2000 Moveforfree.com Inc Pura Flo Corporation 2001 Apartment Life Inc 2002 American Fire Systems Southwest Painting Contractors Inc 2003 Sign-Ups & Banners 2005 Swain & Baldwin Insurance & Risk Management United Protective Services 2006 Bell's Laundries CAD Restoration Services DoodyCalls Lopez Carpet Care & Painting Masonry Solutions Inc Roto-Rooter Services Co TXU Energy Multifamily Services Valet Living 2008 CRE Business Solutions LLC Flavor Finish Resurfacing HARCO Insurance Services 2009 Contractors Inc Moen Inc Redevelopment Services Storm Maintenance & Monitoring 2010 ALN Apartment Data Inc Belfor Property Restoration Believe, Achieve and Conquer, LLC Certified Termite and Pest Control FTK Construction Services 2011 Fantastic Floors Infinite Energy Inc Parking Management Company/PMC Towing 2012 ABC Supply Co Inc Accent Sign & Awning Co BGE/Brown & Gay Engineers Cantrell McCulloch Inc EnviroSmart Multifamily Pest Solutions Giordano Construction Inc Go-Staff Inc Maldonado Nursery & Landscaping Inc Nationwide Eviction Texas Concrete Professional Company 2013 ACTIV Answer by Audio Images Arbor Contract Carpet Inc ASAP Steamers Carpet Cleaning Comcast Gambit Construction Outdoor Elements Pool Works LLC Tidal Renovations LLC 2014 Adventure Playground Systems Inc Chadwell Supply Classic Same Day Blinds J National Jonah Digital Agency MX2 Commercial Paving Pathfinder Insurance Group Ram Jack Foundation Solutions Texas Apartment Pool Services WCA Waste Corporation

Zillow Rentals 2015 America Outdoor Furniture ASAP Personnel Inc BSI Cameras Onsite DeNyse Companies Gateman Inc Infinity Power Partners Kathy Andrews Interiors Notifii LLC Pace Mechanical Services The Allshouse Group LLC The Lane Law Firm Wilsonart 2016 Action Window Coverings Bath Fitter Cinch – Cabinet Refacing Kits Citi Fence & Concrete Ecolo Environmental Inc Embark Services Fidus Construction Services Fun Abounds Green City Security LLC Guardian Chimney Sweep Halo Doors Inc Johnstone Supply KONE Leah McVeigh Design and Consulting Liquid Waste Solutions Paul Davis Restoration North Houston RAM Construction Sparkle Wash Pressure Washing Texas Southwest Floors Inc WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems WellKept Whitmans Contracting and Roofing 2017 ACT Security Group All About Doody Pet Solutions LLC All American Mailboxes of Houston Inc Allegion BioTechs Crime & Trauma Scene Cleaning Cano Electric Inc Classic Towing Continental Adjusters Inc Cypress Landscaping & Irrigation, Inc Designs by Holmes Fast Forward Services LLC Frost Insurance Agency General Recon, LLC Lithotech Printed Products/Forms Center McMahan's Flooring Inc MPS Direct Norman Construction On Site Towing LLC PCS Creative Surface SEAL Security Solutions LLC Secure Insurance Texas Engineered Roofing & General Contracting USA Patrol Division Vima Decor Willbanks & Associates Inc 2018 A Homestead Specialist LLC AAdvantage Laundry Systems Apartment Lines Archcon Arizona Tile Benefits 4 Rent Brannan Designs LLC Architecture & Interior Design CashFlow Pros LLC Centex Construction Construction ECO Services Featherston Sign Partners Finish Factory Inc Green Garbology Guardian Gutters Higginbotham Kastle Systems Ledge Lounger Matrix Construction Services Merricks Company O'Conor, Mason & Bone PC Penco Access Control PERQ LLC Phoenix Roofing & Construction Inc Platinum Enterprises LLC Preventive Pest Control Quatro Tax LLC Rent Debt Automated Collections RG Miller Engineers Saifee Signs & Graphics Signal 88 Security Surface Designers Remodeling Inc Swadley Roof Systems LLC Texas Steam - Laars Heating Systems Tropical Roofing Products Wildlife Removal Experts 2019 3 Men Movers A + Infinity Blue Outdoors, AAA Texas Absolute Construction LLC Action Towing, Inc

ACUTRAQ Background Screening, Inc Advance LED Solution AmCap Insurance Anchor Roofing Inc Andrews Myers PC AppFolio ARC Solutions Atom4 Security Camera & Electronics August & Suttles Contractors Bio-One Houston South Builders Direct Depot Classic Touch Painting Consolidated Communications Cougar USA CSI LED & Hardware D.A.M. Remodeling Group Dal-Tile Corporation DNM Contracting Inc Door Clearance Center Epic Air Conditioning Expertz Construction & Renovation LLC Granite Surfaces of Texas H.S. Services Harding & Carbone Inc Heritage Construction Co Hive Technology Howitzer Building Engineers Hurtado Roofing & Construction IGD Plumbing LLC In Service Security LLC Interior Logic Group Property Services IronEdge Group ITWS LLC J and B Carpet Services Kerely Towing Solutions King's Granite and Marble Knight Restoration Services, Ledtech Lexington Group International LP Building Solutions: Louisiana-Pacific Corporation LSR Multifamily Max Digital Printing McKenzie Drake Corporate Housing Morris Contracting Nations Roof Houston LLC Northwest Construction Group One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating Onesource Moving Onyx Restoration LLC Opiniion Pool Knights Property Services Quick Roofing Reliable Roofing Service Master by Century Signal 88 Security of The Woodlands & East Houston Slime Busters Inc Smart Water Valve SOS-ASAP Softwashing Strata Roofing and Construction LLC Streamline Construction Houston LLC Structural Concrete Systems, LLC Surface Experts League City Texas Crime Prevention Agency Texas Management Group The Playwell Group Inc US Multifamily LLC Waterproof Solutions Winhill Advisors Woodlands Water Restoration YottaReal 2020 A-Affordable Roofing Co ACM Contractors of Texas Adobe Floors Inc Ages Consulting, LLC dba Alternative Green Energy Solutions AM Conservation Group Electric Eel Mfg Everest Siding and Windows Floodproofing.com GT Security Solutions LLC Hillco Building Service Imperial Hospitality and Security Services, Inc JAK Environmental, LLC DBA: Legacy Power Washing & Graffiti Removal On-Site Propety Services RCPS of Texas RentSense, LLC Resto Medic Royal Painting & Remodeling LLC Texas Landscape Group Wayfinder Tax Relief LLC Wickley Interactive

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JUNE 2020 I VOLUME 43, ISSUE 6 Executive Vice President and Publisher JEFF HALL, CAE jhall@haaonline.org EDITORIAL AND DESIGN STAFF Director of Publications and Design DEBORAH NIX dnix@haaonline.org Managing Editor MORGAN TAYLOR mtaylor@haaonline.org ADVERTISING Vice President of Membership and Marketing AMANDA SHERBONDY, CAE asherbondy@haaonline.org CONTRIBUTING STAFF Vice President and General Manager SUSAN HINKLEY, CAE shinkley@haaonline.org Vice President of Professional Development EMILY HILTON, CPP, CAE ehilton@haaonline.org Vice President of Public Affairs ANDY TEAS, CAE ateas@haaonline.org Vice President of Finance NANCY LI LO, CPA nlo@haaonline.org Director of Information Technology ART EIDMAN aeidman@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 Assistant Vice President – Outreach LAUREN TURNER, CAE, CMP lturner@haaonline.org Public Affairs Manager ALPA PATEL apatel@haaonline.org Education and Meetings Coordinator KAREN MITCHELL kmitchell@haaonline.org Membership and Marketing Manager KAYLON NEWCOMB knewcomb@haaonline.org Membership Engagement Assist. MONSERRAT BUFFINGTON mbuffington@haaonline.org Webmaster and IT Specialist WILL ALFARO walfaro@haaonline.org PRINTER TGI PRINTED www.tgiprinted.com

HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES COMMITTEE CHAIR STAFF ADVISOR Executive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CLAY HICKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Program & Budget . . . . . . . . . . . .JOHN BORIACK . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Nominating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .STARLA TURNBO . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MICHELLE PAWELEK . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ . . . . . .JEFF HALL Fair Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MACK ARMSTRONG . . . . . . .JEFF HALL By-Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KYLE BROWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Past Presidents Council . . . . . . .KATHY CLEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Leadership Development . . . . .ALISON HALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SUSAN HINKLEY Product Service Council . . . . . . .LAURA LESTUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SUSAN HINKLEY Community Outreach . . . . . . . .TRACIE YODER . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SUSAN HINKLEY Legislative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOHN BORIACK . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY TEAS HAA Political Action Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .STACY HUNT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY TEAS Multifamily Fire Safety Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOHN BORIACK . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY TEAS Developers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TODD TRIGGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY TEAS Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TERRI CLIFTON . . . . . . . . . . . . .AMANDA SHERBONDY Ambassador ONE Society . . . .MARIVEL BOWNDS/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RYAN WEIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AMANDA SHERBONDY 2020 Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DAVID LINDLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . .AMANDA SHERBONDY Independent Rental Owners . .STEPHANIE BRYSON . . . . . . .AMANDA SHERBONDY Education Advisory Council . . .MONICA GRACIA/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BETSY MARSHALL . . . . . . . . . .EMILY HILTON Career/Community Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PENNY SPRANG . . . . . . . . . . . .EMILY HILTON NEXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PATRICK MAGNUSON/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NIKKI SEKUNDA . . . . . . . . . . . .EMILY HILTON Strategic Outreach . . . . . . . . . . . .CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ . . . . . .LAUREN TURNER Century Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CANDIS MOHR . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ALPA PATEL PAC Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GARY BLUMBERG . . . . . . . . . .ALPA PATEL Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MARK PARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ALPA PATEL Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . .NORMA ALVEAR/ . . . . . . . . . . .ALPA PATEL/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MARILYN ROMERO . . . . . . . . .LAUREN WOLFSON HAF Fundraiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DEBBIE ANDREOZZI/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MARK PARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LAUREN WOLFSON Resident Relations Appeals . . .DARLENE GUIDRY . . . . . . . . . .MATILDE LUNA Resident Relations A . . . . . . . . . .BEVERLY NORRIS . . . . . . . . . . .MATILDE LUNA Resident Relations B . . . . . . . . . .KEVIN HARTMAN . . . . . . . . . . .MATILDE LUNA Property Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SUSAN DEAR/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CRYSTAL JACKSON . . . . . . . .TINA DEFIORE IT Task Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOE BRYSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ART EIDMAN 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, JUNE 2020, VOLUME 43, ISSUE 6 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 © 2020 by HAA. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas.

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

www.haaonline.org

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VISI N

NEW DATE! October 8 Join Conference and Expo Chairs David Lindley, FSI Construction Inc., and Monica Gracia, Barvin, and sharpen your vision at NRG Center.

HAA 2020 Education Conference & Expo NEW DATE! Thursday, October 8 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. NRG Center, Hall C All Stars Registration opens at 8 a.m.

Expo Show Floor opens at 1:30 p.m.

Don’t miss the

Apartment All Stars!

9 a.m. – Coffee Bar and Registration 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Program

Luncheon for All Stars Attendees 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Early Bird pricing until September 30: $135 $175 after September 30 Special pricing for NAA Credential holders (must be current) $105

Visit www.haaexpo.org

OCTOBER 8

NRG

for more information and to register

Expo Show Hours 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Over 250 Exhibitors!

$3,000 in Cash Prizes!

Free professional headshots available on the show floor during Expo show hours. Presented by HAA NEXT

Expo only is FREE for all management personnel. No registration required.

Non-exhibiting suppliers are not admitted.

NRG Parking: $15 CASH ONLY

#haaexpo2020 www.haaexpo.org

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Letter from the President

By CLAY HICKS, 2020 HAA President

SINCE THIS ALL BEGAN, THE APARTMENT INDUSTRY’S TOP CONCERN HAS BEEN RENT COLLECTIONS. How were residents going to respond? How were apartment owners going to respond? How were the national, state and local governments going to respond?

The stimulus checks from the federal government helped residents to get through at least 30 days of rent, but we were unsure about 60 days and even 90 days of rent protection. We realized we, as the Houston Apartment Association, needed to help in any way possible and do our part, but we needed help.

Through all the TV interviews, radio interviews and print interviews I have done, I have spoken the same message: I’m so proud of our city, our apartment owners and managers and our residents. I’m proud of the way the apartment owners and managers have responded to the current situation. As an industry, they have stepped up to help residents in need and they have found ways to do their part while preserving the asset. They have worked hard to find ways to bridge the gap by waiving late fees, waiving online payment fees, agreeing to payment plans, deferring rent, helping residents fill out assistance paperwork and even by volunteering side-by-side with residents for charitable causes.

As the Houston-area’s local apartment association, we wanted to come up with a longterm solution for Houston renters. It all started with our HAA COVID-19 Task Force (thank you to the 14 special members who have given up a lot of time and energy) and the HAA Executive Committee’s approval of the $100,000 initial donation to the Alliance of Community Assistance Ministry to fund the HAA Renters Assistance Fund. We then asked our members, if they were able, to follow our lead and donate what they could to this fund. It didn’t matter if it was $5 or $5,000, we just wanted people to participate.

Originally, our goal was for our members to add another $25,000 to the fund, and not that you should be surprised at this point, but our members far surpassed that goal.

As of press time, HAA members have donated an additional $40,000 to the fund, which was only a couple weeks after the fund was launched. See Page 76 for the list of those who donated as of press time. Impressive.

The City of Houston took notice. The mayor’s office reached out to ask a small group of HAA members to advise him and his team of councilmembers on a rental assistance program, in coordination with Baker Ripley, that could help Houston renters, who make up more than half of our city’s population. The next thing we knew, Houston City Council approved a $15 million COVID-19 rental assistance program. Amazing!

I’m really proud of our association leaders, our members and the work HAA Vice President of Public Affairs Andy Teas and Public Affairs Manager Alpa Patel have done in leading the charge on so many of these key initiatives and working with some of our most influential members to meet with local, state and federal officials to make sure these types of assistance programs exist. Programs that focus on the long term, so we can focus on our residents, employees and apartment communities. And you should be super proud, too.

Hope to see you soon. And, remember, Make It Better!

Clay

www.haaonline.org

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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.

Houston Planned Energy Systems

HAA Member since 1997

Cotton Commercial USA Inc.

Gemstar Construction Development Inc.

HAA Member since 1982

Maintenance Supply Headquarters

HAA Member since 1985

CSC ServiceWorks

HAA Member since 1984

HAA Member since 2006

HAA Member since 1961

Craven Carpet

HAA Member since 1986

Camp Construction Services

HAA Member since 1994

June Patron of the Month

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June 2020

Apartments.com

HAA Member since 1978

AAA Plumbers

FSI Construction Inc.

HAA Member since 1999

Dixie Carpet Installations

HAA Member since 1987

RentPath

HAA Member since 1979

www.haaonline.org

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Legislative Update

By JOHN BORIACK, HAA Legislative Chair, with ANDY TEAS, CAE, Vice President of Public Affairs

HOUSTON ADOPTS $15 MILLION RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM HAA-supported program helps cover April and May rent for thousands of units.

AS THE ECONOMIC fallout from the coronavirus pandemic worsened in midApril, Houston officials asked the Houston Apartment Association to help craft a rental assistance program that could help low-income Houstonians who were unable to pay April rent and even less likely to be able to pay the rent due on May 1.

Many low- and moderate-income Houstonians are hourly workers who have been unable to work – some since midMarch – due to the pandemic.

While cities like Austin focused on punishing housing providers, Houston focused on providing its residents with rental housing assistance, reaching out to the housing industry for guidance. This is the Houston way, and it is one of the reasons so many businesses and renters choose Houston over cities with leaders who don’t understand the importance of apartment owners and renters working together.

In April, the average rent for all units in Houston was $1,056 per month. Houston quickly designed a $15 million program that would pay up to that amount per unit per month to properties on behalf of renters who were unable to pay April and/or May rent. In exchange, owners agreed to defer any amount in excess of $1,056, to set up payment plans with no late fees, penalties or interest, and to not initiate any eviction proceedings for non-payment of rent from the covered months.

To qualify, residents need to be current on their lease through March 31, be unable to pay April and/or May rent due to economic hardship from the pandemic, and either qualify for any of a long list of programs (Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, etc.) or have an income below 80% of “area median income,” which ranges from $44,150 for a single person to $83,250 for a family of eight. www.haaonline.org

One of Houston’s largest and most able non-profit agencies, BakerRipley, was chosen as the best fit to run the day-to-day operations of the program.

HAA President Clay Hicks appeared before the Houston City Council on May 5 to express our support of the program and to urge its adoption. Some conservative councilmembers were disappointed the program didn’t help homeowners, and some progressive councilmembers were unhappy that the initial amount of money wasn’t larger, but they all came together at the May 6 meeting and adopted the program unanimously.

“We want to thank Mayor [Sylvester] Turner and the members of city council for unanimously approving the program,” said Hicks after the vote. “It's going to help thousands of Houstonians who have been unable to work during this difficult time. We also appreciate BakerRipley for stepping up to run this program. Our job now is to get apartment owners across the city to register as quickly as possible so the program is ready for residents to sign up next week.”

HAA’s next task was precisely that. We used mass email, our website and social media to

publicize the program, prompting hundreds of properties to register within just a few days.

BakerRipley opened the $15 million program to apartment residents seeking help with April and May rent on Wednesday, May 13. Within 90 minutes, Houston exhausted the $15 million of rental assistance funds.

HAA members and Houston apartment residents owe a debt of gratitude to Mayor Turner and each member of our city council for their leadership on this important program. Houston is many things, but it is always a city that exceeds expectations when disasters happen.

Whether holding on through the oil bust of the 1980s, housing Hurricane Katrina evacuees in 2005 or rebuilding from our own Hurricane Harvey three years ago, Houston is at its very best when government leaders, business owners and citizens band together to help each other.

If you have a regulatory problem or question, call the HAA main line at 713-595-0300 and ask for Public Affairs.

If a particular code requirement or issue concerns you, let us know by emailing Andy at ateas@haaonline.org.

