The Power of Us – The 2026 Expo Committee and Committee Chair Nikki Sekunda are ready to show you the Power of Us for the HAA Education Conference & Expo at NRG Center on April 1.
Vice President of Education LAUREN RAGIN, CMP lragin@haaonline.org
Vice President of Facility Management/RCR TINA DEFIORE tdefiore@haaonline.org
Vice President of Government Affairs BEN MCPHAUL bmcphaul@haaonline.org
Events and Meetings Director KASAUNDRA WRIGHT kwright@haaonline.org
Director of Resident Relations MATILDE LUNA mluna@haaonline.org
Director of IT WILL ALFARO walfaro@haaonline.org
Government Affairs Manager ALEX CHADWELL achadwell@haaonline.org
Strategic Outreach Manager MORGAN WATERMAN mwaterman@haaonline.org
Education and Events Manager BIANCA REYNA breyna@haaonline.org
Member Services Manager JAKKI POSADA jposada@haaonline.org
Member Services Assistant SYDNEY CHANSAMOUTH schansamouth@haaonline.org
PRINTER TGI PRINTED www.tgiprinted.com
HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE CHAIR
Executive Ryan Terrell
Nominating
Fair Housing
Ethics
Finance
Past Presidents Council
Legislative
Political Action
Golf
Century Club
Education Advisory
Independent Rental
Owners Connection
NEXT Young Professionals
Leadership Development
Community Outreach
Product Service Council
Expo Exhibitor
Membership
Ambassador ONE Society
Resident Relations A
Shelley Watson
Howard Bookstaff
Michelle Pawelek
Gary Blumberg
John Boriack
Monica Gracia
Stacy Hunt
Starla Turnbo
Liz Levins
Lori Latham
Alan Yu
Emily Frost
Arely Pena
Clay Hicks
Melissa Friend
Blaise Spitaleri
Nikki Sekunda
Deborah DeRouen
Sara Hinson
Xochitl Sheffield
Jim Martensen
Michele Swilley
Resident Relations B Ryan Raser
Resident Relations Appeals
HAF Chili Fundraiser
Honors Property Awards
Darlene Guidry
Joey Rodriguez
Kathy Motis
Karen Hefner
Ruha Vohra
Honors Individual Awards Joe Melton
STAFF ADVISOR
Casey Morgan
Casey Morgan
Casey Morgan
Casey Morgan
Casey Morgan
Casey Morgan
Casey Morgan
Alex Chadwell
Alex Chadwell
Alex Chadwell
Lauren Ragin
Lauren Ragin
Lauren Ragin
Amanda Sherbondy
Amanda Sherbondy
Amanda Sherbondy
Randa Dick
Randa Dick
Randa Dick
Matti Luna
Matti Luna
Matti Luna
Kasaundra Wright
Kasaundra Wright
Amanda Sherbondy
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, MARCH 2026, VOLUME 49, ISSUE 3
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABODE, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041.
EXECUTIVE SUPPLIER MEMBERS
These companies have generously supported the Houston Apartment Association with their Executive Supplier Membership. Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business.
1-Tom Plumber Houston
2020 Exhibits
3BeeGuys Bee Removal
A+ Aquatic Services
A1 Property Construction
AAA Staffing Ltd
Achilles Security Services LLC
ACT Security Group
Action Window Coverings Inc
ACTIV Answer
Adobe Floors Inc
Adventure Playground Systems Inc
Advocate Construction Inc
Affinity Waste Solutions
Air Express Construction and Plumbing
ALD Outdoors
Alexander-Rose Associates Inc
All American Mailboxes of Houston Inc
All Power Solutions
ALN Apartment Data
Alonso Service Co.
Ambassador Services LLC
American Fire Systems Inc
American Wheel & Tire #2 Ltd
Ameristar Screen & Glass
Apartment Services Group
ARC Glass LLC
ARR Commercial Services
& Sheet Metal
Artisent Floors
ASAP Personnel Inc
Asurety Dryer Vent & Fireplace Inspections
B&G Construction
Bar-B-Clean Southwest Houston
Belfor Property Restoration
Bend Construction
Berkeley Outside Services
Bettencourt Tax Advisors LLC
Beyond Blue Pools
BGE Inc/aka Brown & Gay
Engineers Inc
Binswanger Glass
BioTechs Crime & Trauma
Scene Cleaning
Blue Marlin Maintenance Air
Conditioning and Renovation
Blue Stream Fiber
BluSky Restoration Contractors
Brady Chapman Holland & Assoc
Brazos Commercial Roofing
Brown & Brown Insurance
Services Inc
BSI
ByteTime Computing Inc
Cabinet Door Usa
Cameras Onsite LLC
Capital Disaster Solutions
Catalyst Construction
Centex Construction
CEP Construction Services LLC
Chadwell Supply
Chesapeake Finishing
Childress Electric
ClaimsMate Adjusters
Classic Same Day Blinds
Code Red Security Systems PLLC
Commercial Fire Protection
Contractors Inc
Core Distributing
Corey Construction Commercial & Multi-Family Roofing
CORT Furniture Rental
CoverAll Pests
CRE Business Solutions LLC
Crisis Care
Crossroads Insurance
Recovery Advocates
Crowned Eagle Construction
CSC ServiceworksAppliance Warehouse
Cypress Landscaping & Irrigation Inc
Decorative Flooring
DeNyse Companies
Designs by Holmes
Diamond Services LLC
DNM Contracting Inc
DoodyCalls
Double Oak Erosion
Dry Force Corp
DVF Company
ECC Exteriors
EDT Construction Services
EHEAT
Elite Roofing LLC
Emersyn Electrical Services LLC
Empire Fire and Safety
Encore Services TX
EnviroSmart Multifamily Pest Solutions
Epic Multifamily Construction
EPremium Insurance Agency
Exo Edge
Exterior Inspections
Ezee Fiber
Fantastic Floors
Featherston Sign Partners, LLC
Fiat Construction LLC
Fire Reconstruction Inc
Flavor Finish Resurfacing
FlipLok
Floor Merchant
Foundation Check Inc
Frontier Waste Solutions
FSD Protection fun abounds
Gambit Construction
Garland Law Firm
Glass Doctor of Greater
South Houston
GM Cleaning Service Pro LLC
GMR Electrical
Go Painting of N. Houston
Go-Staff Inc
Golden Armor Security and Investigations LLC
Good Landscaping
GQ Landscaping
Grace Painting and Remodeling
Great American Business Products
Greater Houston Pool Management
Green City Security LLC
Green Garbology
Green Leaf Pro
Green Pride Landscaping
Greenlogic
Grindstone General Contracting
GSR Construction Group
H&R Operator Services Inc
Hallmark Hardwoods
Hamilton-Steele Outdoor Accents
Hive Technology
Hoover Slovacek LLP
Houston Cleaning Crew LLC
Houston Granite Marble Center
Houston Home and Patio
Houston Roofing & Construction LLC
Houston Strong Roofing Company
Hut Services LLC
Hybrilux LLC
Ideal Parking Management
Infinity Power Partners
Innovative Environments
Innovative Recovery
Insurica
InterSolutions Property
Management Staffing
J G Amador Construction
J Turner Research
Jacobson Insurance &
Risk Management
Johnstone Supply
JOR Construction & Property
Investments LLC
Junk Shot and Doorstep Details of Houston
Landing
Lanyard Construction Services
Laser Answering Service LLC
Lee & Barrier Builders LLC
Lincoln Jacob Construction
Lineups
Lithotech Printed Products/ Forms Center
LMC Embark Landscape and Tree Care
Long Point Roofing
Lopez Carpet Care & Painting
LP Building Solutions
Major Piles
Matrix Construction Services
Minol USA
MNM Fire Systems LLC
Mueller Water Conditioning Inc
Multifamily Access Control
Nailed It Roofing Pros
Nationwide Energy Partners
NEI General Contracting
Nelson Painting and Construction LLC
Norman Roofing and Construction
Northwest Construction Group
Optima General Contractor LLC
Pace Mechanical Services LLC
Pacific Coast Landscape and Design
Parking Management Company/
PMC Towing
Partners
Pasadena Insurance Agency Inc
Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Houston
Penco Access Control LLC
dba Penco Gate and Fence
Platinum Pool and Spa LLC
PooPrints
Power Services of Texas
Precision Appliance Leasing
Premier Protective Security
Premium Improvements
Pro-Shield Commercial Roofing LLC
Pro-Tex Contracting Group LLC
Professional Resurface LLC
Properteese
Property Guardians LLC
Pura Flo Corporation
Quality Construction Concepts
Quick Protection Inc
Qwikkit
R&L Global Inc
R3BUILD Construction Services LLC
RAM Construction
Ram Jack Foundation Solutions
Real Floors Inc
Redevelopment Services
Redux Construction
Reliable Paving, Inc
Reliable Roofing of Texas Inc
Reliant
RENCON LLC
Renova Appliance Center LTD
Renova One
REVS (Refuel Electric
Vehicle Solutions)
Richmond & Associates
Landscaping-Houston, LTD
Riverway Title
Robles Roofing & More LLC
Roof Top Innovations
Rose Paving
Roto-Rooter Services Co
Rotolo Consultants Inc (RCI)
Royalty Landscape
SafeRent Solutions
SEAL Security Solutions LLC
Secure Insurance
ServiceMaster Recovery
Management
Servpro Friendswood Pearland
Servpro Team Shaw
Sherwin Williams
Sign-Ups & Banners
Signal of Houston
Southern Star Building LLC
Southwest A/C Supply, Inc
Spartan Fire Protection
Spire Roofing Solutions
SSC Glass LLC
Stealth Renovations
Steward Trash Valet Service
Stormwater Professionals Group
Strata Roofing and Construction LLC
Strickland Law Firm PLLC
Superscapes Landscape and Irrigation
Surface Experts
Surface Experts of Katy/ West Houston
Swain & Baldwin Insurance & Risk Management
Tejas Softwash
Tex-Air Filters
Texan Landscaping Rivera
Texas Apartment Pool Services
Texas Concrete Professional Company
Texas GroundWorks Management
Texas Pressure Washing
Texas Southwest Floors Inc
Texas Window Cleaning Co Inc
TextByChoice
The Apartments Concierge
The Katy Plumbing Company
The Liberty Group
THS National
Tidal Electrical Services Inc
Top Choice Roofing & Restoration GC
Tower Steel Services
Trash Butler
Trash Concierge Houston
Tree Care USA LLC
Tri County Specialties LLC
TurboPass
Two Dots
United Protective Services
Urban Design Constructors
Urban Outreach, Inc
Urban Value Corner Store
Valet Living
Warren Kalyan PLLC
Watermark Restoration Inc
Webb Pest Control
Westpark Communications
Whitman's Contracting and Roofing
XTRM Restoration
XXL Construction Inc
Yellowstone Landscape
Letter from the President
By RYAN TERRELL
AND WE ARE BACK! JUST IN TIME FOR HAA’S LARGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR ON APRIL 1 – HAA’S 2026 EDUCATION CONFERENCE & EXPO AT NRG CENTER.
