Featured Supplier
Booth #914/915
Featured Supplier
Booth #409
May 2023
Get Rooted in HAA –
The 2023 Expo Committee and Committee Chair Joseph Rodriguez, GreenLogic Lighting & Electric, are excited for you to join our multifamily tree during the HAA Education Conference & Expo at NRG Center on May 18. Meet the committee on Page 36. Learn more about the event itself starting on Pages 18 and 19. #GetRooted!
28 On the Scene – Photos from the HAA Volleyball Tournament.
36 2023 Expo Committee – Meet your hosts for this year’s event.
38 Scan to Win – Learn more about our Featured Suppliers and how to win big money at this year’s Expo.
40 2023 Expo Exhibitors – A list of this year’s exhibiting supplier companies.
42 Employing Empathy – Practice employing more Purposeful Empathy and see how it starts to change how you see your workplace.
46 Culture Club – Create a culture of cooperation and collaboration.
50 ChatGPT Prompt Cheat Sheet for the Rest of Us – Ready to get your nerd on?
54 Mitigation Can Help – Learning to put your trust in competent mitigation services.
58 On the Scene – Photos from the ACES Luncheon.
72 On the Scene – Photos from NAA Advocate.
74 On the Scene – Photos from the March on Crime Luncheon.
76 On Site with ABODE – Take a closer look at another of HAA’s Honor Award-winning communities.
7 President’s Corner – Get rooted in HAA.
8 Patron of the Month – Meet and support Craven Carpet.
9 Legislative Update – News from HAA’s Government Affairs.
11 It’s The Law – A pool rule checklist.
15 Resident Relations – A resident dispute is settled by the committee.
20 Calendar – HAA’s schedule of events for the coming months.
26 NAA Update – The unintended consequences of rent control policies.
60 Welcome Mat – Find out about the newest HAA members.
62 The Go-Getters – The recruiters branch out at their quarterly meeting.
66 The Ambassador ONE Society –Crawfish and Cornhole were the focus of the April meeting.
70 Portfolio Changes and In The News – Property updates and industry news clips from our members.
78 Index of Advertisers – See the supplier members who support this publication.
79 MarketLine – The latest area market numbers.
80 Back Page – News from around the community.
We welcome your comments. Email us at comm@haaonline.org
LOYAL PROFFITT Vice President at Large
PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL OFFICERS
CANDIS MOHR, CAS President AAA Plumbers
RYAN TERRELL
Vice President at Large
JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ, CAS Vice President Greenlogic Lighting & Electric
QUINTINA WILLIS Vice President at Large
DEBORAH DEROUEN, CAS Secretary PooPrints
TRACIE YODER Vice President at Large –South
BLAISE SPITALERI, CAS Treasurer
Gemstar Construction Development
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mack Armstrong
Julie Batche
Kristen Becker
John Boriack
Jill Bounds
Kyle Brown
Tina Cavaco
Terri Clifton
Michelle Croasmun
Deborah DeRouen
Derek DeVries
Scott Douglas
Gina Erwin
Tamara Foster
Melissa Friend
Diane Gilbert
Monica Gracia
Stephanie Graves
Elizabeth Castro Gray
Manu Gupta
Clay Hicks
Deborah Holcombe
Karen Hefner
Debbie Kelm
Crystal Jackson
Jacob Kunath
Barby Lake
David Lindley
Betsy Marshall
Joe Melton
Kristin McLaughlin
Candis Mohr
Katy Myrick
Carlos Neto
Jenifer Paneral
Angelee Kumar Parikh
Mark Park
Velissa Parmer
Michelle Pawelek
Loyal Proffitt
Christy Rodriguez
Joseph Rodriguez
Kelly Scott
Ingrid Schultz
Corri Smith
Penny Sprang
Kelley Suess
Debbie Sulzer
Blaise Spitaleri
Ryan Terrell
Starla Turnbo
Richard Wall
Shelley Watson
Richard Whatcott
Quintina Willis
Tracie Yoder
DIRECTORS EMERITUS
Josh Allen
Ken Bohan
Gary Blumberg
Kathy Clem
Jack Dinerstein
Jenard Gross
Darlene Guidry
Alison Hall
David Hargrove
Larry Hill
Stacy Hunt
Hap Hunnicutt
David Jones
Mel Kieke
Mike Koch
Dick LaMarche
Cesar Lima
Tim Myers
P David Onanian
Jackie Rhone
John Ridgway
Kim Small
Eileen Subinsky
Steve Sweet
Kirk Tate
Suan Tinsley
H J Tollett, Jr.
Pat Tollett
Vic Vacek, Jr.
Beth Van Winkle
Jerry Winograd
ADVISORY DIRECTORS
Susan Alvarado
Jeff Blevins
Michelle Bridges
Israel Garza
Billy Griffin
Valerie Lacy
Stacy Lastovica
Mary Lawler
Laura Lestus
Bruce McClenny
Monica Morales
Dean O’Kelley
Tony Whitaker
GENERAL COUNSEL EMERITUS
Joe Bax
CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ Immediate Past President
HONORARY
LIFE MEMBERS
Claude Arnold
Kenn Brown
Tina Cavaco
Terri Clifton
Kevin Fenn
Diane Gilbert
Anita Harrison
Dwayne Henson
Mike Koch
Merry Mount
Monette Reynolds
Sherry Stevenson
Kirk Tate
Suan Tinsley
Sonny Unverzagt
Del Walmsley
Nancé Wells
H.P. Paul Young
Jeanne Marie
Zublin Dicks
PATRON MEMBERS
1961 CSC ServiceWorks
1968
Century A/C Supply
1978
Houston Planned Energy Systems
1982
Cotton Commercial USA Inc.
1984
AAA Plumbers
1985
Gemstar Construction Development
1986
Craven Carpet
1987
Dixie Carpet Installations
1993
Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search
1994
Camp Construction Services
1997
Apartments.com
1999
FSI Construction Inc.
DEREK DEVRIES, CAS Immediate Past President
Susan Alvarado, CAS Century A/C Supply
Chris Bell, CAS, Greenlogic Lighting & Electric
Marivel Bownds, CAS, Valet Living
Tammy Broadway, CAS American Fire Systems
Shaun Callaway, CAS, Earthworks
Brandon Coleman, CAS Cinema Anywhere
Neal Conant, CAS, Gemstar Construction Development
Sean Cunningham, CAS, Flooring Warehouse
Deborah Derouen, CAS, PooPrints
Derek DeVries, CAS Marcelino “Tito"
Estrada, CAS One Source
Realty Advisors
Giovanna Gone, CAS, Century A/C Supply
Dan James, CAS, Redevelopment Services
Amanda Kelly, CAS, Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services
Debra Knight, CAS, Comm-Fit
Stephanie Krop, CASe, Poolsure
Liz Levins, CAS, Gemstar
Construction Development
Jim Martensen, CAS
EPICHTX Construction
Candis Mohr, CAS, AAA Plumbers
Tracey Moore, CAS, Flooring Warehouse
Karen Nelsen, CAS ALN Apartment Data
Matthew Nunn, CAS, Capital Construction
Doug Oehl, CAS, Flooring Warehouse
Arely Pena, CAS
The Liberty Group
Nikki Sekunda, CAS, The Liberty Group
Joseph Rodriguez, CAS, Greenlogic Lighting & Electric
Blaise Spitaleri, CAS, Gemstar Construction Development
Amber Whitaker, CAS FSI Construction
STEPHANIE GRAVES President
SHELLEY WATSON Secretary/Treasurer
GINA ERWIN President-Elect
MAY 2023 I VOLUME 46, ISSUE 5
Chief Executive Officer and Publisher
CASEY WATTS MORGAN, MPP cmorgan@haaonline.org
EDITORIAL AND DESIGN STAFF
Director of Publications and Design DEBORAH NIX dnix@haaonline.org
Communications Manager MADISON O’BAR mobar@haaonline.org
ADVERTISING
Vice President of Membership and Marketing
AMANDA SHERBONDY, CAE asherbondy@haaonline.org
CONTRIBUTING STAFF
Chief Operating Officer SUSAN HINKLEY, CAE shinkley@haaonline.org
Vice President of Government Affairs BRADLEY PEPPER bpepper@haaonline.org
Chief Financial Officer TREY WIMBERLY, CPA twimberly@haaonline.org
Vice President of Education and Outreach LAUREN TURNER, CAE, CMP lturner@haaonline.org
Director of Resident Relations MATILDE LUNA mluna@haaonline.org
Director of Events and Meetings LAUREN RAGIN, CMP lragin@haaonline.org
Director of Rental Credit Reporting TINA DEFIORE tdefiore@haaonline.org
Government Affairs Manager MADISON POLSTON mpolston@haaonline.org
Membership and Marketing Manager KAYLON NEWCOMB knewcomb@haaonline.org
Education & Outreach Manager CINDY DE LA RIVA cdelariva@haaonline.org
Director of IT WILL ALFARO walfaro@haaonline.org
PRINTER TGI PRINTED www.tgiprinted.com
HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES
COMMITTEE CHAIR
Executive
Nominating
Fair Housing
Ethics
Finance
ByLaws
Past Presidents Council
Multifamily Fire
Safety Alliance
Legislative
Political Action
Stephanie Graves
Christy Rodriguez
Mack Armstrong
Michelle Pawelek
Gary Blumberg
Kyle Brown
Kathy Clem
Elizabeth Castro-Gray
Gina Erwin
Stacy Hunt
Golf Starla Turnbo
Century Club
Strategic Outreach
Education Advisory
Leadership Development
Community Outreach
Product Service Council
Expo Exhibitor
Membership
Ambassador ONE Society
Independent Owners Connection
Resident Relations A
Blaise Spitaleri
Shelley Watson
Betsy Marshall
Penny Sprang
Kyle Brown
Joe Melton
Candis Mohr
Joey Rodriguez
Monica Gracia
Matt Nunn
Liz Levins
Blaise Spitaleri
Elizabeth Castro-Gray
Diane Totten
Resident Relations B Jana Gragg
Resident Relations Appeals
HAF Fundraiser
NEXT
Property Awards
Darlene Guidry
Stephanie Krop
Brandon Coleman
Monica Morales
Susan Alvarado
Norma Alvear
Diane Gilbert
STAFF ADVISOR
Casey Morgan
Casey Morgan
Casey Morgan
Casey Morgan
Casey Morgan
Casey Morgan
Casey Morgan
Bradley Pepper
Bradley Pepper
Bradley Pepper
Madison Polston
Madison Polston
Lauren Turner
Lauren Turner
Lauren Turner
Susan Hinkley
Susan Hinkley
Susan Hinkley
Amanda Sherbondy
Amanda Sherbondy
Amanda Sherbondy
Amanda Sherbondy
Matti Luna
Matti Luna
Matti Luna
Lauren Ragin
Lauren Ragin
Tina DeFiore
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, MAY 2023, VOLUME 46, ISSUE 5
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 © 2023 by HAA.
Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABODE, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041.
These companies have generously supported the Houston Apartment Association with their sponsor membership Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business.
