ABODE November 2020

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Return Service Requested

HAA 60TH ANNIVERSARY

Houston Apartment Association 4810 Westway Park Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77041

ABODE THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

www.haaonline.org

November 2020

ABODE • NOVEMBER 2020 • VOLUME 43, ISSUE 11

60 Years www.haaonline.org

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CONTENTS November 2020

ON THE COVER

FEATURES & PHOTOS

14

16 HAA Presidents – Looking back at the past and present leaders of HAA.

60 Years – This month, ABODE celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Houston Apartment Association by looking back at our history.

Don’t miss HAA’s Vitural Honors Awards and 60th Anniversary Celebration, see Page 18 for details.

Cover diamond © Leysan | iStock by Getty Images

28 Thank You, Jeff Hall, For 36 Years – HAA celebrates Executive Vice President Jeff Hall on his retirement.

34 60th Anniversary: Honoring Our Past – Looking back from 1960 to 2020.

64 Looking Back: On the Cover of ABODE – Our favorite cover models – our members.

COLUMNS & MONTHLY UPDATES 6 Sponsor Members – These companies have generously supported HAA with their membership.

7 President’s Corner – Discussing the 60th Anniversary and HAA’s Jeff Hall.

8 Patron of the Month – Meet and support Dixie Carpet Installations.

9 Legislative Update – Looking back to December 1978.

11 It’s The Law – Happy 60th Anniversary to HAA! 14 Resident Relations – An evicted resident challenges termination fees.

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

24 NAA Update – CDC issues guidance on the eviction moratorium.

66 Go-Getters – Membership: Engage!

68 The Ambassador ONE Society – Together again.

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

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

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

83 MarketLine – The latest area market numbers.

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

www.haaonline.org

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OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL OFFICERS JOHN BORIACK President-Elect CLAY HICKS President

TINA CAVACO Vice President at Large

LAURA LESTUS, CAS President The Liberty Group

SCOTT DOUGLAS Vice President at Large

DAVID LINDLEY, CAS Vice President, FSI Construction

STEPHANIE GRAVES Vice President at Large

DEREK DEVRIES, CAS Secretary, Camp Construction Services

SHELLEY WATSON Vice President at Large

CANDIS MOHR, CAS Treasurer, AAA Plumbers

CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ Secretary/Treasurer

HOWARD BOOKSTAFF General Counsel

JACOB KUNATH, CAS Immediate Past President, Century A/C Supply

JEFF HALL Executive VP

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

Dana Tucker Shelley Watson Quintina Willis, CAM Tracie Yoder, CAPS DIRECTORS EMERITUS Josh Allen Ken Bohan Gary Blumberg Kathy Clem Jack Dinerstein Jenard Gross Darlene Guidry David Hargrove Alison Hall Larry Hill Stacy Hunt Hap Hunnicutt David Jones Mel Kieke Mike Koch Dick LaMarche Tim Myers P David Onanian John Ridgway Kim Small Eileen Subinsky Steve Sweet Kirk Tate Suan Tinsley H J Tollett, Jr. Pat Tollett Vic Vacek, Jr. Beth Van Winkle Jerry Winograd ADVISORY DIRECTORS Billy Griffin Manu Gupta Cesar Lima Mary Lawler Patrick Magnuson Bruce McClenny Angelee Kumar Parikh Nikki Sekunda Penny Sprang Theri Tinelli Tony Whitaker GENERAL COUNSEL EMERITUS Joe Bax

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Claude Arnold Kenn Brown Tina Cavaco Terri Clifton Kevin Fenn Diane Gilbert Anita Harrison Dwayne Henson Mike Koch Merry Mount Monette Reynolds Sherry Stevenson Kirk Tate Suan Tinsley Sonny Unverzagt Del Walmsley Nancé Wells H.P. Paul Young Jeanne Marie Zublin Dicks PATRON MEMBERS 1961 CSC ServiceWorks 1978 Houston Planned Energy Systems 1979 RentPath 1982 Cotton Commercial USA Inc. 1984 AAA Plumbers 1985 Gemstar Construction Development 1986 Craven Carpet 1987 Dixie Carpet Installations 1994 Camp Construction Services 1997 Apartments.com 1999 FSI Construction Inc. 2006 Lowe’s Pro - MSH

PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL MEMBERS Liz Levins, CAS, Marivel Bownds, Rasa Floors CAS, Valet Living Tracey Moore, CAS, Dixie Caldwell, Flooring Warehouse CAS, ControlByNet Cloud Karen Nelsen, CAS & Management Video ALN Apartment Surveillance Solutions Data Shaun Callaway, CAS, Matthew Nunn, CAS, Earthworks Capital Construction Peggy Charles, CASE, Doug Oehl, CAS. Neal Conant, CAS, Flooring Warehouse Gemstar Joseph Rodriguez, Construction CAS, The Urban Development Foresters Sean Cunningham, Nikki Sekunda, CAS, CAS, Flooring The Liberty Group Warehouse Blaise Spitaleri, CAS, Deborah DeRouen, Gemstar CAS, OneApp Construction Guarantee Development Clark Gregg, CASE, Blake Subinsky, CAS, Fidus Construction HD Supply Dan James, CAS, Mat Tilley, CAS, Redevelopment WeDoTrash Services Debra Knight, CAS, Fidus Construction Services Stephanie Krop, CASE, Poolsure

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ABODE

NOVEMBER 2020 I VOLUME 43, ISSUE 11 Executive Vice President and Publisher JEFF HALL, CAE jhall@haaonline.org EDITORIAL AND DESIGN STAFF Director of Publications and Design DEBORAH NIX dnix@haaonline.org Managing Editor MORGAN TAYLOR mtaylor@haaonline.org ADVERTISING Vice President of Membership and Marketing AMANDA SHERBONDY, CAE asherbondy@haaonline.org CONTRIBUTING STAFF Vice President and General Manager SUSAN HINKLEY, CAE shinkley@haaonline.org Vice President of Professional Development EMILY HILTON, CPP, CAE ehilton@haaonline.org Vice President of Public Affairs ANDY TEAS, CAE ateas@haaonline.org Vice President of Finance NANCY LI LO, CPA nlo@haaonline.org Director of Information Technology ART EIDMAN aeidman@haaonline.org Director of Resident Relations MATILDE LUNA mluna@haaonline.org Director of Events and Meetings LAUREN RAGIN, CMP lragin@haaonline.org Director of Rental Credit Reporting TINA DEFIORE tdefiore@haaonline.org Assistant Vice President – Outreach LAUREN TURNER, CAE, CMP lturner@haaonline.org Public Affairs Manager ALPA PATEL MANDHANA apatel@haaonline.org Membership and Marketing Manager KAYLON NEWCOMB knewcomb@haaonline.org Membership Engagement Assist. MONSERRAT BUFFINGTON mbuffington@haaonline.org Webmaster and IT Specialist WILL ALFARO walfaro@haaonline.org PRINTER TGI PRINTED www.tgiprinted.com

HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES COMMITTEE CHAIR STAFF ADVISOR Executive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CLAY HICKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Program & Budget . . . . . . . . . . . .JOHN BORIACK . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Nominating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .STARLA TURNBO . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MICHELLE PAWELEK . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ . . . . . .JEFF HALL Fair Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MACK ARMSTRONG . . . . . . .JEFF HALL By-Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KYLE BROWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Past Presidents Council . . . . . . .KATHY CLEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Leadership Development . . . . .ALISON HALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SUSAN HINKLEY Product Service Council . . . . . . .LAURA LESTUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SUSAN HINKLEY Community Outreach . . . . . . . .TRACIE YODER . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SUSAN HINKLEY Legislative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOHN BORIACK . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY TEAS HAA Political Action Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .STACY HUNT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY TEAS Multifamily Fire Safety Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOHN BORIACK . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY TEAS Developers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TODD TRIGGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY TEAS Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TERRI CLIFTON . . . . . . . . . . . . .AMANDA SHERBONDY Ambassador ONE Society . . . .MARIVEL BOWNDS/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RYAN WEIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AMANDA SHERBONDY 2020 Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DAVID LINDLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . .AMANDA SHERBONDY Independent Rental Owners . .STEPHANIE BRYSON . . . . . . .AMANDA SHERBONDY Education Advisory Council . . .MONICA GRACIA/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BETSY MARSHALL . . . . . . . . . .EMILY HILTON Career/Community Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PENNY SPRANG . . . . . . . . . . . .EMILY HILTON NEXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PATRICK MAGNUSON/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NIKKI SEKUNDA . . . . . . . . . . . .EMILY HILTON Strategic Outreach . . . . . . . . . . . .CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ . . . . . .LAUREN TURNER Century Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CANDIS MOHR . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ALPA PATEL PAC Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . .GARY BLUMBERG . . . . . . . . . .ALPA PATEL Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MARK PARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ALPA PATEL Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . .NORMA ALVEAR/ . . . . . . . . . . .ALPA PATEL/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MARILYN ROMERO . . . . . . . . .LAUREN RAGIN HAF Fundraiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DEBBIE ANDREOZZI/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MARK PARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LAUREN RAGIN Resident Relations Appeals . . .DARLENE GUIDRY . . . . . . . . . .MATILDE LUNA Resident Relations A . . . . . . . . . .BEVERLY NORRIS . . . . . . . . . . .MATILDE LUNA Resident Relations B . . . . . . . . . .KEVIN HARTMAN . . . . . . . . . . .MATILDE LUNA Property Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SUSAN DEAR/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CRYSTAL JACKSON . . . . . . . .TINA DEFIORE IT Task Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOE BRYSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ART EIDMAN HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MISSION AND VISION: HAA is the leading advocate, resource and community partner for quality rental housing providers in the Houston and surrounding area. HAA develops leadership in the multifamily industry by engaging broadly diverse membership, embracing effective technology and advocating for a geographically inclusive association. ABODE IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION serving the multihousing industry in Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton counties.

ABODE, NOVEMBER 2020, VOLUME 43, ISSUE 11 ABODE (USPS 024-962) is published monthly by the Houston Multi Housing Corporation. Publishing, editorial and advertising offices are located at 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041. Telephone 713-595-0300. The $50 annual ABODE subscription rate is included in all member dues and additional subscriptions are available. The annual subscription rate is $50 for members, $65 for non-members.

Advertising rates are available upon request. Contributed material does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Houston Apartment Association. Copyright © 2020 by HAA. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas.

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

www.haaonline.org

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

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

A + Infinity Blue Outdoors, LLC A Homestead Specialist LLC A-Affordable Roofing Co AAA Staffing Ltd AAdvantage Laundry Systems Absolute Construction LLC ACM Contractors of Texas ACT Security Group Action Towing, Inc Action Window Coverings Inc ACTIV Answer by Audio Images ACUTRAQ Background Screening Inc Adobe Floors Inc Advance LED Solution Adventure Playground Systems Aftermath Services Ages Consulting, LLC dba Alternative Green Energy Solutions Alcaraz Lawn Care Alexander-Rose Associates Inc All About Doody Pet Solutions All American Mailboxes of Houston Inc Allegion Allied Powder Coating The Allshouse Group LLC ALN Apartment Data Inc AlphaGraphics of Central Houston AM Conservation Group AmCap Insurance America Outdoor Furniture American Fire Systems, Inc AmRent Anchor Roofing Inc Andrews Myers PC Apartment Life Inc Apartment Lines ApartmentData.com AppFolio Arbor Contract Carpet Inc ARC Solutions Archcon ASAP Personnel Inc ASAP Steamers Carpet Cleaning Asphalt Maintenance Inc Atom4 Security Camera B&G Construction Bath Fitter Belfor Property Restoration Bell’s Laundries Benefits 4 Rent BGE, Inc./ aka Brown & Gay Engineers Inc Big Star Development LLC Bio-One Houston South BioTechs Crime & Trauma Scene Cleaning Blue Eye Defense BMI Brady Chapman Holland & Assoc Brannan Designs LLC Architecture & Interior Design BSI Building Professionals of Texas CAD Restoration Services LLC Cameras Onsite Cano Electric Inc Cantrell McCulloch Inc Carradine Valet CashFlow Pros LLC Centex Construction

Century Air Conditioning Supply CFI Group Chadwell Supply Cinch – Cabinet Refacing Kits Citi Fence & Concrete Classic Same Day Blinds Classic Touch Painting Classic Towing Comcast Continental Adjusters Inc Contractors Inc ControlByNet Cloud CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions CORT Furniture CRE Business Solutions LLC Crowned Eagle Construction CSI LED & Hardware Cypress Landscaping & Irrigation, DeNyse Companies Designs by Holmes DNM Contracting Inc DoodyCalls Dooley Tackaberry, Inc Door Clearance Center DreamCoat Cloud Services Ecolo Environmental Inc Electric Eel Mfg Embark Services EnviroSmart Multifamily Pest Solutions Epic Air Conditioning Everest Siding and Windows Expertz Construction & Renovation LLC Fantastic Floors FAST Security, LLC Featherston Sign Partners Fiat Construction LLC Fidus Construction Services Finish Factory Inc First Responders Cleaning & Decon Flavor Finish Resurfacing Floodproofing.com Frost Insurance Agency FTK Construction Services fun abounds Gambit Construction Gasof United Remodeling Gateman Inc General Recon LLC Giordano Construction Inc Go-Staff Inc Granite Surfaces of Texas Great American Business Products Green City Security LLC Green Garbology GT Security Solutions LLC Guardian Gutters H.S. Services Halo Doors Inc HARCO Insurance Services Higginbotham Hillco Building Service Hive Technology Hoover Slovacek LLP IGD Plumbing LLC Imperial Hospitality and Security Services Inc In Service Security LLC Infinity Power Partners IronEdge Group

ITWS LLC J and B Carpet Services J Guzman General Remodeling J National JAK Environmental, LLC DBA: Legacy Power Washing & Graffiti Removal Johnstone Supply Jonah Digital Agency Kastle Systems Kathy Andrews Interiors Keylo Painting & Construction King's Granite and Marble Knight Restoration Services, LP KONE Leah McVeigh Design and Consulting The Liberty Group Lights Out Production Company Lincoln Jacob Construction Liquid Waste Solutions Lithotech Printed Products/ Forms Center Lopez Carpet Care & Painting Love's Plumbing Company, Inc LP Building Solutions: LouisianaPacific Corporation LSR Multifamily Maldonado Nursery & Landscaping Inc Marvin F Poer & Company Masonry Solutions Inc Matrix Construction Services McKenzie Drake Corporate Housing McMahan's Flooring Inc Moen Inc Moveforfree.com Inc MPS Direct Mueller Water Conditioning Inc MV Electric Inc MX2 Commercial Paving Nations Roof Houston LLC Nationwide Eviction Norman Construction Northwest Construction Group Notifii LLC O’Conor, Mason & Bone PC On Duty Tree and Landscape On Site Towing LLC On-Site Propety Services Onesource Moving Onyx Restoration LLC Outdoor Elements Pace Mechanical Services LLC Parking Management Company/PMC Towing Pathfinder Insurance Group Paul Davis Restoration North Houston PCS Creative Surface LLC PERQ LLC Platinum Enterprises LLC The Playwell Group Inc Pool Knights Pool Works LLC Professional Resurface LLC Pura Flo Corporation Quatro Tax LLC RAM Construction Ram Jack Foundation Solutions RCPS of Texas Redevelopment Services Reliable Roofing of Texas Inc

Reliant RENCON Rent Debt Automated Collections RentSense, LLC Resto Medic Restoration 1 of Central Houston RG Miller Engineers Roosevelt General Contracting Roto-Rooter Services Co Royal Painting & Remodeling LLC Saifee Signs & Graphics Saint Clair & Sons Inc SEAL Security Solutions LLC Secure Insurance Security Reconnaissance Team Service Master by Century Sherwin Williams Company Sign-Ups & Banners Signal 88 Security Smart Water Valve SOS-ASAP Softwashing South Central Electric, LLC Sparkle Wash Pressure Washing State Patrol Services LLC Storm Maintenance & Monitoring Strata Roofing and Construction Streamline Construction Houston LLC Structural Concrete Systems, LLC Surface Designers Remodeling Swadley Roof Systems LLC Swain & Baldwin Insurance & Risk Management Texas Apartment Pool Services Texas Concrete Professional Company Texas Crime Prevention Agency Texas Engineered Roofing & General Contracting Texas Landscape Group LLC Texas Management Group LLC Texas Southwest Floors Inc Texas Waste Management Solutions, LLC The Lane Law Firm Tidal Renovations LLC Total Safety Security Services, LLC Tropical Roofing Products United Protective Services Urban Design Constructors LLC USA Patrol Division Valet Living Veteran Supply Services, LLC Vima Decor W Partnership WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems Waterproof Solutions Wayfinder Tax Relief LLC WCA Waste Corporation Webb Pest Control Whitmans Contracting and Roofing Wickley Interactive Wildlife Removal Experts LLC Willbanks & Associates Inc Wilsonart Zillow Rentals

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Letter from the President

By CLAY HICKS, 2020 HAA President

HELLO AGAIN, FRIENDS! This was supposed to be a huge year with it not only being the Houston Apartment Association’s 60th anniversary but also HAA Executive Vice President Jeff Hall’s “victory lap” after a distinguished career at our association, lasting over three decades! Although we didn’t get to throw a party to celebrate HAA’s 60th anniversary, in this issue, you will read about how HAA has developed, grown and influenced positive change throughout its existence.