HAA President Clay Hicks appears before the media and Houston City Council and on May 5.

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It’s the Law

By HOWARD BOOKSTAFF, Hoover Slovacek LLP , HAA General Counsel

PAYMENT PLANS AND PARTIAL PAYMENTS

Answers to your questions on eligibility, scheduling, enforcement and the acceptance of partial payments.

AS WE CONTINUE on the COVID-19 journey, a number of owners have been doing what they can to work things out with residents who have suffered financial hardship due to the economic impact of COVID-19.

Owners have waived late fees, allowed security deposits to be used to pay delinquent rent, discounted rent and allowed residents to defer rent payments in order to accommodate residents’ financial situations. Often times, this means entering into a payment agreement which would require residents to pay their delinquency in future installments.

A number of questions have been raised about payment plans including eligibility issues, payment schedules, enforcement and the acceptance of partial payments.

Is an owner required to enter into a payment plan with a resident that has suffered a financial hardship as a result of the pandemic?

No. Whether, and to what extent, you want to enter into a payment plan is up to you.

However, due to the eviction moratorium under the CARES Act and various special eviction rules causing delays, a number of owners have recognized that it may be better to work something out with the resident rather than attempt to exercise (or wait to exercise) the remedy of eviction.

In the event you have agreed upon a payment plan, the rights and responsibilities of the parties should be outlined in a written agreement. If you have worked something out, but have not yet entered into a written agreement, you should. Considerations should be given to how the lease will be modified and what happens if the written agreement is not honored. www.haaonline.org

Are there fair housing issues to consider when Eligibility factors should be consistent and should developing a payment take into consideration any current or past issues plan program? that may be relevant to determine whether a resiYes. As with most aspects of dent needs help. Once again, the decision whether, apartment operations and and to what extent, you offer assistance to residents management, there are always fair housing issues to is up to you. consider. Any payment plan program should be developed a resident’s income has been affected by the and carried out in a manner that is uniform pandemic and what other resources the resiand does not discriminate against any resident might have to pay rent. dents based on their race, color, religion, naEligibility factors should be consistent and tional origin, sex, familial status or disability. should take into consideration any current or All aspects of the program including who is past issues that may be relevant to determine eligible, what accommodations are made, how whether a resident needs help. Once again, long any deferment periods last and how the the decision whether, and to what extent, payment plan is enforced, should be as consisyou offer assistance to residents is up to you. tent as possible. This does not mean that all The program may be adjusted due to the payment plans will be the same. However, all changing opportunities for assistance availplans should be based upon consistent factors able to residents. when considering resident eligibility and need for a financial accommodation.

How can I enforce a payment What factors can I consider when deterplan agreement? mining a resident’s eligibility?

Your ability to enforce a payment plan By now, you may have already developed a agreement and what steps you can take will payment plan and determined what resibe determined by the provisions of the agreedents would be eligible for an accommodament. The agreement should address what tion. However, as we move through different happens when there is a default. For examphases of reopening, you may need to adjust ple, the Texas Apartment Association Payyour eligibility requirements. Since March, a ment Plan Agreement provides that the number of rental assistance programs have resident’s failure to comply with the agreebeen created or enhanced, unemployment ment is material breach of the lease and the compensation benefits have been increased owner may pursue the remedy of eviction as and government stimulus packages have atwell as other legal remedies. tempted to address the financial situation of Your ability to enforce the payment agreethose affected by the economic impact of ment will also be subject to whatever special COVID-19. When considering future payeviction rules may be in place as a result of ment plan eligibility, you might consider how the pandemic. If a property is subject to the June 2020

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Can I accept a partial payment of rent under the payment agreement?

Whether you want to accept a partial payment is up to you.

However, if you accept a partial payment, there may be an argument that you have waived your right to proceed with a default under the agreement. If you accept a partial payment you may want to give written notice to the resident stating that: (i) you are accepting the payment as a partial payment only; (ii) the resident remains delinquent in accordance with the agreement and lease (as appropriate); and (iii) you intend to continue to enforce your rights under the agreement. If you and the resident agree to modify the payment plan to accommodate the partial payment, you would want to have the resident agree to the modification in writing.

Whether you want to accept a partial payment is up to you. However, if you accept a partial payment, there may be an argument that you have waived your right to proceed with a default under the agreement.

CARES Act, the 120-day moratorium will be in place through July 25, 2020. During the 120-day moratorium period, an owner who is subject to the CARES Act may not initiate an eviction action for nonpayment of rent or give a notice to vacate. This would apply if the nonpayment is due to a default of a payment agreement or a lease.

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These are strange and unprecedented times. Payment agreements have become popular over the past few months. By having a payment agreement in writing and covering a few basic concepts in the plan, you may be able to minimize unintended consequences and future problems.

Want more “It’s the Law?” Want to see current and previous issues of ABODE online? Visit

http://issuu.com/haa_abode.

www.haaonline.org

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COVID-19 Update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

GUIDANCE FOR CLEANING AND DISINFECTING Develop a plan with the help of this CDC guidance.

THIS GUIDANCE IS intended for all Americans, whether you own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the cleanliness and safety of your home. Reopening America requires all of us to move forward together by practicing social distancing and other daily habits to reduce our risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19. Reopening the country also strongly relies on public health strategies, including increased testing of people for the virus, social distancing, isolation, and keeping track of how someone infected might have infected other people. This plan is part of the larger United States Government plan and focuses on cleaning and disinfecting public spaces, workplaces, businesses, schools, and can also be applied to your home.

Cleaning and disinfecting public spaces including your workplace, school, home, and business will require you to: • Develop your plan • Implement your plan • Maintain and revise your plan Reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by cleaning and disinfection is an important part of reopening public spaces that will require careful planning. Every American has been called upon to slow the spread of the virus through social distancing and prevention hygiene, such as frequently washing your hands and wearing face coverings. Everyone also has a role in making sure our communities are as safe as possible to reopen and remain open.

The virus that causes COVID-19 can be killed if you use the right products. EPA has compiled a list of disinfectant products that can be used against COVID-19, including ready-to-use sprays, concentrates, and wipes. Each product has been shown to be effective against viruses that are harder to kill than viruses like the one that causes COVID-19. The list is available online at https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

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This document provides a general framework for cleaning and disinfection practices. The framework is based on doing the following: 1. Normal routine cleaning with soap and water will decrease how much of the virus is on surfaces and objects, which reduces the risk of exposure.

2. Disinfection using EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19 can also help reduce the risk. Frequent disinfection of surfaces and objects touched by multiple people is important.

3. When EPA-approved disinfectants are not available, alternative disinfectants can be used (for example, 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions). Do not mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products together – this can cause fumes that may be very dangerous to breathe in. Keep all disinfectants out of the reach of children.

Links to specific recommendations for many public spaces can be found at the CDC website https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019nCoV/index.html.

It’s important to continue to follow federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local guidance for reopening America.

A Few Important Reminders about Coronaviruses and Reducing the Risk of Exposure: • Coronaviruses on surfaces and objects naturally die within hours to days. Warmer temperatures and exposure to sunlight will reduce the time the virus survives on surfaces and objects.

• Normal routine cleaning with soap and water removes germs and dirt from surfaces. It lowers the risk of spreading COVID19 infection.

• Disinfectants kill germs on surfaces. By killing germs on a surface after cleaning, you can further lower the risk of spreading infection. EPA-approved disinfectants are an

important part of reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19. If disinfectants on this list are in short supply, alternative disinfectants can be used (for example, 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions).

• Store and use disinfectants in a responsible and appropriate manner according to the label.

Do not mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products together--this can cause fumes that may be very dangerous to breathe in. Keep all disinfectants out of the reach of children.

• Do not overuse or stockpile disinfectants or other supplies. This can result in shortages of appropriate products for others to use in critical situations.

• Always wear gloves appropriate for the chemicals being used when you are cleaning and disinfecting. Additional personal protective equipment (PPE) may be needed based on setting and product. For more information, see CDC’s website on Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html).

• Practice social distancing, wear facial coverings, and follow proper prevention hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently and using alcohol-based (at least 60% alcohol) hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

Develop Your Plan Evaluate your workplace, school, home, or business to determine what kinds of surfaces and materials make up that area. Most surfaces and objects will just need normal routine cleaning. Frequently touched surfaces and objects like light switches and doorknobs will need to be cleaned and then disinfected to further reduce the risk of germs on surfaces and objects.

• First, clean the surface or object with soap and water. / See CDC, Page 18 www.haaonline.org

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Nominate your stars!

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Individual awards are in 14 categories based on nominations made by management company executives. supervisors, coworkers , vendors and friends.

Nominate individuals online at www.haaonline.org/honors/nominations Nominate properties online at www.haaonline.org/honors/honorsform.aspx See links above for nomination forms and more information, including category breakdowns and award criteria.

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CDC, continued from Page 14 • Then, disinfect using an EPA-approved disinfectant.

• If an EPA-approved disinfectant is unavailable, you can use 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions to disinfect. Do not mix bleach or other cleaning and disinfection products together.

Find additional information at CDC’s website on Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html.

You should also consider what items can be moved or removed completely to reduce frequent handling or contact from multiple people.

Soft and porous materials, such as area rugs and seating, may be removed or stored to reduce the challenges with cleaning and disinfecting them.

Find additional reopening guidance for cleaning and disinfecting in the Reopening Decision Tool.

It is critical that your plan includes how to maintain a cleaning and disinfecting strategy after reopening. Develop a flexible plan with your staff or family, adjusting the plan as federal, state, tribal, territorial, or local guidance is updated and if your specific circumstances change.

Determine What Needs to be Cleaned Some surfaces only need to be cleaned with soap and water. For example, surfaces and objects that are not frequently touched should be cleaned and do not require additional disinfection. Additionally, disinfectants should typically not be applied on items used by children, especially any items that children might put in their mouths. Many disinfectants are toxic when swallowed. In a household setting, cleaning toys and other items used by children with soap and water is usually sufficient. Find more information on cleaning and disinfection toys and other surfaces in the childcare program setting at CDC’s Guidance for Childcare Programs that Remain Open (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/guidance-for-childcare.html).

These questions will help you decide which surfaces and objects will need normal routine cleaning.

Is the area outdoors?

Outdoor areas generally require normal routine cleaning and do not require disinfection.

Spraying disinfectant on sidewalks and in parks is not an efficient use of disinfectant supplies and has not been proven to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public. You should maintain existing cleaning and hygiene practices for outdoor areas.

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The targeted use of disinfectants can be done effectively, efficiently and safely on outdoor hard surfaces and objects frequently touched by multiple people. Certain outdoor areas and facilities, such as bars and restaurants, may have additional requirements. More information can be found on CDC’s website on Food Safety and the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-duringemergencies/food-safety-and-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19.

There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread directly to humans from water in pools, hot tubs or spas, or water play areas. Proper operation, maintenance, and disinfection (for example, with chlorine or bromine) of pools, hot tubs or spas, and water playgrounds should kill the virus that causes COVID-19. However, there are additional concerns with outdoor areas that may be maintained less frequently, including playgrounds, or other facilities located within local, state, or national parks. For more information, visit CDC’s website on Visiting Parks & Recreational Facilities (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/visitors.ht ml?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cd c.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcommunity%2Fparks-rec%2Fvisitors.html).

Has the area been unoccupied for the last 7 days?

If your workplace, school, or business has been unoccupied for 7 days or more, it will only need your normal routine cleaning to reopen the area. This is because the virus that causes COVID-19 has not been shown to survive on surfaces longer than this time.

There are many public health considerations, not just COVID-19 related, when reopening public buildings and spaces that have been closed for extended periods. For example, take measures to ensure the safety of your building water system. It is not necessary to clean ventilation systems, other than routine maintenance, as part of reducing risk of coronaviruses. For healthcare facilities, additional guidance is provided on CDC’s Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities (https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/pdf/gui delines/environmental-guidelines-P.pdf).

Determine what needs to be disinfected Following your normal routine cleaning, you can disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects using a product from EPA’s list of approved products that are effective against COVID-19.

These questions will help you choose appropriate disinfectants:

Are you cleaning or disinfecting a hard and non-porous material or item like glass, metal, or plastic?

Consult EPA’s list of approved products for use against COVID-19. This list will help you determine the most appropriate disinfectant for the surface or object. You can use diluted household bleach solutions if appropriate for the surface. Pay special attention to the personal protective equipment (PPE) that may be needed to safely apply the disinfectant and the manufacturer’s recommendations concerning any additional hazards. Keep all disinfectants out of the reach of children. Please visit CDC’s website on How to Clean and Disinfect for additional details and warnings.

Examples of frequently touched surfaces and objects that will need routine disinfection following reopening are: • tables, • doorknobs, • light switches, • countertops, • handles, • desks, • phones, • keyboards, • toilets, • faucets and sinks, • gas pump handles, • touch screens, and • ATM machines.

Each business or facility will have different surfaces and objects that are frequently touched by multiple people. Appropriately disinfect these surfaces and objects. For example, transit stations have specific guidance for application of cleaning and disinfection.

Are you cleaning or disinfecting a soft and porous material or items like carpet, rugs, or seating in areas?

Soft and porous materials are generally not as easy to disinfect as hard and non-porous surfaces. EPA has listed a limited number of products approved for disinfection for use on soft and porous materials. Soft and porous materials that are not frequently touched should only be cleaned or laundered, following the directions on the item’s label, using the warmest appropriate water setting. Find more information on CDC’s website on Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Facility for developing strategies for dealing with soft and porous materials at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/community/disinfecting-building-facility.html.

www.haaonline.org

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Consider the resources and equipment needed Keep in mind the availability of cleaning and disinfection products and appropriate PPE. Always wear gloves appropriate for the chemicals being used for routine cleaning and disinfecting.

Follow the directions on the disinfectant label for additional PPE needs. In specific instances, personnel with specialized training and equipment may be required to apply certain disinfectants such as fumigants or fogs. For more information on appropriate PPE for cleaning and disinfection, see CDC’s website on Cleaning and Disinfection for Community Facilities at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/community/organizations/cleaning-disinfection.html.

Implement Your Plan Once you have a plan, it’s time to take action.

Read all manufacturer’s instructions for the cleaning and disinfection products you will use.

Put on your gloves and other required personal protective equipment (PPE) to begin the process of cleaning and disinfecting.

Clean visibly dirty surfaces with soap and water Clean surfaces and objects using soap and water prior to disinfection. Always wear gloves appropriate for the chemicals being used for routine cleaning and disinfecting. Follow the directions on the disinfectant label for additional PPE needs. When you finish cleaning, remember to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Clean or launder soft and porous materials like seating in an office or coffee shop, area rugs, and carpets. Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using the warmest temperature setting possible and dry items completely.

Use the appropriate cleaning or disinfectant product EPA approved disinfectants, when applied according to the manufacturer’s label, are effective for use against COVID-19. Follow the instructions on the label for all cleaning and disinfection products for concentration, dilution, application method, contact time and any other special considerations when applying.

Always follow the directions on the label Follow the instructions on the label to ensure safe and effective use of the product. Many product labels recommend keeping the surface wet for a specific amount of time. The label will also list precautions such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product. Keep all disinfectants out of the reach of children. www.haaonline.org

Maintain and Revise Your Plan Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 during daily activities. CDC provides tips to reduce your exposure and risk of acquiring COVID19. Reducing exposure to yourself and others is a shared responsibility. Continue to update your plan based on updated guidance and your current circumstances.

Continue routine cleaning and disinfecting Routine cleaning and disinfecting are an important part of reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Normal routine cleaning with soap and water alone can reduce risk of exposure and is a necessary step before you disinfect dirty surfaces.

Surfaces frequently touched by multiple people, such as door handles, desks, phones, light switches, and faucets, should be cleaned and disinfected at least daily. More frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on level of use. For example, certain surfaces and objects in public spaces, such as shopping carts and point of sale keypads, should be cleaned and disinfected before each use.

Consider choosing a different disinfectant if your first choice is in short supply. Make sure there is enough supply of gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) based on the label, the amount of product you will need to apply, and the size of the surface you are treating.

Maintain safe behavioral practices We have all had to make significant behavioral changes to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

To reopen America, we will need to continue these practices: • social distancing (specifically, staying 6 feet away from others when you must go into a shared space) • frequently washing hands or use alcoholbased (at least 60% alcohol) hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available • wearing cloth face coverings • avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth • staying home when sick • cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces It’s important to continue to follow federal, state, tribal, territorial, and local guidance for reopening America. Check this resource for updates on COVID-19. This will help you change your plan when situations are updated.

Consider practices that reduce the potential for exposure It is also essential to change the ways we use public spaces to work, live, and play. We should

continue thinking about our safety and the safety of others.

To reduce your exposure to or the risk of spreading COVID-19 after reopening your business or facility, consider whether you need to touch certain surfaces or materials. Consider wiping public surfaces before and after you touch them. These types of behavioral adjustments can help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

There are other resources for more information on COVID-19 and how to Prevent Getting Sick (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/prevent-getting-sick/index.html).

Another way to reduce the risk of exposure is to make long-term changes to practices and procedures. These could include reducing the use of porous materials used for seating, leaving some doors open to reduce touching by multiple people, opening windows to improve ventilation, or removing objects in your common areas, like coffee creamer containers. There are many other steps that businesses and institutions can put into place to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect their staff and the public. More information can be found at CDC’s Implementation of Mitigation Strategies for Communities with Local COVID-19 Transmission located at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community-mitig ation-strategy.pdf.

Conclusion Reopening America requires all of us to move forward together using recommended best practices and maintaining safe daily habits in order to reduce our risk of exposure to COVID19. Remember: We’re all in this together! For more information, visit www.coronavirus.gov.

Did you know you have access to more member benefits than just the lease contracts and forms? If you’re receiving this magazine, your company has joined and made your company and YOU part of the largest local apartment association in the nation! Every employee of your team is a member of HAA and also a member of the TAA and NAA. Check us out online at www.haaonline.org. This is YOUR HAA! June 2020

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Calendar HAA Education, Events and Meetings SCHEDULE

As of press time, dates and locations are tentative. Please see www.haaonline.org for the most up-todate information.

Social distancing and masks will be required for in-person meetings.