3BeeGuys Bee Removal
A Affordable Services Co
A.B.M. Commercial & Residential (DBA 1-800-Plumber+Air of Northwest Houston)
A1 Appliance Plug
AAA Staffing Ltd
AAdvantage Laundry Systems
ABC Supply
ACM Contractors of Texas
ACT Security Group
Action Window Coverings Inc
ACTIV Answer by Audio Images
Adobe Floors Inc
Adventure Playground Systems Inc
Advocate Construction Inc
Alcaraz Lawn Care
Alexander-Rose Associates Inc
All About Doody Pet Solutions LLC
All American Mailboxes of Houston Inc
All Dry Service
ALN Apartment Data
Alpha Patrol Officer
Ambassador Services LLC
The Ambrose Group
America Outdoor Furniture
American Fire Protection Group
American Fire Systems Inc
American Platinum Builders
AmRent
Andrews Myers PC
The Apartments Concierge
Apartment Lines
ApartmentData From MRI
Software
Apex Multifamily
AppFolio
ASAP Personnel Inc
Atlantis Exterior Cleaning
Atom4 Security Camera
AZP Multifamily
B&G Construction
Belfor Property Restoration
Bell’s Laundries
Bentley, Bratcher & Associates - PC
Bettencourt Tax Advisors LLC
BGE Inc/aka Brown & Gay Engineers Inc
Bio-One Houston South
BioTechs Crime & Trauma
Scene Cleaning
Black Tie Logistics
Blue Heron Technologies LLC
Blue Marlin Maintenance & Services
BluSky Restoration Contractors
Brady Chapman Holland & Assoc
Brandt Adjusting Service LLC
BrightView Landscape LLC
Brown & Brown Lone Star Insurance Agency Inc
BSI
C3 Building Solutions
Cano Electric Inc
Capital Disaster Solutions
CashFlow Pros LLC
Centex Construction
Century Fire Protection Houston
Certified Apartment Staffing
CFI Group
Chadwell Supply
Chicago Title Commercial Division
Citi Fence & Concrete
City Pups
City Wide Facility Solutions -
Houston West
Classic Same Day Blinds
Clean & Green Solutions
CNM Project Management LLC
CoAdvantage
Code Red Security Systems PLLC
Comfort Systems USA (South Central) Inc
Comiskey Capital Insurance Agency Inc
Commercial Fire Protection Construction ECO Services Contractors Inc
Contratista Direct ControlByNet Cloud and Managed Video Surveillance Solutions
Core 24/7 Restoration & Construction
Core By KHI Restoration
Core Multifamily Fabrication
CORT Furniture
CRE Business Solutions LLC
Crowned Eagle Construction
CSC Serviceworks
Cypress Landscaping & Irrigation Inc
D&G Quality Roofing Inc
D&M Roofing
DeNyse Companies Designs by Holmes
DHI Commercial Roofing
The Dick Law Firm
DNM Contracting Inc
Double Oak Erosion
Dryer Vent Wizard of Humble
Ecolo Environmental Inc
Embark Services
Emersyn Electrical Services LLC
Encore Services TX, LLC
EnviroSmart Multifamily
Pest Solutions
Epic Air Conditioning
EPICHTX Construction
ESI Fire & Security Inc
Exo Edge
Ezlo Innovation
Fantastic Floors
FASTSIGNS Missouri City
Featherston Sign Partners
FFH Inc DBA Liberty Builders
Fiat Construction LLC
Fidus Construction Services
Finish Factory Inc
Fire Reconstruction Inc
Flavor Finish Resurfacing
Frontier Waste Solutions
fun abounds
Gambit Construction
Gateman Inc
Get It Done Cleaning Service LLC
Gifford Roofing
Giordano Construction Inc
Go-Staff Inc
Graphic Stylus Promotional Products
Great American Business Products
Green City Security LLC
Green Garbology
Greenlogic Lighting & Electric
Grindstone General Contracting
GT Security Solutions
Guardian Gutters
Halo Doors Inc
Hamilton-Steele Outdoor Accents
Hard Works Valet Trash & Recycling
Higginbotham
Hive Technology
Homeland Protective Services Inc
Hoover Slovacek LLP
HQ Contracting
Hut Services LLC
Industrial Disposal Supply
Infinity Power Partners
Infinity Roofing & Restoration
Inner Loop Construction LLC
Innovative Roofing Company Inc
Insgroup
J and B Carpet Services
J.P. Morin Company LLC
JAK Environmental LLC
Jenkins Restorations
JLD Enterprises LLC
Johnstone Supply
Jonah Digital Agency
Kathy Andrews Interiors
Keylo Painting & Construction
KONE
Law Office of Ernie Garcia PLLC
Leah McVeigh Design and Consulting
LeasePal Inc
Ledge Lounger
Lee & Barrier Builders LLC
The Legends Group LLC
The Liberty Group
Liftmaster
Lights Out Production Company
Lincoln Jacob Construction
Lithotech Printed Products/ Forms Center
Lopez Carpet Care & Painting
LP Building Solutions: LouisianaPacific Corporation
LVL Up Remodeling
Maldonado Nursery & Landscaping Inc
Marchand Lighting
Masonry Solutions Inc
Matrix Construction Services
McMahan's Flooring Inc
Men In Kilts
Merk Electric Co
Modern Pest Control
Monge Contracting Group
MPS Direct
Mueller Water Conditioning Inc
MVI Construction
MX2 Commercial Paving
National Renovations LLC -
DBA Repipe Specialists Inc
NEI General Contracting
Nelson Painting and Construction
Norman Roofing and Construction
NorthMarq Capital
O’Conor Mason & Bone PC
On Duty Tree and Landscape
On Site Towing LLC
OnCall Patrol LLC
DBA Parking Pass.Com
Orkin Pest Control
Outdoor Elements
Over the Top Roofing and Remodeling
Pace Mechanical Services LLC
Pack It Movers
Parking Management Company/
PMC Towing
Pasadena Insurance Agency Inc
Paul Davis Greater Houston
PCS Creative Surface LLC
Perma Pier Foundation Repair
The Phoenix Staffing
Power Services of Texas
Precision Safe Sidewalks LLC
Pro Kleen Exterior Services
Pro-Tex Contracting Group
Professional Resurface LLC
Property Guardians
Pura Flo Corporation
PuroClean
Qira Inc
Quatro Tax LLC
Qwikkit
RAM Construction
Ram Jack Foundation Solutions
Real Floors Inc
Redevelopment Services
Reliable Roofing of Texas Inc
Reliant
RENCON
Rent Debt Automated Collection Services Inc
Rent. Resia Construction LLC
Resident IQ
Residential Waste Service LLC
Restoration 1 of Central Houston
Revelation Windows & Doors
REVS (Refuel Electric
Vehicle Solutions)
Roadrunner Restoration Company LLC
Roosevelt General Contracting
Roto-Rooter Services Co
Rotolo Consultants Inc (RCI)
RTC Restoration & Glass Inc
SafeRent Solutions
Saifee Signs & Graphics
Saint Clair & Sons Inc
Santos Contracting LLC
Sayan Renovations and Construction
Scoop Troop HTX
SEAL Security Solutions LLC
Secure Insurance
Select Appliance Wholesale LLC
Sergeant Fifty-Five Insurance
ServiceMaster Recovery
Management
SERVPRO of Cypress
Sherwin Williams
Shipman Fire Protection
Sign-Ups & Banners
Signal of Houston
Snappt
South Central Electric LLC
Southern Exposure
Landscaping LLC
Spectrum Brands
State Patrol Services LLC
Steward Trash Valet Service
Stormwater Professionals Group
Strata Roofing and Construction LLC
Strategic Electrical Solutions
Strategic Protection Solutions
Structural Concrete Systems LLC
Sunny Pressure Washing LLC
Surface Experts
Swain & Baldwin Insurance & Risk Management
Swift Bunny
Texas Apartment Pool Services
Texas Concrete Professional Company
Texas Engineered Roofing & General Contracting
Texas GroundWorks Management
Texas Landscape Group LLC
Texas Southwest Floors Inc
Texas Window Cleaning Co Inc
Three Amigos Texas LLC
Threshold Agency LLC
Tpo Pros Roofing & Restoration
TradeCon Industries
Two Brothers Foundation Repair
United Protective Services
Urban Value Corner Store
USA Heroes Coalition D/b/a USA
Real Estate Professionals (USAREP)
USA Patrol Division
Valet Living
VBM Waste LLC
Vima Decor
WASH Multifamily Laundry
Systems
Watermark Restoration and Construction
Webb Pest Control
Whitmans Contracting and Roofing
Wilsonart LLC
World Cinema Inc
XXL Construction Inc
By STEPHANIE GRAVES, CAPS, CAM, IROP, 2023 HAA President
This year, the theme for the HAA Education Conference & Expo is “Rooted in HAA.” HAA’s biggest event of the year is all about finding your network, exploring all that this industry has to offer and building stronger roots in the process. Consider your ROOTS in HAA. Who has fed your career and helped you to blossom and grow in this industry? Send them a shout out, or better yet, invite them to attend this year’s ROOTED Expo happening on May 18! Credential holders get CE’s AND a discount on registration.
HAA has strong roots securing our organization, and this is the perfect opportunity for new and existing members to join our multifamily ‘tree’ of suppliers, owners, managers, builders, and volunteers in further growing our multifamily association. Houston has the largest local multifamily Expo in the country! That is something to be proud of and to participate in. Not only is it the best in the galaxy, but our Expo connects suppliers and management teams to share information about products, trends and services that assist with property performance, revenue management resources, maintenance and renovation best practices all that help the bottom line. Plus, on the Expo floor you can participate in a cash giveaway by visiting HAA’s Featured Suppliers (See Page 38 for details). Who wouldn’t want to get rooted in that?
You all know how important education is to me and this year we have an amazing list of speakers coming to our Education Conference. We have also added two Spanish speaking courses to the conference this year! You can plan on hearing from Dr. Stevi Dawn covering Leadership Without a Title and Nelson Carcamo discussing Leading with Questions – The Most Underutilized Tool of the Leader for our early sessions. Then, you can top off your morning listening to Jesus Zepeda’s Industry Update or Beth Z talking about the Tech Tools for Serious Self Care. We finish the conference portion of the day with lunch and our Keynote. Don’t miss Slam Poet Andre Bradford speaking to all attendees about Kintsukuroi: On Empathy and Other Things.
Another opportunity happens after lunch when the Expo show floor opens. This time gives members the opportunity to branch out. Network with your peers and our awesome supplier exhibitors to find new products, new services, and most important, new friends in multifamily to grow with. You never know who you might meet or what new technology you might find to make your job and life a little easier!
Finally, I want to take a minute to recognize the tireless work that the Expo Committee does behind the scenes to execute an engaging show for our membership. This one day requires a yearlong commitment of planning and execution. They recruit and assist exhibitors, promote the show to attendees with on property visits and then work the event for HAA all along with all the stresses of working their own booths and jobs. This year the Expo Committee is made up of top-notch members who have dedicated so much time to HAA. I can’t wait to see their hard work come to life (I know they will be proudly representing in their florescent green EXPO shirts). So be sure to tell them THANK YOU! See them on the cover and meet them on Page 36.
I am asking all of you to SHOW UP and SHOW OUT for this year’s Education Conference and Expo and to get ROOTED IN HAA! You will thank me after hearing the best education this industry has to offer and engaging with HAA’s strongest network. I will see you there!
www.haaexpo.org
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 1978
Cotton Commercial USA Inc.