We are back in print that is, and ready to show the multifamily industry the “Power of Us”!!!
If you’ve been reading ABODE, you may have learned I’m a big Marvel fan, and while I love super heroes, the REAL power is in us as an industry force – don’t miss your chance to join the team! Owner management personnel and exhibiting suppliers will share the best in multifamily education, networking, and products and services. This magazine is filled to the brim with details about the big show. First up, meet your hosts and our cover stars, the 2026 Expo Exhibitor Committee, on Page 3. Learn from our Education Conference speakers starting on Page 38. Plus, we have info from our Feature Suppliers throughout this issue, with chances to win BIG money and much, much more. Take a look inside to power up and join “US.” Registration has opened, so see all the details on Page 16 and visit www.haaexpo.org for more.
It was a Boot-Scooting Good Time
Many thanks to everyone who joined me and polished up their boots for the Installation Gala (See Pages 28 through 31 for photos). It was a wonderful event, with all my industry friends and my incredible family. A big thank you goes to our Presenting Sponsor Camp Facility Services and Premier Sponsors Chadwell Supply, Reliant, Texas Apartment Pool Services, Tidal Electrical Services and Unleased.
More Boots on the Ground for the Sponsorship Auction
Speaking of sponsors, HAA could not do what we do as an association without the tremendous support of our supplier partners who commit thousands of dollars to HAA’s events and education programs, like our Gala. I was proud to be a part of the January “Boot Camp” Sponsorship Auction, where our suppliers bid more than $256,000 for event sponsorships (See Page 26 for details). It’s important that we do business with these partners to thank them for their participation and support of our industry. It is the simplest and most valuable way to show your support for HAA and our mission.
Nominate Your Industry Stars
Last, but certainly not least, don’t miss your chance to nominate your best and brightest for our second major event of the year, the HAA Honors Awards! Give your staff and peers the recognition they deserve by nominating them for an award – it’s easy. The nomination forms for both properties and professionals are now live on the HAA website. Nominate your favorite property or maintenance, leasing, management, corporate or supplier staff by visiting www.haaonline.org/nominate. Do it today and I will see you all at the Hilton Americas on June 11.
There are so many more HAA events coming up, including the Volleyball Tournament, Top Golf, the list goes on. Check it all out by visiting www.haaonline.org/events or the QR code at right for more information. Come on out, shake some hands and make connections with HAA this year!
These companies have generously supported the Houston Apartment Association with their exclusive membership. Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business.
MARCH Exclusive Member
Houston Planned Energy Systems HAA Member since 1978
Cotton Commercial USA Inc. HAA Member since 1982
Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search HAA Member since 1993
Lowe’s Pro Supply HAA Member since 2006
Craven Carpet HAA Member since 1986
Camp Facilty Services HAA Member since 1994
HAA Member since 1997
Gemstar Construction Development Inc. HAA Member since 1985
AAA Plumbers HAA Member since 1984
FSI Construction Inc. HAA Member since 1999
Dixie Interiors HAA Member since 1987
Century A/C Supply HAA Member since 1968
By MONICA GRACIA, HAA Legislative Chair, with BEN MCPHAUL, Vice President of Government Affairs
HELLYAR YES
HAA endorses Nick Hellyar for Houston City Council District C.
THE HAA PAC
recently interviewed and voted to endorse Nick Hellyar for Houston City Council, District C. Nick is running in the April 4th special election to replace current Council Member Abbie Kamin who is running in the Democratic primary for Harris County Attorney. Councilmember Kamin’s term would have ended in December 2027 but her announcement to run for County Attorney created a vacancy on Council and necessitated a special election to fill the remainder of her term.
Nick Hellyar is a small business owner and real estate professional who grew up in Houston and cares deeply about his community. Nick is a Houston native and graduate of Lamar High School. He successfully worked with city and state campaigns and served in government offices helping neighbors solve everyday problems. From public safety and street repairs to trash pickup and nuisance bars, Nick has helped Houstonians navigate City Hall, most recently serving as Chief of Staff to Council Member Twila Carter.
HAA formerly endorsed Nick in 2023 for Houston City Council At-Large 2 in both the general election and in the subsequent runoff with now Council Member Willie Davis. HAA also endorsed Nick in 2019 for Houston City Council At-Large 4.
If you are interested in learning more about Nick, you can visit his website www.nickforhouston.com.
To learn more about polling locations, voting dates and times, please visit www.harrisvotes.com.
About District C:
Houston City Council District C represents the central/west Houston area, including The Heights, Montrose, Meyerland, and Rice Village. It is known as a politically a ctive, economically diverse, and leaning progressive district.
HAA would also like to wish Council Member Abbie Kamin the best of luck in her future endeavors and thank her for her service to the Houston community during her time serving District C.
Houston Parks and Private Parks Ordinance
In early February, the Houston City Council Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee heard a presentation on the current Parks and Private Parks Ordinance. Established in 2007, the Ordinance "aims to provide adequate parks, recreational amenities and open space for new residential developments in the City of Houston."
Similar ordinances exist in other large cities around the state and require funds for new developments to be allocated to a Park and Recreation Dedicated Fund. These funds are obligated within three years of the development completion, can only be used for park acquisition on improvements, not maintenance or city staff overhead.
Currently, in Houston, the fee is $700 per dwelling unit. However, there is discussion to amend the Park and Private Park Ordinance to bring into compliance with Chapter 212 of Texas Local Government Code and potentially increase this per unit fee.
While not scheduled at the time of publication, there will be future meetings held by City Council that outline the proposed changes.
The HAA Government Affairs team is actively meeting with members of Council to discuss these proposals and offer our feedback.
For legislative concerns, call the HAA main line at 713-595-0300 and ask for Government Affairs. If a particular code requirement or issue concerns you, let us know by emailing bmcphaul@haaonline.org.
For more on the HAA PAC, visit www.haaonline.org/haapac.
The Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee is the PAC of the Houston Apartment Association, a non-profit trade association representing the area apartment industry. Without political capital, our industry would not be as successful in representing you or your clients’ interests, and thus, your financial well-being. The HAAPAC participates in local and state political campaigns, helping candidates who support the apartment industry and its supplier businesses. You can participate in the HAAPAC on several levels. For more on HAAPAC, visit www.haaonline.org/haapac
WHICH FORM DO I USE?!
New TAA Forms to help navigate the eviction process.
WITH A NEW LAW comes a new lease and other new forms. But knowing what to do, and which form to use, is not simple or easy. The TAA lease, application and pre-suit notice forms all have changes to assist with the new eviction process.
What is so different about the new forms? Which pre-suit notice form do I use? What if I use the wrong one? How can I be sure? I feel like I keep hearing different things from different people! I don’t know what to do! YIKES!
You are NOT alone. The new eviction laws in Texas have some significant changes which will take some time to get accustomed to. Judges, lawyers, residents, owners, and managers are all on the same adventure.
It is important to know how the TAA lease forms can help improve your day-to-day operations and the eviction process. Please keep in mind that the changes identified below are to the new forms including the new lease. If you are evicting a resident under the old lease, you need to read the lease carefully to determine whether the issue is covered.