JUNE 1 CAS: Supplier Success Now open to all supplier members.

See www.haaonline.org for details.

Monday, June 1 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Class participants will learn the economic impact of the multifamily housing industry, along with understanding the types of ownership, management and financing. Learn how to identify decision makers and how to utilize resources, timing and opportunities to boost your success.

3 New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, June 3 3 p.m. via Zoom.

All new supplier members welcome. Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

Ambassador ONE Society Meeting Wednesday, June 3 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom Ambassador team meetiing dates and times will by emailed.

Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org or details.

4 HAAPAC Luncheon – Virtual Thursday, June 4 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Program fee: $30 per HAAPAC member; $40 per non-HAAPAC member Join the HAAPAC via Zoom.

Contact Alpa at apatel@haaonline.org for registration and details.

Sponsored by Ideal Towing

5 It’s the Law Luncheon Friday, June 5 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Join HAA's Legal Counsel, Howard Bookstaff for a legal discussion in a casual environment allowing for questions and answers. The topic will be announced at a later time.

Sponsored by Matrix Construction Services Supplier Education – Virtual Friday, June 5 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Join the Product Service Council for this informative seminar via Facebook Live.

See Page 24 for details.

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with Anne Sadovsky RESCHEDULED from April Thursday, June 11 8:30 a.m. to noon See Page 22 for details.

Sponsored by CORT Furniture

12 IROC Breakfast – RESCHEDULED from May Friday, June 12 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Sponsored by CORT Furniture

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Leasing 101 (day and a half) Tuesday, June 9 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

An in-depth introduction to the apartment industry for new leasing professionals as well as those individuals looking to learn more about the industry as a career. A nonmember registration form is available for download at https://www.haaonline.org/uploaded Files/Site_Content/Education/Profess ional_Development/leasing101_2020 .pdf.

Certified Pool Operator Course – Spanish (two days) RESCHEDULED from May Tuesday, June 16 and Wedneday, June 17 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This course is conducted in Spanish.

Successful completion of this twoday course will result in a five-year certification from the National Swimming Pool Foundation and ensures pool chemicals are being used properly. This is recommended for anyone working with pools, as well as property managers so they are up to date regarding local codes and can reduce risk and liability.

The course fee of $299 per person includes textbook, exam fees and meals for both days.

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Introduction to Microsoft Excel Wednesday, June 10 8:30 a.m. to noon Learn to conquer your fear of the spreadsheet! This great-for-beginners course offers a detailed look into this multi-faceted, often daunting program.

Resident Relations Committee B Wednesday, June 10 2 p.m.

11 Honors Awards RESCHEDULED: November 13 See Page 16 for more information.

Sponsored by AAA Plumbers, Contractors Inc., CORT Furniture, FSI Construction and The Liberty Group Avenues: Mainstreet 2 “Pots, Pit Bulls, Parking, Felons and Other Fair Housing Pitfalls”

Independent Rental Owners Professional (IROP) RESCHEDULED from May Wednesday, June 17 through Friday, June 19 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A three-day course authored by NAA specially designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for new independent owner/manager of rental properties with typically 200 units or less.

Sponsored by On Site Towing and PPG Paints

18 Mix N Mingle Happy Hour: Lake Jackson Thursday, June 18 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Onsite Personnel: Come meet your fellow industry peers by joining us for a little networking and fun. Your first drink is on us! Please contact

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the HAA Outreach department at outreach@haaonline.org if you have any questions.

Sponsored by Matrix Construction Services

23 Avenues: Leadership Lane 1 “The Power of Relational Leadership” with Rommel Anacan RESCHEDULED from May Tuesday, June 23 8:30 a.m. to noon See Page 22 for details.

Sponsored by Best Plumbing

24 Introduction to Microsoft Excel Wednesday, June 24 8:30 a.m. to noon Learn to conquer your fear of the spreadsheet! This great-for-beginners course offers a detailed look into this multi-faceted, often daunting program.

25 Mix N Mingle Happy Hour: The Woodlands Thursday, June 25 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Onsite Personnel: Come meet your fellow industry peers by joining us for a little networking and fun. Your first drink is on us! Please contact the HAA Outreach department at outreach@haaonline.org if you have any questions.

Sponsored by Gemstar Construction Development

JULY 1 New Supplier Member Orientation Tentative: Wednesday, July 1 3 p.m.

Craft Republic 11470 Westheimer, 77077 All new supplier members welcome.

Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

Ambassador ONE Society Meeting Tentative: Wednesday, July 1 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Craft Republic

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 for an interactive calendar.

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

11470 Westheimer, 77077 Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

8 Certified Pool Operator Course (two days) Wednesday, July 8 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Successful completion of this twoday course will result in a five-year certification from the National Swimming Pool Foundation and ensures pool chemicals are being used properly. We will dispel the myths in pool care and tremendously reduce chemical expenses and extend the life of your pool. This is recommended for anyone working with pools, as well as property managers so they are up to date regarding local codes and can reduce risk and liability.

The course fee of $299 per person includes textbook, exam fees and meals for both days.

Resident Relations Committee A Wednesday, July 8 2 p.m.

9 Avenues: Marketing 1 “Stop Selling-Start Attracting! The Keys to Relationship-Driven Selling” with Rommel Anacan RESCHEDULED from May Thursday, July 9 8:30 a.m. to noon See Page 22 for details.

Sponsored by ALN Apartment Data HAA Membership 101 Thursday, July 9 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Cadillac Bar 1802 Shepherd Drive, 77007 Are you ready to take the next step in your membership experience?

Get an in-depth look at the many ways to engage with the Houston Apartment Association by joining us for the HAA Membership 101 session, a brand-new program for management members. Membership 101 is perfect for new or current members who want an overall review of their member benefits and HAA programs. This is also a great opportunity to network and make new connections with fellow management members. This meeting is held right before the quarterly Go-Getter Happy Hour. Feel free to stay for appetizers and a beverage to get to know new supplier members.

www.haaonline.org

This orientation is for management personnel only.

Go-Getter Happy Hour Thursday, July 9 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Cadillac Bar 1802 Shepherd Drive, 77007 Join the Go-Getters and help strengthen your association. New and prospective members are welcome! Visit the Go-Getters Corner at www.haaonline.org/gogetters for tips and tools for recruiting.

Sponsored by Crestmark Construction Services and Pavement Services Corporation

10 Bowling Tournament POSTPONED Date TBA Thank you to our sponsors: Crestmark Construction Services and Gemstar Construction

13 Avenues: Supplier Circle 2 “Are You Packing Too Much in Your Life’s Luggage?” with Katie Rigsby Monday, July 13 8:30 a.m. to noon See Page 22 for details.

14 Avenues: Leadership 2 “Be A Coach Not A Boss: The Method to Support, Challenge and Lead Your Team Effectively” with Amy Kosnikowski Dilisio Tuesday, July 14 8:30 a.m. to noon See Page 22 for details.

Sponsored by Best Plumbing

15 The Woodlands Education Outreach “Us vs. Them Mentality” with Amy Kosnikowski Dilisio Wednesday, July 15 8:30 a.m. to noon The ideal teamwork scenario is people coming together using their individual skills, ideas and support to achieve a common goal. Why is this shared vision and cooperation so difficult to achieve with the office and maintenance team? Discover solutions to this common onsite challenge, along with proven ideas to succeed together.

Sponsored by ALN Apartment Data and Interstate Restoration

16 Extreme CAM (six days) Thursday, July 16

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

A super-charged and accelerated six-day format, EXTREME CAM is designed for those experienced managers hoping to attain the CAM designation in a shorter duration, with less time away from the property. Scheduled for July 16 thru 18 and July 30 thru Aug. 1, classes will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of each week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

21 June Sponsorship Auction RESCHEDULED: Tuesday, July 21 2:30 p.m. – Auction 101 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Auction Join us for the June Sponsorship Auction! Sponsoring an event or meeting is a great way to gain recognition for your company.

Contact Amanda Sherbondy for more information at asherbondy@haaonline.org or 713-595-0316. This event is free for all supplier members.

See Page 25 for more information.

22 Advanced Excel Wednesday, July 22 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $75 Learn to conquer your fear of the spreadsheet! This great-for-beginners course offers a detailed look into this multi-faceted, often daunting program.

23 VISION 2020: HAA 2020 Education Conference and Expo RESCHEDULED: Thursday, October 8 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

NRG Center, Hall C 1 NRG Park, 77054 Registration and payment are required for the education conference. There is no pre-registration or fees required to attend the expo (tradeshow). *Non-exhibiting vendors/suppliers are not permitted to attend.* See Page 6 for details..

Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, July 23 4 p.m.

Sponsored by Camp Construction Services

An in-depth introduction to the apartment industry for new leasing professionals, as well as those individuals looking to learn more about the industry as a career. This day and a half program also includes TAA lease paperwork curriculum.

Topics covered include greeting and qualifying the customer; executing the lease contract; overcoming objections and closing techniques; an overview of Fair Housing and more. Students who complete the course will receive a certificate, as well as a listing of placement agencies and management companies that are members of HAA. If you are not working for a member company of HAA, download the registration form www.haaonline.org/images/programs/pdf/leasing101_2019.pdf

28-29 Leasing 101 (day and a half) Tuesday, July 28 and Wednesday, July 29 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Program fee: $75 if payment is received before Tuesday, July 28; $85 at the door An in-depth introduction to the apartment industry for new leasing professionals as well as those individuals looking to learn more about the industry as a career. A nonmember registration form is available for download at https://www.haaonline.org/uploaded Files/Site_Content/Education/Profess ional_Development/leasing101_2020 .pdf.

30 Extreme CAM (continued) Thursday, July 30 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A super-charged and accelerated six-day format, EXTREME CAM is designed for those experienced managers hoping to attain the CAM designation in a shorter duration, with less time away from the property. Scheduled for July 16 thru 18 and July 30 thru Aug. 1, classes will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of each week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

31 IROC Breakfast Friday, July 31 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Leasing 101 Thursday, July 23 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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New Dat es from April/Ma Postponed y Session s!

Main

ST

Avenues: Main Street – 2

June 11 Pot, Pit Bulls, Parking, Felons and Other Fair Housing Pitfalls!

With Anne Sadovsky Are you frustrated by trying to keep up with what is happening with Fair Housing? Do we really have to lease to criminals now? Can your residents smoke pot on your property? Does pot have the same rules as cigarettes?

Can you make your residents not smoke anything? Aren’t pit bulls dangerous? Can they be assist animals? You are out of parking spaces. Do you have to let every disabled person have a reserved spot? What if other handicapped people park in a reserved spot?

Your boss is concerned about using social media. Can you get sued if you say the wrong things? Don’t miss this hot Fair Housing Seminar! Anne will answer your questions and make you question your answers! Great information, graphics and stories!

Marketing

PL

Avenues: Marketing Place – 1

July 9 Stop Selling-Start Attracting! The Keys to Relationship-Driven Selling With Rommel Anacan In Stop Selling-Start Attracting! You will get an inside look at the heart and mind of your customers. You’ll discover what they want from you, what they don’t want from you, what attracts them to what you’re selling and what makes them want to run away. Want to know how to help your customer “fall in love” with what you’re selling? This program will show you!

Sponsored by

Follow a road that fits you career journey with Avenues.

The Avenues series of seminars feature some of the best nationallyacclaimed speakers in the industry with learning sessions for every level of multifamily professional. There are five Avenues to choose from, Main Street, Maintenance Boulevard, Leadership Lane, Marketing Place and Supplier Circle. Follow just one path or pick and choose from all of the 15 great sessions.

Don’t miss the next three sessions:

Leadership

LN

Avenues: Leadership Lane – 1

June 23 The Power of Relational Leadership With Rommel Anacan You’ve probably heard the saying that, “Leadership is influence.”

So, how do you build your influence with the people you lead, so that they will follow you? You’ll discover the answer to that question in The Power of Relational Leadership. In this seminar you’ll learn how to leverage the power of relational leadership to increase your capacity as a leader; increase your effectiveness as a leader; and increase your capabilities as a leader. If leadership is influence, this program will give you the keys to increasing your influence and helping you to be the leader you were meant to be.

Need just one Indiv

idu s per perso al sessions are pri eminar? n, a real s c teal for q ed at only $50 uality edu cation!

Annual Property Subscriptions are available with unlimited attendance for all on-site property staff to all sessions at discounted prices: • Only $199 per year per property for properties with fewer than 200 units • Only $399 per year per property for properties with 200 to 350 units.

• Only $450 per year per property for properties with more than 350 units.

If you need a single workshop, individual sessions are priced at only $50 per person, a real steal for quality education.

Sessions begin February 5. Enroll today. Contact the HAA Education Department at education@haaonline.org or register online at www.haaonline.org.

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www.haaonline.org

cares flow chart pg 23.qxp_Layout 1 5/18/20 1:42 PM Page 1

WHEN A RESIDENT FAILS TO PAY RENT DURING COVID-19

Can I send a notice to vacate or file an eviction?

Can I charge late fees or other charges related to nonpayment of rent?

Can I charge other fees unrelated to nonpayment of rent?

Yes

Is your property subject to the CARES Act? No

I don’t know

Yes

YES, you can send a notice to vacate, file an eviction and charge late fees subject to state, county or city order, ordinance or rule

Are you a “covered property”?

NO, you cannot send a notice to

Private Equity/ Owner Financed

I don’t know

Financed by federally backed multifamily mortgage loan or federally backed mortgage loan (Fannie Mae or Freddie Mack)

vacate, file an eviction or charge late fees until July 25, 2020

Subject to VAWA including Tax Credit/Section 8/ LURA/Bond

Rural housing voucher program

Ask your supervisor or owner

Please note: This flow chart is designed to give a general overview of how the CARES Act affects an eviction for nonpayment of rent. It is not intended to address any particular facts, situations or circumstances. This flow chart should not be relied on as a legal guideline.

Before a notice to vacate is given and before an eviction is filed, you should consult with the appropriate professionals to determine the correct course of action.

Visit the HAA homepage at www.haaonline.org/covid19 for links to this chart and other COVID-19 Updates and Resources

supplier educ ad pg 24.qxp_Layout 1 5/18/20 1:42 PM Page 1

Build Your Personal Brand A FACEBOOK Live event:

PSC Supplier Education Program Sponsored by the HAA Product Service Council Friday, June 5 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Are you new to HAA? Or have you been around awhile and need to refresh what you are doing to make yourself stand out with customers?

The Product Service Council presents programs annually to help new supplier companies and new representatives to companies gain a better understanding of the opportunities available in the multifamily industry and HAA. Come join us virtually, learn how to brand yourself and have your questions answered.

Guest Speaker:

Kimberly Scott The program is free of charge so do not miss out!

FREE for Supplier Members Register online at www.haaonline.org/ supplierprogram

`

auction pg 25.qxp_Layout 1 5/18/20 1:48 PM Page 1

Business is Better

`

with Tacos!

o c a T s ’ Let ur o t u o ‘b ! s r o s n Spo

` Events on the menu include the Dinerstein Golf Tournament, Chili Fest, Installation Gala, State of the Industry Breakfast, Avenue Programs, HAA 60th Anniversary Program and a whole line-up of education sessions and seminars.

We’ve missed going out for Mexican food and margs, so come fiesta with us, have some festive fare and get back to business!

*

Sponsorship is a great way to gain recognition for your company, personnel, products and services. By sponsoring an event, your company gains immediate name recognition and credibility with decisionmakers. We sell sponsorships of our events and meetings through a live auction. You are able to determine the value of an event in a live and entertaining auction setting.

` `

n o i ct u A p i ! sh ay d s r e tu so o c n a o 21 : T te y Sp a D Jul w y, a d es Tu

Ne

If you have neve ppetizer?

Need an a fore, come early to

r

ion ed Prokop Educat HAF Dinerstein Re Road ay Cl f of . vd Bl ay Park Center, 4810 Westw ay 8

just east of Beltw

p.m.

Auction 101: 2:30 m. ing Lots Open: 3 p.

Registration/Draw e: 3:45 p.m.

Drawing Lots clos ns: 4 p.m.

Live Auction begi Sherbondy at RSVP to Amanda nline.org asherbondy@haao

auctions be attended one of our t how to bid, at 2:30 p.m. to find ou on Auction 101 sessi your sponsohip. s on how to improve tip d an le sa r fo 's at wh e live auction, If you can't make th ? t ie D A n O the day able until the end of proxy bidding is avail y at nd bo er Sh ail Amanda Thursday, July 16! Em . ion at m ne.org for infor asherbondy@haaonli Visit

/sponsor www.haaonline.org available on June 1.

ion program for more details. Auct

naa update pg 26,27.qxp_Layout 1 5/18/20 1:49 PM Page 1

Industry Update from the NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION and the NATIONAL MULTIHOUSING COUNCIL

PPE BEST PRACTICES Learn the proper use of COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this document does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information in this report is for general informational purposes only. Information in this document may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. Viewers of this material should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No viewer of this material should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information in this document without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this document does not create an attorney- client relationship between the reader and the National Apartment Association (NAA) or any contributing law firms. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this presentation are hereby expressly disclaimed.

Purpose: To educate National Apartment Association (NAA) members on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Applies to: Maintenance personnel and other NAA members who are involved in onsite operations and interacting with community residents, colleagues and other industry partners.

Overview: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cited recent studies that indicate both a significant portion of individuals infected with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others prior to showing symptoms. Because of this, personal protective equipment (PPE) is encour-

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aged for the safety of employees and residents alike. The CDC offers recommendations regarding environmental cleaning and disinfection on a large scale and NAA urges its members to follow them. However, obtaining the necessary equipment and protective gear may prove difficult for many housing providers, especially if there are many apartments in the portfolio. It may make sense in some cases to consider outsourcing this task to licensed contractors that have the necessary safety apparatus, cleaning products and proven familiarity with health regulations.

Guidance 1. Protect Yourself – It is important to follow basic hygienic and social-distancing precautions, which include staying home if you are ill, washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and to avoid touching your face. Avoid shaking hands and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (phones, computers, desks, doorknobs). Whenever possible, substitute face-to-face meetings for email and teleconferences. As there is a period of time from exposure to symptoms, all persons should always take appropriate precautions, even if residents appear well.