HAA Member since 1982
Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search
HAA Member since 1993
CSC ServiceWorks
HAA Member since 1961
Craven Carpet
HAA Member since 1986
Camp Construction Services
HAA Member since 1994
Apartments.com
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 Carpet Installations
HAA Member since 1987
Century A/C Supply
HAA Member since 1968
LAST
the City of Houston Council adopted an ordinance that would allow for the creation of six pilot Conservation Districts for the neighborhoods of Independence Heights, Freedmen’s Town, Manchester/Magnolia Park, Pleasantville, Piney Point (not Piney Point Village) and Acres Homes.
In an effort to help protect and preserve the remaining historic resources and character of certain neighborhoods in the City that do not meet the threshold to be designated an Historic District, the Planning Department staff identified Conservation Districts as another historic preservation tool being used in other Texas cities.
According to the City of Houston, a Conservation District is an area supported by property owners and designated by City Council in which certain development standards are established to preserve and protect a community’s character and recognize its heritage. The established standards are tailored to each district according to the area’s character and needs, based on extensive community input.
Working with the city, requirements will be established by the residents and owners who live and own property within a proposed district. Each district may look different depending on the cultural importance found in the community. A district may adopt some or all of these standards:
• Building height or number of stories
• Building size and massing (general shape and form of the structure)
• Front-facing building features
• Lot size and coverage
• Front and side building setbacks
• Off-street parking and yard parking
• Roof line and pitch
• Paving and hardscape covering
• General site planning (location of primary and ancillary structures)
• Architectural style and detailing
• Urban architectural character
• Garage entrance location
• Fences and walls
• Building relocation and demolitions
• Alterations to existing structures
These districts will only require 51%, as opposed to 67% for Historic Districts, of property owner support to move forward. However, unless there is 100% support from property owners, 75% of the City Council members must approve the creation of the district.
As initially drafted, this ordinance would have applied city wide and allowed for districts to be proposed virtually anywhere throughout the city. HAA worked with the city and stakeholder partners to limit the ordinance to only these six pilot areas.
It is also important to note that the ordinance does not create any Conservation Districts at this time but authorizes the Planning and Development Department to move forward with these selected communities to continue public engagement, evaluate options and begin the district creation process.
Unlike Historic Districts, which can continue to be established if they meet the criteria, there can be no additional Conservation Districts considered without a new ordinance being drafted and adopted.
Also of note, there are two bills in the legislature that would allow property owners an opt out of being included in a conservation district. SB 2147 by Senator Joan Huffman (R-Houston) and HB 4057 by Representative Mano DeAyala (RHouston) would afford property owners in a conservation district the same right found in state law for newly created deed restrictions by providing for a one-year time period to opt out of the conservation district.
In 2021, the City of Houston reached a lawsuit settlement regarding the state of its sewer system. As part of the agreement, the city is required to invest $3 billion in upgrades over the next five years. To fulfill this financial obligation, the City of Houston will implement a series of rate increases every April until 2026. As a result, the second increase just commenced on April 1, 2023.
This year, the rates for water and sewer serv-
ices will go up by 9.2%, affecting all customers in Houston. To help residents understand the increase, HAA has developed a flyer that can be distributed among your properties. It is available in English and Spanish and there is a blank space included in the flyers for any interested member companies to add their organization’s logo. For any questions or additional information, please contact HAA Government Affairs at bpepper@haaonline.org or 713-595-0302.
The Texas Legislature will adjourn Sine Die on May 29 and as the last month progresses, our elected officials in Austin will encounter several constitutionally required deadlines that are intended to kill bills rather than pass them.
The last day to consider House Bills on “second reading” will be Thursday, May 11. All bills must be heard three times, with the second and third readings being voted on. If a bill has not been passed on second reading by midnight on May 11, it will be dead and the author can then look to attach it to another bill that is still moving or in most cases, put it in a folder and wait for the next session.
The last day for the House to consider Senate bills on second reading will be on May 23rd. The same fate will await any Senate bills not passed by midnight on the 23rd.
While property taxes have a dramatic impact on the industry and continue to be a top priority in both TAA and HAA’s advocacy efforts, there are two pieces of legislation that we are actively pushing.
House Bill 2035 by Rep. Shelby Slawson/Senate Bill 986 by Senator Brandon Creighton:
The eviction process should be uniform across Texas. A patchwork of local requirements creates confusion and unintended consequences. Justices of the Peace follow state law and court rules / See Legislative, Page 77
Featured Supplier
Booth #532
Here is a checklist of some of the rules relating to signage, safety and emergency summoning.
WARM WEATHER: Kids out of school. It’s summertime! You have a beautiful pool in your community and residents, occupants and guests want to play!
You’re looking forward to a great summer. However, with the opening of pool season, you are concerned about potential issues regarding pool safety. You wonder what the state requires regarding signage and telephones. Let’s take a look.
Section 265.190 of the Texas Administrative Code contains the Texas Department of Health rules regarding swimming pools. This section addresses a number of safety features in pools and spas including requirements for: (i) safety rope and float lines and floor markings; (ii) depth markers; (iii) “NO DIVING” markers and symbols; (iv) signage; (v) rescue equipment; (vi) emergency summoning devices; (vii) and lighting. Of note are the sections relating to signage and summoning devices.
Where should signs be located?
(§265.190(f)(1-3))
Signs must be in the pool yard, securely mounted, and readily visible to the pool user and must be posted within the pool yard unless otherwise stated in the rules.
Sign panels must be durable for weather conditions and the message surface must be clean and smooth and readily accept paint or precut lettering adhesives. Theming or artwork applied to signs must not invade the message panel and signs must have a distinct border.
Can you have more than one sign that gives the required message?
(§265.190(f)(4))
Yes. Multiple signs may be used, or messages may be combined on one sign.
What are the signage requirements for pools? (§265.190(f)(5 and 7))
The rules provide that safety signs for pools constructed on or after the effective date of the rules (January 1, 2023) or safety signs that are replaced at pools constructed before the
Letter and
Required Pool Signs Symbol Size
“WARNING-NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY” (Where no lifeguard required or provided.) 4 inches
“NO DIVING” and International no diving symbol (Where no lifeguard required or provided.) 4 inches
“IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, DIAL 911” 4 inches
Precise Location of the Pool on or with the Emergency Phone (address, or directions, or
1-inch GPS location, or building number, as appropriate)
Hours of Operation
Directions to and Location of Emergency Phone if Phone Not Visible in Pool Yard
User Load Limit
“PETS IN THE POOL ARE PROHIBITED”
“DO NOT SWIM IF YOU HAVE BEEN ILL WITH DIARRHEA WITHIN THE PAST 2 WEEKS”
“CHANGING DIAPERS WITHIN 6 FEET OF THE POOL IS PROHIBITED”
“GLASS ITEMS NOT ALLOWED IN THE POOL YARD”
“PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 14 MUST NOT BE IN THE POOL WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION”
“EXTENDED BREATH HOLDING ACTIVITIES ARE DANGEROUS AND PROHIBITED”
effective date must contain the information on the previous page (with the letter and symbol size indicated).
Variations of language of the required safety signs are allowed if the language of the
2-inches
2-inches
2-inches
2-inches
2-inches
2-inches
sign is substantially equivalent to the language in the table and if local regulatory officials that regulate swimming pools and spas approve the variations before the sign is posted in the pool yard.
Do the signs have to be in any languages other than English? (§265.190(f)(6))
In areas of Texas where the majority of residents are non-English speaking, in addition to signs in English, signs and other written warnings or information required by the rules may be posted in the predominant language. Since this is not required, English would be appropriate.
What rescue equipment is required by the pool? (§265.190(g))
A pool must have at least one ring buoy with throwing rope and a reaching pole for every 2,000 square feet of pool surface area up to 6,000 square feet. If the pool has over 6,000 square feet of surface area an additional ring buoy, throw rope, and reaching pole must be provided for each additional 4,000 square feet of surface area or fraction thereof. The reaching poles and ring buoys with rope must be visible and readily accessible from all areas of the pool yard.
The reaching pole must be light, strong, nontelescoping, and at least 12 feet long. The pole must be constructed of fiberglass or other material that does not conduct electricity and must have a body hook or shepherd’s crook with blunted ends attached.
The throwing rope must be 1/4-inch to 3/8inch in diameter, with a length at least two-thirds
Letter and Required Spa Signs
Symbol Size
“WARNING – NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY” (if no lifeguard is provided or required) 4 inches
“DO NOT USE THE SPA IF THE WATER TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE 104 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT” Minimum 1-inch
Maximum User Load Minimum 1-inch
Location of the Nearest emergency phone or device. Minimum 2-inches
EMERGENCY SPA SHUTOFF Minimum 2-inches
“DO NOT SWIM IF YOU HAVE BEEN ILL WITH DIARRHEA WITHIN THE PAST 2 WEEKS”
“PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 14 MUST NOT BE IN THE SPA WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION”
“PETS IN THE SPA ARE PROHIBITED"
the maximum width of the pool. The USCG-approved ring buoy, maximum 24-inches in diameter, must be attached to the throwing rope.
Minimum 2-inches
Minimum 2-inches
Minimum 2-inches
What are the safety requirements for spas? (§265.190(h)(1))
/ See Law, Page 75
Featured Supplier
Booth #815
Featured Supplier
Booth #439
An applicant files a complaint after being denied approval and not refunded his deposit.
A RESIDENT FILED a complaint with the Houston Apartment Association to dispute a property’s decision to keep his security deposit after denying his rental application. The resident completed an application and paid a $150 security deposit on March 2. On March 20 he was contacted by the property informing him that his application was not approved and the deposit was nonrefundable.
HAA reached out to the apartment property to pass along the information and that response was forwarded to the resident. Enclosed in the management’s response were copies of the lease, application and receipt of security deposit from the applicant. The property explained that they tried to reach out to the applicant on different occasions for more information for his rental application, but after
several tries, canceled his application on March 20, 18 days after being submitted.
The case was heard during a Resident Relations Committee meeting. The committee decided in favor of the resident because the apartment property wasn’t able to receive rental verification for the applicant. The committee also noted that on the TAA application it states “if we do not approve your application within seven days after the date we received a completed application, your application will be considered disapproved.” Because management waited 18 days, they are to refund the applicant his $150 security deposit.
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.
Featured Supplier Booth #7/8/9
Education Sessions (paid attendees only)
8:30 a.m. – Registration opens
8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Credential Corner open (second floor)
9:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m. – Education Sessions
(English & Spanish – Concurrent Sessions)
10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. – Education Sessions
(English & Spanish – Concurrent Sessions)
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Keynote Speaker & Luncheon
Expo (free for management company personnel)
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Expo opens, Hall C to all attendees
3:45 p.m. – 1st Featured Supplier Contest
$1,500 Winner drawn and announced
4:45 p.m. – 2nd Featured Supplier Contest
$1,500 Winner drawn and announced
5 p.m. – Expo closes
Lanyards: Chadwell Supply
Education Conference
Breakfast: Clozzits
Crowned Eagle Construction
Education Conference
Leadership Sessions:
Century Air Conditioning Supply
Massey Services Inc.
Education Conference
Spanish Sessions:
AAA Plumbers
American Fire Systems
Keynote Luncheon: EPICHTX Construction
Credential Corner:
Core Multifamily Fabrication
Grand Entrance: EPICHTX Construction
Aisle Signs:
Ameristar Screen & Glass
Best Plumbing
Encore Services TX
Flooring Warehouse
Greenlogic Lighting & Electric
Jenkins Restorations
Lowe’s Pro Supply Massey Services Inc.