First, let’s look at some new lease provisions affecting evictions: Electronic Notices under Para. 23.2 (and Para. 21).
You may have heard that the law now allows a pre-suit notice such as a Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate or a Notice to Vacate to be delivered elec-
tronically, including by email. This is true, but only if the parties have agreed in writing that notices may be sent electronically.
In sub-paragraph 23.2, the resident now specifically agrees to receive pre-suit notices via email or other electronic means (See Figure 1 below left):
In order to assist with delivery, sub-paragraphs 21.1 and 21.2 now specify that the resident agrees to receiving all notices, including pre-suit notices, through a resident portal, to the email address provided in the application, or to any other email address used by the resident to communicate with the owner.
Computation of Time for Pre-Suit Notices
(Paragraph 23.2)
Filing your eviction before the resident’s deadline to vacate has expired could result in your case being dismissed. The new law states that a notice to vacate period that ends on a weekend or holiday is extended to the next business day that is not a weekend or holiday.
Here is an example of how the rule works: You deliver a 3-day Notice to Vacate on a Wednesday. The third day is Saturday. But the period to vacate cannot end on a weekend. So, the period extends to Monday. But Monday is Labor Day causing the deadline to extend again to Tuesday. In this scenario, you cannot file your eviction until Wednesday of the following week. Your 3-day Notice to Va-
cate turned into a 6-day Notice to Vacate. But, the new lease helps with this issue. The law allows the parties to agree in writing to a shorter time-period than is required by the law. So, in Paragraph 23.2, the parties agree to shorten the notice period if it ends on a weekend or holiday, such that it is NOT extended to the next business day (See Figure 2 below right).
Keep this provision in mind if you are in court and someone questions whether the eviction lawsuit was filed too early.
And, as always, it is good to get to know your judge so that you can learn whether he or she will strictly enforce this provision in your favor. If you are not sure whether your judge will enforce this provision in your favor, you could err on the side of caution by allowing an extra day to expire before filing your eviction lawsuit.
Let’s briefly look at how the Application form can help your eviction:
A good eviction starts during the leasing process. The TAA Application form has also been updated to help. You should make sure the application is filled out completely, which includes providing a valid email address which will serve as the email address for receiving notices under the lease, including pre-suit notices.
At the bottom of the page is a screenshot from the application (Figure 3).
Figure 1: 23.2 Eviction
Figure 2: 23.2 Eviction
Figure 3: Application Excerpt
Finally, let’s look at the Pre-Suit Notice Forms (Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate and Notice to Vacate)
Before you deliver the pre-suit notice, and before you file the eviction, you must first select the correct pre-suit notice. Currently there are two TAA forms: (1) Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate; and (2) Notice to Vacate. Selecting the wrong form could result in your case being dismissed.
Texas Property Code § 24.005(a) states that a Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate must be given if (1) the “right of possession is terminated based solely on nonpayment of rent;” AND (2) the resident “was not late or delinquent in paying rent to the landlord before the month in which the notice was given.”
This means that a Notice to Vacate can be given in all other situations such as:
• when the notice is given because of non-monetary defaults such as threatening or criminal conduct or other conduct which is in violation of the lease;
• when the resident was previously late or delinquent in paying rent in a month prior to the current month in which you are giving the notice; and
• when the delinquency includes items other than rent, such as late fees, utilities, or other charges not included in rent (because the eviction is not based solely on nonpayment of rent).
To better understand what this means, it may help to look at the forms.
The Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate form demands that the resident either pay rent in full or vacate the leased premises. It MUST be used only if the
eviction is based solely upon nonpayment of rent and the resident was not previously late or delinquent in the payment of rent in a month prior to the month in which the notice is given.
Please note, some owners and managers would prefer to give the resident a chance to “pay or quit.” If your company prefers to give the residents a chance to pay or vacate, then you MAY use this form as often as you like. But be careful! If the resident tenders a payment for rent, but it does not include non-rent items owed, such as late fees and utilities, you should be prepared to accept that payment and refrain from filing an eviction based on this notice. To prevent a cycle where the resident takes advantage of the ability to pay only delinquent rent while falling further and further behind, you may consider adopting a policy of not giving multiple Notices to Pay Rent or Vacate during the same lease term.
Figure 4: Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate Form
Booth #815
RESIDENT REPRIEVE
Management reconsiders charges after a resident files a complaint with HAA.
A RESIDENT FILED a complaint with HAA stating that she moved into her apartment and found that the apartment was unfit and not ready for move-in. When the resident moved out after more than a year, there was mold growing from the walls because of a leak that had not been repaired by management. The resident stated that management would not give back her deposit. Enclosed were copies of the statement of security deposit account and move-in/ move-out condition form. Pictures were also provided.
Management’s Response
Management responded to HAA stating that their company did not own the property at the time the resident moved in. There is no record on the move-in inventory condition form of urine stains or smell. The resident stated when she moved out that mold was growing from the walls because of a leak. Management stated that three months prior to the resident moving out and 10 days after they took over the property that the resident informed them there was mold from a leak in her air conditioning unit. Management immediately repaired the leak, which was a
condensation issue, and had contracted to have wallboards and baseboards replaced.
Management stated that the resident was very understanding and grateful for their prompt attention and believed that the statement made by the resident to HAA that “the apartment complex has been belligerent and unruly to give back deposit,” came from the resident’s disagreement with charges and her feeling that the charges should be waived. Management stated that the deposit was applied to charges assessed at move-out and that one item has nothing to do with the other. Management also revised the statement of deposit account after it was discovered the carpet could be saved rather than replaced. Enclosed were copies of the lease, application, move-in/ move-out condition form, resident’s notice of intent to move out and statement of security deposit account.
The Committee’s Decision
The committee decided in favor of management with the revised statement of deposit account showing the resident was refunded $5.64. The resident may wish to pursue any other issues in small claims or civil court.
TAA’s all-new REDBOOK
Seminar
Series unpacks the biggest legal and operational updates affecting your business. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the rental real-estate industry, REDBOOK 2026 gives you the knowledge, forms, and confidence to stay compliant and effective. Each seminar will include a dual-module program and will be eligible for 7 CEC.
Module 1 – SB 38 & Evictions:
Learn what changed, why it matters, and how to protect your property under the state’s streamlined eviction process.
Module 2 – Operational & Landlord-Tenant Essentials: Dive into the real-world issues that shape property management —from screening to lease completion, fair-housing requests, repairs, and beyond.
The HAA Resident Relations Committees provide an impartial review of resident complaints using the documentation provided by both the resident and management. When the committee finds in favor of the resident, we appreciate a direct response from the property to the resident within two weeks and a copy of the payment sent to HAA for our records. When the committee finds in favor of the resident, management may file an appeal. When the committee finds in favor of the property owner, the decision is final.
If you are a manager with a resident relations issue, call HAA at 713-595-0300 for direct assistance. Renters can be referred to HAA to speak to a trained consultant, fluent in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can also be directed online to www.haaonline.org/renters.
Upcoming dates and locations:
March 19 - Fort Bend County
Sugar Creek Country Club, 420 Sugar Creek Boulevard, Sugar Land
April 28 - Brazoria County
Golfcrest Country Club, 2509 Country Club Drive, Pearland
Program Details:
8:30 a.m. - Registration & Breakfast
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Program
Lunch will be provided during a midday break.
Course Fee: $140
Register online at www.haaonline.org/events
Show Schedule:
Education Conference Paid attendees only.
8 a.m. – Registration Open
8 a.m. to 9 a.m. – Grab & Go Breakfast
9 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. – Keynote
10:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. – Education Sessions
12:20 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Lunch
Education Session Speakers David Suson Ishea Shepherd Mindy Price Charlotte Pisciotta Keynote Speaker Marvelless Mark
Stop by the Mini Session Corner between breakout sessions to catch a few quick marketing tips led by Barbara Savona!
Expo
To attend the Expo only, there is no charge for management personnel. (Non-exhibiting suppliers are not able to attend.)
Noon to 1:30 p.m. – VIP POWER Hour (invitation only)
1:30 p.m. – Expo Grand Opening
1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Expo Hours, Hall B
Over 250 Exhibitors! • Three $1,000 Cash Giveaways! Register in advance at www.haaexpo.org
Turn
it Up with The
Power of Us and Keynote Presenter Marvelless Mark!
In the multifamily world, the most successful organizations do not rely on solo acts. They perform as a band and turn it up every single day. Marvelless Mark shows how working together with rhythm, trust, and purpose allows teams to dream bigger, move faster, and lead meaningful change. When teams align around a shared vision and focus on the One Big Unreasonable Dream, they stop being busy and start being truly productive, unlocking innovation, momentum, and measurable results through the Power of Us.
Back for 2026!
Mini Sessions Corner with Barbara Savona Stop by the Mini Session Corner between breakout sessions to catch small wins that you can implement weekly in the areas of social, marketing, AI, and retention.
Education Breakout Sessions
Choose between two tracks covering Leadership or On-Site topics each hour:
10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.