You’ll also read how HAA has transitioned and persevered with each challenge it has endured over the last 60 years.

It’s ironic that, in our 60th year of existence, we are facing a worldwide pandemic that has rocked us in different ways than ever before. But honestly, our key leaders and association are facing it head on like we have with every challenge before. We may still have a while to go before we are on the other side of this pandemic, but we have done an incredible job shifting, working with elected officials and likeminded organizations and reorganizing our services to support the industry and our members.

Looking back this year as your current association president, I’ve realized how personally impacted I have been through both the association and my “real job” as president of TDC Management at The Dinerstein Companies.

As I look back at HAA’s history, I’m reminded of how much the Dinerstein name has impacted this association.

Bill and his brother Ted Dinerstein started building apartments 65 years ago, after building homes for five years.

They partnered with HAA Founder Harry Reed and the three became very active in HAA. Bill was so passionate about local politics and advocacy that he, Reed, Ronny Finger and Bob Lanier were among the people who started HAA’s Better Government Fund in 1974, which is now known as the HAA Political Action Committee.

Bill was also among a group of leaders who helped form HAA’s Rental Credit Reporting.

Bill Dinerstein served as HAA president in 1978 and was the second person inducted to HAA’s Hall of Fame in 1986. When he passed away in December of 1996, HAA named the golf tournament supporting the HAAPAC in his honor, known today as the Bill Dinerstein Golf Tournament. Bill’s son, Jack Dinerstein followed in his dad’s footsteps, becoming HAA’s president in 1988 and also being inducted into the HAA Hall of Fame in 1994. In addition to advocacy, Bill was also passionate about education, so much so that HAA named its HAF education center after Bill, Reed and Lester Prokop.

Bill and Ted Dinerstein left the family business in the hands of their sons, Jack Dinerstein and Tom Caltagirone, who have recently turned it over to the third generation as their sons, Brian Dinerstein, John Caltagirone and Brad Dinerstein lead our current company. It was this third generation and family legacy with this association that initially drew me to TDC. I’m proud to follow in their footsteps leading this great association while working for a company that influenced HAA in so many ways that still exist today. Read through HAA’s history starting with Page 34 to learn more about how HAA came to be what it is today.

Lastly, I would like to thank Jeff for his leadership over the last 36 years. Dedication like that can only be met by a person who is deeply passionate about what they do and want to make things better. Passion requires a person to both love what they do and find purpose in that action. Purpose can be described simply as contributing to the greater good. Throughout all that HAA has accomplished over the last three-plus decades, it is clear that Jeff found purpose and passion in his work for HAA and strove to make that the culture of HAA. Four HAA staffers have been with the organization for at least 25 years and six have professional, association credentials.

There is a reason why HAA is the largest and best local apartment association in the country. Jeff has always held HAA and his staff to a standard of excellence, which has driven the team to help grow HAA and themselves in their own careers. You can read about how Jeff has helped grow HAA throughout this issue.

Thank you, Jeff Hall, for your dedication and commitment to HAA. You will be missed by generations of HAA members. Enjoy your retirement!

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Houston Planned Energy Systems

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

HAA Member since 1997

Cotton Commercial USA Inc.

Gemstar Construction Development Inc.

HAA Member since 1982

Lowe’s Pro - MSH

HAA Member since 2006

CSC ServiceWorks

HAA Member since 1961

Craven Carpet

HAA Member since 1986

Camp Construction Services

HAA Member since 1994

November Patron of the Month

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Apartments.com

HAA Member since 1978

HAA Member since 1985

AAA Plumbers

HAA Member since 1984

FSI Construction Inc.

HAA Member since 1999

Dixie Carpet Installations

HAA Member since 1987

RentPath

HAA Member since 1979

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Legislative Update

www.haaonline.org

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

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It’s the Law

By HOWARD BOOKSTAFF, Hoover Slovacek LLP , HAA General Counsel

HAPPY 60TH ANNIVERSARY TO HAA! It has been a good run…legally speaking!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO HAA! Sixty years and going strong!

From a legal standpoint, a lot has happened over the last 60 years. Throughout HAA’s history, there have been many events that have shaped our current environment.

Taking a trip down memory lane, one thinks of many different laws passed and agencies created over the years. We know HAA has been around for 60 years, but how old is HAA in legal years? Let’s take a look at how HAA’s age measures up to other events, laws and agencies that have left a mark on our industry over the past 60 years.

HAA is older than the Texas Property Code!

Contrary to popular belief, the Texas Property Code has not been around forever. It was codified in the 68thlegislative session in 1983.We have come to rely on chapters 24 (relating to evictions) and 92 (relating to residential tenancies) in our daily lives. As HAA has grown over the years, so have these laws.

In 1983, chapter 24 was all of two pages in the property code. Today, chapter 24 has 19 pages. Many of the notice to vacate requirements were not yet in effect. The idea of a pauper’s affidavit did not come around until many years later. The concept of requiring a resident to pay one month’s rent into the court registry to remain in possession during the pendency of the appeal was not developed until a few years after the pauper’s affidavit was conceived. The writ of possession and warehouseman’s lien statutes were not part of the original chapter 24.

Chapter 92 has also substantially changed over the years. The number of sections in this chapter have doubled since the initial codifiwww.haaonline.org

cation. Sections relating to utility cutoff, retaliation and rental application have been added. Specific statutes that we refer to on a daily basis such as the late fee statute and domestic violence statutes were not added until the 2000s.

HAA is older than the Fair Housing Act! On April 11, 1968, seven days after the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968, which was meant as a follow-up to the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The 1968 act expanded on the previous act and prohibited discrimination concerning the sale, rental and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin and sex.

This act was known as the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

In 1988 the Fair Housing Amendments Act (effective in 1989) amended the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to include within the definition of discriminatory housing practices new prohibitions against coercion, intimidation, threats or interference because of a handicap. Concepts such as assistance animals, reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications did not exist in federal law prior to 1989. Additionally, the Fair Housing Amendments Act prohibited discrimination based on familial status in the sale or rental of homes. With the adoption of the Fair Housing Amendments Act, we had, and continue to have, seven federally protected classes: race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status and handicap (disability).

HAA is just a little younger than the CDC! The CDC was born on July 1, 1946. Accord-

ing to www.CDC.gov, its primary mission was simple yet highly challenging: prevent malaria from spreading across the nation. The CDC would probably not have been relevant to this article if it were not for the immense effect the CDC has recently had in our lives.

In March, we came to rely upon the CDC for guidance with respect to so many things we now regularly practice. The CDC has had a great deal of influence on the operations of apartment communities. Many of the rules we have adopted with respect to wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands and restricting access to or limiting the use of common areas and amenities came from the guidelines published by the CDC. As if we didn’t see the importance of the CDC, in September the CDC involved itself in the eviction process with its temporary halt of evictions against “covered persons.” Who saw that coming?

Although HAA is not as old as the justice of the peace Courts, the jurisdictional limits of the justice of the peace courts have evolved with HAA! We have grown to rely on the justice of the peace courts because they have original jurisdiction in all eviction cases in Texas. This means that no matter the amount in controversy, if an owner of property seeks possession from a tenant, the owner must file an eviction case in the justice of the peace court.

In 1985, the justice court had original jurisdiction in civil matters in which the amount of controversy was not more than $1,000.

Earlier this year (Sept. 1), the jurisdiction was increased to an amount in controversy that is not more than $20,000. Although the original jurisdiction with respect to eviction cases has November 2020

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remained unchanged over the years, the amount of rent that can be requested and included in a judgment has substantially increased over the years.

HAA is older than HUD! Believe it or not, HUD, as it currently exists, is younger than HAA. The Department of Housing and Urban Development Act of 1965 created HUD as a cabinet-level agency. Of course, we now know HUD as the agency that creates rules and investigates complaints under the Fair Housing Act. HUD also has governing authority over many types of assisted housing programs, including tax credit properties.

HAA is not as old as the concept of speedy eviction proceedings, but I wanted to make a point!

If you were transported from 2019 to the present, you would be shocked to see how our eviction process has changed. For many years, Texas law has provided that eviction proceedings are summary, speedy, simple and inexpensive remedies for the determination of who is entitled to possession of prem-

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ises. This was stated in a case handed down by the Supreme Court of Texas in 1935 and has continued to be restated in many cases over the years.

Given our current environment of federal, state, and local statutes, rules, orders and ordinances, one would wonder where the concept of a speedy, simple and inexpensive eviction remedy has gone. Rest assured that the concept still exists in the law, but has been abrogated by the authority that our government leaders have used to promote the public health of our society. But stay positive! We will get back to the old days at some point!

The General Counsel’s Monthly ABODE Column The first ever column written by an HAA general counsel was written by Joe Bax for the February 1979 issue. The column was entitled “The Smoke Detector Question.” It dealt with the question of whether the landlord of an urban residential dwelling would be liable for injury caused to a tenant by the malfunction of a smoke detector which has been installed by the landlord. The article predated the

smoke alarm statute, which is currently part of the Texas Property Code.

The first column I wrote was in November 1995, and was entitled “Resident Screening: The Q&A you have been waiting for.” As the title suggests, this article dealt with various questions regarding residents screening issues.

Over the years, HAA has given me the opportunity to write various articles on topics of my choosing. Hopefully, you have read and had fun with the holiday articles. In 1998, I started the December articles with a holiday jingle. My first It’s the Law holiday jingle was entitled “Celebrate the Season Within Reason,” and discussed the liability issues surrounding parties on your property. The jingle involved Bob’s “Big Bash” on Christmas Day and was written to the tune of The Night Before Christmas.

HAA has outlived many of the legal concepts that govern our day to day operations.

Congratulations to HAA! May there be many, many more anniversaries!!

www.haaonline.org

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Resident Relations from the RESIDENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE

YOU CAN’T CHARGE ME An evicted resident challenges termination fees.

A RESIDENT FILED a complaint with

the Houston Apartment Association to dispute termination fees and to receive a refund on her security deposit.

In her complaint, the resident states that the apartment community prevented her from making online rent payments due to a singular “check issue.”

The resident then stated the apartment community gave her a notice to vacate. In her complaint, the resident states she shouldn’t have to pay termination fees because she was asked to move out.

Management responded to HAA and that response was forwarded to the applicant.

The resident moved into the unit on Aug.

1, 2019. Management received two non-sufficient funds (NSF) payments in September and one NSF payment in October. The apartment community delivered a three-day notice to vacate for non-payment of rent to the resident on Oct. 10. The resident then submitted a notice to vacate on Nov. 1. The resident moved out on Dec. 31.

At move-out, the resident owes management $3,172.37, which includes remaining bills, a termination fee and a concession chargeback. When management offered the resident a 12-month payment plan, the resident countered with an 18-month payment plan, to which the apartment community denied.

Enclosed in management’s response were copies of the lease, final account statement, the resident ledger, the notice to vacate, move-in and move-out condition form and application.

Because the resident was evicted for non-payment of rent, it was a clear decision.

The committee decided in favor of management. The resident didn’t fulfill her lease obligation. Charges were justified. The resident owes the property $3,172.37. The resident may pursue this case in small claims court.

If you are a manager with a resident relations issue, call HAA at 713-595-0300 for direct assistance.

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

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

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

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I wasn’t expecting surprised that they said, laughing. “ I’ business for 15 yea anything. For me, or get it right, I’m don’t need recogni resident and my m owner are happy, I good experience, t way. I didn’t know watching!”

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HAA PRESIDENTS 1960-1962 Walker Stewart

1963-1964 Harold Blaschke

1965-1966 Fred Rizk

1967 Roy Horlock

1968 Gilbert Gertner

1969 Jenard Gross

1970 Claude Williams

1971 Don Clark

1972 Ronny Finger

1973 Vernon Young

1974 Charles Underwood

1975 Eugene Winograd

1976 Mel Kieke

1977 H. J. Tollett Jr.

1978 Bill Dinerstein

1979 Lester Prokop

1980 Bill Aydam

1981 Alan Rudy

1982 Foy Midkiff

1983 Leon Samet

1984 Paul Nichols

1985 Paul Austin

1986 Herb McDonald

1987 Walter Eeds

1988 Jack Dinerstein

1989 Dick LaMarche

1990 Mike Biggs

1991 David Onanian

1992 Stacy Hunt

1993 Pat Tollett

1994 Tim Myers

1995 Ronnie Morgan

1996 Duke Dillon

1997 Gene Blevins

1998 Eileen Subinsky

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1960-2020 1999 Vic Vacek Jr.

2000 Kirk Tate

2001 Steve Sweet

2002 David Hargrove

2003 Kathy Clem

2004 Darlene Guidry

2005 Larry Hill

2006 Jerry Winograd

2007 Suan Tinsley

2008 John Ridgway

2009 Beth Van Winkle

2010 David Jones

2011 Kim Small

2012 Jenifer Paneral

2013 Mack Armstrong

2014 Trey Stone

2015 Jackie Rhone

2016 Alison Hall

2017 Kyle Brown

2018 Michelle Pawelek

2019 1Starla Turnbo

2020 Clay Hicks

Honorary President for Life Harry Reed

Honorary President for Life Bill Schlotfeldt

60 Years

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Friday, November 13

60 Years T

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HAA celebrates 60 years with the 2020 Honors Awards.

Enjoy a virtual event like no other in the comfort of your home or office with your team.

It’s free to attend on Zoom!

We will be honoring the best in the industry, plus recognition of the 2020/2021 HAA Officers and Board of Directors, our 2020 committees, NAA Credential holders and HAA Lyceum graduates.

Plus lots of surprises, please join us.

Virtual Honors Awards and 60th Anniversary Celebration

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13 2 P.M. TO 4 P.M. FREE TO ATTEND VIA ZOOM Visit www.haaonline.org for details and to register to receive your Zoom log in.

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Calendar HAA Education, Events and Meetings SCHEDULE

As of press time, dates and locations are tentative.

Please see www.haaonline.org for the most up-todate information.

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

NOVEMBER 2 Bill Dinerstein Memorial Golf Tournament Monday, November 2 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Quail Valley Golf Course & City Centre 2880 La Quinta Drive, Missouri City, 77459 Thank you to the many sponsors.

3 Election Day Tuesday, November 3

4 HAA has modified procedures to reduce opportunities for the COVID-19 virus to spread as we realize there is a risk associated with interacting with the public.

• We are minimizing the number of people allowed in our building.

• All guests are instructed to remain 6 feet apart.

• We are providing social distance markers to guide access.

• We have hand sanitizers in common areas throughout our building.

• We have enhanced cleaning of our building.

• Guests will be required to wear masks at all times. If you are able to provide your own mask, please do so. We will have disposable masks in case you do not bring your own.

• If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or have been in contact with someone who has the virus or has been exposed to anyone who is sick, we ask that you remain at home.

Thank you for your patience as we implement these guidelines to open as safely as possible.

New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, November 4 10 a.m.

Via Zoom All new supplier members welcome.

Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

Ambassador ONE Society Meeting Wednesday, November 4 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Location TBA Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

11 Expert Exchange LIVE Series Wednesday, November 11 Noon Zoom, Facebook Live and YouTube (subscribe to HAATV) Resident Relations Committee A Wednesday, November 11 2 p.m.

Virtual via Zoom

NOVEMBER S M T W 1 2 3 4 8 9 10 11 15 16 17 18 22 23 24 25 29 30

T 5 12 19 26

F 6 13 20 27

S 7 14 21 28

DECEMBER S M T W 1 2 6 7 8 9 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 27 28 29 30

T 3 10 17 24 31

F 4 11 18 25

S 5 12 19 26

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Blue Star Program - Virtual Thursday, November 12 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Virtual The Blue Star Certification Program is a joint effort by the Houston Police Department and the Houston Apartment Association.

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.

Register online at: www.houstontx.gov/police/multi_fa mily. Please direct questions to officer Ferguson at Leroy.Ferguson@houstonpolice.org Sponsored by SentriForce

FEATURED EVENT 2020 Virtual Honors Awards presented by FSI Construction Inc. Friday, November 13 2 p.m. to 4 pm.

For the first time ever, the HAA Honors Awards will be hosted virtually. Join us as we celebrate the best in the industry and HAA’s 60th Anniversary. The election of the 2021 HAA Officers and Board will also take place, along with recognition of our NAA credential and HAA Lyceum graduates, committee chairs and volunteers. Register at www.haaonline.org.