Bars: ATI Restoration
Matrix Construction Services
Hand Sanitizer Stations:
Ameristar Screen & Glass
Lowe’s Pro Supply
Mobile Device
Charging Stations: G.O. Plumbing Services Jenkins Restorations
Roaming Photobooth: Massey Services Inc
Poolsure
(paid attendees only)
Price: $150 by April 18/$175 after April 18 NAA Credential Holders $120
8:30 a.m. – Registration opens
8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Credential Corner open (second floor) Get “Rooted” in HAA and earn your credential today! Accredited through the National Apartment Association (NAA), these credentials show your true commitment to your career. Come learn about the six different credential programs we offer and the opportunity to receive an education grant for a program.
8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. – Breakfast
9:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.– Two Concurrent Leadership Sessions:
English Session: Leadership Without a Title with Dr. Stevi Dawn
Even when we do not have the title or the power, we are still leaders in our work. Being a leader means understanding the VIP skills that leaders use daily. We call these Very Impactful Practices. Think of it as 8 things you can do every day to establish your leadership brand. Whether it’s learning how to communicate a message effectively or managing conflict in a positive way, these leadership skills create success regardless of your level. It is not about being the boss. It’s about influencing people towards a shared goal. You must lead yourself, before you can lead others.
Spanish Session: Leading with Questions – The Most Underutilized Tool of the Leader with Nelson Cárcamo
Nelson’s goal is to develop the individual’s ability to influence others so they can achieve exceptional results, not only in their professional career or function but also in other areas. Together we will raise the current level of motivation, personal commitment, and accountability and inspire them to be leaders with high-impact results by eliminating the barriers of mental and operational paradigms.
10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. – Two Concurrent General Sessions:
Spanish Session: Industry Update with Jesus Zepeda
Learn, share, and interact with Regional
Maintenance Manager Jesus Zepeda from Camden. This program will focus on upcoming changes to three key areas including HVAC changes, pool safety, emergency preparedness, and more.
English Session: Tech Tools For Serious Self Care with Beth Z
Discover easy tools that help you organize your day and manage your life. In the insanity of today’s world, you're busier than ever with deals, kids, health checks, high stress and exhaustion. Even though you're being pulled in every direction by everyone and everything, if you don't take time to keep your head on straight, you won't be able to be the leader you are. Join Your Nerdy Best Friend, author/speaker Beth Z, for a nerd's take on selfcare. Using today's technology, you can integrate tools and apps into your routine that will help you get more work done in less time. Discover resources to help you overcome the crippling effects of stress and overwork. And best of all, Beth Z's tools are free or darn cheap.
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Lunch
Noon to 1 p.m. – Keynote Speaker
Kintsukuroi: On Empathy and Other Things with S.C. Says (a.k.a. slam poet Andre Bradford)
The overall mission of the programming will be to provide attendees with a new lens, using slam poetry, with which to view Purposeful Empathy as well as help them truly understand the value and power of story, and how vital it is to seek a deeper understanding of the people around us to create a welcoming community and living experience. Kintsukuroi means to call attention to the lines made by time and rough use; these aren't a source of shame. This practice—also known as kintsukuroi, which literally means gold mending—emphasizes the beauty and utility of breaks and imperfections.
(free for management company personnel) 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. – Expo opens, Hall C to all attendees
3:45 p.m. – 1st Featured Supplier Contest
$1,500 Winner drawn and announced
4:45 p.m. – 2nd Featured Supplier Contest
$1,500 Winner drawn and announced
5 p.m. – Expo closes
Cárcamo Dawn Zepeda Beth Z S.C Says2
PAC Steering Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 2
Noon to 1 p.m.
3
New Supplier Orientation
Wednesday, May 3 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Via Zoom
All new supplier members or representatives can attend this online orientation. Learn how to get involved and take advantage of member benefits.
Ambassador ONE Society Meeting
Wednesday, May 3 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Kirby Icehouse Memorial
1015 Gessner Road
Supplier partners can join this committee for HAA Ambassadors to find out how to promote HAA Events, contact properties to survey them on benefits, and network with other supplier partners. Supplier members only.
4
Legal Lowdown
Thursday, May 4
3 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Via Zoom
Sponsored by Texas Southwest Floors
Blue Star Program
Thursday, May 4 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The Blue Star Certification Program
is a joint effort by the Houston Police Department and HAA. Created for rental properties of all sizes, the program's goal is to help law enforcement officials and the multifamily housing industry work together to effectively reduce criminal activity in rental properties. Please direct questions to officer L. Tram at loc.tram@houstonpolice.org.
Sponsored by BG Multifamily and Watermark Construction
5
Sports Challenge
Friday, May 5
8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bear Creek Soccer Fields War Memorial Drive and Clay Road. Register at www.haaonline.org/sportschallenge.
Sponsored by AAA Plumbers, AAffordable Roofing, American Fire Systems, Apple Termite and Pest Control, Apartments.com, HD Supply, Hire Priority, Precision Appliance Leasing, Rasa Floors, Real Floors Inc, Surface Experts, The Liberty Group
9 Avenues: Technology Row - 2 Excel Intermediate (102) with Julie Hartman, B2G Victory Tuesday, May 9 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Go beyond the basics and master Microsoft Excel and many of its powerful features. See Page 23 for details.
Sponsored by ALN Apartment Data
10
Resident Relations Committee A Meeting
Wednesday, May 10 2 p.m. Via Zoom
11
Certified Pool Operators (English)
Wednesday, May 10 to Thursday
Thursday, May 11
Dispel the myths in pool care and tremendously reduce chemical expenses while extending the life of your pool. Successful completion of this exam offers apartment industry personnel a five year certification from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (formerly NSPF). Visit www.haaonline.org for details.
18
HAA Board of Directors Meeting
Thursday, May 18 10:30 a.m.
NRG Center
Sponsored by SafeRent Solutions
Featured Event
HAA 2023 Education Conference and Expo
Thursday, May 18 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. NRG Center, Hall C
Get rooted in HAA. Join the multifamily tree for the largest local apartment association expo in the country. See Pages 18 and 19 for details and sponsors.
Pasadena Region Meeting
Tuesday, May 23
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Registration starts at 11 a.m. The program and lunch begin at 11:30 a.m. This event is open to onsite personnel and management only. This event is free, but we kindly ask you to RSVP yourself and/or team members. More information to come. Visit www.haaonline.org/ outreach meetings for up-to-date information. Contact education@haaonline.org to RSVP.
Sponsored by Magna Pest Solutions
24
Avenues: Marketing Place - 2
Video, Video, Video: The best ways to use video for marketing, leasing, and communication with Lisa Trosien, ApartmentExpert.com
Wednesday, May 24
9:00 a.m. to Noon
The best ways to use video for marketing, leasing and communication. See Page 23 for details., Sponsored by AAA Plumbers
HAA Offices Closed
Monday, May 29
HAA offices will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.
NEXT Breakfast
Wednesday, May 31
8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
This niche group within HAA is dedicated to the networking and professional development needs of HAA young professionals. Visit www.haaonline.org/next and see Page 24 for details.
Sponsored by American Fire Systems and Rent.
Rental Credit Reporting (RCR) was established in 1977 to solve screening problems the Houston Apartment Association founders felt plagued the local apartment industry. RCR has unsurpassed data on resident rental histories in the Houston region. The Houston Apartment Association and SafeRent are partnered to expand RCR and include numerous searches in one bundled report with immediate and unlimited inquiry access.
To learn more and subscribe, call RCR at 713-595-0300, email rcr@haaonline.org or visit www.haaonline.org.
Legal Lowdown
Thursday, June 1
3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Via Zoom
Sponsored by Texas Southwest Floors
7
New Supplier Orientation
Wednesday, June 7
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Via Zoom
All new supplier members or representatives can attend this online orientation. Learn how to get involved and take advantage of member benefits.
Ambassador ONE Society
Wednesday, June 7
3:30 p.m. to 5:30
Kirby Ice House Memorial 1015 Gessner Road
Supplier partners can join this committee for HAA Ambassadors to find out how to promote HAA Events, contact properties to survey them on benefits, and network with other supplier partners. Supplier members only.
13
Katy Region Meeting
Tuesday, June 13
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Registration starts at 11 a.m. The program and lunch begin at 11:30 a.m. This event is open to onsite personnel and management only. This event is free, but we kindly ask you to RSVP yourself and/or team members. More information to come. Visit www.haaonline.org/ outreach meetings for up-to-date information. Contact education@haaonline.org to RSVP.
14
Avenues: Leadership Lane - 1
The Persuasive Leader Workshop: How to Lead Your People to Their Highest Results with Rommel Anacan
Wednesday, June 14
9 a.m. to Noon
See Page 22 for details.
Sponsored by Best Plumbing
Resident Relations Committee B Meeting
Wednesday, June 14
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Via Zoom
15
Blood Drive
Thursday, June 15 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will be set up at HAA for the drive. Sign up online at www.giveblood.org or contact Susan at shinkley@haaonline.org for details.
Go-Getter Meeting
Thursday, June 15
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
El Tiempo, Gessner
See Page 62 for details.
Sponsored by Blue Ox Moving & Storage and EPICHTX Construction
16
ACES Luncheon
Friday, June 16
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location TBA
ACES is open to supervisors and executive-level multifamily professionals. Contact education@haaoline.org for details.
Sponsored by Best Plumbing and Texas Apartment Pool Services
19
HAA Offices Closed
Monday, June 19
HAA offices closed for Juneteenth
20
HAA PAC Luncheon
Tuesday, June 20
11 a.m. to 1:p.m. Contact Madison at mpolston@haaonline.org. for details.
Sponsored by ALN Apartment Data
Avenues: Maintenance Blvd - 1 How to Create Win-Win Scopes, Bids, and Contracts with Chris King-Dye, Full House Marketing
Wednesday, June 21 9 a.m. to Noon See Page 22 for details. Sponsored by Century Air Conditioning Supply
Leadership Lyceum
Wednesday, June 21 Noon p.m. to 2 p.m. contact Susan at shinkley@haaonline.org for details.
22
IROC Breakfast
Thursday, June 22 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact education@haaonline.org for details.
Sponsored by Crowned Eagle Construction
Sponsorship 101
Thursday, June 22 2:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sponsorship Auction
Thursday, June 22 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Supplier partners can purchase sponsorhips for upcoming HAA meetings and events. Contact asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.
28
Leasing 101
Tuesday, June 27 through Wednesday, June 28 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
29
2023 Legal Seminar
Thursday, June 29
9 a.m. to Noon
HAA 4810 Westway Park Blvd. Contact education@haaonline.org for details.
Sponsored by PooPrints and Cinema Anywhere
Featured Event Honors Awards
Thursday, June 29
6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Hilton Americas Houston 1600 Lamar Street, 77010 Join us as we honor and celebrate the multifamily industry's finest professionals and properties, as well as recent NAA credential holders. For more information and to register, visit www.haaonline.org/events.
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 note that dates and times are subject to change. Check the calendars at www.haaonline.org/events for the most up-to-date information.