2. Face Masks – The CDC recently altered their guidance of not recommending the use of masks in non‐health‐care settings to recommending wearing cloth face coverings in public. A face mask is a device designed to use a seal to the skin around the face to prevent small particulates from gaining access to the respiratory system and a face covering is a cloth to aid in containing the respiratory droplets exhaled when coughing or talking.

You company can decide what type of face mask, if any, to use based on policy and availability. It may be considered in situations such as entering a resident’s apartment for an emergency service request. If you have facial hair, it could break the seal of a facial mask, rendering it ineffective. The CDC created an infographic

to illustrate how to properly wear masks with certain facial hair styles.

3. Gloves – For routine task, using your ungloved hands and then properly washing them often is the best advice. If using gloves, take them off right away after completing a task and place them in the trash, followed immediately by washing your hands. To prevent the risk of cross contamination, NAA advises the use of one-time disposable gloves. Change gloves for each apartment or task and remember not to touch your face. To prevent contamination, proper removal of gloves should be done in accordance with CDC guidance.

4. Additional Coverage – Other PPE may include shoe covers, clothing covers, goggles and head caps. At present, NAA is not recommending the use of these items and stresses the importance to only use such supplies when necessary. As recommendations continue to change, NAA encourages members to follow the CDC for updates. Before deciding to use or make PPE available, be sure to review business policies for compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) standards. Should your company use hazmat suits and other protection items, it is important to train staff on proper usage of such items to include removal to prevent further exposure.

5. Availability – PPE has become scarce during the COVID-19 pandemic. If specific equipment is unavailable, you may consider authorizing a pre-order for shipment as soon as an item is back in stock. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that severe and mounting disruption to the global supply of PPE – caused by rising demand, panic buying, hoarding and misuse – is putting lives at risk. N95 respirator masks and gowns are the most common back-ordered items, according to the CDC. 6. Fair Housing - Persons with COVID-19 may be regarded as having a disability just as persons with other communicable diseases www.haaonline.org

Image © Cindy Greaves | Dreamstime.com

naa update pg 26,27.qxp_Layout 1 5/18/20 1:49 PM Page 2

have been regarded as having a mental or physical impairment that qualifies as having a disability under the Fair Housing Act. Decisions for PPE should be made with the intent to create the same level of response to ensure consistency with all residents and limit the risks of discriminatory claims.

7. Cleaning Protocol — A strong focus by staff should be placed on sanitizing work areas, public areas and commonly touched places (door handles, elevator buttons, etc.) and placing hand sanitizer stations in common areas.

Specific attention should be made to common entry points and exits such as elevators and stairwells. In addition, closing and providing limited access to common areas and amenity spaces should be considered. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a list of EPA-registered disinfectant products that are qualified for use against this strain of coronavirus through the agency’s Emerging Viral Pathogen program. As information is updated daily for COVID- 19, recommendations are changing accordingly.

8. Service Requests — Service requests should be considered regarding the safety of maintenance employees and residents alike. To limit exposure, it should be considered to defer

www.haaonline.org

non‐essential maintenance, resulting in only handling emergency or urgent issues as allowed by applicable law. Other activities that may cease include pre‐renewal inspections and standard interior preventive maintenance.

Maintenance associates should wear disposable, latex exam-type gloves when performing service in an occupied apartment home and thoroughly wash their hands after completing any service. The CDC advises that COVID-19 can live on some surfaces for up to three days.

Additionally, please contact appropriate local counsel for questions concerning provisions in your lease documents that speak to the timeframe for service requests, your liability for not performing and relief from performance.

9. Office Operations – Notify residents to avoid visiting the office if possible, as this is a preventive measure that will help both residents and the onsite staff to stem the spread of coronavirus. Prevent person-to-person contact whenever possible to include no handshaking.

To further promote social distancing, encourage all residents to utilize their community website, resident portal and email for all service requests, rent payments and general questions, where applicable. Employees should handle all money collection with disposable gloves and

wash their hands accordingly. Follow the guidance of the local public health agency concerning package deliveries. If you accept package delivery in the office, consider using disposable gloves when touching packages.

Related Links and Forms CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/community/guidance-business-response.html How to Handle Maintenance during COVID-19: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2ojyMrWP4E&feature=youtu.be Can a Mask Protect Me? Putting Homemade Masks in the Hierarchy of Controls: https://www.jhsph.edu/research/centers-andinstitutes/johns-hopkins-education-and-research-center-for-occupational-safety-and-hea lth/can-a-mask-protect-me-putting-homemade-masks-in-the-hierarchy-of-controls About NAA The National Apartment Association (NAA) serves as the leading voice and preeminent resource through advocacy, education and collaboration on behalf of the rental housing industry. As a federation of more than 150 state and local affiliates, NAA encompasses over 82,000 members representing more than 10 million apartment homes globally. NAA believes that rental housing is a valuable partner in every community that emphasizes integrity, accountability, collaboration, community responsibility, inclusivity and innovation. NAA thanks its strategic partners Maintenance Supply Headquarters and Yardi. To learn more, visit www.naahq.org.

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RCR Update

By TINA DEFIORE, Director of Rental Credit Reporting, with RANDALL C. PATTON, CoreLogic

ONLINE LEASING How apartment communities can build their digital toolboxes.

COVID-19 HAS changed the world, and it has moved almost everyone online.

When stay-at-home orders spread across the world, schools, grocery shopping, entertainment, even family celebrations went virtual.

The sudden shift caught many Americans off-guard, including rental property owners and leasing managers who were operating with paper-based leasing and require inperson insurance verification and rent payments. While the sudden surge in unemployment has resulted in a dramatic impact on the apartment industry, apartment leasing has also significantly changed, especially for properties that require in-person lease signings and other face-to-face interactions.

The pandemic disrupted rental operations in countless ways, however, rental property owners and managers that were using online tools before the pandemic may be better positioned to adjust. That said, there are still many options for moving operations online.

With the unknown future of the COVID-19 and its long-term impacts on the way we continue to do business, taking advantage of digital tools makes smart business sense.

Building a digital toolbox, during a stay-athome order and after, allows you to enjoy significant benefits that include: • Immediate access through virtual tours.

Scheduling onsite property tours can be time-consuming and difficult, especially when prospects are unable to attend appointments, with or without warning. Online tours eliminate the hassles—and may be easier than you think. Video conferencing and videotelephony apps such as Zoom enable leasing professionals to give prospects tours of available units and amenities , while carrying on a conversation and answering the resident’s questions. Scheduling virtual tours can also be quick and easy. All it takes is a phone call.

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• Expedited application process. Online leasing applications and leases bring the leasing process to the homes of your prospects. Instead of having to travel to the your property, prospects can complete and sign applications and leases at any time of the day or night.

• More complete applicant screening for improved community security. One of the reasons many rental property owners and managers have hesitated to adopt online leasing is because they want the opportunity to meet prospects in person to get a better sense of who they are as renters. Unfortunately, many fraudsters are also skilled at making great first impressions. Stories abound about bad actors who were so likable that owners and property managers didn’t bother with background checks or ignored red flags. The 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.

Another benefit of establishing a resident screening process is the ability to tell applicants that being approved through this process is a community requirement.

Owners may also be able to reduce property insurance costs by instituting comprehensive applicant screening.

• Helps prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Reducing in-person meetings, wearing masks and maintaining a 6-foot distance between people all help to reduce the virus spread. However, because the virus can be present in a person experiencing no symptoms and is known to live on surfaces, including documents, cardboard and money, minimizing contact with such surfaces also helps protect against the virus. Online leas-

ing applications, rent payments and renters insurance systems each eliminate points of contact to keep employees, leaseholders and prospects safe.

Building your Digital Toolbox If you’re making the transition to the digital world, it’s okay to start small and gradually expand your tool selection. Essential tools to get you started may include: • Virtual tours • An online lease application process • Resident screening and background checks • An online renters insurance tool that includes the verification and tracking of enrollment in a policy • An online rent payment portal A digital toolbox may help reduce virus transmission as well as increase leasing speed and convenience to capture more prospects, improve community security and simplify day-to-day operations. Best of all, the benefits of going digital are yours to keep.

CoreLogic has been a valued partner for HAA’s Rental Credit Reporting for 13 years. Randall C. Patton is a senior professional in sales at CoreLogic with over 15 years of credit experience in the multifamily industry, including applicant screening, online leasing, renter’s insurance and more. Patton supports the partnership between CoreLogic and HAA by helping to expand the RCR presence for Houston-area apartment owners and management companies. He holds a CAS designation, has been a licensed insurance agent for 13 years and is regarded as an industry expert on applicant fraud and identity theft.

www.haaonline.org

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Do you really know your applicants?

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.

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

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. RCR also tells you who hasn’t paid rent, who has broken leases and who has received their deposit refund.

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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k c e h a t o t B O

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e r u t u F

June 2020

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.”

0 2 0 2 o t go r e v e t ’ n s, do

“Marty,

n e p p a h r whateve

By

BRUCE MCCLE

NNY, ApartmentData

.com

And our story begins with a terrible virus and a meme …

W

ho knew that Doc Brown’s warning to Marty McFly in “Back

DeLorean image © Covid-19 image © Photodynamx | Dreamstime.com Buddhilakshan4 | Dreamstime.com

to the Future Part II” would be so

www.haaonline.org

prophetic? That 2020 would bring a pandemic that would sweep across the world, infecting millions and killing hundreds of thousands. That economic shutdown and stay-at-home orders would be the appropriate actions needed to fight the deadly virus from threatening the health and lives of millions more.

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The Houston Apartment Market: Don’t Ever Go Back to 2020 …

2020 Rent Houston March vs. April Month over Month Change Percentage Dollars

Average Monthly Rent

Year

3/31/2020

Overall

$1,059

Class A

$1,543

Class B

$1,029

Class C

$816

Class D

$660

4/30/2020

-$8

$1,051

-$19

$1,524

-$5

$1,024

-$5

$811

$0

$660

-0.8% -1.2% -0.5% -0.6% 0.0%

All infographics copyright© 2019 Apartment Data Services LLC, All Rights Reserved

As of the writing of this article, over 30 million Americans are unemployed. In Texas, 2.1 million became unemployed in a matter of six weeks. Locally, the number of unemployment claims were around 350,000.

Unfortunately, we do not have a flux capacitor to time shift us out of this predicament.

Welcome to “The Great Stay at Home Recession” as Dr. Bill Gilmer phrased it at the University of Houston’s Bauer College of Business webinar “Houston’s Economy in the Wake of COVID-19 and the Oil War.” Gilmer is with the Institute of Regional Forecasting at the University of Houston.

Another New Normal?

Normally, April is a month that experiences relatively strong absorption or demand. It is a time when move-ins far exceed move-outs.

Last year, during the traditionally strong leasing season, from February through August, the Houston apartment market absorbed 2,805 units in April. This was the best monthly absorption performance for 2019 when a total of 14,066 units were absorbed.

Now that COVID-19 has shut down the economy, causing demand destruction for our industry, April 2020 only mustered 726 units. This absorption is just one-fourth the absorption of

April 2019. The graph below illustrates the deep divide between April 2020 and 2019, as well as past April performances. But, wait, absorption in April 2016, of 561 units, is less than April of 2020. In Houston, 2016 stands out as the bottom of the Fracking Bust. April of 2016 was sandwiched between two economically staggering events. In February 2016, the price for a barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude traded as low as $26 per barrel, and then in May, the Baker Hughes Rig Count reached an all-time low of 404 active rigs. Oddly enough, this level of COVID-19 induced economic depravity is not so new as far as absorption goes.

Houston Historical April Absorption Units

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Houston Metro Classification Analysis

Effective Rent $/month 12-Month Trend

Absorption (Units) 12 Months 3 Months

As of April 30, 2020

Supply

2020 Construction

5,929

3.9%

$1.73

$1,570

–

–

227

227

2019 Construction

16,404

47.2%

$1.60

$1,509

–

–

6,800

2,647

2018 Construction

5,381

88.6%

$1.58

$1,451

3.5%

-10.2%

1,046

111

Class A (w/o 18+ const.)

128,334

91.9%

$1.61

$1,520

-0.4%

-1.8%

1,459

Class B (w/o 18+ const.)

3

266,954

91.3%

$1.17

$1,024

1.1%

-1.5%

121

-32

Class C

202,583

91.2%

$0.95

$811

0.5%

-1.5%

71

-125

Class D

44,950

90.3%

$0.76

$660

-0.3%

-2.4%

456

238

Overall

670,535

89.4%

$1.19

$1,051

1.2%

-0.7%

10,180

3,069

Rent in Economic Lockdown It is a natural, competitive market reaction for rent levels to fall in response to weaker levels of absorption. The table of data on the previous page shows how the overall average monthly price of rent in April is distributed by class. In addition, it shows the month-over-month, March versus April, change in rent levels. Overall, rent dropped by $8 in April 2020, a -0.8% drop. Class A rent made the largest adjustment, registering a $19 or a -1.2% slide in rent since the end of March. Classes B and C both dropped by $5 and Class D was unchanged.

The traditional way of looking at changes or growth in rent is from an annual or year-overyear basis. With this customary analysis, April’s most unusual and uncharacteric movement in rent discussed above is masked, pun intended.

The table of data at the top of this page shows the annual or 12-month rent growth on an overall basis as well as by class of property.

Classes are determined by a bell curve distribution of market rates. In addition, new construction supply for 2017, 2018 and 2019, or properties in lease-up, have been filtered out to provide a stabilized look at Classes A and B. The overall statistic line shows that rent for the Houston Metro advanced by 1.2% over the last 12 months. This rate is positive but not very robust and it is stunted by April’s slide in rent.

The annualized three-month trend is negative and more influenced by April. Class B had the best of the rent growth performances between the classes with a 1.1% improvement over the last 12 months. Class C was essentially flat.

The 2018 construction is at 88.6% occupancy, which indicates an excessively long timewww.haaonline.org

Occupancy

$/sq ft

frame to reach the stabilized occupancy threshold of 90%. However, the properties delivered in 2018 amount to only 5,381 units.

2019 construction is essentially halfway to stabilization at 47.2% occupancy. The almost 6,000 units already delivered in 2020 are just leaving the dock on their lease-up voyage with an occupancy of 3.9%. The construction properties of 2019 and 2020 are quickly adjusting to the new rules of engagement under social distancing and stay-at-home orders through virtual and sef-guided tours.

Apartment Market Cycles All metro apartment markets have two traditional cyclical seasons. There is a fast leasing season beginning in February and running through August when absorption is strong, moving occupancy and rent higher. The second season is the slow leasing season running from September through January. During this season, absorption is muted, even negative at times, and occupancy and rent levels tend to fall throughout this season. The graph on Page 34 shows monthly rent and occupancy levels since January 2018. The profile and shape of the rent line and occupancy bars are like the up and down movement of tides. The fast leasing season has the surge and flow of high tide. In January 2018, on the far left of the graph, the fast seaaon began with occupancy at 89.3% and by August occupancy had peaked at 90%.

Similarly, the rent line moved higher with occupancy from an overall average of $1,017 per month in January to a high of $1,033 in June.

The slow leasing season of 2018 that began in September exhibited the ebbing effect of low

3-Month Trend

tide as occupancy and rent fell and bottomed around January of 2019. The movement in occupancy and rent in 2018 was flattened or constrained by the impact of Hurricane Harvey in the fourth quarter of 2017 when rent and occupancy spiked, unseasonably.

The movement of rent and occupancy in 2019 more closely resemble normal seasonal activity. In January 2019, both rent and occupancy were at their low points with occupancy at 89.4% and rent resting at $1,023. The fast season for 2019 pushed occupancy to a high of 90.2% by August with rent rising in tandem as well as simultaneously peaking at $1,055. The slow season of 2019 shows that occupancy subsided to 89.3%, which is basically the same slow season low point for the last two years. Unfortunately, the market has not made any lasting headway towards higher occupancy levels over the 90% range. Rent bottomed in November of 2019 at $1,048, which gave rent advances a twomonth head start on 2020’s fast season.

Even though 2020’s fast season got a head start on rent growth, it is now acutely obvious that 2020’s fast season has been interrupted and thrown into reverse as a result of the economic shutdown. April’s drop in rent of $8, from $1059 to $1,051, is a massive and uncharacteristic direction for the season. In addition, occupancy is irregularly flat for the season.

The Great Stay-at-Home Recession has begun and these are the early results.

2020 with Hindsight and Wild Speculation 2020 is filled with incredible uncertainty, however, one certainty is that there are 21,250 June 2020

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The Houston Apartment Market: Don’t Ever Go Back to 2020 …

units (75 properties) under construction.

Many of these units will be delivered on top of the 7,800 units already opened and leasing in 2020. A delay in 2020 deliveries is anticipated, due to labor and material shortages. Most likely, the market will deliver somewhere between 15,000 to 17,000 units in 2020.

Prior to the arrival of the pandemic, economic forecasts for Houston in 2020 were already tempered by a credit crisis in the fracking oil patch that began mid-2019. Patrick Jankowski, senior vice president of research at the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), back in December of 2019, forecasted that Houston would gain 42,300 jobs. This forecast was made by taking into account that the average price of WTI crude would be around $55 per barrel during 2020, as predicted by the U.S. Energy Adminis-

tration. Even with WTI at $55 per barrel, Jankowski’s forecast included that the energy and retail trade sectors would lose jobs.

Since the economy was shut down, most all sectors have been experiencing job losses.

April’s job report for the nation was just released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which showed that 20.5 million jobs were lost and the unemployment rate spiked to 14.7%. Alarmingly, this report only captured employment activity between the middle of March and the middle of April. What’s more, the BLS stated that the actual unemployment rate might have been closer to 20% due to a problem in the way workers were classified.

At any rate, job losses and unemployment statistics will move even higher as the 33 million initial unemployment claims continue

to work through the BLS. In Houston, the last accounting of initial unemployment claims available was 342,786. This number represents claims through April 25 and was provided

by Jankowski.