Leadership Session
Unlocking the Perception Code: Transforming Leadership for Extraordinary Results with David Suson
The biggest leadership challenges come from people —not strategy or competition. Dropping engagement, high turnover, and poor communication stem from misaligned perceptions. Leaders believe they’re clear and supportive, but teams often see otherwise. Unlocking the Perception Code helps close that gap, revealing hidden barriers and empowering leaders to drive engagement, execution, and real results with clarity and confidence.
On-Site Session
Summer Service Playbook: Closing the Communication Gap Between Maintenance & Management with Ishea Shepherd
Turn your busiest season into your bestperforming season with this tactical session designed to help teams navigate the summer chaos with confidence and clarity. Learn how to use structured communication models to reduce conflict and rework, deploy fast feedback loops between service and office teams to stay agile and aligned, and enhance summer workflows by using empathy-centered messaging that resonates with residents
11:30 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
Leadership Session
The Human Advantage: When AI Steals the Spotlight, Real Leaders Still Run the Show with Mindy Price
AI is having a moment. It’s fast, impressive, and reshaping how we communicate with residents, manage teams and measure performance. While AI can generate data, it can’t build trust. It can draft a message, but it can’t walk into a meeting and bring people back together. It definitely can’t rally a team around bold goals when things have gone off course. In a world chasing speed and scale, the real edge isn’t just being efficient, it’s being human.
On-Site Session
Beyond the Lease: Hospitality Fundamentals for Exceptional Resident Experience with Charlotte Pisciotta
In today's competitive multifamily housing market, exceptional resident experiences are key to retention and satisfaction. Explore how hospitality principles can transform everyday operations in multifamily communities. Learn how to apply core hospitality strategies to create environments where residents feel valued and connected.
Education Conference Pricing
Early Bird Individual Registration Discount ends on March 1: Individual: $160; Group of 10: $1,600 Standard: Individual: $185; Group of 10: $1,850 Walk-Up (based on availability); Individual: $195
Special conference pricing for current NAA credential holders available. Email education@haaonline.org for your discount code.
2026 HAA Volleyball Tournament
Dust of your skills, grab your coworkers and get ready to bump, set and spike your way to the top!
Festivities include lunch and snacks, networking opportunities and checking out the HAA athletes.
All players must be members of HAA and teams must be co-ed with at least 2 women and 2 men on the court at all times.
Friday, March 13
Gates open at 8:30 a.m.
Registration and Practice: 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Tournament begins at 10 a.m.
*Each team must have all players present by 9:45 a.m. to play.
District 249
23238 State Highway 249 in Tomball, 77375
Tournament Fee: $695 per team of 8 (6 players, 2 alternates)
Spectator Fee: $75
Register online at www.haaonline.org.
Award Sponsors
Apartment Services Group
Camp Facility Services
Guardian Construction
Court Sponsors
Chadwell Supply
SERVPRO of Memorial West, NW
Lunch Sponsors
Camp Facility Services
SERVPRO of Memorial West, NW
Snack Station Sponsor
BluSky Restoration Contractors
Wristband Sponsors
Steward Trash Valet Services
Unleased
Questions? Contact the Meetings and Events Department at 713-595-0323, or email at events@haaonline.org.
Booths #7/8/9
MARCH
3
Avenues: Maintenance Blvd 1
Tuesday, March 3
8:30 a.m. to Noon
The Avenues series features nationally-acclaimed speakers in the multifamily industry across various topics geared toward every level of multifamily professional. See Page 22 for details.
Sponsored by AAA Plumbers
4
CALP: Certified Apartment Leasing Professional Course Begins
Wednesday, March 4
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Enhances the skills of the apartment leasing professional, resulting in better-informed, highly professional individuals with increased lease activity and improved resident relations. For more information, visit www.haaonline.org/events.
Sponsored by Best Plumbing, Platinum Pools and Stealth Renovatons
New Supplier Orientation
Wednesday, March 4
2:30 p.m.
Kirby Ice House Memorial
All new supplier members or representatives can attend this in person orientation. Learn how to get involved and take advantage of member benefits. Email members@haaonline.org for details.
Ambassador ONE Society
Wednesday, March 4
3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Kirby Ice House Memorial Supplier partners can join this committee to find out how to promote HAA Events, contact properties to survey them on benefits, and network with other supplier partners.
5 ACES Luncheon
Thursday, March 5
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
McCormick & Schmick’s Uptown ACES (Apartment Community Executives and Supervisors) is an exclusive program for multifamily management executives. Lunch programs are hosted at local venues and feature a guest speaker. This program features Dr. Debbie Phillips with “Keep the Hive Alive – Building High Performing Teams Through Personal Accountability.”
High performing organizations have a collection of individuals who understand and accept personal accountability. Without personal accountability, a team culture will erode. The key is coaching people to think for themselves, take action and have an insatiable desire to help a team meet and exceed the owner’s goals and objectives. Visit www.haaonline.org/events to register. Management executives and sponsors only.
Sponsored by Best Plumbing and Co-Star Group (Apartments.com)
Go-Getter Meet & Greet
Thursday, March 5
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Join the Go-Getter Club! You can help strengthen your association with new members and increase engagement. New & prospective members are welcome to attend to meet current members to build their network and build lasting connections. See Page 54 for more information.
Sponsored by Dixie Interiors and Stealth Renovatons
11-12
Leasing 101
Wednesday, March 11 through Thursday, March 12
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. to Noon on Thursday From Fair Housing and the TAA lease paperwork, to today’s terminology and techniques, the industry’s most seasoned and dynamic instructors are on hand to educate students on the boundless potential that awaits those who choose the apartment management industry as their career. For more information, visit www.haaonline.org/events.
11
Resident Relations Committee A Wednesday, March 11
2 p.m.
Closed committee meeting Via Zoom
13
Featured Event
2026 Volleyball Tournament
Friday, March 13
District 249
Can you dig it? Dust off your skills, grab your coworkers and get ready to bump, set and spike your way to the top. See Page 25 for details.
17-18
CPO: Certified Pool Operator Course
March 17–18
The Certified Pool Operator certification is a 5-year national certification issued by the Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) and is required by the state of Texas. Course offered in both English & Spanish. For more information and to register, visit www.haaonline.org/events.
19
2026 Redbook SeminarFort Bend County
Thursday, March 19
Sugar Creek Country Club, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sharpen your knowledge of your legal rights and responsibilities as a rental housing owner or manager. Register at www.haaonline.org/events. Sponsored by Best Plumbing and Earthworks
UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, all events meet at our Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., second floor, in either the Direct Energy and Liberty Personnel & Executive Search or the Camden and Michael Stevens Interests Room. Meetings located at the HAA Offices, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., first floor, will be held in the Redi Carpet and Winograd Families/Judwin Properties Conference Room. See www.haaonline.org/events for an interactive calendar.
Please
APRIL
1
Featured Event
2026 HAA Education Conference & Expo
Wednesday, April 1
NRG Center, Hall B
Property management members
Join us for the Power of Us 2026
HAA Education Conference and Expo at NRG Center. Property management professionals and exhibitors only. See Page 16 for details and sponsors.
8
Resident Relations Committee B
Wednesday, April 8
2 p.m.
Closed committee meeting Via Zoom
New Supplier Orientation
Wednesday, April 8
2:30 p.m.
Kirby Ice House Memorial
All new supplier members or representatives can attend this in person orientation. Learn how to get involved and take advantage of member benefits. Email members@haaonline.org for details.
9
Ambassador ONE Society Crawfish Boil 2026
Thursday April 9
3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Frio Hill Country Grill & The Barn
Join us for the HAA Ambassador ONE Society Crawfish Boil Fundraiser. We’re raising funds and collecting donations for Entryway,
an organization that provides employment, housing and career training opportunities to homeless individuals and families. Your ticket includes two pounds of crawfish with potato and corn and one drink ticket. You are able to add on additional crawfish if you want more. We will collect much-needed household items such as socks, undergarments, paper towels, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, dish sponges, dish towels, hand soap, or $25 gift cards to Walmart. If you bring a donation, we’ll enter you into a drawing to win a Crawfish “Fun” Basket!
Sponsored by Gatby and Triumph Construction Singo-Bingo Game Sponsored by Best Plumbing
22
HAA Membership 101
Wednesday, April 22
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Via Zoom
Whether you work at the corporate office or on-site, this helpful webinar is for all HAA management members and their teams. We will review all HAA benefits available to get engaged and involved. Whether you're new to HAA or have been around and want to get more involved, learn something that will help you enhance your career. Visit www.haaonline.org/events to register.
24
2026 All Stars Sports Challenge Benefiting YMCA Houston Friday, April 24 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bear Creek Soccer Fields Teams will compete in six events with the top three teams awarded 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals after the competition. Please contact Amanda at 713-595-0316 or email at asherbondy@haaonlineorg for more information.