12-14, 19-21 Extreme CAM (five days) with Bill Nye Thursday, November 12 through Saturday, November 14 and Thursday, November 19 through Saturday, November 21 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A super-charged and accelerated six-day format, Extreme CAM is designed for those experienced managers hoping to attain the CAM credential in a shorter duration, with less time away from the property. .

Exams are held in December. Due to shipping constraints, registrations received within one week of the course cannot be guaranteed course materials at the time of class Sponsored by ALN Apartment Data, American Fire Systems, ApartmentData.com, Best Pluming, Cotton Commercial USA, Massey Services Inc and Texas Southwest Floors

16 HAAPAC Luncheon - Virtual Monday, November 16 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This event is open to all HAAPAC members at a cost of $30 per person. Nonmembers of the HAAPAC may attend for $40 per person.

Any questions and/or registrations should be directed to Alpa at apatel@haaonline.org or 713-595-0302.

Sponsored by Leap

17 Leasing 101 (day and a half) Tuesday, November 17 Program fee: $75 if payment is received before Tuesday, August 20; $85 at the door An in-depth introduction to the apartment industry for new leasing professionals, as well as those individuals looking to learn more about the industry as a career. This day and a half program also includes TAA lease paperwork curriculum. Topics covered include greeting and qualifying the customer; executing the lease contract; overcoming objections and closing techniques; an overview of Fair Housing and more. Students who complete the course will receive a certificate, as well as a listing of placement agencies and management companies that are members of HAA. If you are not working for a member company of HAA, download the registration form https://www.haaonline.org/uploaded Files/Site_Content/Education/Professi onal_Development/leasing101_2020. pdf.

UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, all events meet at our Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., second floor, in either the Direct Energy and Liberty Personnel & Executive Search or the Camden and Michael Stevens Interests Room. Meetings located at the HAA Offices, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., first floor, will be held in the Redi Carpet and Winograd Families/Judwin Properties Conference Room. See www.haaonline.org for an interactive calendar.

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

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Avenues: Maintenance Session 3 – “Laying a Foundation (of knowledge) on Foundations” with Nicole Curl Wednesday, November 18 8:30 a.m. to noon Understanding foundations, and how to prevent problems and handle repairs Topics include he foundation; types of areas; soil management; types of soil; moisture control; movement; when to make repairs; when to monitor; elevations; types of movement; repairs; and preventative measures.

Sponsored by Century A/C Supply

CAPS: Client Services & Stakeholder Relations Monday, December 7 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sponsored by SentriForce

CAPS: Talent Management Friday, December 11 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sponsored by Cotton Commercial USA

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CAPS: Contemporary Issues in Multifamily Housing Friday, December 11 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Offices Closed HAA will be closed Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25 for the holidays. HAA will also be closed on Thursday, December 31 and Friday, January 1 for the New Year.

19 Board Meeting Thursday, November 19 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Sponsored by CoreLogic

26-27 Thanksgiving Holiday Thursday, November 26 through Friday, November 27 HAA will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.

DECEMBER 2 New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, December 2 10 a.m.

Via Zoom All new supplier members welcome.

Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

3 Fair Housing Seminar Thursday, December 3 8:30 a.m. to noon Sponsored by FSI Construction and Massey Services

4 IROC Breakfast Friday, December 4 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Sponsored by Cotton Commercial USA

CAPS: Investment Management Tuesday, December 8 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sponsored by Massey Services

9 CAPS: Improving Asset Performance Wednesday, December 9 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sponsored by Fidus Construction Expert Exchange LIVE Series Wednesday, December 9 Noon Zoom, Facebook Live and YouTube (subscribe to HAATV)

Need a log in to register for our next event?

Email webreg@haaonline.org

10 CAPS: Asset Evaluation Thursday, December 10 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sponsored by Guardian Construction HAA Management Member Orientation Webinar Thursday, December 10 10 a.m.

Via Zoom Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

Go-Getter Holiday Happy Hour Thursday, December 10 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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

Sponsored by Fun Abounds and Hire Priority

Do you need help navigating recent operational challenges?

HAA’s micro-webinar series features industry experts who answer the top questions concerning current and pressing topics. These carefully-curated 30 minute sessions offer guidance that you can apply right now and are free to all HAA members.

www.youtube.com/user/HAATV www.haaonline.org

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Did you know HAA has a YouTube Channel?

Just Click

on HAATV

The Houston Apartment Association’s YouTube Channel features a wealth of information on legislation, education, HAA history and much more!

Don’t miss our “Expert Exchange”micro-webinar series featuring industry experts who answer the top questions concerning current and pressing topics.

Catch up with HAA General Counsel Howard Bookstaff for The Legal Lowdown featuring guidance on hot legal topics affecting the multifamily industry.

See lots of educational videos and seminars recorded to watch at your convenience.

Check out our videos of members networking at past events and historic moments.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel HAATV to get notices of new content.

Subscribe today at https://www.youtube.com/user/HAATV

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Industry Update from the NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION

CDC ISSUES GUIDANCE Apartment industry concerns heard as CDC issues a list of frequently asked questions to supplement their federal eviction moratorium order

ON THE EVENING of October 9, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued answers to frequently asked questions to supplement their federal eviction moratorium order, which can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/downloads/eviction-moratoria-orderfaqs.pdf. There is no doubt that National Apartment Association’s (NAA) aggressive advocacy and legal efforts, including first-hand conversations with the Trump Administration and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), played a major role in this guidance.

NAA voiced concern over the outstanding issues related to the federal eviction restrictions and requested specific supplemental guidance to help housing providers operationalize these confusing and sometimes conflicting mandates, which ultimately culminated in the CDC’s response. Though we continue to advocate against any extension or expansion of federal eviction restrictions, this significant development creates a path forward for the apartment industry.

Importantly, the FAQs clarify: • The Order is not intended to terminate or suspend the operations of any state or local court. Nor is it intended to prevent housing providers from starting eviction proceedings, provided that the actual eviction of a covered person for non-payment of rent does NOT take place during the period of the Order.

• The Order does not preclude a housing provider from challenging the truthfulness of the resident’s declaration in any state or municipal court. The protections of the Order apply to the resident until the court decides the issue as long as the Order remains in effect.

• Housing providers are not required to make their tenants aware of the Order and Declaration.

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Other outstanding issues addressed by the FAQs are as follows: • To seek the protections of the Order, each adult listed on the lease, rental agreement, or housing contract should complete and sign a declaration and provide it to the housing provider where they live.

• Covered people still owe rent to their housing provider. The Order halts residential evictions only temporarily. Covered persons still must fulfill their obligation to pay rent and follow all the other terms of their lease and rules of the place where they live. Covered persons must use best efforts to make timely partial payments that are as close to the full payment as their individual circumstances permit, considering other nondiscretionary expenses.

• Anyone who falsely claims to be a covered person would be subject to DOJ prosecution.

• To make the Administration’s stance on these issues abundantly clear, the FAQS represent the views of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and DOJ.

NAA’s first annual APTeams Day highlights the work of on-site teams during the pandemic On-site teams have been on the front lines of the apartment industry’s response to the COVID-19 crisis since Day One. For more than six months, these unsung heroes have fielded countless resident questions, implemented a continually evolving list of safety protocols and maintained operations, all at the risk of their own health and that of their families.

On Wednesday, Aug. 12, it was the industry’s turn to shine a light on on-site teams’ tireless commitment to their work and their residents, and to celebrate their efforts in the face of unprecedented circumstances.

On that date, the National Apartment Association held its first APTeams Day to recognize on-site community teams for their unflappable work to keep residents safely housed during the pandemic. NAA member communities from across the country took part, decorating offices, taking team photos, providing lunch, distributing gift cards and rewards, and creating videos to highlight their on-site associates.

This development is a significant nod to the power of NAA as we continue to lead the fight for our members and the viability of the industry. An additional COVID-19 relief package is likely, and NAA is meeting with lawmakers and staff daily to tell them that apartment owners, operators and residents need direct rental assistance. Eviction moratoria are not the answer and will do nothing to solve renters’ housing insecurity. Further, our lawsuit against the CDC is ongoing.

While the new guidance provides some important clarification for the industry, we are seeking a final ruling that will decide whether the CDC exceeded its authority; that decision may not come until the new year.

Excuse to Let Loose The event was an invaluable opportunity for executives to acknowledge this selfless service and allow their on-site team members to let loose a little, says Wendy Simpson, Vice President of Marketing for Marylandbased Edgewood and Vantage [drop link and put in black type?] management companies.

The pandemic has brought challenges the industry has never had to face before, especially when it first hit, Simpson says. “There were a lot of unknowns and uncertainty in the first couple of weeks. Our on-site associates were feeling the emptiness of the office, and at the same time they were dealing with an unprecedented level of need and calls from residents — and they still are. www.haaonline.org

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“So this event was well-earned,” she adds, “and all about appreciating on-site team members for the work they do every day, having fun with their colleagues, goofing off to make songs and dances, and giving our property teams a rest from all the noise to do something that felt good while on the job.”

Edgewood and Vantage launched its APTeams Day festivities the week before on social media with an invitation to on-site associates to share photos or videos that illustrate ways they’ve kept their spirits up, as well as what they have learned while dealing with COVID-19.

All associates who shared a photo or video, either individually or as a team, got entered into a raffle for gift cards, AirPods or lunch, says Simpson. “All of those prizes were supplied by our preferred vendor partners,” she adds. “We took those 70 to 80 submissions and published a video dedicated to highlighting them, but the first minute and a half of the video shows all of the corporate team members sharing their appreciation for the field associates. At the end, there’s a collective message from the marketing team members, thanking our on-site teams for being so awesome.”

Fogelman Properties, a Memphis, Tenn.based multifamily community investment and property management company, recently conducted a virtual all-property awards ceremony to recognize its on-site team members. The firm also featured some of its associates in the Back to Work video series, produced by SightPlan. The 15-episode series, which was planned before the pandemic hit, showcases the extraordinary be-

hind-the-scenes work being done by on-site multifamily community employees.

“We have an incredible mission-driven team, and with the help of the Back to Work series, we could showcase an appreciation of our team’s talent, dedication, passion and energy during this difficult time,” says Fogelman Chief Operating Officer Justin Marshall. [I had to cut some of the gushing] “They are heroes in a lot of respects and we are thankful to be able to celebrate them and truly shed light on the amazing work done on-site every single day.”

In addition to the formal and public recognition, Fogelman has given on-site teams the leeway to establish workplace environments that truly accommodate associates during the pandemic.

Emphasis on Flexibility Recognizing the challenges Fogelman associates face in both their personal and professional lives, says Marshall, the company has tried to be as flexible as possible to accommodate associates’ needs. “For example, our teams are able to create schedules that provide flexibility in their home lives, which could include scaling down or increasing their hours by opening the office later at night or on Sundays,” he says. “We also gave each of our associates a no-strings-attached bonus early in the pandemic as a ‘thank you’ and provided an extra 80 hours of COVID sick time in case they needed it. We recognize that this is not ‘business as usual,’ and helping our associates navigate these challenges is our highest priority.”

Edgewood and Vantage added benefits to its health-care program for associates who are feeling strong pandemic-based anxiety and stress, and also offered free online yoga, breathing and stretching courses [more than one course?] to employees. In addition, the company made a $100,000 donation to the Capital Area Food Bank.

“Caring and flexibility have been our priorities,” Simpson says. “We’ve really had to think out of the box in terms of being flexible with previous job expectations and [in] how we move forward and continue to provide the services that our residents deserve and expect, while also keeping everyone safe. Our associates needed reassurance that they are not alone and that we will work together. I think we did that, and we will continue to support them at all levels.”

Marshall and Simpson agree that in addition to specific support programs, communication between the corporate office and on-site teams has been the key to maintaining morale during the pandemic.

“The most important thing, from early on, has been communication,” Marshall says. “We want our teams to know that we understand their concerns and they are top of mind for us.” Fogelman has hosted frequent calls with its communities to discuss its global initiatives and recognize the teams’ hard work. And “between our regional vice presidents and leadership teams,” adds Marshall, “we’ve [also] made an effort to visit all of our properties in person to let them know they’re appreciated.”

To enhance communication with its field teams after the pandemic hit, Edgewood and Vantage was quick to increase its use of virtual meetings. But those video calls between corporate and on-site associates have taken a more personal tone in the past six months.

“In the past, I don’t think that would have been quite so well-received; there’s a level of professionalism that we have among our staff and with our business partners,” Simpson says. “But I think that during the pandemic everyone has gotten to know one another better outside of work. There are stories being told and laughs to be had, especially when kids and pets get involved in the background [on] those calls. That really elevates that mentality of, ‘We’re all in this together and we’re going to move forward to make this work.’”

– Doug Pike is a staff writer with LinnellTaylor Marketing.

Did you know you have access to more member benefits than just the lease contracts and forms?

If you’re receiving this magazine, your company has joined and made your company and YOU part of the largest local apartment association in the nation! Every employee of your team is a member of HAA and also a member of the TAA and NAA. Check us out online at www.haaonline.org. This is YOUR HAA!

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THANK YOU, HAA MEMBERS

We are grateful to you, our Houston Apartment Association family, for supporting us for the past 60 years with your memberships, volunteering, sponsorships, advertising and by attending our events.

Your continued commitment to HAA allows us to continue to help the apartment industry survive and move forward.

HAA recognizes and understands the challenges facing our members now, and we thank you for staying with us and for helping us celebrate our anniversary with your continued support in these tough times.

Here’s to the next 60 Years together!

Houston Apartment Association • 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041 • 713-595-0300 • www.haaonline.org

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Thank You, Jeff Hall, For 36 Years HAA celebrates Executive Vice President Jeff Hall’s influence and impact as it embraces a new future.

By

MORGAN TAYLOR, HAA Staff

1985

2018

www.haaonline.org

Portrait by

MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography

T

here are people whose absence is deeply felt because their presence felt timeless.

It was somewhat of a shock when Jeff Hall announced he would be retiring at the end of the year. Hall has led the Houston Apartment Association as the executive vice president for the last 19 years. His retirement doesn’t come earlier than expected, either. He was with HAA for a total of 36 years.

His leadership redefined Houston’s apartment industry and he will leave a lasting mark on the organization. He made HAA a place where people could pursue their passion, find their purpose, be challenged and have fun.

Professor, researcher and author Angela Duckworth studied 16,000 people for her book called “Grit,” winning her the MacArthur “Genius” Award for her work.

She found that grit is the perseverance that keeps us going in order to fulfill long-term goals. The difference, though, between those who are hard workers and those who have real grit is that the latter finds purpose or meaning in what they do. Purpose, or meaning, is defined as serving others and loving what you do.

When you look at the work that HAA has accomplished under Hall’s leadership, you can understand how Hall was motivated to lead HAA for 36 years. He found a meaningful, other-centered life, as Duckworth would say. This type of work transcends a job or a career to a calling.

“Being able to represent the association and working with the broader community and helping create coalitions was really satisfying. Being able to do things for November 2020

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the association and its members that at the same time impacted the larger community – that was exciting for me. To have an impact, to make a difference,” Hall said.

Contributing to the well-being of the apartment industry and community was Hall’s favorite role in his career. Oftentimes, that wellbeing contribution reached beyond our local parameters.

When Hurricane Katrina made landfall and demolished New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region in 2005, it displaced more than a million people across the entire Gulf Coast region. Eight days after the storm’s landfall, Houston Mayor Bill White held an emergency meeting at city hall to find a solution for the 200,000 victims who evacuated to Houston.

Under Hall’s guidance, 250 HAA members showed up to that meeting and made it their problem to solve. The group set aside more than 10,000 units for Hurricane Katrina victims. Other apartments in the city quickly followed suit. In the end, more 37,000 units were rented to evacuees. This tactic became part of the city’s hurricane response model for both the city and HAA for every other hurricane that would follow. Being able to provide for people who lost everything with resources, support and most importantly, a home over the years are the moments in Hall’s career that really stand out.

Hall was able to stitch purpose and passion into the fabric of HAA’s culture. When you consider how out of 18 people, four have been with HAA for more than 25 years, you can see that Hall fostered HAA to be a place where people found their callings, too.

“We all work together well and with loyalty and respect. That’s one of the best things – probably the best thing I’ve ever done as an association executive – is hire some great people and keep them involved and challenged and progressing in their careers and in their impact. That’s why I’ve always been

very passionate about the CAE credential and other credentials,” Hall said.

The CAE credential is short for the Certified Association Executive credential. It is the marker of a committed association professional and it’s the highest credential you can receive as an association professional. Seven people on HAA staff have credentials and six have the CAE credential.

“The fact that we’ve had more CAEs working for HAA at one time than any other organization in America except for a large medical group in Texas – I’m very proud of that because I wanted to encourage people to seek that,” Hall said.