The scale and speed of job losses and unemployment has been unprecedented. There were 8.7 million job losses during the Great Recession in 2009 when unemployment peaked around 10%. Then, there was the Great Depression, which compares more favorably, when unemployment reached about 25%. The Great Recession lasted around 18 months and the Great Depression dragged on for 10 years. The Great Stay-At-Home Recession is unique in that non-essential business came to a sudden stop in mid March and that all the job loss carnage happened in six weeks. Another unique feature

Even though 2020’s fast season got a hea d start on rent growth, it is now acutely obvious that 2020’s fast season has bee n interrupted and thrown into reverse as a result of the economic shutdown. April’s drop in rent of $8, from $1059 to $1,051, is a massive and uncharacteristic directio n for the season. In addition, occupancy is irregularly flat for the season. The Gre at Stay-at-Home Recession has begun and these are the early results.

upancy Houston Effective Rent and Overall Occ

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of this current economic stew is that businesses are beginning to slowly start back through a three-phased process.

What will job growth look like by the end of the year? Bill Gilmer with the Institute of Regional Forecasting at the University of Houston has published a 2020 jobs forecast for Houston. Gilmer reckons that Houston will lose 83,200 jobs this year. Oil-related jobs account for 31,500 of the loss.

A job loss scenario, as Gilmer suggests, does not bode well for the Houston apartment market, especially for properties in lease-up and those that will open during 2020. Absorption is critical for these properties, but absorption will be constrained, and rent will move lower.

Looking back to 2009, a time when Houston lost 110,500 jobs, it provides a basis for a possible narrative on expectations for 2020. In 2009, overall rent fell by 2.3%, absorption was around 1,600 units and almost 15,000 units were delivered. Digging deeper reveals that Class A rent retreated by 5.1%; Class B rent fell by 1.9% and Classes C and D improved their rent levels by 1.5%. This is where the wild speculation begins. For 2020, assume that the overall drop in rent for 2009 of -2.3% is the starting point for a range of lower rent growth.

Given this line of thinking, assume that overall rents will decline by -2.0% to -4.0%. The distribution of rent growth in this setup among the classes might look like this: Class A rent suffers by -5.0% to -6.0%; Class B’s rent drops from -3.0% to -4.5%; and Classes C and D rent ranges from flat to -1.0%. Absorption for 2020, through April, has already registered over 3,000 units. Suppose that by year end absorption will reach 5,000 units. Also consider that another 9,000 units will be delivered to supply from the 21,000 under construction. With these changes in demand and supply, occupancy will move lower and end the year at 88.5%.

To reiterate, this forecast is highly speculative and assumes that the return to work is not interrupted by another outbreak of the virus later this year. A quote from the great philosopher Yogi Berra is a fitting end to this article, which is “The future ain’t what it used to be.”

Bruce McClenny is president of ApartmentData.com.

For more details, call 281-759-2200 or email bruce@apartmentdata.com.

For more on the market see McClenny’s Marketline on Page 75.

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Lifting your teams out of uncertainty and fear and into empowerment and productivity.

By

MORGAN TAYLOR, HAA Managing Editor

O

nsite personnel in the multifamily industry are working harder than they were before the virus and they’re risking their lives to keep apartment communities operating. If you’re a leader in the apartment business, here are ways to keep your onsite teams engaged and empowered.

This article is an adaptation of a webinar presented by Texas Apartment Association titled “Housing Heroes” and lead by Jen Piccotti and Kara Rice of Swift Bunnies.

In the webinar, Piccotti and Rice stated that in times of crisis, there are two possible directions teams and people will take. One is fear and helplessness. The other is engagement and empowerment, in which people feel part of the solution.

A team’s direction is dependent on the team’s leader. Think about the energy of your team right now. Are they scrambled and uninspired, working from fear and helplessness? Or are they productive and motivated, working from engagement and empowerment?

Be a Leader Teams right now are looking to their leaders for compassion, recognizing each individual’s experience during and outside of work and extending kindness and humanity to them; stability, which can be hard to find right now, but try to infuse stability where you can; and hope, the hope that all of this is temporary and that as a team we will get through all of this.

Here are ways you can empower your teams during COVID-19: Communication Maintaining communication is the most important thing you can do as a leader right now. People value daily communication during this pandemic, and as a leader, you should be leading your team out of their concerns to a place of stability. If your teams are working remotely, constant communication could boost motivation.

Team meetings should take place regularly.

Ask your teams what they need from you: daily, weekly or bi-weekly team meetings. In addition

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to team meetings, carve out time to have oneon-one meetings with each team member. If you have a team member who is suffering or who isn’t doing as well as the others, check in with him or her.

Administering an anonymous survey is an easy way to gauge how well your team is doing and how your company is operating. People tend to be more candid through anonymous surveys, Piccotti and Rice said. The point of doing this as a leader is to listen – listen to what your teams are experiencing, what they need and how you can better lead them.

Here are some suggested questions to ask your team members, provided by Piccotti and Rice.

• What is your greatest contribution to your team right now that only you can bring? – Reminds team members that they are an important, valued part of the team.

• Why was today a good day? – Promotes positive thinking.

• How can I support you? – Most of the time, people may not have an answer to this question, but it’s important to keep asking because there may be a time, and it may only be one time, when they do need your support.

Flexible Schedules A verbal “thank you” goes a long way, however, your teams need more to stay motivated and empowered during a pandemic.

Uncertainty can cause anxiety for most people, and your onsite teams are on the frontlines dealing with the anxiety of your residents, in addition to anxiety and stress in their personal lives. Flexible schedules could be extremely beneficial to your team. Before COVID-19, leaders were relatively rigid about work schedules. This pandemic has challenged us to reconsider what is really important and what isn’t. Ask yourself, does what time your employees come in or leave really matter right now?

Many people are now faced with home schooling their children, managing their own careers and everything in between. Whether they need the time to recharge, to provide for their children or take care of personal matters, allowing for schedule flexibility or short-

ened days may make your employees’ lives a lot easier.

Show Appreciation Utilize Zoom as a way to virtually show your appreciation for your team. You can still recognize individual team members for their hard work during this remote and social distant time by giving them a virtual shout out during a team meeting.

You can even celebrate birthdays virtually, too. Having cupcakes or something sweet delivered to team members celebrating a birthday or a big career milestone would be a thoughtful touch.

Having a meal delivered to your team member who you know has a family gives that team member one less thing to worry about. Putting together a care package or a thank you package for your team members is a nice way to show you appreciate their hard work. Think about what we consider essential care items today – toilet paper, masks, hand sanitizer, takeout food gift cards and etc. Even if it’s just one of each item, your team will appreciate it. It doesn’t matter what you send your team, receiving something in the mail is a nice surprise for your team members and it’s a rewarding way to say thank you.

Maintaining Connection, Virtually You can hold virtual teambuilding activities for all of your employees, whether they’re working remotely or not. Virtual happy hours are a fun way to build comradery during a socially distant time. Consider themed virtual happy hours or a virtual background contest.

You could also have lunch delivered to your team and set up a virtual lunch with everyone.

Engaging your employees has been a crucial part of today’s successful businesses, but with heightened anxiety in the air, it’s even more important to keep your teams productive and motivated. As a leader, it’s your job to give your employees what they need, and right now, that means something a little different than what leaders are used to providing for their teams. In an everchanging time, leaders must be dynamic.

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s

Veritas

#multifamilys

trong

Rockstar

Onsite staff are the masked superheroes of multifamily!

W ! u o Y k n a h T

hen ABODE put out the call to our members for photos of their essential employees in action, they answered with more than 200

photos and videos! Here are just a few. See next month’s

issue for more. If you have photos to submit, email them

to comm@haaonline.org.

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New Hope Housing

DayRise

Better World

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Verve Assets

BMI

Lamppost Camden

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Lynd

Whitney

Better World

See HAA’s Facebook group page for videos and more from our industry’s “Essentials!” www.haaonline.org

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How leaders can engage and connect with their employees and customers in a challenging time.

By

KATHY CLEM, CPM, AAA Staffing

T

he United States economy was off to great start as we moved into 2020, this new decade of the 21st century. Then, the world was hit with a pandemic that affected everyone on a personal, professional, emotional and financial level. Since mid-March, the world has been turned upside down and our new normal continues to change weekly, sometimes daily.

Remember handshakes and pats on the back? These forms of greeting and connecting were replaced with – don’t shake hands, let’s fist bump – oh, better yet, bump elbows. Then, we were encouraged to stay 6 ft. apart or social distance – it’s cooler. From stay at home, shelter in place, lockdown, essential or non-essential workers, the way we conduct business and connect with those around us has changed.

As an essential business, apartment management companies have had to decide who could work from home and who should continue to work in the office. Do you leave the onsite office open and take additional precautions? Or do you lock the doors, staff the office accordingly and change the way your staff interacts with residents, prospects and suppliers? Leasing has been changing quickly from in-person tours to no tours to self-tours and/or virtual tours. Maintenance changed from full-service to emergency maintenance requests only. In a time of crisis, how do organizations and their leaders effectively manage changes in operation with their teams while also maintaining a high level of employee engagement and stay connected and engaged with our customers?

Managing Emotions for Productivity Many have never seen nor experienced the magnitude of this global crisis. With so much uncertainty and change in both business and in our personal lives for the foreseeable future, how do leaders navigate these uncertain waters to connect with their employees and to communicate and lead in a way that maintains employee engagement and productivity?

Employee engagement is the cornerstone of high-performing teams and organizations as underscored in his quote by Jack Welch, former CEO of GE. “There are only three measurements that www.haaonline.org

tell

Many have never seen nor experienced the magnitude of this global crisis. With so much uncertainty and change in both business and in our personal lives for the foreseeable future, how do leaders navigate these uncertain waters to connect with their employees and to communicate and lead in a way that maintains employee engagement and productivity?

you nearly everything you need to know about your organization’s overall performance: employee engagement, customer satisfaction and cash flow. It goes without saying that no company, small or large, can win over the long run without energized employees who believe in the mission and understand how to achieve it,” An article by Quantumworkplace.com discusses how fears about the pandemic, exposure, quarantines, and their impact on employee’s ability to work causes concern, anxiety, worry, uncertainty and fear that if not acknowledged and address can impact employee engagement and productivity. Addressing these emotions in the workplace can be vital to your company and community’s success.

Suggestions to help manage employee emotions in the workplace include: • Be transparent and communicate regularly with your employees. Provide updates and information, even if you don’t have all the answers. If you have to make difficult decisions to reduce hours or headcount or change the way you do business for the short or long term, the time you take to communicate with your employees at all levels builds trust, understanding and engagement.

• Be inclusive and ensure that your messages reach all employees. If you have Spanish speaking employees, provide written updates in both English and Spanish. Have a Spanish-speaking person available to lead calls, to communicate important information and to answer questions. This not only opens communication across all parts of the company, but goes a long way toward building good will, trust and engagement.

• Check in frequently. Whether it’s the CEO of a company conducting an all-employee call

or a manager performing regular one-on-one check ins with each staff member, creating connection by communicating with your employees helps boost both individual and team morale.

• Don’t just talk, listen. Don’t discount or ignore your employee’s feelings or concerns.

Each person deals with crisis and change differently. If employees feel that their concerns are heard and addressed, that understanding and empathy can have a positive impact, even when you can’t tell them what they want to hear. They appreciate that you listened to them.

• Ask for feedback. Any change, even when not implemented during a crisis, can be uncertain and confusing. Check in with your team members, ask for their feedback and then act on it. Sometimes small tweaks in a change or new way of doing things can make a big difference to those implementing the initiative. By asking for and valuing feedback from your employees, they feel that they are part of the solution and are more likely to be vested in the success of the property and the company.

• Be a resource. Many companies have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as part of their benefit package. Access this or other resources through your health insurance provider or human resources department to provide assistance for employees and their families who may be struggling. Make that information readily available to all employees and provide frequent reminders about the types of services provided. Develop training for your managers and maintenance supervisors to recognize and address stress and other related emotions due to the pandemic or any crisis.

This training can be invaluable to your teams and to your leaders.

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• When possible, be flexible. With school and day care status uncertain, how are your employees who have children handling day care? How is time off handled if an employee must take time off due to illness? Everyone has faced added stress and change during this time. What can you do to be flexible or to develop “out-ofthe-box” ideas that will help your employees, to keep them working and engaged while maintaining your business operations?

Your commitment to employee engagement in both great and challenging times will help create a strong culture of engagement that can have a positive impact on your bottom line. “To win in the marketplace, you must first win in the workplace,” – Doug Conant.

Source: https://marketing.quantumworkplace.com/hubfs/Marketing/COVID19%20Microsite/Managing%20Employee%20Em otions.pdf?hsLang=en&__hstc=151234879.e3f73 08c2738b3e944b294764e366943.1587934012016.

1587934012016.1587934012016.1&__hssc=1512 34879.1.1587934012017&__hsfp=4112605840.

Engagement with Customers and Employees: it’s all about HEART As important as having a plan in place to focus on employee engagement across all levels of the organization, it is also important that you also provide your teams with the training, resources and tools to connect and engage with their customers in our ever-changing new normal. The Harvard Business Review found five key strategies that help companies work through a crisis and maintain their relationship and connection with customers in their model called HEART. Let’s look at each component.

• Humanize your company. As with your employees, communication is the cornerstone of customer relationships. Let your customers know that your company understands the consequences of the personal, social, economic and financial impact of the crisis and that your company is not focused only on profits during this difficult time. Ensure that your messaging conveys empathy and clearly communicates the steps you are taking to help customers and employees. Use your company and community websites, social media and email distribution as platforms to provide information. This does not require long, rambling narratives. Keep your message brief and remember, at the end of the day, your customers will be most interested in the value you create for them.

How you listen is as important as how you communicate with your customer. More of our communication with our customers for the foreseeable future may not be face-to-face. Whether employees are communicating with customers by phone, Skype and/or Zoom or by email, the customer wants to feel that someone is listening.

For example, it doesn’t matter that 75% of your residents have the same financial hardship during this crisis. What matters to each resident is that you actively listen to their story, their problem. You can show empathy and concern as you listen; resist the urge to interrupt to tell them the

rule or policy that applies. Have a list of options and resources to help your residents, in addition to communicating the policies your company has in place.

• Educate about change. How has your daily operation changed this week, this month? Are you continuing to minimize face-to-face contact? Are you taking extra precautions to clean and disinfect offices, common areas and amenities? Have you moved from personalized prospect tours to self-guided or virtual apartment tours? Is maintenance only completing emergency service requests? Are you providing residents with instructional videos so they can complete minor, non-emergency repairs in their apartment? Are you offering online alternatives to the residents if use of the fitness center and other amenities is limited?

Make sure that any changes to the way you are doing business are communicated clearly and updated as changes occur. This is another area where community websites, social media pages, resident portals and regular emails can keep residents and customers informed.

Also communicate with suppliers and contractors to inform them of changes that may impact them, including those related to safety and personal protection, scheduling, deferment of scheduled work and any changes to payment terms that may impact them.

• Assure stability. Let your customers know that although some of the ways you conduct your business has changed, your company’s values and the reasons that they chose your community as their home have not changed.

For example, if there is a period that you only accept payments by ACH or credit card to limit face-to-face contact, can you waive or reduce the credit card convenience fee charges? Or, your property promotes its large state-of-the art fitness center, but you are forced to close it for a period of time. Consider offering online fitness classes for your residents by hiring a fit-

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ness instructor to provide instruction through Zoom or other web-based options to ensure your residents have onsite fitness options.

• Revolutionize offerings. Not all change is bad. Make sure you promote changes and innovation to show how you are connecting with and serving your customers in new ways.

Remember the online fitness classes you offered when the fitness center was closed? If you have residents taking advantage of the online classes, why stop when the fitness center reopens? You may have found another way for your residents to find value in your community.

Self-guided and virtual tours may give your prospects more flexibility when shopping for an apartment. Online leasing and renewals, which may be mandatory when face-to-face contact is limited, may prove to be a great time saver for customers and the staff.

• Tackle the future. As companies go through the many phases of change and government regulation related to our new normal during this crisis, leaders will need to establish and communicate a timeline to re-evaluate the changes made to their operations and polices put in place to assist residents who have suffered personal loss, job loss and/or financial hardships during this time.

Make sure you take note and communicate ways that your company and your team has gone above and beyond what was required. What has your company learned from this experience that can be used after the pandemic to strengthen the way the company operates going forward?

Showing how the company is taking ownership of the situation can inspire confidence and loyalty from both its employees and customers.

A focused plan to maintain and improve engagement and connection with employees and customers during both good and challenging times can reap great benefits. It’s value – priceless.

Source: https://hbr.org/2020/04/ensure-that-yourcustomer-relationships-outlast-coronavirus.

Kathy O’Connell Clem, CPM has over 35 years of property management experience. She works with AAA Staffing, an employment agency servicing the apartment industry nationwide since 1998, providing temporary, temporary-to-permanent, and permanent placement services.

Clem is also the owner of Vast Resource Coaching and Consulting, providing professional and personal development coaching to individuals and teams and consulting to the property management industry.

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How to reopen your pools for safe and healthy use as state-mandated quarantine lifts.

GRANT ALMQUIST,Texas Apartment Pool Services

A By

t the time of writing this article, it’s anticipated that by the publication of this article, swimming pools will be open state-wide, absent of any further orders closing swimming pools.

Keep informed on the required occupancy limits of your swimming pool. Please refer to www.haaonline.org for the most updated guidance on apartment pools and other amenities as they relate to COVID-19, as well as www.PHTACoronaupdate.com for pool health and safety guidelines. Now, let’s talk about what reopening your swimming pools looks like.

Navigating social distancing inside the pool and within its gates will be the most challenging part of reopening your apartment community’s swimming pool. The good news: According to experts from the CDC and other aquatic health organizations, there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted though pool water. But there is a caveat: proper operation and maintenance should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19. If you locked the gate at the start of quarantine and forgot about the pool until now, you have a lot of work to do.

Should you have a green pool, the first thing to do is to make sure the equipment is running and backwash the filter. Next, shock it with the appropriate amount of calcium hypochlorite and then brush the entire plaster surface. Let the pool sit running for a day to allow the water to settle, then you can begin the vacuuming process. The filter will need to be backwashed more often than normal due to the large amount of matter it will be taking from the water. Depending on how bad the pool was this process may need to be repeated a few times. If you run into problems or need help, contact your preferred pool maintenance and repair company for advice or assistance.