Sponsored by:
Buddy Walk - AAA Plumbers
Corn Hole Game- Dixie Interiors
Equipment - fun abounds
Giant Pong - Ameristar Screen and Glass
Medals - Precision Appliance
Leasing
Putting Green - Encore services
Wristbands - Good Landscaping
Football Toss - Triumph
Construction
Tug of War - Core Distributing
Soccer Ball Blitz -Encore Services
Lunch - Apple Termite and Pest
Control
Reception Sponsor - Claimsmate Adjusters
Reception Sponsor - Sherwin Williams
28
2026 Redbook SeminarBrazoria County
Tuesday, April 28
Golfcrest Country Club
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sharpen your knowledge of your legal rights and responsibilities as a rental housing owner or manager. Learn about TAA lease updates and much more. Register at www.haaonline.org/events.
Avenues: Main Street 2
Tuesday, April 28
8:30 a.m. to Noon
The Avenues series features nationally-acclaimed speakers in the multifamily industry across various topics geared toward every level of multifamily professional. See Page 22 for details.
Sponsored by ALN Apartment Data
29
Featured Event
2026 Maintenance Mania
Wednesday, April 29
7:30 a.m. to Noon
Sam Houston Race Park
A hands-on competition event dedicated to the celebration of HAA's maintenance and service professionals. Show off your skills and compete against your favorite maintenance or management team members - or cheer them on! Visit www.haaonline.org/events for more information and to register.
30
2026 Fair Housing Seminar
Thursday, April 30
8:30 a.m. to Noon
This comprehensive and interactive seminar is packed with Fair Housing compliance information to help you and your team stay proactive, not reactive. Eligible for 3 CECs.
Sponsored by Precision Appliance Leasing and Stealth Renovations
Discover the Ultimate Roadmap to Success with new speakers for 2026
What is Avenues?
A series of seminars presenting nationally-acclaimed speakers who are experts in their fields, with sessions for every level of multifamily professional.
How can I attend?
We offer two subscription options:
• Annual Property Subscription
• based on the number of units.
• Annual Individual Subscription You can also register for each individual session.
What does this get me?
Once you sign up, you receive access to 13 education sessions throughout the year. All you need to do is respond to the reminder email to confirm attendance.
Pricing:
Annual Property Subscription:
• Less than 200 units: $230
• 200-349 units: $440
• 350-449 units: $550
• 450 units or more: $600
Annual Individual Subscription: Corporate or Supplier Individual: $230
Individual sessions: $70/person
Three (3) CEC credits awarded per session.
View the series schedule and register online at www.haaonline.org. Contact the HAA Education Department at education@haaonline.org.
Booths #440/442
HAA PAC Luncheon
Tuesday, January 14
at the HAF Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center
Sponsored by Platinum Pool and Spa LLC
The HAA PAC hosted and interviewed Texas House District Candidates for their respective primaries in March. We greatly appreciate Tom Butler who is running for House District 128 and Scott Bowen who is running House District 129 for participating in our candidate forum. For more photos, visit the photo galleries at www.haaonline.org.
WE’RE ALL ABOUT BETTER GOVERNMENT Threats from government are coming at the apartment industry at a rapid pace. The HAA PAC, the political action committee of the Houston Apartment Association, needs your help to fight bad legislation. HAA members can participate in the PAC on several levels. Committee application forms are available. To join, renew or learn how to become involved with the PAC, see online at www.haaonline.org/haapac or contact govaffairs@haaonline.org.
The Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee is the PAC of the Houston Apartment Association, a non-profit trade association representing the area apartment industry. Without political capital, our industry would not be as successful in representing you or your clients’ interests, and thus, your financial well-being. The HAAPAC participates in local and state political campaigns, helping candidates who support the apartment industry and its supplier businesses. You can participate in the HAAPAC on several levels.
For more on HAAPAC, visit www.haaonline.org/haapac
On the Scene
HAA “Boot Camp” Sponsorship Auction
Thursday, January 29 at the HAF Education Center
Hoorah for the HAA suppliers who bid big and raised $256,825 for HAA’s education, events and meetings.
A big thanks to our auctioneers Alison Hall and Billy Griffin! For more photos, visit www.haaonline.org.
Thank you to our generous supplier sponsors:
Ameritex Movers
Apartment Services Group
Chadwell Supply
Unleased
Century Air Conditioning Supply
Apartments.com
Triumph Construction Group
American Fire Systems
Encore Services TX
Gatby
Stealth Renovations
TiCon Texas Construction Services
Ameristar Screen and Glass
Poolsure
CSC Serviceworks- Appliance Warehouse
AAA Plumbers
Valet Living
Northwest Construction Group
Catalyst Construction
Camp Facility Services
BluSky Restoration Contractors
The Cweren Law Firm
Best Plumbing
Indigo Construction & Development
Co-Star Group - Apartments.com
Core Distributing
Redevelopment Services
SERVPRO of Memorial West, NW
Sherwin Williams
Precision Appliance Leasing
fun abounds
Dixie Interiors
Steward Trash Valet Service
Massey Services Inc
Go Painting of North Houston
Good Landscaping
Texscape Services
ClaimsMate Adjusters
Cline Construction & Renovations
Trash Butler
Crestmark Construction Services
Earthworks
Guardian Construction
Morgan Group
Gemstar Construction
AOG Living
Flooring Warehouse
Hanover Company
Lineups
Luxer One - Locker Soltutions
Yellowstone Landscape
Sundek of Houston
Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search
Epic Multifamily Construction
Photos by HAA STAFF
On the Scene
Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert
2026 HAA Installation Gala presented by Camp Facilty Services
Friday, January 23 at The Post Oak Hotel
Presenting Sponsor Camp Facility Services
Premier Sponsors Chadwell Supply, Reliant, Texas Apartment
Pool Services, Tidal Electrical Services and Unleased
A gussied up crowd of HAA members shined up their boots and donned their bow ties to honor and install 2026 President Ryan Terrell, the Executive Officers, Board and PSC Officers with fine food, music, special themed libations, networking and more. For more photos, visit www.haaonline.org.
Photography
2026
HAA Installation Gala presented by Camp Facilty Services
Booths #634/636
$can to win!
Visit the Expo Featured Suppliers for three chances to win $1,000!
Step into the AI Scavenger Hunt at the Expo Featured Supplier Booths for your chance to win $1000! Your smart device is your passport to play—scan, explore, and let the future reward you!
How to Play:
�� Connect to the Game – Scan the QR code to download the ScanHunt app.
�� Reach Out – Visit booths, scan their QR codes.
�� Boost Your Odds – The more you scan, the more raffle tickets you earn!
Success Levels:
Visit 5 booths = 1 ticket
Visit 10 booths = 2 tickets
Visit ALL (13) booths = 3 tickets
Look for this logo in advertising and at participating exhibitor booths at the Expo
Participating Featured Suppliers:
Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services - #7/8/9
Grindstone General Contracting - #107/109/111
Texacraft - #322 /324
Behr Paint - #331
Lincoln Waste Solutions - #336
⚡ Claim Your Raffle Tickets – Show your digital scorecard at the HAA booth (back center of the hall) to receive your tickets. �� Live Drawings – Must Be Present to Win!
2:45 PM | 3:45 PM | 4:45 PM
Reach out — it could pay BIG!
�� Play, scan, and WIN!
American Screen & Glass - #440/442
Century A/C Supply - #521
Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search - #542
TiCon Texas Construction - #634/636
Best Plumbing - #711
No purchase needed – just your networking skills and multifamily savvy! ✨ Management Attendees ONLY.
Affordable Quality Electric - #815
AAA Plumbers - #914/915
1 2 3
Church Pool Services
Church Foundation - #920/921
Booth #711
Turn it Up!
The rhythm behind thriving multifamily communities.
You can feel it when teams align, residents feel cared for, and leaders show up with real presence, not just a title. You can also feel when that rhythm is off: energy dips, turnover rises, communication frays, passion fades.
The difference between communities that thrive and those that struggle often comes down to one thing: how well their people are playing together.
In today’s multifamily environment, leaders aren’t just managing buildings, they’re building a band and that band becomes your brand.
That’s where The Rock Star Mindset comes in.
The Rock Star Mindset isn’t about hype or volume. It’s about the kind of leadership energy that creates clarity, confidence, and consistency. It’s the difference between teams that simply show up and teams that play in sync (and I don’t mean the boy band).
People stay engaged when they feel seen. They stay longer when they feel they belong. And teams come together when leaders take the time to establish rhythm and trust.
In multifamily communities, opportunity rarely shows up in big moments. It shows up in the everyday ones: how a maintenance request is handled, how a resident concern is addressed, how leaders respond when pressure is high. These moments shape culture far more than any policy or process.
Maintenance managers aren’t behind the scenes; they’re the amps that give the band its sound. Customer service isn’t a department; it’s the lighting that shapes the experience. And the audience, the residents, feel the difference. When the experience is strong, they stay, they return, and they tell others. They become raving fans and your best marketing.
Great leaders don’t wait for motivation. They model it.
They celebrate effort, not just outcomes. They recognize contribution, not just performance. When leaders bring consistent energy, clear expectations, and genuine care, teams respond. Confidence grows. Engagement follows. Performance rises. They Turn It Up!