Earning a credential, especially the CAE credential, is a strong indicator of someone who is gritty, who loves what they do and who wants to be the best at what they do. Its these people who have driven HAA to be the largest and best local apartment association in the country.

“We have a great organization here and the culture … is that we want things done at a high standard. We want to be the best; we want to be the trendsetter among apartment associations and even among other associations to some extent,” Hall said.

At the near end of Hall’s career, he won two awards that standout among the 12 awards he has received over the years. The first being the Texas Apartment Association’s 2017 Association Executive of the Year award and the Texas Society of Association Executives’ 2018 Executive of the Year award. When he won the TAA award in 2017, it was the third time he won that award, an accomplishment met by only one other person in the state of Texas.

“To still get that award, after being in my role for a long time, had a special meaning. I knew the end was relatively near, so to receive that was really special,” Hall said about the 2017 TAA Association Executive of the Year award.

To win the TSAE Executive of the Year award in 2018 was special because TSAE reviews leaders within all types of associations throughout the state.

“To get that for the whole state of Texas was a shock and a surprise. That will always have special meaning for me because it shows I was able to do things that weren’t just good for HAA but for the association community as a whole in the state, and that I’m still involved and relevant after 30 something years,” Hall said.

Financially, it has been a hard year for HAA, and so many other people and organizations, filled with tough decisions. Despite it all, Hall guided HAA to find new ways of supporting its members and the Houston community. Hall is confident that HAA will continue to live on for another 60 years, as well as its culture of exceeding excellence as the new executive director takes over.

“Difficult situations like this year require more creativity. That puts us to the test to some extent. How can we still serve our members and the community when our options seem to be limited in the ways we can have an impact,” Hall said. “Without really knowing my successor, I’m really impressed with her background and her history of working with people on our staff.”

Even though Hall will miss the comradery with his HAA family, he and his wife Tracy Hall will have an active, exciting retirement. The two bought a home in San Marcos, where they will live when they aren’t traveling the world together. When they are home, they will spend their time volunteering and indulging in all the outdoor activities San Marcos and the Texas Hill Country have to offer.

While we, as an HAA staff, are excited for his next chapter in life, Hall will be missed dearly. Thank you, Jeff Hall, for 36 years.

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Jeff Hall Says Thank You and Goodbye When Jeff Hall announced his retirement right in January, it caused a shockwave of emotions.

After 36 years as the executive vice president for the Houston Apartment Association, it’s hard to imagine the organization without Hall. Here is what he has to say about retiring on December 31.

The time has come for me to say thank you and goodbye to all of our wonderful, amazing Houston Apartment Association members, staff, past presidents, long-term as well as new volunteers. It is still hard for me to believe, and realize, with jumbled emotions, that retirement is here for me after 36-plus years. Who knew in July 1984, as I became the first full-time apartment association legislative advocate in the nation, that I would be stepping down as executive vice president after two years as a legislative advocate, 16 years as vice president and general manager and 19 years as executive vice president – who knew? Certainly not myself!

It has been such an honor and a blessing to work with and serve HAA members (both owner/management and suppliers) in our industry, as well as all the incredible volunteers and staff who have made HAA what it has been and remains today – one of the best if not THE best, local apartment association in the USA. As HAA staff, we are proud to be part of such a unique organization, and we have always set very high standards for excellence, innovation and accomplishments. And yes, we ARE an HAA FAMILY, with so many friendships and special relationships that help define us and move us forward.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives profoundly this year. This has been a very difficult year financially, as many HAA in-person events were canceled, including the annual HAA Education Conference and Expo. I am proud of what HAA has been able to do to help our members and the broader community, as we have pivoted toward more virtual programs and events. We look forward to the return of many in-person events and meetings in 2021. There are brighter days ahead, as vaccines are being developed, and hopefully our nation will unite after the November 3 elections, no matter who wins and who loses.

There are so many people I want to thank for their involvement, support and friendship over the years, and who have helped me develop and advance in my career. I hope to be in touch with many of you during this last quarter of 2020 to thank you personally.

A special thanks goes to all of our HAA staff, both past and present, who have served HAA very well – and who have made me look good (most of the time – ha!). So many have been with HAA for a long time. Including myself, we have five people with over 25 years tenure: Susan Hinkley, Andy Teas, Deborah Nix and Matilde Luna; eight with 10 years or more: Emily Hilton, Will Alfaro, Nancy Lo, Amanda Sherbondy, Cindy Ramirez, Lan Tran, Tina DeFiore and Art Eidman; and seven with at least two and up to nine years – Lauren Ragin, Lauren Turner, Morgan Taylor, Kaylon Newcomb, Alpa Mandhana and Monserrat Buffington.

It is now time for others to step up and for the next generation to increase their involvement to gradually take charge of the Houston Apartment Association. You have a new executive director coming soon, and I wish her all the success in 2021 and beyond. It will be a new chapter for all of us next year. My wife Tracy and I plan to have an active life post retirement – more international travel, hiking in beautiful places, mountains to be climbed, marathons to run and many more outdoor adventures as well as indoor activities and hobbies. We will also be volunteering in our new active, over 55 single-family housing community in San Marcos called Kissing Tree. We expect to live there full time by the first few months of 2021. Our seven kids and seven grandkids all still live in Houston, so we will be visiting Houston often. It’s just a two ½-hour drive.

Thank you again for the greatest honor of my life – serving all of you over the past 36 plus years.

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Looking Back: Hall of Fame and Lifetime Achievement

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HALL OF FAME AWARDS 1984

Lester Prokop

1986

Bill Dinerstein

1987

Harry Reed

1988

H.J. Tollett Jr.

1989

Ronny Finger

1990

Herb McDonald

1991

Bob Lanier

1992

Wayne Duddlesten

1993

Jenard Gross

1994

Jack Dinerstein

1995

James Hill

1997

Tim Myers

1999

Stacy Hunt

2000

Pat Tollett

2001

Eileen Subinsky

2002

Ric Campo

2003

Al Bradley

2004

Gary Blumberg

2005

Kirk Tate

2006

Michael Stevens

2008

Dick LaMarche

2009

David Hargrove

2011

Darlene Guidry

2013

Larry Hil

2015

Jerry Winograd

2017

Suan Tinsley

LIFETIME SERVICE AWARDS

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1996

Nora Krakower

1996

John Moore

2007

Mike Koch

2012

Ken Bohan

2019

Cesar Lima

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60th Anniversary: 1962

1980s

1950s For 60 years, HAA has advocated, educated and connected the Houston rental industry. HAA has encouraged strong legislature for the industry, enriched the industry’s professionals and fostered so many business relationships as well as friendships. The people who work in the industry that HAA serves are full of grit, resilience and heart. We thank you, HAA members, for 60 years.

This year has presented so many challenges to our industry and association. We hope to honor our past as we inspire our future.

I

n the summer of 1959, history was made. A small group of Houston apartment owners rallied together at Kelly’s on South Main to discuss a proposed sewer tax increase.

They were also concerned about the rising problems of skips, bad checks and evictions.

While Houston Mayor Lewis Cutrer later backed down on this proposed sewer tax increase, the momentum it created led to the establishment of the Houston Apartment Association in October 1959 with the goal of building the future of the local apartment industry.

Local apartment owners and HAA founders, Harry Reed, Fred Rizk, Walker Stewart, Bland McReynolds, Bill Schlotfeldt, Mary Lake and two others held the first meeting at the old Graustark Restaurant off West Alabama. With 50 people in attendance, HAA’s first formal meeting was held on January 13, 1960 in the

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Houston Home Builders Association Building at 2710 W. Alabama. HAA’s first office was located in the Blaker Building, 3737 Westheimer, owned by Bob Lanier.

During HAA’s first year, the staff included part-time employees Gordon Neilson and Ruth Shapiro. HAA founder Walker Stewart was HAA’s first president, serving from 1960 to 1962. Stewart is the only HAA president to serve for more than one year. Another HAA founder, Bill Schlotfeldt served as the association’s vice president and Jennette Hunnicutt served as HAA’s first secretary/treasurer.

Stewart laid the foundation for HAA’s involvement with national legislative affairs by building a strong relationship with the National Apartment Owners Association. The NAOA hosted its convention in Houston in the fall of 1962 with one of HAA’s vice presidents, Schlotfeldt, as the chairman of the convention. Every week for a year, Schlotfeldt held planning meetings to prepare for the national convention. This convention debuted with 40 paid exhibitors at the Houston Shamrock Hilton.

It was during this convention that Jennette Hunnicutt introduced the first apartment management school. Hunnicutt, the first woman member of the HAA Board of Directors, recognized that the real estate courses offered locally were not meeting the needs of the apartment industry, especially resident managers. So, during National Apartment Owners Association

1960s Convention held in Houston, Hunnicutt organized and held the first HAA education course, the Manager’s School. With 167 attendees, this first educational offering began the Houston Apartment Association’s commitment to training and professionalism for the multifamily industry.

HAA was also instrumental in the formation of the Texas Apartment Association in 1962.

Another HAA founder, Bland McReynolds served as TAA’s first president. The following year, with Harold Blaschke at the helm as HAA president, the first service seminars and newsletter were introduced. That same year, HAA was influential in electing Louie Welch as mayor of Houston.

The HAA Go-Getters have been a part of HAA since the association’s beginning years. With the help of the Go-Getters, HAA is the biggest apartment association in the country today.

In the beginning years, HAA Vice President Schlofeldt headed the membership drives.

Sort of similar to how a Go-Getter meeting works today, membership drives involved an HAA member asking someone in the industry to join them for a drink at a bar or restaurant.

In the 50th yearbook, Butler shared that the 1963 general meeting announcement invited members to “join us at Kaplan’s on Main for a good steak dinner for only $3.”

The first prize for recruiting, awarded in 1963, was either a trip for two to Mexico or $150 in cash. Thee trips became legendary.

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1969

1969

1995 memory is as an HAA member, they will most likely attribute those Go-Getters trips.

1964

In 1964, Houston City Councilman Homer Ford asked HAA to form a committee to make recommendations to the city for a swimming pool safety ordinance. The committee was headed by HAA President Harold Blaschke and this was the first time the City of Houston asked HAA to work with them on a city issue.

Advertising in the HAA newsletter costed $5 per ad. That year, the HAA Directory and Buyer’s Guide came to life as the “New 1964-65 RosterDirectory.” Each member got a free copy, and additional copies costed $1.

1965

Five years after HAA was formed, the GoGetters helped grow the association to 500 members with Charles Underwood as head of the membership drive and Fred Rizk as HAA president. Under the dedicated direction of Past President Schlotfeldt and Jim Gregory that same year, the Product Service Council was started. Prior to this time, supplier partners had no voice in HAA. HAA President Rizk announced plans for a series of free, separate programs for small owners, large owners, managers and general managers.

The sixth successful Manager’s School boasted an enrollment of 170 students under the leaderwww.haaonline.org

ship of chairwoman Hunnicutt.

Mayor Welch presented the association’s firstever Apartment Manager of the Year award to Jennette Hunnicutt and Apartment Operator of the Year award to Bob Lanier. Walker Stewart was named the first HAA honorary life member.

Representative Bob Casey of Houston’s 22nd District became the first Houston-area congressman to speak at an HAA meeting. Other speakers at HAA meetings that year included congressional candidate George Bush, R-Texas, and Frank Briscoe, D-Texas.

The first HAA picnic was held at the Houston Executive Club. A committee was appointed by the HAA Board of Directors to prepare an apartment operations manual that covered all aspects of apartment operation both for owners and managers, and “Successful Apartment Operation” sold for $15.

On the national level, the year was one of many changes, including the formation of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which took over many of the functions and responsibilities of the 20-yearold Housing and Home Finance Agency, the Federal Housing Administration and Public Housing Administration.

According to available census figures, Houston grew by 21% during the first half of the decade. It was estimated that the population was growing by about 46,300 persons per year, creating a housing demand for 13,230 families per

1970s year. The popular slogan for the year, selected by the board of directors, was “Make an apartment your home.”

Apartment construction was booming in December 1965, with permits issued for 819 apartment units.

1966

The NOAO became what we know today as the National Apartment Association. With its new name, NAA moved its headquarters to Houston, enhancing Houston’s role in national advocacy.

The HAA Board of Directors went on record supporting the Houston Board of Realtors and a group known as the Freedom of Choice Association organized to inform the public of their views on Title IV of the 1966 Civil Rights Act. In September, “prominent Houston oilman and candidate for Congress” George H. W. Bush addressed the HAA General Meeting and spoke on national issues.

Because apartment owners needed a lease contract that would hold up in court, HAA created a new lease that was sold at $4.50 per pad of 50 duplicate sets. The lease, said to have “some teeth in it,” was the result of a lot of hard work on the part of several major owners.

Members were urged to examine it and use it to further strengthen their position in the market. The 12-month lease form contained an automatic renewal provision. Other cities, according to a Wall Street Journal report, were November 2020

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1971

1960s adopting two- and three-year leases.

The third annual HAA Trade Show boasted a record-breaking attendance of 400.

1967

The Houston City Planning Commission and Mayor Welch appointed founding HAA member Bland McReynolds as chairman. The board of directors urged Mayor Welch to make an immediate study of safety requirements for pools, citing three deaths in apartment pools. HAA promised Welch it would support a city sales tax if Houston City Council did not increase the ad valorem tax rate. The city did not increase the rate, and all members were urged to vote for the sales tax to help provide better services.

In other news, changes were made to the standard lease forms sold by HAA. The transfer clause was replaced by a clause calling for a $5 service charge for late payment (more than five days) and a $5 service charge for bad checks.

1968

Under President Gil Gertner, the year started out optimistically. Apartment occupancy in Houston was the highest to date, according to a survey, showing that 96.4% of the units surveyed were occupied. The occupancy rate continued to climb despite two years of accelerated apartment building – nearly 12,000 units in 1968 alone.

In February, the HAA board began preparing a legal manual for membership distribution. A new rental application went on sale for $2 per 100 copies. Called Form No. 568, members were encouraged to use this form for all applicants and make it a part of their lease. The Texas Legislature also made it mandatory to have a written lease for rentals of more than one month at a time.

Held at Sonny Look’s Sir-Loin on Main

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1970s Street, the May membership meeting reported 224 new members.

The HAA Code of Ethics became official in June and included pledges to maintain a high standard of integrity in pricing and service, to operate in accordance with fair and honorable standards of competition, establish high ethical standards of conduct and endeavor to expose all schemes to mislead or defraud the apartmentresiding public.

1969

Membership had grown to 600 when Jenard Gross took over as HAA president. A former editor of the Houston Post, Allen Narmore, was appointed as HAA executive director.

Residents breaking leases was still a persistent problem. Plans to form the Rental Credit Unit were announced. At the same time, HAA mailed 36,000 registration cards to apartment properties to register residents with the Credit Bureau of Greater Houston.

1970

A controversial building ordinance commanded quite a bit of HAA’s attention. It was feared that this local ordinance would put a halt on apartment building. Numerous members actively worked to defeat this ordinance and testified against it in public hearings in October. HAA packed one hearing with 241 opponents to the bill. This was a massive show of unity, and three television stations recorded the events.

More than 1,000 people attended the HAA Trade Show, and the annual spring membership drive brought in 200 new members.

The Resident Relations Committee was formally established. The first person to chair the committee was Alan Rudy, followed in 1971 by co-chairs H.J. Tollett Jr. and Richard Debarkey. At

the time, Resident Relations traffic consisted of 50 calls per day and 12 to 15 letters per month.

In 1970, lease forms cost $4.50 a pad for 50 sets. Rental agreements also costed $4.50 a pad. Tenant applications costed $2 a pad, and pamphlets on open housing were just five cents a copy, and a manager’s home study course cost $35.

Effective May 1, a new dues structure for owner members of HAA went into effect to meet the expanded programs of the Texas Apartment Association. Immediate Past President Gross became president of the National Apartment Association. The HAA staff totaled six people, serving 1,100 members.

1971

New HAA President Don Clark predicted 18,000 new development projects for 1971.

Building permits in the first part of 1971 showed the apartment boom was still on despite the slowdown of the previous year.

Clark became very active on behalf of HAA at Houston City Hall and was the first president to produce one-on-one relationships.

The Trade Show that year drew a crowd of 1,400 people to the Astroworld Hotel Ballroom to see the 135 exhibits. The Resident Relations Committee received its one-thousandth complaint letter. NAA was having a difficult time maintaining solvency, and HAA pitched in $50,000, 25% of NAA’s total fundraising goal of $200,000.

1972

HAA President Ronny Finger addressed the 1972 Houston Outlook Conference, expressing great confidence in the city, local economy and the future.

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1972

insurance industry effort to hike premiums about 67% above existing levels. More than 6,500 petitions were circulated, and it was said that, “When all our members get active, we are almost unbeatable.”