The coronavirus isn’t the only disease you have to worry about right now if you have neglected your pool over the last few months.

Other diseases such as E-Coli, Shigella, Giardia and Cryptosporidium (Crypto) can linger in your pool waters if you haven’t kept your pools blue, clear and safe. A pool left to itself with no care will easily become infected

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with these recreational water illnesses, which can be easily spread amongst swimmers and staff. The twice daily checking and balancing of chemicals (yes, even on Sundays), is still a state requirement. Inspectors are still inspecting pools for compliance and shutting down noncompliant facilities, which requires reinspection fees and could present possible fines. It is less work and more cost-effective to keep a pool in good shape than it is to turn one back around after it’s gone green.

Properties should keep the mindset that the pools will be reopening soon, and therefore need to be in swim ready condition.

Reopening Apartment Pools After months of quarantine, apartment communities have been antsy to reopen their pools so that their residents could regain access to the amenity they miss the most, especially now that summer is here. Still, it’s important to take your time and reopen the right way. If you are reopening your swimming pool, there are a few things to keep in mind. From an aquatic management perspective, the first thing that will have to be addressed is how to control the number of people allowed on your pool decks. Keep informed on the required occupancy limits of your swimming pool. (Please check www.haaonline.org for the most up to date information on apartment amenity guidelines.) From a liability and health and safety standpoint, you will want to set rules for your swimming pool area and manage or supervise the pool area.

You will want to consider how to control access and ensure proper social distancing between pool patrons. You could have residents preschedule their time at the pool, you could implement various automated access options or even assign residents to specific days to use the pool. Each has pros and cons that should be discussed with your team to determine the best action for your property and your residents. Removing furniture from the pool area and marking spots where residents can stand or sit will help reduce touch points, maintain public health and safety and promote social distancing. This, like all other COVID-19 changes, will take some getting used to and it will probably lead to com-

plaints, but health and safety cannot be taken lightly. Communicate with your residents and staff before you reopen. Also prior to reopening, add signage to your pool with COVID-19 guidelines.

Thorough cleaning and disinfecting will need to take place multiple times a day, including all surfaces, any furniture, tabletops, restrooms and even the decking, to prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus. There are multiple tools available to do this quickly and thoroughly in order to prevent down-time between swim groups.

Spray on disinfectants are available for the cleaning and disinfecting of large areas that require little to no direct handling of the items to be cleaned.

Proper hygiene is essential to prevent the spread of this virus, beyond handwashing.

Other pre-swimming recommendations that were standard before COVID-19, such as using the restroom, showering and wearing proper swim attire, including infants, will still need to be strongly enforced.

In the end, it will be up to individual apartment communities and management companies to decide the best health and safety protocols for their swimming pools. We all need to keep in mind the number one priority – the health and safety of swimming residents.

Please keep your pools swim ready at all times, so that we can guarantee safe bodies of water, swimmers or not. Please refer to www.haaonline.org for the most updated guidance on apartment pools and other amenities as they relate to COVID-19, as well as www.PHTACoronaupdate.com for pool health and safety guidelines.

Grant Almquist is the owner of Texas Apartment Pool Services, a full-service swimming pool maintenance and repair company.

He will be monitoring guidance from the CDC and government offices on suggested protocols for opening pools and other public amenities. Almquist can be reached at grant@texasapartmentpoolservices.com. For property inspections for safety or if you’re interested in a CPO class, visit www.TAPSTX.com.

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Ideas for successfully leasing apartments in the midst of coronavirus.

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he COVID-19 pandemic has infiltrated all aspects of everyday life, including apartment leasing. Since people still need housing in the midst of the global crisis, property managers and leasing professionals are considered essential workers and must be available. So, the question is, how can property managers and leasing professionals stay successful and, most important, safe in the era of social distancing?

The answer: Remote leasing, self-guided tours and virtual tours.

As someone who has worked in the multihousing industry for more than 36 years, I know it is imperative for property managers and leasing professionals to be transparent about how to deal with the risk of leasing apartments right now. After all, this is a time of many unknowns. Our goal is to spark the innovations that will define how we continue to do business while keeping our team, prospects and residents safe. Here are the keys I have personally implemented that all communities can utilize: Communication More than ever before, the response time with prospects must be immediate. When people are under stress, they are less patient and need answers right away. Therefore, it’s imperative that you have multiple communication tools setup. This means going beyond phone and email.

Implementing and learning how to use tools like Skype, Zoom, GoToMeeting, FaceTime, TikTok, Facebook Live and Facebook Messenger are essential. Don’t pick just one. You need a combination to tools setup and ready to use, because each prospect will have a different communication preference. Use the tool your prospects are most comfortable with. This requires you to be adaptable and knowledgeable of all the different communication options. Fortunately, all the options are simple to use and you can find many tutorials for each online.

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CATHY MACAIONE, Cathy Macaione Consulting Services

More than ever before, the response time with prospects must be immediate. When people are under stress, they are less patient and need answers right away.

Therefore, it’s imperative that you have multiple communication tools setup. This means going beyond phone and email.

Create Property Videos for all Prospects If you have not yet done so, now is the time to create videos of your property and vacant apartment homes that you can send to prospects. According to Zillow, the number of 3D home tours created with its software has skyrocketed, surging 215% as compared to the volume seen before the virus's outbreak.

Your videos don’t have to be fancy. You can self-produce, using your phone, virtual tours of all your unit types. Using Zillow to make your videos is a simple process. Go to https://www.zillow.com/video-walkthrough/. Take a video of the following: • Exterior of apartment community • Model, if you have one • Ready vacant apartment homes Do both narrated and non-narrated tours.

It does not matter to the prospect if the videos are not professionally produced.

What matters is that you took the time to create the video and send it to them via text or email. Have fun videoing the apartments.

Talk about the closet space, the kitchen counters, the views, the size of the bedrooms, etc. Use the videos to show that you care about your prospects and residents. You can even store the videos on your website so they are easily accessible.

Touring Procedures You need to ensure the safety of your team, prospects and residents. The key personal protection items for leasing profes-

sionals are disinfecting products, protective masks, gloves and plastic door hanging bags.

Make sure you have these items in stock at all times. Due to social distancing requirements, it’s best if you let prospects self-tour the vacant apartment. Here are the steps to help them have a successful experience.

• Schedule appointments with prospects.

Give them a specific address to go to (the actual apartment they will tour) and let them know they have a specific time period allotted to them. They cannot arrive early or stay late.

• Important: When scheduling, make sure you allow enough time in between tours so you can visit the apartment to disinfect high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, appliance doors and cabinet pulls.

• One tool you may want to implement is Rently (www.rently.com). I was first introduced to this tool by Katherine Gibson of McCormack Baron. This self-touring technology allows a prospective renter to tour a community safely and securely, without a leasing professional present. The prospect checks in to the community via a smart lockbox, smart lock or smart home using a one-time code. If you’re not using a tool like Rently, make sure you arrive a few minutes before the prospect’s appointment time so you can unlock the door for them. Do not wait around to greet the prospect face-to-face.

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When I first implemented these new leasing protocols, the first few tours were a learning experience for everyone. As more prospects came to tour the community, the process became more streamlined and easier. The first week we implemented these procedures using virtual and self-guided tours, we leased two apartments. The second week, we leased six apartments.

take that. Inside will be touring procedures, disposable gloves they must wear, brochures, application process directions and an application. Everything in the bag is theirs to take with them. • Since they will undoubtedly have questions as they tour, encourage them to use their communication tool of choice while touring the apartment. Some will want to video chat with you while touring; others will be fine with a simple phone call or text exchange.

Regardless of the tool they want to use, be on the ready to answer questions and verbally guide them to key apartment features you want to point out. • After they complete the tour, follow up and be sure they are aware of next steps. If your community is setup for online leasing and can take applications and fees electronically, direct them to the webpage to do so. If your community is not currently setup for online leasing,

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then schedule an appointment for the prospect to return with their application and fees. If you must meet any prospect face-toface, encourage everyone to wear gloves and masks. Have enough personal protection supplies on hand, since many prospects may not have these items on their own.

The New Normal of Apartment Leasing When I first implemented these new leasing protocols, the first few tours were a learning experience for everyone. As more prospects came to tour the community, the process became more streamlined and easier. The first week we implemented these procedures using virtual and self-guided tours, we leased two apartments. The second week, we leased six apartments. Each week, as we have continued to perfect our new normal of doing business, the number of new leases has continued to increase.

Unfortunately, no one knows exactly when this crisis will be over. One thing we do know for sure is that how we train our leasing professionals, how we interact with prospects, how we lease apartments and how we manage our leasing goals have changed forever. The communities that embrace the changes and respond rapidly will fare much better in the coming months and years, and they will more easily convert prospects into residents.

Cathy Macaione is president of Cathy Macaione Consulting Services. She is an Apartment Marketing and Management Specialist with more than 36 years in the multifamily housing industry. Macaione is available for training, virtual-coaching, consulting and lease-up service. You can contact her at CM@Cathymac.net or 630-800-6895.

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How coronavirus could alter apartment living and operations for the long haul.

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MORGAN TAYLOR, HAA Managing Editor

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s a result of the coronavirus pandemic, the way we work, the way we socialize and the way we interact with the world on a daily basis has changed. As apartment communities have embraced public and healthy safety precautions to help control the spread of the virus, a quarantined Houston has reshaped apartment living and operations.

Social distancing is transforming apartment communities. In addition to immediate changes, the pandemic and could ensue longterm consequences on amenities, leasing and design. While we continue to social distance, here are some changes to consider as COVID19 reshapes the apartment industry.

Package Deliveries The apartment industry has been experimenting with ways to better handle the overwhelming amount of packages properties receive on a daily basis for some time now.

Package lockers have been a great option for many apartment communities, but it hasn’t been a realistic solution for all properties.

Camden Property Trust shook the industry when the company announced it would no longer accept packages nationwide in 2015.

Camden’s new package policy made headline news when the Wall Street Journal released an article on the matter, with local news sources across the nation picking up the story.

Amid COVID-19, properties have stopped accepting packages only because doing so poses public health concerns. Why haven’t other property management companies considered following Camden’s lead? In the past, apartment owners and managers may have been concerned about how residents would react.

Camden’s Chief Information Officer and SVP of Strategic Services Kristy Simonette gave many reasons as to why Camden made this decision in an article published in National Apartment Association’s UNITS magazine back in 2015. A reason that feels especially relevant today was because Camden’s

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leasing offices aren’t open at all hours, seven days a week. Simonette added that since the change residents were getting their packages quicker than before.

With shortened workdays, closed leasing offices to ensure social distancing and, above all, with public health being a top concern, apartment communities and property management companies may want to consider implementing a similar policy for the long term.

Fitness Centers and Virtual Fitness Your residents want to know what you’re doing to ensure their public health and safety.

Please refer to the Texas Apartment Association, Houston Apartment Association and https://gov.texas.gov/news/P0 for updates and guidance on gyms.

Apartment community fitness centers may need to be reconfigured to increase the space between workout equipment and stagger workout times. Enforcing social distancing within your fitness centers limits your residents in an impactful way.

Residents will no longer have the freedom to come and go when they want for their workouts. For your busy residents, you may want to find a solution for them to be able to workout whenever they want.

From the start, fitness was adapted to fit our stay at home needs. Fitness groups responded to the pandemic by offering virtual workout programs. Quickly, exercising in your living room became the new normal in late March, April and May. People now may even prefer to work out at home but may want the option to go downstairs and run on a stationary bike if it’s available.

To better accommodate residents, subscription-based exercise programs that your residents can stream in their apartment homes are available for purchase. Comm-Fit offers an app called Wellbeats that offers up to 400 user app licenses. Fitness suppliers are adjusting their services to benefit your residents, too.

Behavioral consequences as a result of longterm social distancing are unclear at this point.

Will people feel comfortable going to their apartment community’s fitness center even when social distancing measures are relaxed or lifted? Consider these questions: What do your residents want out of their apartment gym? Are fitness centers in their full capacity necessary?

If residents have access to virtual fitness classes, will they need a fitness center with all the bells and whistles?

Leasing Leasing was easily one of the first aspects of apartment operations to change due to the pandemic. While many apartment communities started leasing apartments virtually at the beginning of quarantine, virtual leasing or parts of it may stick around for the long term.

Technology has made it easy for prospect residents to tour your apartments virtually, which could free up your leasing professional’s workload for other duties. There are companies that offer AI leasing assistants that can grab your leads, schedule tours and livestream video between you and your prospects.

Management companies are emphasizing scheduled tours and face coverings for all visitors, both prospective residents and supplier partners. It’s important to enforce health and safety precautions if your leasing offices are open, such as the use of face coverings, social distancing, environmental cleanliness and sanitation (cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces that a prospect touched or may have touched) and a no-chair policy. A no-chair policy removes all chairs from leasing offices to reduce the number of touch points.

According to Harris County’s Stay Home, Stay Safe order, a face covering may, for example, be a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, handkerchief and other cloth masks. Here is the CDC’s recommendation for face coverings, which includes a video on how to make your own face covering: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/clothface-cover.html.

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TikTok Makes Its Way into Apartment Marketing Learn how to utilize this new, fun and creative platform to market your apartment community and engage with your residents.

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he idle time of shelter-at-home has spawned an explosion in TikTok use among people ranging in age from their teens to their 40s.

TikTok has quickly and easily become the latest addictive social media craze. Just consider it was the fourth most downloaded app on iPhones in 2019 with 46 million downloads, trailing only YouTube, Instagram and Snapchat. Its growth rate, however, makes them blush.

Clever apartment marketers are already jumping in. Trailblazing brander Tony Sousa, Regional Manager, at Embrey Management Services, said he was stuck at home during a rainy day in quarantine with his three young children and they started watching them for fun.

“Yes, they quickly became addicting, and a light bulb went off – we should be using this platform at our apartment communities because it’s the social platform of the future,” Sousa said.

Smartphone, user-generated TikTok videos are 15 seconds long and humor generally are their main purpose, with clips that often include dancing. TikTok-ers can add their own audio or musical background. Images and emojis can be layered in, enabling creativity to flourish. Check out @southlineresidences Jasmine Toney, marketing strategist for Embrey Management Services, who supports TikTok marketing campaigns that feature this San Antonio luxury community and its staff, subtly touching on marketing and always focused on the hilarious.

“The application is extremely user-friendly, where an unskilled techie can shoot and edit video, add music or create silly voiceover videos easily,” Toney said. “Creating this content requires minimal time commitment. The cost benefit is based on the time it takes of putting on your creative hat and developing a video that is relevant and appropriate for your brand and audience. After you have interacted with the app once or twice, creating dynamic content can be done in a few minutes with just a handful of clicks and Voila – engaging content!”

Kate Good, partner and senior vice president of Multifamily Development with Hunington Residential, Houston, is launching a new community in June. She and her staff have already put mind to creating before-and-after TikTok videos that feature amenities, among other things. These will be used in her marketing.

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“I’m not sure if it will turn leads our way but we hope it generates awareness for the community and let prospects know that we are open for business,” Good said. “It’s too early to measure how successful this will be for us, but what I do know is my team is having a lot of fun creating them! That is important to keep morale up during these tough times.”

Sousa has been a laugh-out-loud marketer throughout his career. He burst onto the scene about 10 years ago as the star of Sequoia Properties’ video series “The Most Interesting Man in Property Management.” He said today he’s not trying to “sell” anything on TikTok. “For us, we’re just joining the ‘fun’ train,” he said. “The plan is to show residents and prospects we are hip, relevant and know how to have fun – even during a lock down!”

Good said she first hooked onto TikTok in January by following the Kansas City Chiefs’ account leading up to the Super Bowl.

“I was spending almost an hour a day watching TikTok,” she said. “If I am doing it at my age, I knew my target renters ages 20 to 40 also are spending a lot of time on TikTok.” Not Just for Kids Anymore TikTok's user base still very closely matches that of its predecessor Musical.ly. Most of its U.S. users are young, with 25.8% aged 18 to 24.

A further 24.5% are aged 25 to 34, suggesting that many TikTok users have stayed with the app, even as they turn 25, according to InfluencerMarketingHub. It’s also booming among the high school set, but don’t dismiss the goofiness as kid’s play.

“Residents in my portfolio range in age from 29 to 44,” Sousa said. “So, I would say the platform is a bit young for us, but our team has done a few very entertaining videos and have gotten the most engagement they’ve ever received – even on Instagram and Facebook.”

TikTok videos are viewed through the app; best practice is to post them on all social media channels to further drive engagement. TikTok videos are more commonly showing up on channels such as Twitter, and can be viewed there even by persons who don’t have the app.

Sousa said his communities’ TikTok videos set them apart – the goal of every marketer.

“Ours have resonated very well – and because most in the multifamily housing industry don’t understand the platform yet, it’s quickly helping to set our properties apart – especially when we can put out videos that are well edited, funny and good quality,” Sousa continued. www.haaonline.org

“The fascination I see with TikTok for B2B is that you can use the application as a content generator,” Toney said. “Even if your strategy is not to grow an organic following on the application, the capabilities offered to curate video content alone make TikTok a valuable marketing tool.”

Mike Whaling is Founder at 30 Lines is an apartment marketing firm. Whaling said TikTok hasn't been a high priority for many of his clients to date.

“I think it's likely to stay that way until its target audience starts to age up more, which we're already starting to see,” Whaling said.

“We've certainly seen onsite teams participating in various dance challenges, but I wouldn't really say they're actively using it to market their vacancies.”

TikTok very much appeals to the young, although it seems to be keeping its audience as they age. While only 9% of U.S. internet users claim to have used TokTok, 49% of teenagers claim to use the platform, according to InfluencerMarketingHub. Loren Gray, who turns 18 next week, or @lorengray, is an American singer signed by Virgin and Capitol Records, and social media personality from Pottstown, Pa. She has one of TikTok’s most successful accounts outside China, with 40.3 million fans. Geez, you think she’d be interested in an apartment? Property management firms leasing to major influencers is a strategy many use.

Charli Damelio, who turns 16 in May, has 48.6 million followers and 3.2 billion likes, and counting. Based in Norwalk, Conn., she’s described as a social media personality and dancer and has been called the "reigning queen of TikTok" by the New York Times.