But when the rhythm breaks down, communication slips, expectations blur, and fatigue goes unaddressed, energy drains fast. Even strong teams lose momentum when leaders don’t pause to recalibrate the beat.
Rock Star leaders know when to turn it up and when to reset. Like musicians, they rehearse, developing leaders at every level so the entire team improves together. They coach instead of manage, creating space for people to grow without fear. They ask their team members what they should do, not tell them what to do. They listen, adjust, and reinforce standards without losing heart.
Training plays a role here, not as a checkbox, but as confidence-building. Prepared teams
act with clarity. Shared language creates alignment, and alignment builds trust that sustains performance.
When purpose is clear and people understand how their work improves lives and strengthens communities, passion finds its way back to center stage. You are that rock star that can make that happen.
The Rock Star Mindset doesn’t always arrive with a fanfare.
Sometimes it sounds like a beat waiting to be followed.
For leaders willing to listen to the feedback from their band, lead, and Turn It Up in everyday moments, opportunity doesn’t just knock, it Rocks
Marvelless Mark is a leadership and teamwork expert in the multifamily industry. He is a best-selling author, TED Talk speaker, Las Vegas headliner, and international speaker who has presented in twenty-four countries and numerous multifamily communities. He will bring his expertise, energy, interaction, and rhythm to this year’s Power of Us 2026 HAA Education Conference and Expo at NRG Center. Don’t miss it. See Page 17 for details.
To learn more about Mark, visit www.marvellessmark.com or follow him on social media @marvellessmark.
Break in Case of Emergency
A leader’s guide to the multifamily madness.
By ISHEA SHEPHERD
We often say our multifamily teams are like family. It sounds heartwarming until you remember that family is also the group of people most likely to drive you up a wall. The truth is, because we feel safe with our team, they are usually the first ones to catch the shrapnel when we lose our cool. In an industry where we act as mayors, therapists, and unofficial hostage negotiators, learning to manage that internal pressure isn’t just a suggestion. It is the only thing keeping the front office from turning into a reality TV showdown.
What we don’t always talk about is why the frustration feels so deeply personal.
In multifamily, your team becomes your second family because you spend more time with your Assistant Manager than your own spouse. You survive the chaos of “Turn” together and share the trauma of a flooded lobby at 2 a.m. while trying to find a shop vac that actually works. Just like a real family, it is easiest to snap at the people closest to you. This isn’t because they are the problem, but because they are the only ones who won’t ask for your boss or post a one-star review on Yelp for your attitude.
The “One More Question” Meltdown
Add in seasonal stressors like peak leasing season, budget month, or a sudden polar vortex that freezes every pipe in the building, and the office starts to feel like a pressure cooker.
Picture it. It is Monday. The phones are screaming. A resident is complaining about a leak. Another resident is complaining that the first resident’s complaining is too loud. Maintenance is down a person, and your cof-
fee is cold enough to be a gazpacho. Then, a team member pokes their head in to ask, “Hey, quick question…”
Suddenly, that innocent question feels like a declaration of war. You want to scream. The frustration spills out because you are at 110% capacity, and someone just tried to add a side of fries to your plate. You aren’t reacting to the question. You are reacting to the sheer weight of the property on your shoulders.
How to Keep Your Cool Without Quitting
How do you manage your emotions without blowing up, shutting down, or hiding in the model unit with a stolen bag of resident appreciation snacks? Here is the keep your sanity toolkit for the modern manager.
1. The Two Second Rule
It sounds like a cliché because it is, but a two second pause is the difference between being a Respected Leader and That Manager Who Scared the Temp. Take a breath. Mentally label the feeling. Tell yourself, “I’m not mad at Sarah. I’m just overstimulated by the sound of that copier jamming again.” Naming the beast makes it much easier to cage it.
2. Audit the Urgency
Ask yourself if this is a Category 5 Fire or just a Tuesday Minor Inconvenience. Most team mistakes are not personal vendettas against your KPI goals. Treating a typo like a total lease up failure only ensures your team will stop coming to you with the big stuff because they are terrified of the explosion.
3. Say the Quiet Part Professionally Out Loud Passive aggression is the slow acting poison of
the leasing office. It kills culture faster than a bedbug infestation. Instead of snapping, try telling them that you are currently at your bandwidth limit and ask to circle back in twenty minutes so you can give them your full attention. It sounds much more professional than saying, "If you ask me one more thing, I am moving to a cabin in the woods with no internet."
4. Install a Pressure Release Valve You are not a robot, even if your corporate office expects you to function like one. Short walks, a quick lap around the property to check the pool, or a thirty second vent session with a trusted peer can reset your nervous system. Leaders do not need more willpower. They need a better recovery plan and perhaps a very large hidden stash of chocolate and candy (at least that helps me and my team).
At the end of the day, multifamily success isn’t just about occupancy rates or NOI. It is about the people who make those numbers happen while keeping their sense of humor intact. Strong properties are built with systems, but legendary teams are built with emotional intelligence. You can fix a leaky pipe with a wrench, but you can only fix a burnt-out team with empathy, grace, and of course a little bit of joy.
Ishea Shepherd is a featured presenter for the On-Site Sessions during the 2026 HAA Eduction Conference & Expo at NRG on April 1. See Page 17 and www.haaexpo.org for details.
, The Joyful Leader
Caring & Commitment
Transforming leadership for extraordinary results.
By DAVID SUSON, President, Proliance Group LLC
I was watching a morning news program, and they had a representative from a local business talking about their programs they were running on the weekend. Usually these small businesses have the business owner on the show talking about why everyone should come down and see this event, but this was different. Today, it was an employee, not the owner, talking about the programs. What caught my attention was that the employee seemed so excited and committed to the business and cause.
I thought to myself, “Why aren’t there more employees like this?” Is it because most don’t feel that much passion for what they are doing? Or they don’t feel and relate to the mission of the business? Or is it that they don’t feel truly committed to the business, enough to eat, sleep and dream of the business?
For most employees, work is just a job – a place to hang out for eight hours and get a paycheck. What if the business and management really made the employees feel appreciated? What if the business was truly committed to the employee?
Many businesses say they are committed, but are they really? They think so, but what do employees think?
Remember, “perception IS reality” – what they believe and feel might as well be fact.
I know of a company that has very low morale. The owner would say that he and the company were fairer and more generous than most companies, “We give them extra time off, we have great benefits, we do this and that, we pay for this and that, etc.…” on and on. He couldn’t understand why employees were unhappy and
why morale was low. He couldn’t understand why when there was an employee feedback annual survey, it was the lowest ever.
What he didn’t understand was that being generous, only went so far. Employees want to be treated with respect and valued.
When employees feel that you treat customers with more respect and dedication than you treat them, there is a disconnect.
Can it work and can you drive productivity and growth when you are a jerk to your people, push them harder and harder every day, threaten them? Of course, it can, because most people avoid having to look for new jobs. Many are used to being treated this way as a child.
Many employees believe that this is just the way it is everywhere. And most employees will just bend over and say, “thank you sir, may I have another”(as said in the old movie Animal House).
But what happens to morale? What happens to productivity? What happens when the economy changes?
What kind of productivity could you have if you treated employees with the same level of commitment and caring that you treat customers? You would have more committed employees who would sing your praises every day and every way – you’d have evangelists. They would be the ones going on the morning news programs and talk shows saying how great your company is and they would eat, sleep and dream your business.
I’ve interviewed over 3,000 employees. I would ask them about quitting their job for a better or different job. Some would say they would quit in an instant. And when I asked why, they said “I
hate my boss.” Then there were many who said they wouldn’t quit or leave. They told me they “loved their boss,” the job, and their company, and these people were more productive and typically rose to the top as top performers.
Look at yourself in the mirror. How are you treating your people?
Do you treat them like commodities who can be replaced?
Do you think that you are giving them so much they should be lucky to have a job?
Do you think they owe you because you pay them?
Or do you value them as people?
Do you really treat them with respect?
What if you could not threaten them with their job and if you couldn’t use fear and intimidation to manage?
What if they were volunteers? How would you keep them motivated, excited and on board?
Commit to your people more, treat them like you would your favorite uncle/aunt, treat them the way you would your best customers, be appreciative that they have chosen to give their time, skills, knowledge and effort to help you grow your business and you will see a dramatic change in their commitment to the job, to you and an increase in productivity.
David Suson is a featured presenter for the Leadership Sessions during the 2026 HAA Eduction Conference & Expo at NRG on April 1. See Page 17 and ww.haaexpo.org for details.
Booths #322/324
AI Is the Opening Band
Human
leadership is the headliner.
By MINDY PRICE, Founder and Chief Why Officer, Inside The Why
We live in a world obsessed with scale and efficiency, where it’s easy to assume the best leaders are the ones who move the fastest. Right now, dashboards refresh constantly, messages get written in seconds, and decisions are expected now, not after the meeting. If that sounds energizing, you’re probably always looking for what’s next and a good productivity hack. If it sounds overwhelming, you probably remember when “urgent” actually meant something.