State Senator Barbara Jordan drew a record crowd of 450 to the April General Meeting, and HAA membership was steadily climbing toward the 1,200 mark as the budget for 1972 topped the quarter-million-dollar mark.

1973

HAA and President Vernon Young were faced with numerous adverse bills in 1973, such as a security deposit escrow bill; a bill making it illegal to cut off utilities for any reason without a court order; a bill allowing a resident to make his own repairs and deduct the expenses from rent payments; a bill allowing a resident to break a lease unless there was damage to the apartment or unpaid rent due; and a bill requiring the posting of the name, address and phone number of the owner of an apartment project. These and many other adverse bills were all defeated through our efforts. However, the Landlord-Tenant Act and the Security Deposit Act, both of which reflected our input, were passed.

In February, Houston was riding the crest of a 24-month burst of housing and general construction activity. In spite of this, an anticipated downturn was predicted nationwide because of the more selective availability of mortgage money.

HAA urged owner members to cancel or delay all residential construction programs on the drawing board.

HAA held the first Operation Probe in the Astrohall to discuss the subject of condominiums and apartment managing procedures. It was the largest products show ever put on by an apartment association – local, state or national. www.haaonline.org

1972 1974

HAA moved to Willowbrooke Gardens, 6630 Harwin, and welcomed 2,000 square feet of office space. It was the fifth move in six years.

1974

The first offering of a Certified Apartment Manager course, “Survey of Apartment Management,” was held at Westbury High School with 132 registrants.

The Environmental Protection Agency was threatening to impose building restrictions that would bring new construction to a standstill.

Inflation was rampant, and Watergate had paralyzed the Nixon administration. The full impact of an energy crisis was becoming apparent.

HAA started out the year urging energy conservation, warning that the cost of energy could soon exceed taxes as an owner’s number one cost concern.

Before the Better Government Fund, HAA members participated in the 100 Percent Club, a political group of apartment owners and supplier partners.

HUD replaced the Section 23 leased housing program of 1965 with the Section 8 housing program. All Section 23 projects were required to be converted to the Section 8 program. HAA formally endorsed the rent supplement program, and a joint meeting was called with commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Houston.

Some HAA members were adversely affected by economic conditions confronting the Houston area apartment industry, and two of the larger owner members filed bankruptcy petitions. Apartment operating costs climbed at a record-setting pace, and HAA operating costs had climbed 55% since 1971, which prompted a slight increase in dues.

The second Operation Probe attracted national attention and featured 175 Trade Show booths.

Seminars costed $45 each. also established the Operational Committee, chaired by Mel Kieke, balancing the Builders Division created the previous year.

1975

As the United States pulled out of the Vietnam War and the nation’s economy tightened, HAA focused on how to increase income and reduce expenses. Operation Turnaround offered seminars, special meetings, news releases and public relations programs to meet these goals.

Apartment owners were urged to focus more on apartment security, and the annual Trade Show had 104 booths.

An HAA sponsor member, Louis Macey, was elected as a Houston city councilman in a special run-off election in 1975.

1976

Allen Narmore retired after serving HAA for seven years as the executive officer, and the newly appointed executive officer, William Harper, was introduced at the Christmas party in 1975. HAA moved into new offices at Regency Place, and HAA bookkeeping was computerized.

Housing recovery was slow, and apartment development was essentially shut down by mortgage rates. HAA was sanctioned for the first time by a governmental body to review charges of discrimination involving its members and to come up with recommendations on the disposition of these charges.

Mel Kieke was president, and the Houston Better Government Fund was founded. This political action committee consisted of those who had previously been active in the 100 Percent Club and were committed to positive political action for apartment owners. HAA founding member Reed chaired the BGF that November 2020

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1976 1977

1975

1970s first year, and $50,000 was raised. ABODE’s predecessor MH Publication expanded in size and color.

Go-Getter recognition awards began, and Go-Getters with 15 new members received the coveted blazer and blue vase pin. HAA created a ministries committee, the first of its kind in the nation.

The Maintenance Committee established excellent maintenance seminars, which eventually led to the HAF Training Center on South Wilcrest.

1977

H.J. Tollett served as president in 1977, when many favorable pieces of legislation, critical to HAA, were passed on the local and state level.

The Swimming Pool Fencing Ordinance in Houston was amended in July after having passed on March 30. The new ordinance amended the section of the original ordinance which prohibited a building or existing wall from being used as part of the required fence, wall or barrier except to pools owned and/or maintained by individuals solely for their private use.

Senate Bill 407, known as the submetering bill, was strongly supported by HAA and TAA and passed the House and the Senate to become law in 1977. The bill gave apartment owners more flexibility in passing on to residents their rapidly spiraling electricity costs.

Other state legislation favorable to apartment owners passed that year, including the parking lot bill. This bill allowed removal of unauthorized vehicles from parking lots if there had been proper notice and posting. A pest control bill also passed that allowed apartment owners, their agents or employees to use pesticides unless they were on a restricted list of the Environmental Protection Agency.

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Things were looking up for the market by 1977.

The association worked with the City of Houston on the Carshare Program, an effort geared for apartment residents, and assisted in initiating two city bus routes for apartment properties.

More than 200 new HAA members were brought in, during the spring campaign, and HAA President H.J. Tollett Jr. was named the first official Go-Getter when he brought in 15 new members and received the coveted GoGetter blazer.

The 14th Annual Trade Show was held at the Astro Village, its 200 exhibitors attracted more than 2,000 visitors.

1978

During Bill Dinerstein’s presidency in 1978, HAA employed Alan Campbell as a full-time legislative advocate and a man named Manny High was became the HAA general manager.

HAA supported the annexation of Addicks and Barker reservoirs, the Alief area and the Clear Lake area. Mass transit was discussed and debated in Houston, and in August the voters approved the formation of a Metropolitan Transit Authority. HAA supported the creation of this agency and stressed its importance.

A record number of permits were issued in residential as well as non-residential building in Houston, an increase of some 125% in just one year.

HAA membership grew to 1,200 apartment communities owned or managed by 500 owner members and served by approximately 700 supplier members. At the time, the value of apartment buildings and land represented

by HAA was in excess of $2.7 billion, and the total rent paid to HAA members exceeded $512 million. More than 9,000 people were employed by owner members, and another

11,000 people worked for suppliers.

The Resident Credit Reporting service was implemented. Realizing that HAA was leading the nation in educating the people in the apartment industry, the board of directors formed the Houston Apartment Foundation, a nonprofit organization for the purpose of promoting, underwriting, defraying costs, carrying out all educational programs, schools, seminars, lectures and related activities of the multifamily housing industry.

The first Go-Getter Recognition Dinner was held to honor outstanding individuals, ending with a Go-Getter of the Year award.

This event transformed into the Industry Achievement Awards and then again into today’s Honors Awards.

1979

Dwayne Henson lead the first themed membership campaign titled “World Series Campaign.” Membership reached more than 1,500 members.

A special HAA task force was commissioned in the summer of 1979 by President Lester Prokop.

The group was to formulate a program that would put a greater emphasis on legislation and government relations. As a result, the Government Relations Committee was formed and chaired by Martin Fein of Farb Investments.

The president’s legislative responsibilities were upgraded, with more leadership required in assisting and devising national political programs with NAA. Included in this upgraded role was also the responsibility of representing HAA with the new National Legislative Committee.

This increasing emphasis on legislative affairs was needed in 1979 as several pieces of legislation affecting apartment owners and builders came to a head. Some of 1979’s bills included the www.haaonline.org

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1979

1970s Smoke Detector Ordinance, Wood Shingle and Draft Wall Ordinance, Numbering Ordinance, Warranty of Habitability Bill, Utility Disconnect Ordinance and Security Deposit Escrow Bill.

Attorney Joe Bax began contributing to the HAA legal, health and legislative successes. It was the first year for the annual golf tournament. It was also the year of the first HAA Greenbook, a predecessor to the TAA Redbook.

The year was extremely busy for the HAA Builders Division with unusual amount of changes in the City Building Code. HAA supported several ordinances addressing smoke detectors, draft stops and apartment numbering ordinances, and happenings at City Hall were monitored weekly.

The RCR system became operational in June.

HAA moved into its own, purpose-built office building on Fallstone in Southwest Houston. It was dedicated December 18.

1980

It was a year of action for HAA. The education department offered new courses, such as Fundamentals of Apartment Maintenance, Advanced Maintenance and the Apartment Property Supervisor’s Course. In the summer, HAA decided that owners needed a method to check on evictions, so an individual was assigned to visit each of the 16 justice of the peace courts in Harris County every two weeks.

On Houston City Council, the year started with many new faces. HAA studied and supported the amended Smoke Detector Ordinance, which passed the City Council in late 1980. This ordinance required smoke detectors in all existing residential dwellings, not just those under construction, and allowed three years for apartment owners to comply.

Mel Kieke was selected by Senator Gene Jones

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and Representative Bill Caraway as an HAA representative to co-chair the Regional Flood Control Task Force.

Water rates rose in 1980. Single-family and multifamily residential customer classifications were, for the first time, separated into two distinct classifications.

Through working closely with the Houston Fire Department, HAA supported an ordinance that provided for security gates on apartment properties, an ordinance which was later passed by city council.

The year was an important one for NAA, too, with its Legislative Conference held in Washington. Many HAA members and other apartment owners and managers from around the country gathered to discuss priority issues facing the industry nationally. The result was a serious, organized lobbying effort as NAA continued to grow and become the primary association representing the apartment industry.

The Houston Apartment Association Community Outreach Committee was formed in 1980 as the Community Relations Department under the leadership of HAA member Alan Rudy. It was formed to create a liaison between the Houston Apartment Association and the community.

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

“Off to the Races” was the theme of the 1980 membership drive, which successfully brought in 300 new HAA members.

1980s The annual Trade Show involved 140 exhibitors and drew more than 2,000 HAA members. More than 600 attended the Fun Festival in July. RCR subscribers paid an annual fee of two cents per unit and a minimum of $10 per month to the HAA computer center or 10 cents per unit per month for those with more than 125 units.

The HAA Society of Apartment Property Supervisors was formed in 1980 with Dee Johnson as chairwoman.

1981

It looked to be a tough year, but Houston anticipated a more vigorous rebound than the rest of the nation. Tight money continued to price many out of the single-family market, which led to strong apartment demand.

The first HAF Training Center was established, at 11100 S. Wilcrest, thanks in large part to a $6,000 contribution from Nora Krakower and Royal Plumbing Supply.

The first Professional Leasing Program was developed and held at the 1980 Education Conference and Trade Show, a predecessor to Houston’s Certified Apartment Leasing Agent program and eventually NAA’s National Apartment Leasing Professional credential.

After two years of development by Texas-based industry executives, HAA conducted the inaugural offering of the newly branded Certified Apartment Property Supervisor curriculum. The credential was renamed to the Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor in 2010.

Membership drives brought in 600 new members, and membership topped 1,600 members operating 1,300 apartment properties representing 250,000 units. HAA adopted a new dues structure ranging from $100 to $4,500 for owners and $260 to $1,000 for supplier members.

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1983

1983

1980s activity throughout the previous three years, 1981 was a relatively peaceful year in terms of new local legislation affecting the apartment industry.

All of the candidates endorsed and supported by the BGF for the Houston City Council and controller races were successful.

1982

Demand was up for apartments in Houston, and figures from the Chamber of Commerce showed a slight increase for multifamily permits.

Mortgage rates started to decline, and the big question was whether rates would decline to levels where developers could achieve an acceptable rate of return.

The grand opening of the HAF Training Center was held in January, and it was equipped with the latest audio-visual equipment. The Houston Multi-Housing Corporation took over the RCR program, which had reached 100,000 units in the system and added new staff members. As 250 new members joined HAA, NAA adopted the HAA Go-Getter Club as a national membership program.

The rapid pace of local legislative activity picked up again in 1982. The Development Ordinance, changes in the City Planning Manual, sewer flow meter studies, traffic improvement ordinances, sign ordinance changes, Water Department problems and the Harris County Bond election are just some of the critical issues that HAA grappled with during the year.

Of greatest importance was the passage of the Development Ordinance by the city. For the first time, guidelines were established on how raw land and subdivisions within city limits could be developed. HAA President Foy Midkiff testified before City Council on behalf of this ordinance.

The Builders Division, chaired by Jack

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Dinerstein, was extremely active in 1982. The board approved a request by the Builders Division to fund a sewer flow meter study on selected apartment properties. The study proved that the amount of wastewater generated in the apartment units was far less than the city’s Public Works Department had estimated. This resulted in a lowering of the figured used by the city and a monetary savings to apartment owners.

Overall, we maintained a very close working relationship with Mayor Whitmire and City Council, and once again, the BGF distributed 100,000 push cards in the May and November elections. As usual, the success rate for our endorsed candidates was close to 100 percent.

A step forward for the funds was the creation of the Century Club. This group gave associate members an opportunity to contribute to the fund as well as contribute to the overall political involvement of our membership. Nora Krakower served as the first Century Club chair. Finally, H.J. Tollett was elected chairman by the board of the Housing Authority of the City of Houston after his appointment by Whitmire.

The new Harris County Tax Appraisal District created tremendous controversy in the county as well as among HAA’s membership because of its seemingly excessive tax appraisals on apartment properties. We took an active role in explaining the protest procedures to our membership and demanded explanation of the models used by the HCAD that led to the extremely high appraisals of apartments.

The Houston market continued to be the best nationwide, and the need for multifamily rental housing enabled developers in Houston to increase rent rates on new and existing properties. It was anticipated that the next year would see 12,000 plus completions, giving the market a chance to regain occupancy.

Krakower made another first among the association by earning the role of the first female Product Service Council president.

1983

Hurricane Alicia and the apartment industry crash hit Houston, and according to the 1983 HAA President Leon Samet, “It was the worst we have ever experienced. Our occupancy plummeted to a devastating 78% to 80% as apartment owners suffered through a year of agony and frustration trying to fill vacancies.”

HAA members made up 70% of the total apartment units in Houston, and in spite of a tough economy, the membership drive enjoyed success.

Owner members started the Helping Hand Program to provide private rental housing units for the poor. Vice President George Bush participated in the unveiling, and Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire and Housing Authority Chairman H.J. Tollett Jr. and Executive Director Earl Phillips expressed their support. The very first food drive HAA held was called the Food Fireworks Campaign and they collected 3,100 pounds of food for the Houston-Galveston Area Food Bank.

The annual golf tournament celebrated its fifth year, and the Trade Show had more than 200 booths. The BGF got involved in local campaigns, and the board formed the Legislative Committee.

HAA began taking action against owner members who refused to abide the decisions of the Resident Relations Committee (by then receiving 15,000 calls a year).

Nora Krakower, who owned Royal Plumbing Supply, was the very first supplier partner to win Go-Getter of the Year in 1983.

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1985 1984 1985

1980s

1984

HAA membership surpassed 2,000, and 1984 HAA President Paul Nichols stated, “We now represent more than 340,000 apartment units in metropolitan Houston.”

More than 40 HAA committees provided volunteer support in the execution of various services and programs.

The BGF supported the $595 million Capital Bond referendum designed to meet the needs of the development and upgrading of Houston’s infrastructure and capital investment requirements for the remainder of the decade. The Apartment Forum was started as a way to help improve communication and understanding between the apartment industry and legislators.

The second annual Food Fireworks campaign involved 290 properties and, under the leadership of Robin Reed, collected approximately 35,000 pounds of canned goods. The 1984 “Love a Fair” Trade Show boasted 230 booths, and the July Fun Festival celebrated the “Roaring Twenties.” The Silver Anniversary Committee, chaired by George Moody, began plans to celebrate HAA’s 25th anniversary.

Jeff Hall was hired as the director of government affairs.

1985

It was a busy and successful year working with the city on capital improvements, planning, swimming pool rules and flood control issues.

HAA represented 340,000 units and 1,786 members, but as the economy continued to drag, membership declined as many HAA members dropped or went out of business. The New Year and HAA’s Silver Anniversary were welcomed as Paul Austin took over as HAA president, and the Founders Day Dinner in January honored the

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people who were instrumental in the creation and continued success of the association.

Two major issues on the national front were the tax reform proposals and the effort to repeal the imputed interest provisions that jeopardized financing of apartments. Our association’s secretary and 1985 NAA President-Elect Roger Greer traveled to Washington to lead the battle on these two fronts for three months. We conducted a telegram and letter campaign on the imputed interest issues, and it became obvious that an extraordinary legislative lobbying effort would be needed to defeat the various tax reform proposals. We stood poised to take leadership in this critical battle to save the industry’s previously favorable tax incentives.

Our members took the initiative in proposing the National Tax Defense Fund and raising $1 million nationally. This money was used to complete economic impact studies and to provide extraordinary lobbying efforts in Washington. This strategy was agreed upon during the NAA Legislative Conference in February, at which we committed ourselves to raising $250,000 of the $1 million. Bill Dinerstein was chairman of the National Tax Defense Fund with assistance from Greer.