Dance, Dance, Dance One route Whaling has seen is companies that use TikTok as a resident engagement activity.

At WC Smith will use TikTok indirectly as part of its campaign of virtual events for its residents. On April 23, it has invited a dance instructor to demonstrate the most popular TikTok dance challenges so that residents can learn them and potentially participate on their own TikTok accounts.

TikTok is in the earliest stages of offering advertising on its platform.

“Its advertising tools are still in early development, so the targeting options for advertising aren’t nearly as robust or sophisticated as they are on Facebook or Google,” Whaling said.

“Like most social media, you have to consider why people are going to a site like TikTok in the first place,” Whaling said. “It’s a place to escape, to be entertained. For any company looking to get into TikTok, they should first spend time understanding the community – watch some videos for a few hours, see how others are using it and what resonates with people.

“It could be a viable platform for many companies, especially for community outreach, but marketers will see the best results when they deliver content that people want to see, not an advertisement that’s totally out of place for that medium.”

Strategies to Consider According to The Influence Marketing Factory, these are the four primary forms of ad format to market through TikTok. Infeed native content, which is simply the posting of a video. TikToks can be up to 15 seconds long, but users can also connect multiple clips for up to 60 seconds of total recording.

Videos that have been recorded outside the app itself also can be uploaded.

Brand takeovers, where images, animated GIFs and videos can be used. The embedded links can be connected to websites landing pages or challenges and hashtags within the platform. Brand takeovers are exclusive to one brand every day. This category offers impressions, unique reach and clicks.

Hashtag challenges are a form when brands choose to use promoted hashtags. Hashtag challenge contain a link that directs the users to the main challenge page where they can see the details of the challenge and the featured instructions. Hashtag challenges can be measured by video interaction, clicks, banners views and similar user-generated videos.

And branded lenses. TikTok is undertaking initiatives to make it more engaging.

Much like the Snapchat 2D and 3D lenses for photos and faces, TikTok plans to make their platform could possibly infuse the feature to their application.

Paul Bergeron is a freelance reporter who covers apartment management.

He can be reached at pbergeron333@gmail.com or 703-434-0280.

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The fourth and final article of Debbie Phillips’ series on the four cornerstones for effective teamwork.

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DEBBIE PHILLIPS, Ph.D, CPM, The Quadrillion

Your Role in Teamwork –

Connection Before the coronavirus crisis, many bemoaned that technology and social media were creating disconnection between humans, but today we’re using technology and social media to maintain connection with each other during a social distant time.

FaceTime, Skype and Zoom are all platforms that existed before the pandemic, but people are using these video conferencing or videotelephony tools more than ever to stay connected.

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o jumpstart 2020, I wrote an article titled “Your Role in Teamwork,” published in the February ABODE, that featured four key elements as a benchmark for establishing effective teams – trust, commitment, communication and connection. This article focuses on connection.

The essence of connection has never been more important, especially as people across the globe have been practicing social distancing, experiencing anxiety and a dealing with a sense of uneasiness at unprecedented levels. We’re all navigating this new normal together, and in the process, we’re creating new ways to stay connected to each other while maintaining social distancing.

Connection can be defined in many ways. Before the pandemic, we would have most commonly associated connection with our smartphones or Wi-Fi. Connection might also have been associated with networking events, conferences or happy hours. Staying connected to your loved ones before often meant seeing them in person, spending time with them or hugging them. Now, we have to be creative about connection. Connection goes much deeper today.

Before the coronavirus crisis, many bemoaned that technology and social media were creating disconnection between humans, but today we’re using technology and social media to maintain connection with each other during a social distant time. FaceTime, Skype and Zoom are all platforms that existed before the pandemic, but people are using these video conferencing or videotelephony tools more than ever to stay connected.

According to a survey prepared by the Kaiser Family Foundation, 50% of people in the United States consider themselves as acutely lonely. It’s not a pandemic, but it’s certainly an epidemic. An epidemic that was present before we started social distancing. Matthew Lieberman, a distinguished social psychologist and neuroscientist, drew on psychology and neuroscience research to confirm that just as human beings have a basic need for food and water, we also have a basic need for connection. We can understand why it’s so important for people to stay connected with their loved ones.

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Connection Equals Employee Engagement Research shows that when employees have a best friend at work, they are seven times as likely to be engaged in their job.

Today’s successful organizations understand the importance of connection, trust and teambuilding. Many companies make a point to build social activities into the company culture to allow team members to get to know each other on a more personal level.

Other results-oriented Western cultures tend to only allow for small talk between meetings when time permits. I’ve often referred to leadership styles being either transformational or transactional. A distinct characteristic that differentiates the two styles lies primarily in the power of connection.

As we have shifted our communication methods in response to COVID-19, how we connect with others has evolved as well. I would venture to say this pandemic has even magnified the importance of connection. While we are physically apart and social distancing, our social connections have become more profound, more meaningful and intentional. It has been encouraging to see the outpouring of generosity and creativity demonstrated in uncommon ways. From virtual reunions and team meetings to oneon-one Skype conversations and virtual happy hours, people are finding ways to connect in extraordinary ways.

As the world recalibrates, researchers will undoubtedly have access to unique data to identify the methods and meaning of connection. It is proven that employee engagement is at its highest when people are connected to the mission and values of the

company. Many multifamily owners and operators have already stated that they have made plans to continue to support virtual collaboration to maximize efficiencies and to increase engagement with their teams, residents and other stakeholders.

If connection inspires heightened engagement, here are some ways to seek out connections with your teams, even during a socially distant time: 1. What’s your why?

Where there is purpose, there is passion.

The stronger your motivation, the deeper your connection. Think of the lengths we go to as parents or pet owners to take care of our loved ones. At work, we all promote and protect the highly engaged employees who go the extra mile. We’re more likely to give them the benefit of the doubt and to support their recommendations.

2. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.

Apartment professionals have proven this theory by taking care of their residents.

Whether it’s being on the frontlines, responding to service requests, renewing leases or offering virtual tours, everyone steps up to the plate. Creativity is the new currency and connection is the bridge that makes success happen. The resiliency of the industry and its professionals has never shined more brightly.

3. It’s the who, not the what.

There’s power in simple gestures. Many people think that connection is time-consuming and laborious. It’s more about the person and the bond you share than the

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.

project on which you are working. A short phone call to check in on someone goes a long way in solidifying a relationship. Before jumping right into business, check on the person’s emotional well-being first. When things seem complicated, simplify.

4. Be in it to win it.

Surround yourself with “A” players who commit to the long haul so that you can be together for the second mile. Almost anyone can easily go the first mile. When you are committed to someone or something, you create opportunities to get to know one another at a deeper level.

I have always believed that connections make our lives richer. I have been privileged to work in the housing industry for over 30 years. While I may not remember every property I’ve worked with, I’ll never forget the people and causes that sparked joy in my life. There is power in connection, both physically and virtually, and that’s what keeps me fully charged.

Debbie Phillips is an internationally recognized industry thought leader, educator, career coach, author and speaker who holds a doctorate degree. She has dedicated her life’s work to educating and connecting high potential talent to opportunities in the real estate industry.

Phillips can be reached at debbie@thequadrillion.com or 404-787-4409.

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Reshape, continued from Page 59 The role of a leasing professional may transform permanently, for at least some management companies and properties. When oil prices plummets, the energy industry lays off many workers. When prices return, oil and gas companies don’t hire every position back, they evolve. Some apartment communities may have laid off or furloughed their leasing agents.

Will those properties evolve to operate without leasing professionals?

Amenities When apartment communities open their amenities, what will that look like? A company called Amenity Boss is a smart software that gives you the power to open, manage and track your amenities responsibly and fairly, its website reads. Monitoring your amenities will hopefully be a short-term procedure, but how will this virus impact the future of amenities?

Bisnow writer Dean Boerner published an article online out of San Francisco on April 26 that shared how a surge in remote work after the coronavirus pandemic would change amenities in apartment communities. By the end of March,

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the article reads, nearly two-thirds of knowledge workers were working remotely, according to an estimate from software company Netskope. A Colliers survey of people around the globe conducted around the same time found 82% of employees hope to work from home at least once a week after the pandemic.

This move toward remote work could warrant changes to existing and future apartment communities, one of which was already underway. Coworking spaces have been part of the amenity conversation, gaining popularity, over the last few years, according to the survey, and could gradually become an amenity choice for multifamily developers.

A significant rise in outdoor amenity usage could be a possibility, too, if people are without daily trips to the office and the social interaction that experience brings. Outdoor yoga areas or cross-training areas may be more common, the article states.

Another article, published by The New York Times titled “When Can I Start Using My Building’s Gym Again?” by writer Ronda Kaysen, posed some ideas on outdoor amenity spaces:

“Roof deck may open, but without any seating or barbecues. Residents may be assigned specific days to use the pool, and have to stand or sit in spots marked out on the deck at safe distances.

Gyms may be reconfigured to increase the space between workout equipment and stagger workout times.”

Apartment Home Layouts In the same Bisnow article mentioned above, multifamily executives are quoted projecting bigger apartment home layouts or more efficient layouts to easily allow for remote work. The article suggests closet space or extra space created by stacking in-unit washers and dryers could make room for a work area niche off a bedroom or hallways, even justifying a rent upcharge.

While we continue to practice social distancing, we will adapt to a new normal. Stay up to date with coronavirus resources for property management by visiting www.haaonline.org.

Want to read ABODE online?

Visit https://issuu.com/haa_abode

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The Go-Getters HAA’s MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS

MEMBERSHIP: ENGAGE! The Go-Getters are still recruiting during challenging times.

What is a Go-Getter?

The Go-Getter Club is a year-round membership recruitment drive comprised of individual HAA members who work for owner/management and supplier companies.

Join our Quarterly Meetings!

Be the top recruiter for each quarter and win $500 cash!

Plus, for each new member you recruit, you’ll earn a chance to win gift cards ranging from $25 to $250!

JOIN A TEAM and build relationships with like-minded members.

Get involved with Go-Getters and make lasting industry connections.

Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetterscorner to get all the information you need.

Recruit all year long!

Go-Getter meetings are quarterly: Thursday, July 9 Thursday, September 10 Thursday, December 10 All meetings start at 4 p.m. at Cadillac Bar & Grill.

Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetters for details.

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Members who have recruited more than 100 companies Monette Reynolds Claude Arnold Sherry Stevenson Kenn Brown Kirk Tate Tina Cavaco Suan Tinsley Terri Clifton Sonny Unverzagt Kevin Fenn Del Walmsley Diane Gilbert Nancé Wells Anita Harrison H.P. Paul Young Dwayne Henson Jeanne Marie Zublin Dicks Mike Koch Merry Mount

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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www.haaonline.org

Welcome Mat

Introducing HAA’s NEW MEMBERS

OWNERS

Blue Stone Premier Kristin Gross 6263 Westheimer Road Houston, TX 77057 713-782-5939 The Park at San Marino The Park at Tivoli The Park at Salerno The Park at Amalfi The Park at Saronno Siena on Westheimer The Park at Pisa

Charles Armstrong Charles Armstrong 19002 Edgecroft Court Tomball, TX 77377 281-381-4390 Charles Armstrong - Homes

Daniel Wells Daniel Wells 4408 Blossom St. Houston, TX 77007 502-468-9583

Defying Gravity 2005 LLC Don Matthews 2301 Fairway Drive Alvin, TX 77511 281-331-8541 Fairway Square Apartments

Global Capital Holdings LLC Naval Sehgal 3501 Bacor Road Houston, TX 77084 281-467-2339 Crossings at 31st

Hogg Palace LLC Elizabeth Gates 401 Louisiana St. Houston, TX 77002 512-499-0001 Hogg Palace

JBLT Homes LLC Lindsey Hardin P.O. Box 464 Cypress, TX 77410 832-229-0212 North Main Apartments

SUPPLIERS MDDD Investments LLC Mahsa Esmaeillou 1702 Waters Edge Drive Friendswood, TX 77546 832-964-3363 MDDD Investments LLC Prince Realty Investments & Management Enterprise Paul Prince Jr. 3606 Hawley Creek Drive Spring, TX 77386 281-795-4273 100 Lamar Apartments RangeWater Real Estate James Beasley 5605 Glenridge Drive NE #775 Atlanta, GA 30342 404-663-8022 The Bennett Baytown Rise Residential Management Blanca Uresti 16812 Dallas Pkwy Dallas, TX 75248 972-977-8240 Sienna Villas Apartments Roman Properties Inc Bonny Roman 18406 Pin Oak Bend Cypress, TX 77433 832-878-7713 Townhome of Bear Creek Apartments Trinity Multifamily Courtney Summerhill 5 S. Bell Circle Houma, LA 70360 479-653-1020 Oaks at Mustang

KJV Jeremiah LLC L.T. Ermis P.O. Box 19744 Houston, TX 77224 713-882-5595 KJV Jeremiah LLC - Homes

Blackhill Restoration/ Restoration Services Group Ashley Martin 208 E. Adelanta Place Round Rock, TX 78681 832-392-1526 Fire/Water Damage Restoration, Mold Remediation Referred by Mark Park, CAS

Cinema Anywhere Brandon Coleman 8787 Hammerly Blvd. #815 Houston, TX 77080 832-407-4809 Event Planning, Advertising Outdoor

Imperial Hospitality and Security Services Inc Paul Brokhin 4545 Bissonnet St. #114 Bellaire, TX 77401 281-501-9890 Security Guard/Patrol Service

J Hernandez General Contracting Services LLC Ada Hernandez 13393 Murphy Road #B Stafford, TX 77477-4307 281-208-0165 Air Duct Cleaning, Baseboards, Bathtubs & Sinks - Repairing & Refinish, Blinds, Building Contractors, Cabinets, Carpet Cleaning, Carpet Installation, Ceiling Fans, Concrete Repair, Drywall Contractors, Fences, Granite, Janitorial Services, Maid Services, Mini Blinds, Paint, Painters Equipment & Supplies, Painting Contractors, Remodeling & Repair-Building Contractors, Tile - Ceramic Contractors, Tile Cleaning - Refinishing & Sealing, Tile - non-ceramic Referred by Amanda Kelly One Man’s Trash LLC Rashawn Bryant 20550 Markee Ridge Drive Humble, TX 77338 973-687-6872 Trash Service - Valet, Trash Hauling RCPS of Texas Jason Ward 2313 Marys Creek Court Pearland, TX 77581 832-795-1080 Building Contractors

RentSense LLC Rick Croasdale 4314 Kestrel Ridge Court Manvel, TX 77578 281-615-9747 Insurance, Security Deposit Alternatives Resto Medic Patrick Souriall 14699 Brown Road Tomball, TX 77377 281-687-2385 Fire/Water Damage Restoration, Mold Remediation, Disaster Recovery/Relief, Algae/Mold/ Mildew Removal, Carpet & Rug Dryers, Cleaning Specialists, Adjusters, Appraisers Referred by Clayton Bownds Southern Shingles Noah Bridges 12406 Taylor Road Houston, TX 77041-1230 832-300-3770 Roofing Materials, Building Materials Sunbrite Outdoor Furniture Will Andrews 610 Irene St. Orlando, FL 32805-1050 407-294-9041 Furniture - Outdoor, Outdoor Furniture Referred by Amanda Kelly Superior LawnCare Michael Barrera 6623 Eppes St. Houston, TX 77087 832-552-0831 Lawn Maintenance, Irrigation Systems & Equipment, Landscape Contractors, Tree Services I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

ALL SUPPLIER MEMBERS are listed online at haabuyersguide.com, searchable by product/service category or company name. www.haaonline.org

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I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me! said, laughing. “ I’ve been with thi business for 15 years. I never expec anything. For me, if I get my job do or get it right, I’m satisfied with tha don’t need recognition. As long as resident and my management and owner are happy, I’m happy. It was good experience, though, feeling th way. I didn’t know that someone w watching!”

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The Ambassador ONE Society HAA’s WELCOMING COMMITTEE

HERE’S YOUR SIGN

HAA Ambassador suppliers show their support for the apartment industry and communities.

Mark your calendars and join us! Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at Craft Republic, 11470 Westheimber: Dates as of press time.

Please check the calendar at www.haaonline.org for updates: June 3 – To Be Determined July 1 • August 5 • September 2 • October 7 November 4

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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Portfolio Changes The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios: • Allied Orion Group: Heritage Estates, 210 units at 10335 Old Bammel N. Houston Road.

• Asset Living: Westbury Reserve, 320 units at 12261 Fondren Road.

• Avenue5 Residential: The Cantania, 280 units at 5105 Airline Drive.

• Better World Properties LLC - Sumar: Smart Living at Cypress Creek, 300 units at 12850 Perry Road and Amir Apartments, 310 units at 5555 W. Gulf Bank Road.

• Blue Stone Premier: The Park Saronno, 316 units at 10580 Hammerly Blvd.; The Park at Tivoli, 250 units at 12903 Sugar Ridge Blvd., Stafford; The Park at San Marino, 384 units at 14501 Empanada Drive; The Park at Pisa, 279 units at 2410 S. Kirkwood Road; The Park at Salerno, 198 units at 12801 Champion Forest Drive; Siena on Westheimer, 643 units at 6263 Westheimer Road; and the Park at Amalfi, 169 units at 1000 Country Place Drive.

• Capstone Real Estate Services Inc.: The Park at Tour 18, 241 units at 18110 Hunters Terrace Drive, Humble.

• CKR Property Management LLC: The Remington Apartments, 146 units at 1010 Magnolia Street, Freeport.

• Driscolle Adhere: Driscolle Adhere, 35 units at 1304 Gears Road.

• EnVest Partners LLC: The Forham at Eagle Springs, 137 units at 18021 Eagle Springs Parkway, Humble.

• EOS Real Estate Management Group: Richmond Chase, 292 units at 8155 Richmond Ave. and The Lodge on El Dorado, 324 units at 265 El Dorado Blvd., Webster.

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• Fairfield Properties LP: Falcon Landing, 386 units at 3300 Falcon Landing Blvd., Katy.

• FHM Real Estate LLC: Scharpe Street Apartments, four units at 1505 Scharpe St. • Global Capital Holdings LLC: Crossings at 31 st, 90 units at 1320 31 st St. N., Texas City.