Avenues: Main Street - 2
July 18
Why Ya' Gotta Be So Mean? Dealing with angry residents with Lisa Trosien, ApartmentExpert.com
Avenues: Main Street - 3
November 15
Apathy To Empathy: 4 Methods to Cure Fatigue & Bring the Compassion Back with Amy Kosnikowski Dilisio
Plus updated content featuring the top industry speakers
Avenues: Maintenance Blvd - 1
June 21
How to Create Win-Win Scopes, Bids, and Contracts with Chris King-Dye, Full House Marketing
Avenues: Maintenance Blvd - 2
October 4
Trends in Maintenance - Personnel, Service, Technology and Tools with Mark Cukro, Plus One Inc.Service Team Training
Avenues: Maintenance Blvd - 3
October 19
As the Apartment Turns- Preventing
Soap Opera Drama in your Apartment Turn Program with Chris King-Dye, Full House Marketing
Avenues: Leadership Lane – 2
June 14
The Persuasive Leader Workshop: How to Lead Your People to Their Highest Results with Rommel Anacan
Avenues: Leadership Lane - 3
September 20
Next Level Leadership with Debbie Phillips
Avenues: Marketing Place - 2
May 24
Video, Video, Video: The best ways to use video for marketing, leasing, and communication with Lisa Trosien, ApartmentExpert.com
Avenues: Marketing Place - 3
October 11
Say YES to the Address with Leah Brewer, Full House Training
Avenues: Technology Row - 2
May 9
Excel Intermediate (102) with Julie Hartman, B2G Victory
Avenues: Technology Row - 1
June 7
Excel Basics with Julie Hartman, B2G Victory
Avenues: Technology Row - 2
July 11
Excel Intermediate (102) with Julie Hartman, B2G Victory
Avenues: Technology Row - 3
August 16
Microsoft Training (Teams, Outlook, and Office) with Julie Hartman, B2G Victory
Featured Supplier
Booth #920/921
For the first time in the Houston Apartment Association’s history, our 2023 HAA executive officers are all women leaders! Join HAA NEXT as these industry veterans share advice and lessons learned in their careers within the multifamily industry. Let these mentors give you ideas for climbing the stairway to success. Panelists include (from top):
• President Stephanie Graves, Q10 Property Advisors
• Immediate Past President Christy Rodriguez, Judwin Properties
• President-Elect Gina Erwin, GWR Management
• Secretary/Treasurer Shelley Watson, The Morgan Group
• Product Service Council President Candis Mohr, AAA Plumbers
NEXT Professional Breakfast
Wednesday, May 31 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. – Networking 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. – Program Program Fee: $25 Register online at www.haaonline.org/events
Sponsored by American Fire Systems and Rent.
Featured Supplier
Booth #325
Featured Supplier
Booth #332/334
Friday, March 24 at District 249
Thank you to our generous sponsors:
Court Sponsors: Chadwell Supply. and Matrix Construction
Lunch Sponsors: American Fire Systems and BlueLine Construction & Remodel
Snack Sponsor: SafeRent Solutions
HAA members braved the rain and hit the courts to volley with HAA!
1. First Place Team: La Salle Landscaping, champions for the seventh year running 2. Second Place Team: Central Renovation Solutions 3. Third Place Team: RPM Living. For more photos, visit www.haaonline.org
Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography
Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography
Featured Supplier
Booth #403
Featured Supplier
Booth #521
In front: Expo Committee Chair Joseph Rodriguez, GreenLogic Lighting & Electric
From bottom, first row:
Sara Hinson, Allied Orion Group
Marilyn Rivero, First Onsite Restoration
Deborah DeRouen, PooPrints
Susan Alvarado, Century Air Conditioning Supply
Ruha Vohra , Veritas Equity Management
Arely Pena, The Liberty Group
Second row:
Angie Aversa, The Liberty Group
Liz Levins, Gemstar Construction Development Inc.
Tammy Broadway, American Fire Systems Inc.
Emily Jones, SYNC Residential
Victoria Tiemann, Redi Carpet Sales of Houston
Emily Frost, SYNC Residential
Brooke Kirkpatrick, Rent.
Candis Mohr, AAA Plumbers
Tracey Moore, Flooring Warehouse
Nicole Aldrich, GWR Management
Ryan Weis, Crestmark Construction Services
Amanda Kelly, Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating
Amanda Walker, Q10 Property Advisors
Anita Alberger, Respage
Third row:
Kathy Motis, Greystar
Debra Knight, Comm-Fit
Shaun Callaway, Earthworks Inc.
Kelsey Callaway, PooPrints
Monica Gracia, DayRise Residential
Valerie Lacy, Cushman & Wakefield
Carina Bryars, Greystar
Matthew Nunn, Capital Construction
Phillip Price , HD Supply Multifamily
Tito Estrada, One Source Realty Advisors
Fourth row:
Blaise Spitaleri, Gemstar Construction Development Inc.
Jim Martensen, EPICHTX Construction
In the tree: Xochitl Flores, Church Pool Services
Not pictured:
Marivel Bownds, Valet Living
Derek DeVries
Erica Janke, Jetty Services LLC
Liz Macias, Tarantino Properties Inc.
Andrew Najar, Keener Management LLC
Natalie Spratt, Mosaic Residential
Featured Supplier Booth #438/440
the
Start your tour of the expo floor and visit the HAA Featured Suppliers as they show off their products and services. While you’re at it, you can earn three chances to win $1,500 on the day of the show! At the very least, you could find a new supplier partner while you play!
Here's how it works:
Register to play the contest by scanning the QR code to download the ScanHunt game application.
Play the game on your smart device!
o Scan the QR code displayed at each booth.
o Visit AT LEAST 12 of the 24 booths to earn 120 points for ONE raffle ticket.
o Visit 18 of the 24 booths to earn 180 points for TWO raffle tickets.
o Visit all 24 booths to earn 240 points for THREE raffle tickets.
o Drawing will be held at the times listed below.
Get your raffle tickets! Once you have completed your visits, show your digital score card to an HAA Staff member at the HAA booth at the back of the hall to receive your raffle ticket(s). (This is NOT a timed contest. Completing the games earlier does not determine the drawing winner.)
Drawing times:
o Scan to Win Drawing #1: 3:45 p.m.
o Scan to Win Drawing #2: 4:45 p.m.
Winners must be present to win and will be announced over the PA system at the HAA booth located at the back of the hall at the times indicated above.
No purchase necessary. MANAGEMENT ATTENDEES ONLY.
Look for this logo in advertising and at participating exhibitor booths at the Expo
Participating Featured Suppliers:
In booth order:
Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services - 7/8/9
Three Amigos Texas - 132
SafeRent Solutions - 143
Urban Value Corner Store - 325
HD Supply – 332/334
Dixie Carpet - 403
Gemstar Construction Development - 409
Ameristar Screen & Glass - 438/440
Ameritex Movers - 439
Ideal Towing - 503
Century A/C Supply - 521
Guardian Construction - 532
Camp Construction – 541/543
EPICHTX Construction – 636/638
Best Plumbing - 701
Santos Contracting - 736
InterSolutions Staffing - 807
Affordable Quality Electric - 815
Freedom Construction - 817
Penco Access Control – 738/740
Johnstone Supply – 905/906
Crestmark Construction - 907908
Church Foundation Repair – 920/921
AAA Plumbers - 914/915
Featured Supplier
Booth #701
The 2023 Expo exhibitors cordially invite all owner/management company personnel to attend the FREE
May 18 in Hall C of NRG Center.
When I think of the work places that I’ve been a part of that made me feel motivated, diligent and made me want to stay, there’s a pretty obvious correlation between them. It was the environments that allowed for emotional elaboration. The places where we didn’t have to check our humanness at the door. Places that cultivated empathy.
Like anyone else, I’ve had awesome jobs and jobs I couldn’t get out of fast enough. Before poetry and keynote speaking, I had a wide array of professions. Movie concessions, college summer orientation, selling cars, acting and most recently, being the sales director for the Americas (and Australia) for an Austin tech company. Two jobs bookend my workplace experiences: The undisputed worst working at a car dealership selling Acuras and the best being the tech company I eventually took a leadership role in. Fun fact, I love Acuras. My dad loves Acuras. I learned how to drive in one. They’re great cars for the money and I still love them. But it is hard for me today to imagine a place with less empathy than the dealership I worked for. It was a culture of “the customer doesn’t know what they want” and “sell at any cost.” I watched managers demean customers and coworkers openly. If anyone asked for support, or a sick day, the managers made sure everyone else knew about it, and not in a supportive way. I lasted seven months before I HAD to find something else.
My first day at the tech company was a stark contrast, not only to selling cars, but to any professional job I had before. It was a smaller startup when I joined, so we were all in a big open floor office. The first question I was asked
was where my favorite place in Austin was to get breakfast tacos. My manager, Emily, frequently checked in with me about how I was adapting to the fast pace of the startup world and what, if anything, I was struggling with. I knew the names of my coworker’s kids, previous placed they’d lived, projects outside of work they were working on. Not because I was nosy (I was a little nosy), but because the company culture didn’t require us to leave our humanness at the door.
I stayed at that company for seven years.
Over drinks one day a friend of mine asked me why I was still at the tech company when I knew I could find a better paying sales director job elsewhere. I immediately thought of my time selling cars, contrasted that with my time at this tech company, and considered why there was such a stark difference. Then it clicked. The difference was empathy.
A study by Businessolver uncovered that companies that have cultivated an empathetic culture had a 90% higher chance of retaining employees. Even more telling, eight out 10 employees said they’d be willing to work longer hours for an empathetic employer. Empathy creates space for curiosity. If your team feels like they can ask you a question without being judged or berated, then growth hits a new gear. Questions that wouldn’t have ordinarily been asked get answers and projects become more streamlined. When I couldn’t remember the trick I learned in college to get an Excel spreadsheet to create graphs from data sets, I just asked Emily. She not only took the
time to show me but gave me additional tools I wouldn’t have learned had I simply Googled the answer. Emily had shown me repeatedly that she leads with empathy, so I knew I could trust her to be understanding if I felt embarrassed about asking for something I felt I should already know.
Prioritizing more Purposeful Empathy and cultivating a work community that values seeing the humanity in each other helps to create work environments that don’t feel like work environments. Rather, a place where employees and coworkers can show up as their best, most curious, selves to get work done.
So how do we do that? Here are three simple ways to practice more Purposeful Empathy in the workplace.
Share something you’re looking forward to that’s not work related.
As human beings we tend to get incredibly animated about things we are frustrated by and things that excite us. We all get asked “how we’re doing” or “how our weekend was” countless times at the office. The next time you’re asked how you’re doing, share something you’re looking forward to. It could be a concert, seeing an old friend, a vacation. It doesn’t matter what it is, what matters is the emotion we as human beings use to talk about the things that excite or fire us up. It’s contagious, and it goes so much further than “my weekend was fine.”
After you’ve shared, see what they’re looking forward to this week or in the near future. You may find you have a common interest you wouldn’t have learned otherwise.
Be curious.
This is so much more than asking a coworker or employee how their weekend was. Being curious actually requires you to accept that, despite how long you’ve known someone, you don’t know everything going on in their world. Showing curiosity could look like asking a frequently stressed-out employee what specifically this week has been giving them the most trouble. It could be privately asking a co-worker who didn’t give an opinion during a meeting if there was something they wanted to share but felt they couldn’t. Or, for the braver among us, it could look like asking one our younger coworkers for a tv show, podcast or movie recommendation. Curiosity implies care and sets the stage for more authentic and empathetic interactions.