The 1985 Education Committee started the Professional Apartment Manager Certificate.

The first credential holders were announced in November.

The Community Outreach committee continued with its community service involvement, creating a program in 1985 called Clean Houston Program, an effort to create a cleaner Houston.

More than 650 apartment communities participated. The City of Houston and the state of Texas gave HAA a certificate of appreciation for HAA’s efforts to reduce pollution caused by apartments.

In June, HAA celebrated the launching of the

Houston Apartment Foundation Trust Fund, created to help the association continue to provide and promote educational and training programs for future generations.

1986

Houston’s economic woes continued as oil dropped to $10 a barrel, and the tight times were reflected in a reduction of the HAA staff. Tragedy struck close to home when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded just 73 seconds after launch in January, killing all seven crewmembers.

A new certification program was introduced for leasing personnel, the Certified Apartment Leasing Agent course.

HAA’s first Hall of Fame Recognition Luncheon honored longtime industry leader and HAA Past President Bill Dinerstein for his efforts and devotion to the industry and the association. A new group hospitalization insurance program for HAA members companies of 15 or fewer was offered through Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates.

Congress passed a tax reform package despite opposition from the industry, but HAA was able to work with Houston City Council on several issues, including flood control, planning and development issues and funding for the Houston Economic Development Council. Most importantly, HAA led the fight with the Harris County Appraisal District for fair ad valorem multifamily valuations.

The Community Outreach Committee continued its service to the Houston community through the Clean Houston program Food Fireworks. That year, HAA members collected thousands of pounds of canned goods. The Community Outreach committee also coordinated a Celebrity Waiters or Costumes for a Cure dinner event to raise funds to benefit the www.haaonline.org

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1989

1985

1991

1980s Houston chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. With apartment property and management company employees waiting tables, this event was such a success, it continued for 15 years. In total, the committee raised $365,000 to support leukemia research over its 15-year run.

The 1986 Education Conference & Trade Show hosted a record attendance of close to 500 people, and the seminars were hugely successful.

Jeff Hall was promoted to vice president and general manager.

1987

Previous declines in overall occupancy and average monthly rental rates created a huge challenge for HAA members. President Walter Eeds began called for a renewed spirit within the industry, and an active rehabilitation of existing apartments took place in the northwest, west and southwest areas of Houston. Some 8,000 apartments were projected to see upgrades in order to gradually pull the industry out of its slump. Many developers turned to fee management, dramatically increasing the number of such companies.

Harry Reed received the second Hall of Fame award for his dedication in founding HAA for his 27 years of support. Executive Vice President Bill Harper resigned from the association after more than 11 years and moved on to the position of executive vice president for NAA. Paul Heiberger was named the new HAA executive vice president in October.

HAA’s renewed affiliation with TAA was approved in July and became effective on August 1. The HAA Board of Directors committed to be actively involved in the affairs of TAA, and both associations worked together as a team for the benefit of the apartment industry.

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1990s

1988

HAA President Jack Dinerstein emphasized recruitment, retention and improved membership benefits as the focus for the year. Plan 2000, a strategic effort designed to guide HAA toward reaching a goal of 2,000 members, was introduced in January. More than 100 captains joined the effort to expand HAA’s membership base and emphasized recruiting owners and management companies in order to strengthen the association. HAA Secretary Mike Biggs was named the “commissioner” for the spring membership campaign, which kicked off with a luncheon at Wolfgangs for more than 20 team captains and more than 80 volunteers.

The ongoing tradition of semi-annual Outlook Breakfasts, now called State of the Industry, began to update members on market conditions.

The first sponsorship auctions were held.

In 1988, Fair Housing amendments to the Civil Rights Act were approved. HAA members met with Houston-area congressional representatives.

The annual Educational Conference & Trade Show was “Off to the Races,” and a record 700 people attended the 7 a.m. security liability seminar. After the Trade Show, HAA began a new member program called Houston EconoTrends, which offered seminars and provided new market information on demographic trends, occupancies, expenses and much more.

hammers and chisels to chip off souvenirs as they brought it down.

The Houston Police Department, city government, area civic clubs and 400 volunteers reclaimed and cleaned up the Link Valley area south of Loop 610. This crackdown cleared out numerous drug dealers and cleared out 3,000 abandoned apartments. HAA actively assisted HPD with efforts to set a positive example for the rest of the city. HAA began a major fundraising campaign as part of its Anti-Drug Program and donated the proceeds to the HPD Narcotics Division. HAA sold Anti-Drug Program window stickers to residents, with a goal to raise between $100,000 to $250,000.

The Education Conference & Trade Show was held for the first time at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The Casino Night Fundraiser in featured prizes such as a trip for two to Las Vegas, and proceeds benefited the Houston Apartment Foundation’s educational programs.

HAA created an Anti-Drug Task Force in 1989, under the lead of then-HAA President Jack Dinerstein, to raise money for the Houston Police Department. The following year, Dinerstein and President-elect Mike Biggs presented a donation of $70,000 to the Houston Police Department for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program (DARE).

The decade ended with the hire of Andy Teas to direct government affairs.

Dick LaMarche became the first fee-management executive to serve as HAA president, and the first HAA salary and benefits survey was conducted. Amendments to the federal Fair Housing Act took effect in March, and HAA held meetings examining these changes. The Berlin Wall fell in November and people flocked to the wall with

After nearly a decade of rising vacancies, declining rents and unprecedented instability, the economy began to improve as the 1990s dawned. HAA focused on key issues such as government affairs, education, supplier member involvement and the Media Relations Committee was created to promote positive relations with

1989

1990

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1992 1991 1992

1990s local media. The landmark Americans with Disabilities Act became federal law in July.

The spring membership drive brought in 212 new members, making HAA the largest apartment association in the country.

The annual Education Conference & Trade Show, dubbed “Show of Shows,” was held over two days in March. More than 200 companies exhibited their products and services, making the show one of HAA’s largest in terms of exhibit booths and attendance. For the first time, TAA brought its annual Education Conference & Trade Show to Houston.

1991

The HAABGF endorsed HAA founding member Bob Lanier in his bid for city mayor, donating $10,000 to his campaign. Lanier defeated Kathy Whitmire in her bid for reelection and was elected Houston mayor. Lanier was honored as the 1991 Hall of Fame recipient.

The City Building Code rewrite begun in 1991 reached its completion, and HAA was able to demonstrate the importance of conforming city ordinance to federal law and succeed in making sure the accessibility requirements matched those of the federal Fair Housing Act. Zoning began to appear on the city’s agenda.

The HAA Go-Getter Club won the NAA GoGetter Club of the Year Award for the third consecutive year, as they set an all-time record of 412 new members. NAA changed the color of the blazer from red to blue in 1991.

Starting in 1991, HAA was heavily involved in the rehabilitation of the Rehab Mission, a 30-unit apartment community, which at the time was Houston’s only shelter for elderly homeless people. HAA members executed the electrical, plumbing and air-conditioning installments, as well as other improvements. At the end of the

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two-year project, HAA raised $225,000 in cash donations, labor and supplies. Two years later, the project was completed.

The “Frontier Fiesta” Education Conference & Trade Show featured Herb Kelleher, president and CEO of Southwest Airlines. A Trade Show fundraiser netted a total of $12,581 for the DARE program, and Houston Oilers players William Fuller and Ray Childress donated their time to the DARE booth.

September brought the first annual Chili Cook-off, raising funds for HAF education programs. Chili booths sold out and the event was a huge success. In November ABODE published the first occupancy report from Apartment Data Services.

1992

The Soviet Union collapsed just before the new year, and the world was changing. Grunge rock by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam took over the airwaves, and Jay Leno took over “The Tonight Show” from Johnny Carson. Houston’s economy outpaced the nation’s, and the apartment market saw a moderate amount of new construction and modest rent increases.

The City Building Code rewrite that begun in 1991 reached its completion. Zoning started to appear on the city’s agenda, and Yes We Can, a new recycling campaign for aluminum cans, began in October for all HAA member properties.

In conjunction with HAA’s support of HPD’s anti-crime efforts, ABODE began a “Ask the Police” column that addressed how managers and onsite staff could work with law enforcement to create safer communities.

The “Olympic” Spring Membership Drive netted 216 new members, and the top 36 recruiters won a trip to Cancun. The second annual Chili Cook-off was a success with more than 1,600

attendees. Pat Tollett, Suan Tinsley and HAA President Stacy Hunt participated in a dunking contest at the cook-off, which raised $7,300 for HAF education programs.

1993

The market enjoyed modest improvements in occupancy and rents, and the number of units owned or operated by HAA members climbed to 332,000. HAA President Pat Tollett pledged to work with NAA to support tax relief legislation, to work with TAA to pass positive legislation at the state level and to carefully monitor zoning efforts, which were defeated by Houston voters. The Family Medical Leave Act was signed into federal law in February.

The Communications Advisory Committee was created to actively involve members in generating ideas and possible authors for future ABODE articles. An index of advertisers was added to the magazine.

General Counsel Bax led HAA’s first Legal Liability Seminar, designed specifically for apartment owners, management company executives and property supervisors, with 167 people in attendance.

The Go-Getter Club received the NAA GoGetter Club of the Year for the sixth year in a row. Suan Tinsley received the Go-Getter of the Year for recruiting more members than any other Go-Getter from associations of similar size across the country.

1994

HAA President Tim Myers announced in his installation speech that tort reform would be his top priority. He appointed Jack Dinerstein to lead a committee tasked with raising $25,000 for the HAABGF. Dinerstein’s committee set a new record by raising $40,000. Dinerstein was also www.haaonline.org

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1996

1993

1998

1990s rewarded with a spot in HAA’s Hall of Fame.

For the first time, HAA created a strategic plan for the next three to five years to establish specific goals and a plan to achieve them. HAA Executive Vice President Jeff Hall reported on the rise of real estate investment trusts in the March ABODE, focusing on the trusts that would become Gables and Camden.

The Comprehensive Urban Rehabilitation and Building Minimum Standards Ordinance, better known as the CURB Ordinance, went into effect in January to complement the city’s efforts to enhance affordable housing and regulate deteriorating buildings. Association members worked closely with Texans for Lawsuit Reform to prepare for the 1995 legislative session, and the BGF raised $40,000 to support tort reform efforts.

HAA won the American Society of Association Executive’s Advance America Award for the second time in three years. The award recognized HAA’s support of the Rehab Mission renovation begun in 1991.

1995

The Texas Security Devices law took effect on New Year’s Day, requiring window latches, dead bolts and other measures. Houston’s apartment market continued to see strong occupancy of 88.4% and rent growth with rates peaking at 53.8 cents per square foot.

The annual Education Conference & Trade Show broke the record for overall attendance as well as number of booths sold and surpassed all goals. Chairman Vic Vacek Jr. led the way for this “Time Machine: Progress through the Centuries” event with a total of 3,658 members in attendance and 287 booths sold.

A Crime Prevention Task Force was created to work with HPD to develop a guide and seminars for managers, and the newly formed Property Tax

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Task Force and Building Permit Task Force worked with the county and city to promote fair valuations and taxes and streamline the permitting process.

The Houston Rockets, originally wooed to Houston by a group led by HAA Hall of Famer Wayne Duddlesten, won their first of two consecutive NBA Championships. ABODE launched the biannual market report in the spring with Bruce McClenny of Apartment Data Services.

1996

HAA continued to grow, reaching a record number of 344,000 units owned or operated by members and retaining the position as the largest apartment association in the nation.

The first volleyball tournament was held in the spring, and HAA members collected more than eight tons of food for the annual food drive in December.

Nora Krakower and John Moore were the first to receive the first-ever HAA Lifetime Service Award for their dedication to the association as longtime supplier members.

Led by David Hargrove and Linda Handley, the HAA membership drive Route ’96, was the most successful campaign in HAA history, bringing in a record 374 members. Concierge Management Services brought in 90 members, breaking the previous recruitment record of 52.

1997

Early in the year HAA officers met with new HPD Chief C.O. Bradford, who pledged to work more closely with apartment communities to promote relationships between officers and onsite personnel.

The 75th Legislature tackled numerous bills, including the Homeowners and Landowners Liability Act, supported by HAA and TAA for its

provisions to protect property owners from lawsuits arising from third-party crimes. Howard Bookstaff was named the association’s general counsel upon the retirement of Joe Bax, who had served in the position since 1977.

The city of Houston introduced the nation’s first online building permit system. Pool safety advocates called for a lifeguard law in Houston, but HAA members convinced City Council that such a proposal would make pools too expensive to operate and that safety education would be a better strategy. HAA teamed up with the city to sponsor its water safety program, and the May ABODE cover featured the slogan “Committed to Water Safety.”

Following the death of Past President Bill Dinerstein in December 1996, the annual spring golf tournament benefitting the BGF was named in his honor. Led by Kirk Tate, Houston brought home the very first For Rent Challenge Cup trophy from the inaugural Houston versus Dallas golf tournament benefitting the NAA PAC. The first annual bowling tournament was held at Fun-Plex Ten Pins Bowl in March, and in April more than 3,800 members flocked to “Catch the Wave” at the annual Education Conference & Trade Show. HAA received the NAA Association Executives Council Excellence Award in Communications for the ABODE in June. In November, Larry Dierker, manager for the Houston Astros, was a hit speaker at HAA’s Annual Business Meeting.

The food drive, led by Community Relations Chair Kathy Clem, broke all records with more than 35,000 pounds of food donated. HAA led the nation by raising $55,000 for the NAA Education Foundation Endowment Fund.

1998

Eileen Subinsky made history as HAA’s first www.haaonline.org

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“Dayrise Residential has maintained a long and valuable partnership with the Houston Apartment Association.

As a past HAA President and Lifetime Member, my time with this organization has contributed to my career highlights and certainly helped make Dayrise shine in our industry!

Dayrise is lucky to have great team members actively involved in HAA. Leaders such as Jenifer Paneral, SVP of Operations and Past HAA Board President, and Audrey Ingram, SVP of our EnVest Portfolio. Our Dayrise Family has enjoyed our recognition; however, now it's your turn, HAA!

Congratulations on 60 years of dedication and exceptional work in the apartment industry! Dayrise has so much to thank HAA for!

We are Dayrise. We Rise to Shine, and together with HAA, WE make a difference!”

– Suan Tinsley

www.dayriseresidential.com

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1999

1998

1998

1990s female president.

The Education Conference & Trade Show saw a couple of increases. One, in professional by 18.2% from the previous year to a record of 2,591 and overall attendance rose to an all-time high of 4,178, and 587 owner/management company executives and supervisors attended – the highest in HAA history at that time. A “Salute to HAA’s Presidents” luncheon in June hosted 25 HAA presidents. A “magical” membership campaign kicked off in August and netted 250 new members and 115 renewals.

HAA teamed up with Channel 13, the American Red Cross and the Houston Fire Department to promote fire prevention and offer demonstrations of fire safety issues. Almost 200 apartment communities participated in the new HAA water safety program. HAA volunteers also helped the Habitat for Humanity Jimmy Carter Work Project build an unprecedented 100 homes for Houston’s needy in June and donated proceeds from the spring softball tournament to support the effort.

An ABODE readership survey revealed that “It’s the Law” remained the most-read column in the magazine and that nearly two-thirds of readers were women, up from about half in 1994. The “It’s the Law” luncheon series debuted in April.

Submetering became a new hot topic and featured prominently in the pages of ABODE. The HAA website, www.haaonline.org, was launched on October 1.

1999

HAA grew to 1,600 member companies and 400,000 units, and occupancy hovered around 90%. The HAABGF enjoyed its most successful fundraising year to date, and almost all the candidates endorsed by the BGF were elected.

Electricity deregulation was a hot topic for the

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2000s 1999 legislative session. HAA negotiated improved fire extinguisher rules with the Houston Fire Department, testified before Houston City Council about garbage pick-up and scored several code-related victories with the Construction Industry Council.

The Education Conference & Trade Show featured Broadway performers and a keynote address from sportscaster Giff Neilsen. Almost 200 people helped HAA support the new Aeros hockey team at a game in April, and in June, the Community Relations Committee sponsored a No Small Affair event that treated 50 disadvantaged children to an Astros game and a meetand-greet with players.

Sixty-five volunteers helped build a house for Habitat for Humanity off Gessner and Clay Road, very near to HAA’s present location. The annual food drive, led by Carol Marple, gathered more than 85,000 pounds of food for the Houston Food Bank.

HAA installed iMIS, the membership database software used today, and email accounts were created for association staff in September. A job bank was added to the website, as well as member links and other industry information. By the end of the year, HAA boasted almost 1,700 member companies on its roster.