When pressure shows up, leadership isn’t about speed. It’s about slowing down long enough to reconnect people to why it matters.
The leaders who create the strongest outcomes aren’t usually the fastest or the loudest. They’re the ones who can stay steady, get clear, and bring people back into alignment with what matters. Those are human skills, not automated. That’s the Human Advantage.
When I spend time with leaders and teams, the same situations tend to surface again and again. Often, communication sits at the center of the issue. It might be a conversation with an upset resident or employee that escalated faster than expected, a team stretched thin, working hard and starting to hit their limits, or friction between roles that all want the same result but cannot quite get in sync. In moments like these, how you show up matters just as much as how you communicate.
Many leaders feel pressure to project authority in order to be taken seriously. In reality, presence isn’t about sounding confident or taking control of the room. It’s about how you
show up when things are tense, and whether you can steady yourself enough to steady the room. When someone is frustrated or overwhelmed, people don’t just listen to what you say; they respond to how you show up. That calm creates space to reconnect people to why the work matters, and that space is what makes it possible to move forward.
Clarity, a word we hear a lot these days, matters just as much. Confusion has a cost. It’s frustrating, slows teams down, creates rework, and quietly drains trust over time. Clarity doesn’t have to be harsh to be effective. Often, it’s the most respectful thing a leader can offer when emotions are high and expectations are fuzzy. Clear direction gives people something solid to work with, and it helps separate what truly feels urgent from what is simply loud in the moment.
Alignment is the final piece. Most challenges inside organizations aren’t about effort. They’re about capable people pulling hard in different directions, just trying to keep up. One simple question often brings people back together: Why does this matter right now? When leaders start with purpose before process, shared ownership comes more easily. When people understand why something matters, what matters most in the moment, and how success will be measured, momentum follows.
AI can support this work. Used well, it can help leaders draft messages, organize thoughts, and prepare for difficult conversations. Used carelessly, it creates distance in moments that require judgment, nuance, and trust. The difference
comes down to knowing where AI belongs. Use it to prepare and organize, then step in and lead the moment yourself.
High-stakes conversations, emotionally charged situations, and trust-building moments should always be human-led. Technology can support leadership; it cannot replace it. Those moments call for something more than efficiency. They require a clear sense of purpose and a steady reminder of why the work matters in the first place.
The real edge today Is not efficiency alone. It is humanity. Tools will keep evolving, just like we do. Systems will keep getting faster, and leaders will keep adapting. What won’t change is this: Leadership is defined in the moments that can’t be automated, measured, or neatly summarized on a dashboard.
AI may be the opening band. Human leadership is still the part people remember when the lights go down.
Mindy Price, Inside the Why, is a featured presenter for the Leadership Sessions during the 2026 HAA Eduction Conference & Expo at NRG on April 1. See Page 17 and www.haaexpo.org for details.
Small Actions Build Strong Communities
Why relief, not optimization, is what on-site teams actually need right now.
By BARBARA SAVONA, Sprout Marketing
Burnout in property management is not new, but the weight feels different right now.
On-site teams are carrying leftover pandemic fatigue, rising resident expectations, tighter budgets, tougher markets, and quieter but very real fears about AI and job security. All of this while managing their own lives, families, health, and personal transitions.
And yet, the solution being offered is often more tools, more systems, more optimization. But most onsite teams aren’t asking to be optimized. They’re asking to breathe.
Over the years, working with thousands of property managers and having been one myself, I’ve learned something that now anchors my entire philosophy:
Small actions build strong communities. And small actions build strong managers. Not flashy initiatives.
Not complex programs.
Not one more platform to learn.
Relief comes from small, thoughtful shifts that make the day feel more manageable, more human, and more sustainable.
The quiet crisis we don’t talk about enough
Burnout in multifamily doesn’t usually show up as collapse. It shows up as endurance.
Property managers are still showing up. Still hitting deadlines. Still keeping residents calm during uncertainty. Still absorbing frustration,
pressure, and emotion that isn’t theirs to carry. They are expected to be leaders, communicators, marketers, conflict mediators, culture carriers, and steady presences for residents. Often while short-staffed. Often during transitions. Often without the margin they used to have.
Here’s what I see over and over again:
Managers are performing well outwardly while quietly running on empty. And here’s the part we don’t say out loud enough: We wouldn’t hire a manager whose last property was visibly neglected. But many managers are neglecting themselves just to keep their communities running. Their homes feel chaotic.
Their health is postponed.
Their nervous systems are stuck in constant urgency.
That imbalance doesn’t mean they aren’t capable. It means they’ve been carrying too much for too long.
Why small actions work when big initiatives fail
Large initiatives often fail because they ask people to stretch further when they’re already stretched thin.
Small actions work because they respect reality. They are:
● Easy to implement
● Low emotional lift
● Repeatable
● Teach confidence through action
Behavioral science backs this up. Research
from BJ Fogg’s Behavior Model shows that lasting change happens when actions are small enough to feel doable, especially when motivation is low.
What “small actions” look like in real onsite life
Small actions are not about doing less. They’re about doing what matters most.
Here are examples across the core areas I teach:
Marketing: Direction over volume
Instead of:
Trying to be everywhere on social media.
Try:
Choosing one platform and one purpose.
Examples:
● Monday: One helpful post
● Wednesday: One behind-the-scenes moment
● Friday: One lifestyle or community post
Why it works:
Decision fatigue is real. A simple structure reduces friction and enables consistency.
Small action:
Give teams a weekly posting rhythm, not a content calendar that feels overwhelming.
Wellness: Regulation over burnout
Wellness in multifamily does not need to look like yoga challenges or step competitions.
It needs to look like reality.
Instead of:
Encouraging managers to “do more self-care.”
Try:
Normalizing micro-resets during the workday.
Examples:
● A five-minute outdoor reset
● A quiet office moment between meetings
● Permission to close the door and breathe
Why it works:
Regulating the nervous system improves decision-making, patience, and leadership presence.
Small action:
Teach teams that wellness is not another task. It’s how we sustain the work.
Teaching small actions to teams
The power of small actions multiplies when leaders model them.
Here’s how teams learn this philosophy:
● Leaders name what matters, not just what’s urgent.
● Managers are praised for sustainable practices, not burnout performance.
● Systems are simplified to help people succeed without overextending themselves.
When teams see that small, thoughtful actions are valued, they stop feeling like they have to run at full speed to be successful.
Knowing when to lower expectations is leadership
There are seasons when the most responsible decision is to adjust the bar.
Short staffing. Transitions. Construction. Ownership changes. Personal life events.
Strong leadership doesn’t ignore these realities. It accounts for them.
That might mean simplifying marketing efforts, scaling back events, or prioritizing clarity over polish. These choices don’t weaken communities. They protect the people who run them.
This is the mission
My mission has always been simple: To help property managers do their jobs well without losing themselves in the process.
Strong communities don’t come from exhaustion. They come from people who feel supported, capable, and steady.
When we teach small actions, we don’t just improve operations. We improve lives. And when managers feel better, communities feel it too. Because small actions don’t just build strong communities. They build leaders with true staying power.
Barbara Savona, Sprout Marketing, is the featured presenter for the Mini Session Corner held between breakout sessions during the HAA Education Conference & Expo. Join her to catch small wins that you can implement weekly in the areas of social, marketing, AI, and retention. See Page 17 and www.haaexpo.org for details.
THE SUPPLIER NETWORK
HAA’s Ambassadors celebrate Valentine’s with outreach to our members.
Mark your calendars and join us!
Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month on:
February 4, March 4, Crawfish Fundraiser
April 9, May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5, September 2, October 7, November 4, no December meeting
The meeting spot is Kirby Ice House, 1015 Gessner Road, Houston, Texas 77055. at 3:30 p.m
Top Producers for February:
1. Dennis Juarez, Furniture Options, 973 points
2. Steve Griffith, Precision Appliance Leasing, 151 points
3. Dustin Hawkins, Renova One, 149 points
Ambassadors earn points by sharing leads, making introductions and visiting communities to promote HAA
and
THE AMBASSADOR ONE SOCIETY is an
contacts within HAA. It’s the perfect way for new suppliers
introductions and support HAA and its members. For details on how to
or contact the Membership Department at 713-595-0316, or email members@haaonline.org.
Team photo totals for February, photos at left, from top:
Kaileen Santos 1556 W Carroll Ave #103 Chicago, IL 60607-1030 (714) 476-6059
Coffee Service & Supplies, Printers
ALL SUPPLIER MEMBERS are listed online at www.haabuyersguide.com, searchable by product/service category or company name.
Booth #331
Portfolio Changes
The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios:
• Adara Communities: Meadow Hill Villas, 33 units at 28011 Johnson Rd in Tomball.
• Arbor Property Management Inc: Coventry Park, 128 units at 9401 Coventry Square Dr.
• Asset Living: Summit at Renaissance Park, 325 units at 12121 Greenspoint Dr; Alegria II, 312 units at 2400 South Loop W; and Alegria I, 312 units at 2400 S Loop W.
• Avenue5 Residential: Astra Benders Landing, 372 units at 2121 Riley Fuzzel Rd in Spring.