Be honest.
Obviously, this comes with the caveat of not divulging your darkest, heaviest secrets once someone asks you how your day is going. The intention is to dislodge the oversized role pleasantries have come to play in the work environment. If you’re having a tough day, saying you’re having a tough day but don’t want to elaborate on it is enough. If there’s an aspect of your job that has been frustrating you, take a breath, then express that to a coworker or manager and ask how they would handle the issue.
And most importantly, if you’re in a leadership role, be honest and vocal about your own work-related shortcomings. I once had a manager who, in our first team meeting, mentioned that he was not great at delegating and asked us to call him out if he was repeatedly trying to do things himself that he hired us to do. I can’t tell you how much respect that admission gained him from the team, and we excelled as a whole because of it.
Empathy isn’t a nicety. According to research done by the Center for Creative Leadership, empathy is vital for effective communication and teamwork. Empathy is a necessity for successful businesses to help their employees to feel valued as individuals so that they’re more inspired to work for the whole. Empathy is how you get residents to feel less like they’re coming home to their apartment and more like they’re just coming home. It’s how you gain employees that stay at your company for years despite having higher paying prospects. Practice employing more Purposeful Empathy and see how it starts to change how you see your workplace.
https://info.businessolver.com/hubfs/empathy-2018/businessolver-empathy-executive- summary.pdf
https://cclinnovation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/empathyintheworkplace.pdf? webSyncID=7a74ab03-77e3-2cb9-5766a91533b3ebc4&sessionGUID=b9aa47a3-7d6b- e245-76d40e041aa3dda2
See Pages 18 and 19 for details.
By STEVIE DAWN CARTER, PhD, CEO, Stevie Dawn Inspires LLC
Culture starts at the top of any organization. As a leader, you are responsible for the culture you create, develop, and grow within your team. Often, we hear the words culture and engagement used together. Research tells us that for an employee to feel engaged at an organization there has to be a sense of collaboration and cooperation.
Communication is not quite enough. We must go the extra mile. And that starts with our internal teams. How we communicate internally, transfers to how we communicate externally. If we want more cooperation and collaboration within our community, we must first improve collaboration and cooperation in our teams and organizations. Collaboration is people working together to create something. As a manager, creating a collaborative team is a crucial first step to success. A collaborative team starts with a creative and open environment. Team members must feel they have the ability to express themselves, and be honest and open in their dialogue. They must be free to brainstorm and contribute new ideas without fear of being judged. This doesn’t mean that every idea needs to be accepted and implemented. It means that every idea will be heard so the team can openly discuss the pros and cons.
This environment of brainstorming and honest communication is set through manager expectations. You must set the rules and expectations of how the team is to work together and collaborate. These expectations are best managed by having a written document that is shared with all team members, as well as a verbal discussion at the beginning of every team meeting outlining the expectations which might include:
• Everyone is allowed and encouraged to speak.
• Every idea and opinion has merit and will be on the table for consideration.
• Seniority does not matter. Rank and title do not mean that your idea is the best.
These are just a few of the statements that can be made in a team meeting to facilitate a collaborative environment. As a manager, you encourage and nurture this environment through your own actions. When you speak openly and honestly about goals and results, your
team will feel comfortable speaking openly too. When you hear every opinion and make every voice important, you team will do the same in meetings when you are not around. By creating a collaborative environment, you strengthen your team and your organization.
Cooperation is working together towards a shared goal. Learning to work together can seem like an easy request for a team, but we’ve all been in situations where cooperation is hard. What tends to make cooperation difficult is when participants disagree on the goal. As a manager, one of the best ways to improve cooperation is to focus on the “why.” Letting your team know the reason behind decisions and projects can help inspire them to work together to achieve the goal.
When you are taking the time to share the “why” behind a project or initiative, make sure you think about it in terms of WIFT…what’s in it for them? How does the project align with their job function? How does it serve their needs and goals? Often the struggle in getting people on board with an idea is the fact that they see it as adding to their workload or taking away their time. As a manager, it is your responsibility to show how it fits within their plan, goals, and job duties – to give clarity to the expectations and purpose.
The same principles apply to community stakeholders. If you want collaboration, clarify expectations and allow for all ideas without judgement. If you are looking for more cooperation, take time to see it from their point of view and align the goal with their needs whenever possible. When individuals come together and work toward common goals, everybody benefits.
See Pages 18 and 19 for details.
A collaborative team starts with a creative and open environment. Team members must feel they have the ability to express themselves, and be honest and open in their dialogue. They must be free to brainstorm and contribute new ideas without fear of being judged.
Featured Supplier
Booth #738/740
Your Nerdy Best Friend, aka Speaker Beth Z, will be sharing the latest technology for keeping your sanity as you juggle all the duties that keep apartment professionals busy at the Education Conference and Expo.
And when we say “the latest technology,” we mean it. This program covers cutting edge stuff that will make your life easier, including a mention or two of the biggest breakthrough tech in decades: ChatGPT.
ChatGPT is the AI-powered chatbot that will write blog posts, job listings, apartment descriptions and much, much more. We asked Beth Z to share some insight about this game-changing technology for ABODE. Bookmark her tips and join us for more at the conference.
Using AI tools is all about the input… the prompts you give it to help you help it to give you exactly what you want… perhaps even more than you expected!
If you can call yourself a Prompt Engineer, able to get incredible output from your amazing input, good for you! You’re going to be in high demand in the apartment industry, where professionals increasingly have more to do and less time to do it.
But if you’re like me, you struggle with finding the right words and get frustrated at the generic outputs or results that are totally off the mark.
So here’s my cheat sheet on how to get more out of the tool without knowing what you’re doing. I collaborated with ChatGPT for some of the tips, and others are 100% Your Nerdy BFF.
ChatGPT and I worked for about an hour to come up with the best overall tips for better prompts. This list represents the top ideas straight from the robot mouth with a little nerdy touch here and there from yours truly.
1. Be Specific
ChatGPT isn't a mind reader, so be clear and concise to get accurate results. If you want it to recommend the best cleaning service in Houston, don't just say "cleaning service." Tell it you’re looking for a highly rated cleaning service that specializes in apartment buildings, and it'll deliver the goods.
2. Provide Examples
ChatGPT loves examples like we love caffeine. So, when you ask for something, give a couple of examples to help it understand what you're looking for.
3. Keep it Simple
ChatGPT can get confused by complex language or overly long prompts. Keep it simple, and it'll produce clear and straightforward output.
4. Avoid Ambiguity
ChatGPT is not a fan of riddles. Be straightforward and clear in your prompts. If you're asking a question, make sure it's easy to understand.
5. Use Proper Grammar and Spelling
Falling under the “Avoid Ambiguity” category, ChatGPT loves good grammar and spelling. It's a stickler for details, so make sure you proofread before hitting send.
6. Keep it on Topic
Like many of us, ChatGPT can develop shiny object syndrome and is easily distracted if you give it too much to think about. If you want a great job description for an apartment maintenance professional, don’t sidetrack the conversation with a question about landscapers. If you need to change topics, start a new chat.
7. Avoid Yes/No Questions
ChatGPT likes to give you detailed answers, so avoid asking questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no. Ask openended questions to get the best output.
8. Use Context
ChatGPT is a smart cookie, but it's not psychic. Give it some context to help it understand what you're looking for. If you're asking about ideas for an apartment open house, for example, give details about the apartment community such as a senior housing complex.
9. Be Patient
ChatGPT is fast, but it's not Wonder Woman. It needs time to process information and produce great output, so be patient and give it time to work its magic.
10. Provide Feedback
ChatGPT loves feedback like a puppy loves belly rubs. If you like the output, let it know. If you don't, give it some constructive feedback to help it improve.
Prompts to Copy and Paste
Get ChatGPT to Write Its Own Prompts
Prompt:
ChatGPT, I want to ______.
What’s the best way to ask you to help me with this project?
Result:
ChatGPT will first let you know if your need is a skill it possesses (I’ve never had it say no). Then it will give prompts that you can cut and paste for better results.
Follow Up Question:
If ChatGPT seems to be on the right track, ask it what else you should ask before you actually put in your prompt.
Bonus Hint:
Sometimes I start a new chat to put in the prompts that ChatGPT came up with so it doesn’t get confused with our original conversation.
Ask It to Be an Expert Prompt:
ChatGPT, act as an expert in ____. Please use your expertise to help with ____.
Result:
You’re helping ChatGPT to get in the right mindset to help you and establishing that it is qualified to do so.
Pre-Prompt Prompts for Deeper Expertise: ChatGPT, what are the skills and capabilities of a person who is the best ____ in the world?
[After the response] Act like you are the best ____ in the world and you possess all of the above capabilities.
Bonus Hint:
When you ask ChatGPT to help you with something, try to give extra info for more context. For example, “Please use your expertise to help with…
• A job description for a marketing manager for a building that attracts graduate students.”
• An entry-level resume for a new college grad with a degree in hospitality who wants to work for a multi-family housing company to plan events.”
•A series of innovative, original viral TikTok video ideas for a commercial painting company with the goal of attracting new employees for apartment building projects.
Use these follow-up prompts to get ChatGPT to take the outputs to the next level.
• “Throw out the first ideas that come to mind and come up with something truly original and innovative.”
Prompts like these help you get beyond generic answers.
• “Here’s an example of what I am looking for.”
Adding examples will keep ChatGPT on the right track and will cut down on the number of times you have to go back and forth.”
• “I’m going to share some background information before we get started. Please respond READ when you have digested the info.”
Sometimes you want to share extra info about your buildings or background on your company before ChatGPT starts writing. You can tell it to hold off on generating content until you’ve given it all the facts.
• “That’s not what I’m looking for. Please try again and focus on ____.”
Don’t be afraid to give ChatGPT feedback and redirect the focus. It will apologize and try again. Give it as much direction as you can and include examples when possible. You can even refer to where it went wrong and suggest alternatives, such as “You wrote about ____, but I’m looking for ____.”
These follow-up prompt examples can fine-tune the results.
• “Make it funny.”
• “Change the tone to sarcastic.”
• “Use a more formal approach.”
• “Revise this blog post into a tweet with 180-200 characters.”
• "Include some statistics to back up the argument."
• "Explain the concept as if you were talking to a child."
• "Provide a step-by-step guide to implement the solution."
• “Expand on list item #1 above.”
We (meaning ChatGPT and I) want to know your prompt best practices! Drop a note to Beth@yournerdybestfriend.com with your tips and tricks. See you in at the Expo!
Beth Ziesenis is Your Nerdy Best Friend. She is the author of several books on technology including “Nerd365: A Year of APPortunities to Upgrade Your Life.” An awardwinning speaker, Beth travels the country talking to organizations about free and bargain technology.
2023 HAA Education Conference!
See Pages 18 and 19 for details.
Featured Supplier
Booth #817
hat is mitigation? I’ve asked this question of several people, and I always get a different response. Answers range from “it’s used whenever flood, blood or fire has occurred on a property” or “it’s only needed when the “M” word has happened.” And yes, while those answers are great examples of when mitigation is needed, there are many other facets to mitigation and preventative maintenance that these services offer.
Mitigation is a term that puts a bad taste in people’s mouths. This industry hasn’t given the impression that it can be a high integrity, high character service that leads to protecting and giving piece of mind to the asset. Chaos can erupt when CAT storms blow through, or when everyday problems occur. Hopefully, this is the start to changing people’s perspective on mitigation – adding value to something that can save you money, be a preventative habit and lead to a higher retention rate.