2000

As the Finance Committee Chairman for the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, Ric Campo served encouraged HAA members to support a new basketball arena for the Houston Rockets.

HAA unveiled a new logo at the Installation Gala, and Kirk Tate took the helm as HAA president. In the fall, “hanging chads” entered the American lexicon during the disputed presidential election between Al Gore and George W.

Bush, and the transition to electronic voting began. Some 60,000 jobs were added to the area’s economy during the year.

Occupancy hovered just below 90 percent, and the average monthly rent was $554. The Midtown Development District was created to revitalize Houston’s urban core, now a thriving neighborhood just south of downtown.

The new 101 courses in accounting and computers were introduced, and the HAA website incorporated RCR services and online registration. HAA offered a revised TAA lease and other forms, including a Houston City Ordinance Guide. The federal Section 8 rental assistance program turned 25.

More than 400 members dug in for the annual volleyball tournament, and the Product Service Council hosted a disco party for property supervisors in the fall. Almost 900 attendees stepped up to the plate for the baseball-themed Education Conference & Trade Show, which featured a $1,000 giveaway each of the show’s two days. HAA President Kirk Tate took top honors from TAA for recruiting new members to the association.

Channel 13 asked HAA to assist with a weekly segment on renters rights. HAA members also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity in northwest Houston and collected and donated more than 12,000 pounds of food in the annual food drive.

2001

HAA began the year with 1,600 members, 410,000 units and a budget of $3.6 million.

Occupancy had climbed above 91 percent by April, and more than 4,000 people turned out for the Education Conference & Expo. Eileen Subinsky made history for a second time being inducted into the HAA Hall of Fame. www.haaonline.org

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www.normanconstruction-inc.com

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2006 2002

2000s A new rule requiring fire extinguishers in apartment units sparked the development of a new lease addendum, and redistricting was a major legislative focus on the state level. Tropical Storm Allison devastated southeast Texas in June, causing $5.5 billion in damage and 41 deaths.

HAA began to offer technology programs with courses in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

On Sept. 11, terrorists hijacked four commercial passenger jet airliners, crashing two of them into the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City and a third into the Pentagon. The fourth plane, headed for the White House, crashed into a field in rural Pennsylvania after some of its passengers and flight crew attempted to retake control of the plane. The death toll of the attacks was 2,995, including the 19 hijackers.

The United States responded to the attacks by launching the War on Terrorism, invading Afghanistan and enacting the USA PATRIOT Act. HAA members responded by donating blood to the Houston Blood Bank, funds to the American Red Cross and items to New York City to help victims’ families. Oak Leaf Management worked to bring residents who live on their properties together with a show of patriotism, distributing 4,500 American flags to residents, along with coffee and juice.

The city and HPD launched efforts to clean up “problem” properties, and with HAA’s help, introduced the Blue Star program to discourage crime on apartment properties. The year ended with more than 200 new members, rents soaring to nearly 80 cents per square foot and a victory in negotiations with the city over the International Building Code.

The economy began to slow down, and by the end of the year, three large Houston-area employers took major hits – Continental Airlines laid off 20 percent of its work force in October,

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Compaq was acquired by HP and Enron collapsed in December.

2002

The statewide electricity deregulation law enacted during the 1999 legislative session took effect. Congress took up the issue of terrorism insurance in April and continued to debate Section 8 reform. Apartment owners nationwide increasingly looked for ways to allow residents to pay rent by credit card.

HAA joined forces with the Associated General Contractors and Associated Builders and Contractors to form the Houston Builders team for the MS150, a two-day bike ride from Houston to Austin that raises money for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. About 40 members of the 200member team were HAA members or staff, including Jeff Hall and HAA Director of Government Affairs Andy Teas.

The revamped CAPS and National Apartment Leasing Professional (formerly CALA) designation programs became available. Job postings debuted on the HAA website.

In April, HAA President David Hargrove appointed Larry Hill to chair a committee charged with studying affordable housing issues.

Hargrove also sent a letter to the city outlining HAA’s support for affordable housing and suggested measures to encourage affordable development. HAA also worked to secure a unanimous city council vote to exempt multifamily properties from a new solid waste franchise fee.

The first Pink Ladies Golf Outing, a womenonly golfing event, was held in October. The event raised money for breast cancer research.

ABODE also featured a “women in maintenance” special in its September maintenance issue.

The “Grow With HAA” membership drive brought in 233 new members and 81 renewals

for a total of 648 owner/management members and 1,090 products and service companies. The Product Service Council reminded members to “Keep it in the Family” by selecting goods and services from HAA members.

2003

The year started with the promotion of Jeff Hall from vice president and general manager to executive vice president. Attendance at general membership meetings and special events was on the rise, including a record 2,860 attendees at the annual Chili Cook-off. The Education Conference & Expo also grew a great crowd, and the membership drive brought in 221 new members despite a tough market. Suppliers also stepped up, pledging nearly $200,000 to support HAA and HAF events. NAA honored HAA with the Community Service Award for the Pink Ladies fundraiser.

Originally the AlLStars Sports Challenge took place for the first time. The event initially raised money to help support HAA member Chris Rice, who suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Over the years, the event has raised money for other organizations such as the Red Cross, Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries, Crime Stoppers of Houston and Camp Hope. In the 16 years HAA held this event, over $298,000 has been raised for charities.

In March the United States, along with coalition forces, invaded Iraq looking to depose Saddam Hussein and dispose of weapons of mass destruction. Many reservists were called to duty, renewing interest in the federal law and TAA lease clause allowing military personnel to cut short their rental agreements when called to active duty.

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Thank you HAA for the support you have given us over the years.

Happy 60th from Francis Property Management

NAA Credential Holders

HAA Award Winners

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2006

2006

2007

2000s in strengthening the City of Houston Historic Preservation Ordinance in a way that helped protect property rights while respecting historic heritage of the city.

In partnership with Blue Moon, HAA Form Sales began selling the online, and the “HAA eLearniversity” went live as well, allowing members to take courses online at their convenience.

2004

Super Bowl XXXVIII came to Reliant Stadium, where the Carolina Panthers fell to the New England Patriots, and the halftime show gave rise to the term “wardrobe malfunction.” Rents crept up to an average of 73.1 cents per square foot by spring, but occupancy remained at 86.5%. By the end of the year, occupancy begun to creep up but still hadn’t regained the 90% mark.

The Education Department piloted a subscription seminar series dubbed the Apartment Property Professionals’’ Learning Exchange, or APPLE. The Education Conference & Expo was made a one-day event with more than 2,600 members turned out.

Members assisted with the Special Olympics Spring Track and Field Games in May and donated suits and other business attire to Dress for Success during a summer clothing drive.

2005

Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast and caused the evacuation of more than 100,000 residents of Louisiana and East Texas to the Houston area. Mayor Bill White engaged HAA leaders in creating a housing assistance program for displaced people.

Mayor White opened the Astrodome, Reliant Center and the George R. Brown Convention Center as shelters for the displaced. He also

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called upon HAA to assist in finding temporary and long-term housing for the evacuees. HAA worked with the City of Houston, Harris County and area housing authorities to help meet the new demand with their supply of some 70,000 vacant apartments.

Within 10 days of Hurricane Katrina’s landfall, more than 250 HAA members attended an emergency meeting at Houston’s City Hall regarding the voucher program. At the meeting, 201 owners and companies signed letters of intent to set aside more than 10,000 units for hurricane evacuees. Others followed suit in the ensuing days and weeks. The voucher program and FEMA’s response to the crisis certainly had their problems, but the quick and decisive response of HAA members provided stable homes for evacuees in the aftermath of the storm.

Hurricane Rita came soon after, causing heavy damage in Beaumont and clogging Houston freeways for days as coastal residents tried to evacuate.

HAA and RCR embarked on a partnership with national screening provider FirstAdvantage SafeRent to expand screening services, and HAA purchased a tract of land in the Westway Park development for a new office building.

In addition to the Hurricane Housing Program efforts, HAA worked very closely with the mayor’s apartment crime task force, HPD and city attorneys to improve safety at apartment communities and expanded the Blue Star program. HAA also successfully negotiated a compromise on the onerous high-rise sprinkler retrofit proposed the previous year.

The impact of the influx of residents displaced by the hurricanes was tremendous. By the end of the year, occupancy hit 90 percent, and the percentage of properties offering concessions was cut in half in just one month.

2010s

2006

Jerry Winograd took the reins as HAA president, only the second son to follow in his father’s footsteps to the office.

HFD pushed new fire safety measures and inspections, and a rise in crime prompted the city to develop an anti-crime ordinance directed at apartments.

The legislature tackled property tax reform and ended up passing the business margins tax, and escalating wind and flood insurance rates were cause for alarm. TICs, or tenants-in-common tax shelter arrangements, became wildly popular, and many out-of-state investors were attracted to Houston’s relatively low-priced real estate.

HAA received the NAA Paragon award for community service and a Summit Award from the American Society of Association Executives for the Hurricane Housing Program and our response to Katrina. The “It’s the Law” column in ABODE frequently featured coverage of legal issues arising from the Disaster Assistance Housing Program, and several HAA leaders met with FEMA officials in Washington to discuss payment problems with the housing program.

The “Building Relationships” Education Conference & Expo attracted more than 2,600 attendees. Generational selling became a popular marketing strategy, and immigration reform surfaced on the national agenda. HAA and Houston Community College teamed up to develop a residential property management certificate program, and the “Building for the Future” campaign was launched by the HAA/HAF Building Task Force. A groundbreaking ceremony was held in July, and by year’s end, nearly $1 million had been pledged to support the association’s new facility.

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2007

HAA Hall of Famer Kirk Tate testified on behalf of NAA and the National Multi Housing Council before the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services regarding lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina and the housing voucher program. Rep. Al Green introduced Tate and was a key advocate.

Later that year, HAA member Michael Stevens joined with homebuilder Dick Weekley to form a coalition devoted to addressing the city’s inconsistent planning and permitting restrictions.

HAA leaders convinced city officials that existing inspection guidelines would be sufficient to achieve new safety goals, and HAA began the push to get member properties registered under the new crime ordinance.

HAA and the YMCA joined forces to promote the Water Wise pool safety program, and Mike Koch became the third associate member honored with the Lifetime Service Award. The Media Relations Committee stepped up efforts to promote positive messages about the apartment industry, and HAA President Suan Tinsley wrote a letter to the editor of the Houston Chronicle decrying the method HCAD used to assess property taxes. The Texas legislation adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, and not long after that, TAA began providing apartments owners with the ability to allow residents to electronically sign lease documents.

ABODE revamped its look starting with the April issue, and a new HAA logo was unveiled in May. The Education Conference & Expo, billed as the “Main Event,” moved to the Reliant Center and hundreds of maintenance professionals strutted their stuff at the first Maintenance Mania in May. HAA moved to its current location in Westway Park in May. The education center was named in honor of those who donated to it, the Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center.

2008

HAA developed an online resident resource page at www.SafeinMyPlace.com to share water, fire and hurricane safety information with managers and renters. The page came in handy as hurricanes Gustav and Ike threatened the Gulf Coast. When Ike made landfall on Galveston’s West End, HAA members jumped into action to support housing for displaced residents. HAA members and government affairs staff worked closely with HUD, FEMA, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and other local, state and federal agencies to provide housing support.

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Former mayor and HAA founder Bob Lanier joined a group of prominent developers, builders and business leaders in the effort to thwart the city’s increasingly antidevelopment proposals.

HAA members reported on the national political party conventions, and Barack Obama was elected the nation’s first black president.

The single-family mortgage meltdown brought the average monthly rent above $700.

The PSC introduced the Take 5 Business Exchange, a “reverse trade show” that provided networking opportunities and raised money for HAF scholarships. Greystar took top recruiting honors in the membership campaign, earning a spot on the cover of ABODE. At the urging of Past President Mel Kieke, HAA members supported the Mission of Yahweh, a shelter for women and children. HAA President John Ridgway recorded water and fire safety radio ads, and City Councilman James Rodriguez did the honors in Spanish.

2009

HAA President Beth Van Winkle pledged to focus on the association’s community service efforts, and the newly created Community Outreach Committee conducted a very successful school supply drive during the summer.

HAA reintroduced the CAMT program as revised by NAA. The Product Service Council entered the recruitment fray and brought in 33 new members. The association also established a social media presence with groups on Facebook and LinkedIn. The Industry Achievement Awards garnered a record-breaking 172 nominations and more than 800 attendees. The BGF raised a record $170,160 to support endorsed candidates, and HAA members donated more than $29,000 and 200 boxes of school supplies to the Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries.

2010

HAA President David Jones began the 50th year with a champagne anniversary toast at the Installation and New Year Gala. Annise Parker, Houston’s first openly gay mayor, took office in January. A new and improved HAA website was launched in the spring featuring the latest technology available. Both the ABODE and the HAA Directory & Buyer’s Guide were introduced in online editions in addition to their printed issues. Resident Credit Reporting became Rental Credit Reporting, and customer service was enhanced with the addition of sales executives by both HAA and CoreLogic SafeRent.

The City of Houston enacted a new inspec-

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2010

2012

2011

2010s tion ordinance. The ordinance, which took effect in 2010, required that all properties with three or more units register with the city through www.houstonmultifamily.org. The new registration replaced registration under the 2006 ordinance. HAA successfully fought to delay inspection of properties that had registered and held appropriate certificates of occupancy until all other properties had been inspected first.

In 2010, a new level of membership in HAABGF was added as an option. The bylaws were amended to allow non-voting Century Club memberships with a $100 contribution.

HAA established two new programs designed to connect and groom the future leadership of the association. HAA held its third Leadership Lyceum training program, bringing the total graduates of this prestigious volunteer program to 15. HAA NEXTt was created, a networking group for members under the age of 35.

The Industry Achievement Awards continued

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its record-breaking trend, with 204 nominations and more than 850 attendees. By the official end of the membership campaign in June, HAA surpassed its recruiting goal with 221 new members and more to come.

HAA NEXT launched and held its first Mix N Mingle. The Certified Apartment Manager credential introduced the two-part online exam in lieu of the previous community analysis project.

Certified Apartment Property Supervisor credential was renamed the Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor.

2011

The national economy is still slow, and rent is low in Houston. An increase in property taxes were rumored. Ultimately, Mayor Annise Parker was quoted in the January ABODE saying that a property tax increase is “off the table” but that spending cuts are certain. HPD prepared to cut $15 million from its operating budget. The city

was looking at ways to increase fees like they did in the 1980s. Properties within the city limits began paying a drainage fee for 32 cents per sqaure foot of impermeable surface (building footprint, parking lots, etc). This was a big concern to the city, as it was required to raise $125 million each year.

A major bill was HB III would allow a justice of the peace to issue a writ of possession if the required month’s rent is not paid into the court registry. Prior to this, a resident could appeal an eviction as a pauper and could avoid paying all but one single month’s rent into the registry of the court.

The Federal Reserve reduced interchange fees that banks and card networks can charge for credit card transactions, making the cost of accepting debit cards and processing automated check handling transactions roughly equal.

With HAA Past President Jerry Winograd as its president, TAA prepared for the legislative ses-

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sion. The 112th Congress began to reform Fannie Mae and Fannie Mac. HAA partnered with NAAEI and CallSource in launching what was a groundbreaking learning experience for its time: a virtual learning experience, Learning Management System (LMS). For the first time ever, students could take NAA and HAA courses online.

HAA President Kim Small, for the first time, appointed two advisory board members to serve on the board for three years, those people were the late Ira Gross and Michelle Pawelek. The rental owners course was revamped into the IROP credential.

Darlene Guidry was inducted into the HAA Hall of Fame, the second woman in HAA’s history.

Suppliers sponsored $280,000 at both auctions that year, another record for the association at the time. The HAF chili cook off fundraiser was the largest financially and in attendance. Education conference and expo increased by 10%. Raised more money for NAA PAC than ever before – more than $26K, raised more money than ever before for BGF $180,000. Fall golf tournament brought in a record breaking $33,000. HAA held the single largest Maintenance Mania in the country.

Maintenance Mania was hosted at the Sam Houston Raceway Park for the first time and members tailgated before the competition. A Houston rep, Rolando Valdez competed in the national event. Largest enrollment ever in CAM, CAPS, NALP and CAMT, with 190 new students. HAA established a property awards committee, planning the first property awards.

The Houston Business Journal ranked HAA as the largest Houston-area trade and professional organization.

HAA entered into an exciting new partnership with the University of Houston’s Bauer Business School to further develop the UH graduate real estate program to include multifamily courses, professors and eventually a related certificate and degree at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

2012

HAA was focused on increasing and streamlining RCR, raising its unit count by more than 20% from the previous year and doubled the data on move-ins and move-outs. RCR integrated with Yardi in the middle of the year, with SMI Realty’s Starla Turnbo spearheading the partnership.

The strategic goal set by HAA included the goal

2013

2014

of better serving HAA members who work and live outside the loop in a 12-county service area.