• Devonshire Real Estate & Asset Management: Infinity at Seabrook, 132 units at 1901 Lakeside Dr in Seabrook.
• DGE Investments: Corridor at Westchase, 369 units at 11201 Olympia Dr.
• DLP Real Estate Management: Windsor Manor, 798 units at 6425 Westheimer Rd.
• Dorchester Wealth Management LLC: Amritta, 124 units at 7800 W Airport Blvd.
• Excellence Property Management of Texas LLC: Bender Creek, 111 units at 14400 Highway 59 N in Humble.
• GMG Residential: Terrace on Oak Street, 61 units at 838 Oak St.
• Golden Door Properties: 2508 6th St, one unit at 2508 6th St in Bay City.
• Greater Coastal Management Co LLC: Villas at El Dorado, 159 units at 220 W El Dorado Blvd in Friendswood; El Dorado Green, 108 units at 250
W El Dorado Blvd in Friendswood; and The Lodge at Westlake, 116 units at 8710 FM 1960 Rd E in Humble.
• GWR Management: Parkwood, 128 units at 1403 N Logan St in Texas City.
• Headway Capital Multifamily: The Crossing at 31st Street - R, 90 units at 1320 31st St N in Texas City.
• The Lynd Company: Falls of Gessner, 424 units at 3230 S Gessner Rd; Falls of Town Park, 294 units at 9303 Town Park Dr; and Falls of Parramatta, 560 units at 310 Parramatta Ln.
• Mark-Dana Management of Texas, LLC: Trebah Village, 129 units at 19501 W Little York Rd in Katy; Spring Trace, 180 units at 24505 Aldine Westfield Rd in Spring; Scott Street Lofts, 123 units at 1320 Scott St; Hamilton Crossing, 80 units at 31731 Waller Tomball Rd in Waller; Fulton Lofts, 80 units at 5451 Fulton St; EaDo Lofts, 80 units at 3448 Coyle St; Carriage Crossing, 80 units at 31623 Waller Tomball Rd in Waller; Caroline Lofts, 119 units at 2515 Caroline St; and Lost Oaks, 78 units at 810 Oak St Houston.
• Martin Fein Interests Ltd: Echo Lake at Springwoods Village, 326 units at 2002 Spring Stuebner Rd in Spring.
• Oak Leaf Mgmt Co: Cedar Wood, 46 units at 1201 S Johnson St in Alvin.
• Pan Am Equities Inc: Market Square Tower, 463 units at 777 Preston Rd.
• Pegasus Residential: Country Lane, 80 units at 300 W Henderson Rd in Angleton.
• Pontis Property Management: The Laurel at Vintage Park, 120 units at 15455 Canterbury Forest Dr in Tomball.
• Portico Property Management: Grandea Lakemont, 312 units at 7115 S Mason Rd in Richmond.
• Preferred Apartment Advisors LLC: The Avenues at Northpointe Apts, 280 units at 11740 Northpointe Blvd in Tomball, and The Avenues at Cypress Apts, 240 units at 21500 Cypresswood Dr in Cypress.3
• Q10 Property Advisors: Pines at Humble Park, 170 units at 412 S Bender Ave in Humble; The Majestic, 45 units at 5701 Schumacher Ln; and Candleridge Park, 128 units at 1601 Wooded Pine Dr.
• RPM Living: The Life at Timber Ridge, 316 units at 5350 Aeropark Dr, and Hudson Crossing, 298 units at 23933 Kingsland Blvd in Katy.
• RR Living: Aura at Westchase, 510 units at 2828 Hayes Rd.
• Seldin Company: The Carpenter, 76 units at 3502 Reeves St.
• Spire Capital: Oakwood Villa, 284 units at 6201 W Bellfort Ave.
• Tarantino Properties Inc: The Life at Timber Ridge, 316 units at 5350 Aeropark Dr, and Liberty Portfolio, 64 units at 1809 Monta St in Liberty.
• Veritas Equity Management: The Palms at Memorial, 190 units at 14814 Perthshire Rd.
• Victor Howard: Victor Howard, six units at Various Locations.
• Westcreek Living: Westpark Ranch, 156 units at 10575 Westpark Dr.
• Westdale Asset Mgmt Ltd: Hilltops, 208 units at 2200 N Loop 336 W in Conroe.
• Wilhoit Properties Inc: Amber Ridge, 48 units at 114 Woodway St in Angleton.
• ZRS Management LLC: Warehouse District, 304 units at 850 McKee St, and Alexan Lake Olympia, 270 units at 1055 Memorial Bend Blvd in Missouri City.
In the News
At press time, the Texas Apartment Association announced that several HAA members and supplier partners have been honored with 2026 TAA Professional Awards. Congratulations to Kristin McLaughlin, Dixie Interiors, Olin Steele Lifetime Achievement Award; Dixie Interiors, Mike Clark Supplier Partner Company of the Year; Jesus Zepeda, Camden Property Trust, Mary Williams Maintenance Professional of the Year; New Hope Housing’s NHH Reed, Affordable Housing Community of the Year; and Desirae Kallies, Westminster/Stone Loch, Anita Marcino Leasing Professional of the Year.
EMPOWER MEMBERSHIP!
TOGETHER WE SHINE!
Recruit and network with HAA!
2026 Chairs:
Join us this year and recruit for HAA, you could win big! Every new member recruited this year earns a chance to draw for gift cards and other prizes. There will be a $250 Cash prize awarded to the top recruiter each quarter and a $1,000 drawing at the end of the year for everyone who recruits at least one new member this year!
Go-Getter Meetings are from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Cottonwood, 3422 N Shepherd Drive.
Meeting dates:
Don’t miss our first meeting date for 2026 on March 5! And be there for our July 9, September 17 and December 10 meetings.
https://issuu.com/haa_abode or the QR code at right or @HAATV on YouTube.
The 2026 Committee Member Stars:
Karen Hefner, Asset Living
Brandon Coleman, Chadwell Supply
Paola Rodriquez, Foresight Asset Management
Dana Dovell, Adara Communities
Ryan Raser, GWR Management
Patti Melendy, Asset Living
MORE PHOTOS HERE
Want to see more photos from the Go-Getters and other HAA events? Watch for this button in the ABODE online edition of this magazine!
Jim Martensen, Epic Multifamily Construction
Xochitl Sheffield, Church Pool Services
Emily Frost, SYNC Residential
Alisha Cain, Greystar
Necole Steward, Rivergate KW Residential
Dan James, Redevelopment Services
Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetters for more information.
Visit https://issuu.com/haa_abode or the QR code below.
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 the Membership Department at members@haaonline.org.
Sara Hinson
AOG Living
Deborah DeRouen ClutchCity Consulting
Booth #336
Index of Advertisers By CATEGORY
A/C Supplies
Century A/C Supply 1 281-530-2859 www.centuryac.com
Cabinets, Maintenance Supplies
Edge Supply 21 346-299-1808 www.edgeindsupply.com
Electric Contractors
Affordable Quality Electric 13 713-695-5992 www.acuityelectric.com
Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search Inside Front Cover 713-960-9906 www.hirepriority.com
Plumbing Contractors
AAA Plumbers 2 713-462-4753 www.aaaplumbers.com
Air Express Construction & Plumbing 43 713-498-7751 www.airexpressconstructionandplumbing.com
Best Plumbing 35 713-697-4400 www.bestplumbing.net
Swimming Pool Service
Poolsure 12 800-858-POOL www.poolsure.com
Waste
Lincoln Waste Solutions 53 281-788-5331 www.lincolnwaste.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.
Advertisers listed in green are Featured Suppliers for the Expo Scan to Win Contest. See Page 34 for details.
Want
CINDI
The Notice to Vacate form identifies three scenarios in which a Notice to Vacate may be given. In court you should be prepared to explain why you selected the Notice to Vacate form.
If the eviction is based at least partially upon conduct such as criminal activity, threatening conduct, damage to the apartment, or any other non-monetary default, you should simply point out that that your eviction is based upon the resident’s conduct.
Figure 5: Notice to Vacate Form
Using the Notice to Vacate form for monetary defaults may require a little more explanation, especially while this law is still fresh. In many scenarios, this could be as simple as explaining that the resident has a history of paying rent late. You should also have documents to show the judge such as a copy of the ledger, prior late payment notifications, or a prior notice to vacate that was delivered based upon nonpayment of rent.
In many cases the resident owes late fees, utilities and other charges that are not included in the definition of rent. This should allow you to give a Notice to Vacate rather than a Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate. The term rent is defined by the lease, but it also has a practical application in court because judges are only allowed to give a monetary judgment for rent, court
costs and attorneys’ fees. Thus, if the resident owes certain charges, such as late fees and utilities, but the judge refuses to give those amounts as part of their judgment, this indicates that the judge does not view those items as rent. By the same token, the judge should accept the existence of those non-rent charges as a valid justification for why a Notice to Vacate is proper (because the eviction is not based solely upon nonpayment of rent).
The new law is here and getting familiar with the new TAA forms will help you understand the changes. Good Luck!