For example, when you do have a water leak, big or small, it is always in the best interest of the owner or property manager to have it mitigated. There are tools that are used to detect moisture in a particular room, and without seeing or understanding where the water has traveled, it is impossible to guarantee it is safe to enter or even promise it won’t return. The best part about getting these assessments is that most companies give them for free, just to help provide clarity of how much damage has occurred
While it may give the impression that they are after the cheapest work, or denying the claim, they are really preventing further damage, reducing costs and giving the claim a better chance at approval. Mitigation always gives you the best chance for approval and gives you the best chance to save you money if done correctly.
and present a solution to help fix the problem.
Another example is when you have buildings built prior to 1978, which carry asbestos, mold or lead in the paint that can be toxic. Without the proper safety equipment, it can be extremely harmful to the person performing the work, and it can even get in the air duct system and travel to different areas that could cause further damage.
Once that happens, the word cheap, or the phrase “cutting corners,” isn’t an option because the consequences of these services being performed should already be understood. So, how is it that the expectation is “it should be fixed” or “we are in the business of saving money” when nothing was done to meet those specific expectations? For example, you wouldn’t get heart surgery from someone who isn’t a doctor, or your teeth worked on by someone other than a dentist. When anything happens that involves water, fire, smoke or outdated materials that carry toxic chemicals, it needs to be handled by a professional who has gone through training and has the certifications to perform the work. Restoration and mitigation can save you money and protect your asset. Contrary to popular belief, there are companies that have the customers best interest in mind and don’t have the desire to destroy as much as possible so they can bill for it later. Remember the longer something isn’t mitigated correctly, and isn’t professionally done the first time, the more expensive it becomes.
I hear people all the time saying that “insurance companies are cheap” or “they are always looking to get out of approving claims.” I don’t think those statements are entirely true. In fact, if the insurance company knows a reputable business is involved then they are more inclined to approve the claim, and even provide the coverage that is needed to bring everything back to pre-loss condition. Most people’s understanding of how to prevent further damage is a backwards way of thinking, but the insurance companies know that if a mitigation company can get there in an hour or less, it will save them money in the end.
When a water leak happens and a customer files a claim, the insurance carrier will dispatch a mitigation team immediately, asking them to begin mitigating as quick as possible. They
understand that the sooner a mitigation team can be on scene, assess the damage, provide live pictures and feedback, the better. It will greatly cut costs and save money on the rebuild that could potentially take place. Not only does it save you money, but once you cut the small areas in a ceiling, remove carpet pads, baseboards and just install equipment because the mitigation team got there so quickly, no demo is needed. Now that the water no longer can soak up in the porous material creating more damage, it’s contained and less expensive to repair.
This is why insurance companies work this way. While it may give the impression that they are after the cheapest work, or denying the claim, they are really preventing further damage, reducing costs and giving the claim a better chance at approval. Mitigation always gives you the best chance for approval and gives you the best chance to save you money if done correctly. This is why it is so important to find companies that have high integrity and high character. They are out there and are here to help make your lives easier.
So, back to my original question, what is mitigation? There is only one definition of mitigation that I believe encompasses the importance and significance of the service. That definition is “the action of reducing the severity, seriousness or painfulness of something.”
Tyler Jones is the business development manager for Jenkins RestorationsHouston, bringing education and restoration services to the industry that people can trust and hopefully change the status quo. Restoration can be done with integrity and character that promotes excellent service and provides peace of mind through any situation big or small. Jenkins mission: “restoring property and lives with a servant’s heart.” Their vision: “to be the restoration firm of choice in existing and future markets while upholding Biblical values.” Their core values: “Can-do Attitude, Excellent Execution, Do the Right Thing, Actions of a Servant, and Responsible Stewardship.”
Featured Supplier
Booth #636/638
Sponsored by Best Plumbing and Fidus Construction Services
Friday, March 3 at Willie G’s Seafood
The Apartment Community Executives & Supervisors Luncheon featured “Quiet Quitting, Louder Than You Think” with Rebecca Rosario. For more photos, visit www.haaonline.org.
the Apartment Community Executives & Supervisors group was created to offer executive-level members a way to network and exchange information and knowledge. It offers them an opportunity for educational programs and presentations, along with greater knowledge of the political and legislative needs of the industry. ACES is intended for those on the property management side of HAA membership in an executive or leadership role. For more on ACES, see online at www.haaonline.org or contact education@haaonline.org.
Featured Supplier
Booth #503
American Equity Properties LLC
Jeremy Jones
2150 S Central Expy #360
McKinney, TX 75072
(972) 422-2000
Matthew Ridge
Bruce Hastie
Bruce Hastie
22630 Round Valley Drive
Katy, TX 77450
(832) 600-7279
Cullen Oaks/American Campus Communities
Devante Gilliam
4600 Cullen Blvd
Houston, TX 77004
(713) 748-3707
Cullen Oaks
FHM Real Estate LLC
Scott Mackey
2224 Dryden Road
Houston, TX 77030
(713) 835-4893
Hospitality Management Corporation
John O’Connor
17950 Preston Road #710
Dallas, TX 75252
(972) 934-2040
Galleria Apartments
Clearlake Apartments
Westchase Apartments
Jen Capital
Jackie Lee
3718 Sunset Manor Lane
Katy, TX 77450
(904) 537-2757
LFB Equity Mgmt LLC dba
Scott Property Management
Fran Summey
12615 Jones Road #209
Houston, TX 77070
(713) 714-4346
LFB Equity Mgmt LLC dba Scott
Property Management - Properties
Mist Property Management
Brittney Tribble
3733-1 Westheimer Road #686
Houston, TX 77027
(713) 818-7820
Mist Property ManagementProperties
Sean Ferguson
Sean Ferguson
13200 N Dever Drive
Magnolia, TX 77355
(236) 832-6012
Sean Ferguson - Properties
Referred by Del Walmsley
Uprise Property Management
Corrie Da Vera Cruz
9119 Hwy 6 #230377
Missouri City, TX 77459
(281) 691-5984
A.B.M. Commercial & Residential (DBA 1-800-Plumber+Air of Northwest Houston)
Eric Altergott
8800 Jameel Road #140
Houston, TX 77040
(281) 214-9753
Plumbing Contractors, Plumbing
Drain/Sewer Cleaning
Alcaraz Lawn Care
Cesar Alcaraz
P.O. Box 671811
Houston, TX 77267
(713) 829-5434
Landscape Contractors, Lawn Maintenance, Landscape Designers
Apartment & High Rise (A Water Management Company)
Thomas Campos
1415 S Voss Road #110-250
Houston, TX 77057
(832) 526-0253
Water Conservation, Water Consultants
Blue Heron Technologies LLC
Navdeep Saini
101 E Park Blvd #600
Plano, TX 75074
(469) 257-1960
Telephone Companies, IT Services, Computers - Service & Repairs, Computer Networking
Referred by Katie
SchiefferBrannan Designs LLC Architecture & Interior Design
Elizabeth Brannan
2323 Clear Lake City Blvd #180-306 Houston, TX 77062
(281) 488-2003
Architects, Interior & Decorator Service
California Closets
Ashley Lithgoe
4340 Directors Row #C
Houston, TX 77092
(832) 649-3666
Cabinets, Interior DecoratorsDesigners
Certified Apartment Staffing
Rose Rodriguez
2000 E Lamar Blvd #530
Arlington, TX 76006
(817) 962-7777
Employee Contractors-Temporary
Help, Employment Agencies
Exo Edge
Laura Eldredge
8260 Merganser Drive
Ponte Vedra, FL 32082
(904) 517-9352
Accountants-Certified Public, IT Services
GlobalFair Inc
Anjal Thakur
1825 S Grant St
San Mateo, CA 94402
(561) 722-4002
Cabinets, Floor Materials
J.P. Morin Company LLC
Jonathan Morin
12203 Old Huffmeister Road
Cypress, TX 77429
(281) 469-8473
Irrigation Systems & Equipment, Electric Contractors, Landscape Contractors, Plumbing Contractors
Marchand Lighting
Lina Li
9419 S Sam Houston Pkwy W #100
Missouri City, TX 77489
(832) 231-8533
Lighting - Outdoor, Lighting Fixtures & Supplies
Over the Top Roofing and Remodeling
Colt Laird
22815 Tuwa Road
Tomball, TX 77375
(713) 502-2883
Roofing Contractors, Remodeling & Repair-Building Contractors
Resia Construction LLC
Franco Doenico Elmor
1217 W Loop #180
Houston, TX 77055
(281) 740-5197
Builder-Developer, Construction Mgmt-Consultants
Revelation Windows & Doors
Rhonda Wynn
22340 Pineridge
Porter, TX 77365
(817) 676-8210
Window-Replacement & Repair, Gutters & Downspouts
Ridgeline Contractors Inc
Cole Landers
25614 Oakhurst Drive
Spring, TX 77386-1436
(832) 341-1277
Roofing Contractors, InvestmentsReal Estate
Rotolo Consultants Inc (RCI)
Samantha Betancourt
21619 Rhodes Road
Spring, TX 77388
(985) 643-2427
Landscape Contractors, Disaster Recovery/Relief
Sergeant Fifty-Five Insurance
Randall Patterson
3700 W 15th St #307A
Plano, TX 75075
(469) 214-4200
Insurance
SERVPRO of Cypress
Jacob Ochoa
11111 Jones Road W
Houston, TX 77065
(281) 469-2957
Fire/Water Damage Restoration, Cleaning Specialists, Mold Remediation, General Contractors
Strategic Protection Solutions
Melissa Cruz
11807 Westheimer Rd #55027
Houston, TX 77077
(281) 826-1185
Private Investigators, Security Guard/Patrol Service
The Legends Group LLC
Stanley Jackson
7472 Waterside Loop Road #101
Denver, NC 28037
(888) 912-6045
Cabinets, Kitchen Cabinets
Referred by Brian Calvery
The Reserves Network
Kaitlin Hoffman
5424 Katy Frwy
Houston, TX 77007
(713) 621-9895
Personnel Agency, Employment Agencies
XXL Construction Inc
Cindy Salinas
5829 W Sam Houston Pkwy N #108
Houston, TX 77041
(281) 721-4700
General Contractors, Fire/Water Damage Restoration
ALL SUPPLIER MEMBERS are listed online at www.haabuyersguide.com, searchable by product/service category or company name.
Featured Supplier
Booth #132
Every new member you recruit this year earns you a chance to be entered into a drawing to win this LV bag at the Holiday Go-Getter Meeting on December 14! (Must be present to win. No purchase necessary.) Recruit one member and get one entry. Recruit five members and get FIVE entries. It’s up to you! Contact the membership department at members@haaonline.org for more details!
June 15, September 21 and
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.
Go-Getters Happy Hour
Thursday, March 30 at El Tiempo Cantina
Sponsored by G.O. Plumbing Services and Redevelopment Services
HAA recruiters introduced new member recruits during the first Quarterly Meeting of the year and won gift cards for their efforts.
Featured Supplier
Booth #736
The Ambassadors host a Cornhole Tournament at Hans’ Crawfish Boil benefiting Shelters To Shutters.
Mark your calendars and join us!