• Greystar: Alexan Lower Heights, 375 units at 2770 Summer St. and Elan Med Center Apartments, 281 units at 7010 Staffordshire Blvd.

• Herman & Kittle Properties Inc.: The Vireo, 248 units at 12212 Tidwell Road.

• Hunington Residential Inc.: The Vic at Southwinds, 265 units at 1900 Kilgore Parkway, Baytown.

• MDDD Investments LLC: MDDD Investments LLC, 12 units at 1923 McDuffie St. • Mosiac Residential Inc.: 2111 Holly Hall, 569 units at 2111 Holly Hall.

• MTSM Inc.: Porter 12, 12 units at 22195 E. Martin Drive, Porter.

• Oak Leaf Management Co.: Spring Village, 132 units at 11810 Chimney Rock Road and Mangum Oaks, 38 units at 4702 Mangum Road.

• PAALS N Partners: Gentry Apartments, 107 units at 13925 Alderson St. • Rise Residential Management: Sienna Villas Apartments, 156 units at 902 N. Avenue J, Freeport.

• Rita Brummer: Fieldstone Apartments, 138 units at 3201 Red Bluff Road, Pasadena and Embers Apartments, 90 units at 2120 Strawberry Road, Pasadena.

• Roscoe Properties: Commons at Hollyhock, 624 units at 5751 Greenhouse Road, Katy.

• Tarantino Properties Inc.: The Edge at Langham Creek, 115 units at

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15831 Yorktown Crossing Parkway.

• Trinity Multifamily: Oaks at Mustang, 125 units at 2101 Mustang Road, Avlin.

• Valiant Residential: The Belvedere at Springwoods Residential, 342 units at 2323 E. Mossy Oaks Road, Spring.

• Watertight Property Management LLC: The Villas, 24 units at 309 E. Houston St., Dayton.

In the News The Houston Apartment Association donated $100,000 to the Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries (ACAM) specifically for renter assistance. Other HAA members have stepped up to donate, too. See Page 76 for a list of HAA-member donors.

Pamela McGlashen joins Kaplan’s executive team as president of management.

HAA President Clay Hicks presented during Mayor Sylvester Turner’s press conference at Houston City Hall on Tuesday, May 5 to support the proposed $15 million renter assistance program coordinated by the city and BakerRipley. On Wednesday, May 6, Houston City Council voted unanimously to pass the $15 million rental assistance program. See Page 9 for photos.

In the month of April, HAAmember Norma Alvear, a property manager for SMI Realty Management, was interviewed by Univision and Telemundo about 20 times for HAA, the Apartment Alvear Association of Greater Dallas and the Austin Apartment Association as an HAA representative on rental assistance options, including the ACAM fund, renters resources amid COVID-19, liens and lockouts for nonpayment of rent, eviction moratoriums and more for Univision and Telemondo.

HAA President Clay Hicks, Past Presisdent Starla Turnbo and President-elect John Boriack have interviewed with local news stations and shows, such as Fox 26 News and NPR’s Houston Matters, on rent strikes, rental assistance options and more.

Have something to report from your company or for yourself?

Email us your news at comm@haaonline.org. www.haaonline.org

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH THE HOUSTON APARTMENT

Association Community Outreach Committee was formed in 1980 as the Community Relations Department under the leadership of HAA member Alan Rudy.

It was formed to create a liaison between the Houston Apartment Association and the community. The committee was to identify positive, housing-related community service projects and reach out to members with volunteer opportunities. Today, the Community Outreach Committee still looks at projects with that original mission in mind.

The Early Days The Community Outreach Committee first community service project was education. The committee went to a Houstonarea high school to educate high school students on apartment renting. The endeavor was met with such positive response, a separate program was created for education called the Speakers Bureau, today known as the Career/Community Development Committee.

The committee continued with its community service involvement, creating a program in 1985 called Clean Houston

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Program. The City of Houston and the state of Texas gave HAA a certificate of appreciation for HAA’s efforts to reduce pollution caused by apartments.

The following year, the Community Outreach Committee coordinated a Celebrity Waiters or Costumes for a Cure dinner event to raise funds to benefit the Houston chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. With apartment property and management company employees waiting tables, this event was such a success, it continued for 15 years. In total, the committee raised $365,000 to support leukemia research over its 15-year run.

HAA created an Anti-Drug Task Force in 1989, under the lead of then-HAA President Jack Dinerstein, to raise money for the Houston Police Department. The following year, Dinerstein, who was the task force chairman at that time, and the 1990 HAA President Mike Biggs presented a donation of $70,000 to the Houston Police Department for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program or DARE, an education program that seeks to prevent the use of drugs and violence.

For a couple years, starting in 1991, HAA was heavily involved in the rehabilitation of

the Rehab Mission, a 30-unit apartment community, which at the time was Houston’s only shelter for elderly homeless people.

HAA members executed the electrical, plumbing and air-conditioning installments, as well as other improvements. At the end of the two-year project, HAA raised $200,000 in cash donations, labor and supplies.

The Pink Ladies, a women-only golfing event, was created in 2002 and lived on through 2010. Lead by Carol Marple, the event raised money for breast cancer awareness and was held in October to celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The first event raised $15,000 and the 2010 outing raised $51,000. In total, the Pink Ladies raised $275,000 for the American Cancer Society.

A Long-lasting Partnership: Houston Food Bank Since 1983, HAA members have collected food for the Houston Food Bank. Now 37 years later, both supplier partners and apartment properties still participate each year. Residents of the properties that participate join in on the donations, too.

The very first food drive HAA held was called the Food Fireworks Campaign and they collected 3,100 pounds of food. Data

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The history of the Houston Apartment Association’s community service efforts. was not collected for the years that have followed, but if you multiply that times the number of years HAA has held its Food Drive, that equals 114,700 pounds. Today, hundreds of apartment properties and supplier companies collect food each year.

In 2019, Lauren Scruggs with The Woodlands Lodge of Francis Property Management won first place for a property with the highest number of food items collected. Francis Property Management won first place for a management company with the most food items collected. And, Monica Morales of Las Villas de Magnolia of Whitney Management won first place for a property with the highest number of food items collected per number of units.

The annual HAA Food Drive was one of the first Community Outreach Committee partnerships and its one that still has an impact today. Every year, HAA’s donation to the Houston Food Bank is televised. It involves the membership collecting food items onsite, delivering them to supplier members Camp Construction Services and Cotton Commercial USA locations where volunteers pack, sort and load the food to be delivered to the Houston Food Bank. It’s involved and takes a lot of work, but it

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brings HAA members together and it supports Houston’s less fortunate.

Since 2018, Marlo Simmons of Stratis has pushed to grow this initiative to be even bigger than what it is today. Simmons challenged apartment property supervisors to sign up entire portfolios to participate and incentivized them with a weekend trip to the beach. Simmons started a decorating contest among apartment property teams for collection areas. Prizes given out to teams for first, second and third place.

Sports Challenge This event has been part of HAA since 2003. Originally the AlLStars Sports Challenge, this sport-centered, team-building event has raised money for various causes over the last 16 years. The event initially raised money for the ALS division of the Muscular Dystrophy Association to honor past members lost to ALS, including HAA founding member Ronny Finger.

Over the years, the event has raised money for other organizations such as the Red Cross, Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries, Crime Stoppers of Houston and Camp Hope.

This event, created by the Community

Outreach Committee, serves the committee’s mission, but it also brings all areas of our membership together within a teambuilding environment, an equally important objective of the event.

In the 16 years HAA held this event, over $298,000 has been raised for charities.

Rebuild Houston Rebuild Houston is a company that provides free home repair to senior citizens, veterans, homeowners with disabilities or working families affected by disasters. Last year, the HAA Community Outreach Committee and HAA-member volunteers spent a day painting and making light repairs for the first time. This was slated to take place again this year, but with COVID19 affecting the way we live, work and even volunteer, it is unclear if that will happen again in 2020.

The Community Outreach Committee coordinates other community service projects year-round and hosts an annual blood drive and school supply drive. Thank you, Community Outreach Committee, for connecting HAA with other organizations that serve the Houston-area community.

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Index of Advertisers By CATEGORY

A/C Supplies

Landscape Contractors

Century A/C Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 281-530-2859 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.centuryac.com

Outdoor Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 713-955-0990 . . . . . .www.outdoorelementstx.com

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.

Texscape Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 281-846-3779 . . . . . . . . . .www.texscapeservices.com

Carpet Installation Dixie Carpet Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 281-261-6334 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dixiecarpet.com

Laundry Equipment & Supplies

Texas Southwest Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 800-719-4321 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.texasswfloors.com

Scott Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 713-686-7268 . . . . . . . . .www.scott-equipment.com

Collection Agencies

Locks & Locksmiths

Alexander-Rose Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 713-644-4441 . . . . . . . . . . .www.alexanderrose-inc.com

CKI Wholesale Lock Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 713-462-0704 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ckilock.com

Electric Contractors

Personnel Agency

Affordable Quality Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 713-695-5992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.acuityelectric.com

ASAP Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 972-432-6667 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.asapdo.com

Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services . . . .35 281-693-3383 . . . . . . . . . . .www.brandtelectrical.com

Plumbing Contractors AAA Plumbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 713-462-4753 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.aaaplumbers.com

Foundation Repair Church Foundation Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 713-468-8400 . . .www.churchfoundationrepair.com

Resident Screening Service General Contractors Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . .Back Cover 713-413-2267 . . . . . . . .www.campconstruction.com

CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover 888-297-8821 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.corelogic.com

Cotton Commercial USA Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 877-511-2962 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.cottongds.com

Screens

Crestmark Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . .15 713-426-6161 . . . . . . . . . . .www.crestmarkservices.com

Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com

FSI Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 832-767-1115 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.fsiconstruction.com

Security Control Equipment/Systems

Gemstar Construction & Development . . . . . . . .1 281-821-1195 . . . . . .www.gemstarconstruction.com

SentriForce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 888-671-2202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.sentriforce.com

Guardian Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 832-672-4196 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.guardianconst.com MultiFamily Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 713-266-9100

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

Swimming Pool Service Poolsure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 800-858-POOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.poolsure.com

RENCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover 713-666-3636 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rencon.com Trash Hauling Glass – Plate, Window, Etc.

Waste Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 713-354-5230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.thinkgreen.com

Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com HAA Products & Services

www.haaonline.org/rcr

Rental Credit Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 713-595-0300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.haaonline.org/rcr

Insurance Harco Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 713-681-2500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.harco-ins.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, iPad or smartphone at http://issuu.com/haa_abode/docs/abode_jun2020.

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MarketLine By BRUCE MCCLENNY, President, ApartmentData.com

• • • • • • • • • • 1050 – • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

HOUSTON Snapshot 89.4% $1,051/mo. $1.19/sq.ft./mo.

884 sq.ft.

Recently Opened (12 months): 66 communities 17,872 units

1000 – – 90.0 975 –

– 89.0

– 88.0

Under Construction: 79 communities 22,885 units

Occupancy (%)

Operating Supply: 2,855 communities 670,535 units

Rental Rate (¢/sq.ft./mo.)

Past 12 Months: 1.2% rental rate growth 10,180 units absorbed

1025 –

•

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

Apr 20

Mar 20

Jan 20

Feb 20

Dec 19

Nov 19

Oct 19

Sep 19

Aug 19

Jul 19

Jun 19

Apr 19

May 19

Mar 19

Feb 19

Jan 19

Nov 18

Dec 18

Oct 18

Sep 18

Jul 18

Aug 18

Proposed Construction: 86 communities 26,622 units

Jun 18

May 18

– 87.0

History of Effective Rental Rate & Occupancy for All Units

Hottest Submarkets Over the Past Three Months

Concessions

Annualized % of Market Rank Submarket Absorbed 1 Baytown 14.6% 2 Bear Creek/Copperfield/Fairfield 4.4% 3 Heights/Washington Ave 2.8% 4 Beltway 8/I-45 South 0.9% 5 Almeda/South Main 5.4%

Rental Rate Growth % 1.4% 1.0% 1.6% 1.7% 0.7%

Total Units Class w/Concessions All 316,089 A 84,554 B 130,951 C 89,321 D 11,263

% of Total Units 47% 55% 49% 44% 25%

Average Special -3.1% -4.6% -2.5% -2.4% -1.6%

Citywide Effect -6.4% -8.1% -5.1% -5.4% -6.1%

One Month Free = -8.33%

THE FIRST TABLE ABOVE GIVES A SNAPSHOT of the current market conditions. The graph displays the overall occupancy and effective rental rates over the past 24 months. These statistics are derived from a continuous survey of all apartment communities in the Houston region. The effective rental rates are the calculated net of concessions and utility adjustments. The second table lists the five hottest submarkets in the Greater Houston area. There are a total of 42 submarkets, and the ranking is based on the best combination of rental rate growth and absorption over the past three months. The third table distributes and analyzes concessions (specials) by classification.

Concessions generally are represented by three types of specials: move-in, months free or floor plans. The effect of these specials is captured and prorated over a lease term to arrive at a percentage reduction in market or street rents.

TEXAS

Dallas/Ft. Worth

San Antonio

Austin

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

91.4% $1,166/mo. $1.33/sq.ft./mo.

876 sq.ft.

89.9% $972/mo. $1.14/sq.ft./mo.

854 sq.ft.

90.5% $1,297/mo. $1.48¢/sq.ft./mo.

874 sq.ft.

Past 12 Months: 2.7% rental rate growth 20,795 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: 0.4% rental rate growth 3,599 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: 1.9% rental rate growth 7,994 units absorbed

Operating Supply: 3,174 communities 750,535 units

Operating Supply: 929 communities 198,222 units

Operating Supply: 1,027 communities 240,813 units

www.haaonline.org

ApartmentData.com has been providing apartment data and marketing products since 1986.

ApartmentData.com provides real-time access for property specific information, market surveys and historic submarket data for more than 3.5 million apartment units in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina and Tennessee.

For more information, contact Bruce McClenny at 800-595-8730. © 2020 ApartmentData.com June 2020

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with News from around the COMMUNITY

Thank you for your donations!

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the financial well-being of a growing number of apartment residents, the Houston Apartment Association donated $100,000 to the Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries (ACAM), launching their “HAA Renter Assistance Fund.” HAA is also challenging its members, including apartment owners and operators as well as suppliers, to contribute additional funds to the program. Donate to the HAA Renter Assistance Fund today at https://acamweb.org/how-youcan-help/.

Thank you to the following for their donations, which raised more than $40,000 additional funds for the program: AAA Plumbers 1305 Memorial Apartments The Axcell Group 7637 Harwin Apartments The Axcell Group 8330 Carvel Apartments The Axcell Group Alex Chacon Alexis Apartments Amber Oaks Apartments Amy Seidel Ashford Court Apartments Ashford Pointe Apartments Bella Spring Townhomes Stellar Equity Management Bellaria Townhomes Beverly S Kusmer Billy Griffin - Camp Construction Services Blue Abby Management Brian Crawford Briar Park Apartments

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June 2020

Camp Construction Candis Mohr - AAA Plumbers Casa Blume Apartments Casey Rozell Cathleen Moore CDE Driftwood Apartments Cedar Bluff Apartments Centra Partners, LLC Cesar Lima - AAA Plumbers Christy Rodriguez Claus Nielsen Claye Properties, Inc. Copper Cove Apartments - Ilyn Elias Country Club Place Apartments The Axcell Group Creative Property Management Co. Crescentwood Apartments The Conerly Group Crosby Square Apartments Blue Abby Management Crossings on Lane Apartments The Conerly Group Cynthia Rose David Hodge - Camp Construction Services Debra Knight Decker Place Apartments The Axcell Group Delta Court Apartments Delta Fountain Apartments Delta Garden Apartments Delta Heights Apartments Delta Residence Apartments Delta Shore Apartments Denise Nicanor Donovan Village Apartments Edwin Brotamonte Elevated Asset Management LLC Emery Jakab Fountains at Chimney Rock Stellar Equity Management Gateway Grove Apartments Gemini Garden Apartments Gloria Parrino

Grace Prather - Prism Electric Greystar Homes - Stellar Equity Management Integrity Asset Management LLC Ira Gross - Integrity Asset Management Israel Garza III - Maintenance Supply Headquarters James Budroe - Camp Construction Jeff Blevins - Camp Construction Jeff Gray & Elizabeth Castro Gray Jerry Turner John Ridgway - Celtic Property Advisors Kecia Kirksey Kevin Fenn Kevin Goodnight - Redi Carpet Kristin McLaughlin - Mohawk Kylie Schischka - Star Pacific Capital Management La Mariposa Apartments LaMonte Park Townhomes Lamppost Capital Management Lisa Bradley Lisa Hammond M5TA, El Milagro Apartments Madison at Bear Creek Apartments Mark Park - AAA Plumbers Matthew Nunn - Camp Construction Services Michael J Koch - Camp Construction Services Michael Knight Mirabella Apartments on Oak St. Verve Assets, LLC Multifamily Insiders Nichole Williams On Site Towing Park Place Apartments Queens Lane Apartments and Townhomes Residence at the Heights Riverwalk Apartments Roger Camp Russell Rubin Scott and Deborah Tenney

Scott Van Nostrand Shannon Coppin - Camp Construction Services Sharon Fortmeyer – Kalitera Assets Solano Apartments Springs of Lake Jackson Apartments The Conerly Group Stafford Oaks Apartments - Ilyn Elias Starla Turnbo – SMI Realty Stellar Equity Management Steve & Weeraya Tennison Steve Park - AAA Plumbers Sunshine Apartments The Conerly Group Tara Oaks Apartments TAZRock Asset Management LLC The Apex Apartments The Axcell Group The Dinerstein Companies The Lenox Apartments The Park at Live Oak Apartments The Reserve at Bellfort Apartments Thomas Manor Apartments Tina Cavaco Trafalgar West Apartments Trailwood Village Apartments The Axcell Group Triumph Equity Management Union Square Apartments Veritas Equity Management Verve Assets LLC Villas at Braeburn Apartments Villas at The Palms Apartments The Conerly Group Vista Gardens Apartments & Townhomes WeDoTrash Whisper Oaks Apartments Blue Abby Management Woodgate Townhomes Zia Living Property Management

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