Ambassador ONE Society meetings: May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, September 6, October 4, November 1
The meeting spot is Kirby Ice House, 1015 Gessner Road, Houston, Texas 77055.
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, attend an orientation and one of the meetings listed here, or contact Amanda in the Membership Department at 713-595-0316, or email asherbondy@haaonline.org.
Featured Supplier
Booth #807
The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios:
• Allied Orion Group: Citadel on Elgin, 74 units at 3353 Elgin St, and Brittmore, 248 units, at 16101 Imperial Valley Drive.
• Asset Living: Lake Houston Pines, 256 units at 5830 S Lake Houston Pkwy, and Rella Village, 102 units at 13588 Ella Blvd.
• Avenue5 Residential: Allora New Forest, 387 units at 7110 New Forest Pkwy.
• Banyan Equity Management LLC: Fairfield Cove Apartments, 135 units at15615 Blue Ash Drive, and The Lofts at 3402, 104 units at 3402 Blalock Road.
• BH Management Services LLC: Kenwood Club at the Park, 320 units at 2000 Westborough Drive; Cyan Cinco Ranch, 433 units at 21650 FM 1093 in Richmond; and Allora Bella Terra, 342 units at 12240 Bella Terra Center Way in Richmond.
• Cornerstone Residential: Roundhill Townhomes, 134 units at 601 Cypress Station Drive.
• Creative Property Management: Meta Street, 24 units at 8605 Meta St #A.
• Devonshire Real Estate & Asset Management: Casa Paz, 276 units at 505 Wells Fargo Drive.
• Disrupt Management: Derby at Steeplechase, 260 units at 11220 West Road.
• Falls Management/NMJ Inc: Falls of Parramatta, 560 units at 310 Parramatta Lane.
• Garden Oaks TX LLC: Garden Oaks Apartments, 50 units at 142 Oyster Creek Drive in Lake Jackson.
• Guardian Property Management: Foster Place, 16 units at 1000 Foster Road in Conroe.
• Hospitality Management Corporation: Westchase Apartments, 122 units at 4033 W Sam Houston Pkwy S; Galleria Apartments, 122 units at 4900 Loop Central Drive; and Clearlake Apartments, 110 units at 525 Bay Area Blvd.
• Hunington Residential Inc: The Vic at Woodforest, 334 units at 1800 Central Pine St in Montgomery.
• LFB Equity Mgmt LLC dba Scott Property Management: 11 properties at various locations.
• The Morgan Group: Upper Kirby, 230 units at 2300 Richmond Ave.
• New Hope Housing Inc: NHH Savoy LTD, 120 units at 6315 Savoy Drive.
• Portico Property Management: Park North, 372 units at 16112 North Fwy.
• RPM Living: Premier at Katy, 230 units at 24117 Bella Dolce Lane in Katy.
• United Apartment Group Inc: Tiffany Square Apartments, 188 units at 3030 Greenridge Drive.
• Venterra Realty: Stoneridge on the 8, 480 units at 6160 E Sam Houston Pkwy N.
• Wilhoit Properties Inc: Costa Rialto Houston LLC, 216 units at 5015 Aldine Bender Road; Costa Ibiza Houston LLC, 216 units at 17217 Hafer Road; Costa Verde III LTD, 188 units at 101 Verde Drive in Clute; Casa Brazoria I LTD, 36 units at 1218 Old Angleton Road in Clute; and The Gibraltar Senior LTD, 48 units at 201 Verde Drive in Clute.
Bret Heitzman has been promoted to Regional Vice President, Houston for Dixie Carpet Installations
Kristen Becker has been promoted to Vice President at Lincoln Property Company
Marcus Armstrong, J Turner Research, was selected for NAA's 20 in their Twenties: Class of 2023.
Stacey Lastovica, New Hope Housing, was promoted to VP of Property Management.
Kimberly LeBlanc has been promoted to Vice President Real Estate at Hines.
Have something to report from your company or for yourself? Email us your news at comm@haaonline.org.
Heitzman
NAA Advocate
March 28 through 31 in Washington, D.C.
HAA delegates and alternates traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in NAA’s Advocate and Governance meetings. HAA’s time on Capitol Hill was a huge success as our Houston contingency visited with all eleven HAA congressional delegation offices including Congressman Troy Nehls, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher and Congressman Wesley Hunt. Thank you to the HAA members who took the time to represent HAA!
Wednesday, March 15 at Houston Christian University
Sponsored by HAA and RCR
HAA staff with numerous HAA member property owners and community leaders attended this annual luncheon honoring law enforcement. Led by newscaster Kimbrell Marshal, Edward Pollard was the keynote speaker. The Lion Dance was performed by Houston officers and awards were given to officers who have gone above and beyond in their duty to serve and protect. Commemorative flags were given to families of fallen officers.
Law, continued from Page 12
Signs for spas constructed on or after the effective date of the rules (January 1, 2023) or signs that are replaced at spas constructed before the effective date must be securely mounted and readily visible to spa users and must be inside the spa enclosure.
What are the signage requirements for spas? (§265.190(h)(3 and 4))
Spas must have the signage listed on Page 12 (with letter and symbol size indicated).
Variations of the language are allowed if the language is substantially equivalent to the language identified in the rules and if local regulatory officials that regulate swimming pools and spas approve the variations before the sign is posted in the spa yard.
Is an emergency summoning device required to be in a pool or spa?
(§265.190(i)(1-5))
Yes. A pool or spa must have a minimum of one emergency telephone, emergency monitoring contact device, or alternative communication system that is capable of immediately summoning emergency services and that is readily accessible, within 200 feet of the water, and is functioning at all times
the pool or spa is open for use.
Where a pool or spa has a seasonal operation schedule, the emergency summoning device must be functioning 24 hours a day during the entire season the pool or spa will be in use. Clear operating instructions for the emergency summoning device must be provided.
A fixed-location telephone, emergency monitoring device, or alternative communication system must be visible, have no obstruction to access, and have some method of identification that enables the telephone or other device or system to be easily identified by users.
A telephone or emergency monitoring device must not be answered by an on-site office. An alternative communication system that contacts an on-site office may be used if the pool or spa is in a remote area with limited or delayed emergency medical services response times and there are employees on-site that are trained and certified or licensed to perform emergency medical intervention when the pool or spa is open for use.
A telephone must be capable of making calls to 911 dispatch or to an emergency service. An emergency monitoring contact device, when active, must directly connect to a 24-hour monitoring service, or directly to 911 dispatch or to emergency medical services.
Can a cell phone serve as an emergency summoning device? (§265.190(i)(6))
A cell phone that is dedicated for use at the pool or spa that is mounted in the pool yard or spa yard for public use and labeled as the emergency phone may be used if the cell phone is activated by a service provider, is provided with a permanent power supply and is capable of reaching the emergency service provider or 911 emergency services.
Is a sign required to be posted by an emergency summoning device?
(§265.190(i)(7))
A sign must be posted above the emergency summoning device whether it is a phone, emergency monitoring device, or alternative communication device with the precise location of the pool or spa, such as an address, building number, GPS location, or other location identifying information in letters a minimum of one inch in height.
Welcome to summer 2023! Your signage and summoning devices should be examined to be sure they meet the requirements of the State Department of Health Regulations.
Property: Ascend at Lakeview
Owner/Management: Greystar
Location: 18313 FM 1093 Richmond
Units: 298
Built: 2021
Web: www.ascendatlakeview.com
Interesting features:
Ascend at Lakeview is an eye-catching property that can be seen from Westpark Tollway. It’s white and cream stoned exterior displays a clean and sophisticated ambiance that is warm and inviting. The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment homes are maximized with ultra-modern comforts. Ascend at lakeview takes garden style living to the next level with endless amenities. The contemporary clubhouse and resident lounge create a fun setting for residents. Also located on property is a CrossFit cage and yoga studio, a resort style pool and several outdoor lounge areas to relax on.
At Ascend at Lakeview, residents and guests experience exemplary customer service. The well-seasoned management teams are always willing to go the extra mile, whether it’s with first impressions provided by leasing staff, or the outstanding maintenance provided by the resident service team. Ascend at Lakeview’s company mission statement, “enrich the lives we touch by doing things the right way,” is displayed with every interaction.
Ascend at Lakeview welcomes police, firefighters, first responder and medical professionals to their Preferred Employer program and can receive leasing incentives throughout the year. Ascend at Lakeview is also an active member of the Katy Chambers of Commerce and participates in promoting their community and donating to St. Jude and Camp Hope through their participation in other local charitable events. Congratulations Ascend at Lakeview!
Legislative, continued from Page 9 in eviction proceedings and cities have no defined role. However, some cities have recently tried to intervene by passing ordinances that prolong the process.
For example, the City of San Marcos currently has a 90-day notice before you can file an eviction. HB 2035 and SB 986 would prohibit cities from imposing their own notice requirements outside of state law. At the time of printing, both HB 2035 and SB 986 have had a committee hearing in their respective chambers and are awaiting a vote out of committee.
House Bill 2457 by Rep. J.M. Lozano/Senate Bill 767 by Senator Tan Parker
City fees fund essential services but stakeholders – and sometimes even council members – are often not aware of new or increased fees until after they have been adopted. These bills would increase transparency when Cities are considering increasing fees in city budgets.
They will require a fee schedule of new/increased fees to be included on the city budget’s cover page —similar to requirements cities already meet when proposing new property tax rates. Will also require a separate vote by the city council to approve the use of the revenue raised by the new or increased fees. And will allow interested parties to register for email notification about proposed new/increased fees.
At the time of printing, SB 767 has passed the Senate and will be picked up by Rep. Lozano in the House.
If you have a regulatory problem or question, call the HAA main line at 713595-0300 and ask for Government Affairs. If a particular code requirement or issue concerns you, let us know by emailing Bradley at bpepper@haaonline.org.
The Houston Apartment Association’s committees and clubs are some of the most productive tools we have to ensure that we remain the nation’s largest and most effective apartment association. Members of the association dedicate their time to lead and serve on the various clubs and committees. To serve, please contact the HAA office at 713-595-0300, online at www.haaonline.org or email the departments listed below.
Education, education@haaonline.org
Government Affairs, govaffairs@haaonline.org
Membership, members@haaonline.org
Community Outreach, shinkley@haaonline.org
Resident Relations, resrel@haaonline.org
*Note: Some committees have specific requirements. Contact HAA for details.
Snapshot
Occupancy: 90.1%
Price: $1,263/mo.
Rental Rate: $1.42/sq.ft./mo.
Size: 891 sq.ft.
Past
rate growth 3,589 units
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.
Occupancy: 91.7%
Price: $1,493/mo.
Rental Rate: $1.69/sq.ft./mo.
Size: 882 sq.ft.
Past 12 Months:
1.8% rental rate growth 1,214 units absorbed
Operating Supply:
San Antonio
Occupancy: 89.4%
Price: $1,204/mo.
Rental Rate: $1.40/sq.ft./mo.
Size: 862 sq.ft.
Past 12 Months: 0.9% rental rate growth
absorbed
Austin Occupancy: 89.2%
Price: $1,627/mo.
Rental Rate: $1.85¢/sq.ft./mo.
Size: 877 sq.ft.
Past 12 Months: -1.1% rental rate growth 6,895 units absorbed Operating Supply:
ApartmentData from MRI Software has been providing apartment data and marketing products since 1986.
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