The Rental Owners Course was reintroduced as a credential course, Independent Rental Owners Professional, requiring an exam and became the sixth credential program offered by HAA annually.

The HAF Chili Cook-off hit a couple of records, raising the most money for education grants in its history and attracted the most amount of people, about 4,300 attendees. The annual Take 5 Business Exchange raised $30,500 for education scholarships. As always, supplier partners showed their support by raising more than $260,650 from both sponsorship auctions. The 2012 Allstars Sports Challenge raised close to $18,000 for the Alliance of Community Assistance Ministries.

It was a presidential election year. Barack Obama and Joe Biden were elected to a second term. Among the Houston-area races, all HAABGF-endorsed candidates won. The HAABGF raised $11,550 for the NAAPAC, beating the previous year’s total.

The Industry Achievement Awards was rebranded to the Honors Awards with 15 properties and 15 professionals bringing home awards.

2015

2015 2016

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Judwin Properties’ Jerry Winograd and Greystone’s David Hargrove served as instructors for UH’s Bauer Business School.

HAA brought a TAA award to Houston, the Community Service Star Award for our Visual Smoke Alarm Partnership and the annual Tools For School Supply Drive. Two HAA members also brought state awards home at the TAA Conference and Lone Star Expo. Beth Van Winkle was awarded with the Frank P. Finch Presidential Award and Claude Arnold of the Dinerstein Companies was awarded with the Go-Getter of the Year award. HAA honored Ken Bohan of The Liberty Group with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

2013

Greystar’s Mack Armstrong lead HAA with the goal of focusing on HAA’s new 12-county service area. Jerry Winograd chaired the first Strategic Growth Task Force, the task force dedicated to HAA’s outreach efforts. The first strategic growth luncheon was held in Conroe at Stone Ridge Apartments.

Throughout the year, 150 people earned credentials, Honors Awards hit a record of 1,000 attendees and the Take 5 Business Exchange

raised almost $30,000 for HAF. The Chili Cook-off surpassed its accomplishmentsfrom 2012, with 4,600 people in attendance, $34,70 raised for HAF scholarships and $4,546 for the Red Cross.

Past President Larry Hill of Sumar Realty Corp. was inducted into the HAA Hall of Fame.

HAA NEXT held its first HAA Political Action Committee fundraiser, the “PAC Man Party” at a local adult arcade. HAA NEXT raised $7,000 for the local HAAPAC. Honorary Life Member and a true HAA legend, Nora Krakower, Royal Plumbing Supply, passed away at age 94.

HUD published revisions to the regulations governing the Fair Housing Act. The new rule provided that desperate impact could have a discriminatory effect.

Ken Bohan and Eileen Subinsky were reappointed by the Mayor Annise Parker to serve as planning commissioners for the City of Houston.

2014

To really focus on bringing HAA to its 12county service area, a new staff member was hired to execute HAA’s goal and lead the Strategic Growth department.

Honors Awards hit another record by

attracting 1,100 people to the award ceremony. For the first time in its history, HAA held its Forty Under 40 program to honor the association’s top young professionals.

HAA member Paul Bettencourt became a member of the Texas State Senate for District 7.

2015

HAA petitioned successfully to include the addition of a Spanish language version of the Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician exam. The Ambassador Club program rebranded o the Ambassador ONE Society. The Organized Network Exchange (ONE) added supplier networking and relationship building to the program. It also launched the New Supplier Orientation Program to introduce new members to HAA and get them familiar with the benefits and programs.

Fifteen HAA members received blue jackets for recruiting 15 or more new members. Six HAA members were recognized as top workplaces by the Houston Chronicle.

HAA participated in a phone bank with KHOU Channel 11 with more than 20 HAA members and staff members, serving 442 callers. / See 60 Years, Page 76

Q10 Property Advisors and NSP Management Group want to wish HAA a Happy 60th Anniversary!

HAA is a more than an organization it is members, supplier partners, volunteers, friends, supporters, allies, confidants, high achievers, advocates, educators, philanthropists, amazing human beings but most of all we are family.

HAA is family in every sense of the word and in every language we know.

Here’s to another 60 years of friendship, family and success!

Thank you everyone for all you do!

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Looking Back:

On the Cover of the ABODE

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The Go-Getters HAA’s MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS

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

What is a Go-Getter?

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

Join our Quarterly Meetings!

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

Recruit all year long!

Go-Getter meetings are quarterly: Don’t miss the finale on Thursday, December 10 Meetings start at 4 p.m. at Cadillac Bar & Grill or virtual.

Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetters for details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Ambassador ONE Society HAA’s WELCOMING COMMITTEE

TOGETHER AGAIN

The HAA Ambassadors mask up and meet in person for the first time since March.

Ambassador ONE Society members with at least 10 points, ranked by points earned:

60 Years: The History of the Houston Apartment Association Ambassadors The Product Service Council in 1983 were responsible for creating the Ambassador Club. Nora Krakower of Royal Plumbing Supply, a longtime HAA volunteer, founded the club and served as chair that first year.

When the club first started, Krakower was quoted in the 50th Yearbook saying if 10 people showed up to a meeting, it was considered a success.

Back then, Ambassadors would introduce themselves to new members, visit properties to promote HAA events and talk to onsite teams about how HAA can better serve them. It allowed HAA to grow and it allowed supplier partners to grow their businesses, too.

In 2015, the Ambassador Club rebranded to the Ambassador ONE Society.

The “ONE” is an acronym for Organized Network Exchange. It added supplier networking and relationship building to their program of work. It also launched the New Supplier Orientation Program taking place once a month just prior to the Ambassador ONE Meeting to introduce new members to HAA and get them familiar with the benefits and programs so they can get involved right away.

Today, there are usually about three teams of Ambassadors, and one team alone can have up to 20 people. The Ambassador meetings have increased in size and influence. Even today, the Ambassadors assist HAA members by guiding new members, helping maintain HAA’s database and visiting properties to promote HAA events. The Ambassadors also collect supplies for various likeminded organizations, such as Camp Hope, schools across Houston and for Houston residents in need around the holidays. The Ambassadors are a vital part of HAA. They are quite literally ambassadors of HAA.

Giovanna Gone Ashley Wiggin Susan Alvarado Amanda Kelly Janell Richter Shawnte Thomas Tracey Leach-Moore Samantha Hernandez Darlene Addison Tiffany Torres Candis Mohr Deborah DeRouen Alex (Marquez) Fanning Austin Lawley Felicia Norman Tammy Broadway Diamela Bravo Blaise Spitaleri Grace Prather Jim Martensen Liz Levins Kristin McLaughlin Lacy Contreras Kyle Turney Karen Nelsen Marcy Holmes David Cohen Juana Estrada Danyell Wilkerson Matthew Nunn Blake Subinsky Arely Pena Steve Bergman Paul Garcia April Shane Bo Hang Sean Cunningham Aanitrius Broussard Stacy Proctor Kristi Gillespie Shaun Callaway Xochitl Flores Chris Bell Stephen Webster Phillip Price Ryan Carson Derek DeVries Heaven Hensley Joey Rodriguez Raymond Dagar Brent Williams Clint Beck Brandon Coleman Mike O'Brien Doug Oehl Emily Viana Laura Lestus

Century A/C Supply Century A/C Supply Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating JMI Contractors Hoffer Furniture Flooring Warehouse Houston Waste Services McElvy Media Group Johnstone Supply AAA Plumbers OneApp Guarantee Johnstone Supply Brandt Electrical Multifamily Insiders American Fire Systems, Inc. Green City Security Gemstar Construction Prism Electric Camp Construction Services Rasa Floors Mohawk Industries Texscape Impact Floors ALN Apartment Data, Inc Designs by Holmes Interior Design The Flying Locksmiths Interstate Restoration LLC ApartmentData.com Capital Construction HD Supply The Liberty Group T & L Distributing SentriForce Presto-X Redi Carpet Flooring Warehouse Massey Services Massey Services TransUnion Earthworks, Inc BG Multifamily Cotton Commercial RentPath HD Supply Gemstar Construction Camp Construction Services Earthworks, Inc The Urban Foresters Grace Hill Multifamily Insiders HD Supply Cinema Anywhere AM Conservation Group Flooring Warehouse ACE Parking Lot Maintenance The Liberty Group

321 230 183 170 142 72 68 57 54 48 45 43 43 41 36 34 32 31 28 27 27 25 25 23 21 21 20 20 19 19 18 18 17 17 16 14 14 14 14 13 13 13 12 12 12 12 12 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10

Ambassadors earn points by sharing leads, making introductions and visiting communities to promote HAA events and news.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month virtually or in person. Our next meeting is November 4.

Please check the calendar at www.haaonline.org for updates and to register.

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

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“ONE of the Month” Amanda Kelly, Brandt Electrical, A/C and Heating, with 45 points.

Teams Total Points: Green Machine – 53 points for September, 710 total The Bomb Squad – 26 points for September, 1,375 total Stay Classy – 6 points for September, 631 total

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Welcome Mat

Introducing HAA’s NEW MEMBERS

OWNERS

Atrium Circle GP Ana Castillo P.O. Box 5295 Humble, TX 77325 281-835-1010 Clarke Springs Rental Community Referred by Ruby Terrell

B H Multi Family Investments Haim Bublil 2 Mockingbird Circle Houston, TX 77074 713-471-0022 Crown Village Apartments 8910 Ilona Lane Place 9002 Ilona Lane Place 3601 Murworth Place 2 Mockingbird Circle 1 Mockingbird Circle 2119 Barr Street Brandon Pye Brandon Pye 86 Frosted Pond Place Spring, TX 77381 832-776-3310

Bryant Investment Group Texas Christopher Velasquez 8800 Broadway St. #5321 Houston, TX 77061 346-719-9015 Bryant Investment Group Texas Properties

CrediCasa Capital Ricardo Bayon 26207 I-45 N Spring, TX 77380 281-513-9933 CrediCasa Capital LLC - Properties Referred by Evelina Romland

Drever Management Company Carrie Ruckhardt 2900 Paradise Drive Tiburon, CA 94920 415-583-9799 Larkspur at Shadow Creek

FH Management Brandi Northen 874 Yorkchester Drive Houston, TX 77079 281-677-2528 Memorial Fountain

McGregor Ventures Doug McGregor 30 Bough Leaf Place The Woodlands, TX 77381 936-271-1887

NHM Texas Properties Imran Muhammed 6110 Fairdale Lane #100 Houston, TX 77057 713-783-8211 Inwood Gardens Apartments

Presence Housing A Dylan Weir 11152 Westheimer Road #825 Houston, TX 77042 832-639-3620 Sunridge Villas

Rainey Property Management Jose Villanueva 200 E 6th St. #206 Austin, TX 78701 512-773-3457 Scott Plaza

SAF Texas Properties Karla Rodriguez 3015 Greenridge Drive Sugar Land, TX 77479 713-783-2570 Constitution Square

Shaver Holdings Raquel Serna 3600 S. Shaver South Houston, TX 77587 281-501-0238 La Bella Vista Apartments USAII Steven Credit 16610 Dallas Pkwy #1600 Dallas, TX 75248 214-218-2888 Arden Woods I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

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

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

SUPPLIERS ABC’s Roofing and Construction Mario Daniel Romero 5602 Darby Square Trail Houston, TX 77084 561-377-5260 Construction Mgmt-Consultants, Roofing Contractors Apartments Of Houston Adam Hunt 2925 Richmond Ave #1261 Houston, TX 77098 713-714-7742 Real Estate, Apartment Leasing Building Professionals of Texas Bradley S. Klein 9500 Westview #114 Houston, TX 77055 713-476-0800 Janitorial Services, Light Bulbs & Tubes, Maid Services, Trash Service - Valet

Inside Out Construction Carlos Landrin 16015 Cairnway Drive Houston, TX 77084 713-261-9258 Maid Services, Paint, Resurfacing, Carpet Cleaning Keylo Painting & ConstructionCompany Irma Reyes 12715 Alston Road Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-277-7854 Painting Contractors, Maid Services, Resurfacing, Roofing Contractors, Gutters & Downspouts, Carpet Cleaning, Carpenters, Fences

Roosevelt General Contracting Taylor Lee 746 W 20th St. Houston, TX 77008 832-748-0596 Roofing Consultants, Roofing Contractors, Roofing Materials, Roof Cleaning Suncoast Aluminum Furniture Prakash Varshney 6291 Thomas Road Fort Myers, FL 33912 239-267-8300 Furniture - Outdoor, Pool Furniture - Repair & Restoration Urban Design Constructors Justin Hoffman 5750 N. Sam Houston Pkwy East #512 Houston, TX 77339 713-560-8118 General Contractors, Parking Area Maintenance & Marking, Paving Contractors, Roofing Contractors, Painting Contractors, Siding Contractors, Masonry Contractor I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

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

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

Lincoln Jacob Construction Jake Gottfried 1810 Carriage Oaks Lane Katy, TX 77494 832-292-4868 Foundation Contractors, Foundation Repair I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

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

Rex Security Patrol Yusuf Abu 1415 Eldridge Pkwy #1924 Houston, TX 77077 720-933-9434 Security Guard/Patrol Service, Security Consulting Service

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

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I wasn’t exp surprised tha said, laughin business for 1 anything. Fo or get it righ don’t need re resident and owner are ha good experie way. I didn’t watching!”

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

rcr 60th pg 73.qxp_Layout 1 10/19/20 11:57 AM Page 1

HAA and RCR have come a long way with your support. Thanks subscribers and here’s to the next 60 years!

HAA and Houston have done a lot of changing over 60 years and Rental Credit Reporting has been there for many of them. RCR was established in 1977 to solve screening problems HAA founders felt plagued the local apartment industry.

RCR provides Houston’s apartment industry with the most effective rental credit reporting tool available. RCR has unsurpassed data on resident rental histories in the Houston region and gives your leasing staff immediate access to information about which prospects have fulfilled their leases and who have been residents in good standing. RCR also tells you who hasn’t paid rent, who has broken leases and who has received their deposit refund.

a service of

in partnership with

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

prop news pg 74,75.qxp_Layout 1 10/19/20 11:58 AM Page 1

Portfolio Changes The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios: • Ascendient Real Estate & Property Management: Azul Apartments, 90 units at 14441 TC Jester Blvd.

• Atrium Circle GP: Clarke Springs Rental Community, 170 units at 15821 Clarke Springs Drive.

• Avan Property Management: Meadows Senior Village, 182 units at 12221 S. Kirkwood Road, Meadows Place and Mi Casita Apartments, 334 units at 5005 Aldine Mail Road.

• B H Multi Family Investments: 2119 Barr Street, four units at 2119 Barr St.; 1 Mockingbird Circle, seven units at 1 Mockingbird Circle; 2 Mockingbird Circle, 16 units at 2 Mockingbird Circle; 3601 Murworth Place, 10 units at 3601 Murworth Drive; 9002 Ilona Lane Place, eight units at 9002 Ilona Lane; and Crown Village Apartments, 16 units at 1718 Crownover Road.

• Better World Properties - Sumar: The Victorian, 172 units at 9400 Coventry Square Drive.

• Boyd Legacy: Keystone II, eight units at 718 S. Oak St. #A-D, Tomball.

• Bryant Investment Group Texas: Bryant Investment Group Texas Properties, eight units at various locations.

• Capstone Real Estate Services: Inclvy Point Kingwood, 150 units at 2302 Ladbrook Drive, Kingwood.

• Cheaperchoices: Cheaperchoices - properties, one unit at various locations.

• Corinthian Asset Management: 1305 Memorial Apartments, 44 units at 1305 Memorial Drive, Baytown; 7637 Harwin Apartments, 64 units at 7637 Harwin Drive; and Trailwood Village Apartments, 178 units at 2200 Lake

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Village Drive, Kingwood.

• CrediCasa Capital: CrediCasa Capital - Properties, six units at various locations.

• Davis Development: Cyan Cinco Ranch, 433 units at 21650 FM 1093, Richmond.

• DayRise Residential: Park Avenue at Boulder Creek, 292 units at 11575 Pearland Pkwy and Cobblestone Park, 562 units at 3800 County Road 94, Manvel.

• The Dinerstein Copmanies/TDC Management Co.: The Lane Waterway, 163 units at 10100 Six Pines Drive, Spring.

• Drever Management Company: Larkspur at Shadow Creek, 257 units at 12635 Shadow Creek Pkwy, Pearland.

• Gordon Square: Gordon Square, 12 units at 2200 S. Gordon St., Alvin.

• Greystar: Novel River Oaks, 330 units at 2511 Willowick Road; The Fairmont on San Felipe, 361 units at 6363 San Felipe St.; and Broadstone 25 One 20, 339 units at 25120 Panther Bend Court, Spring.

• JLB Residential: Arc, 346 units at 11101 W. Airport Blvd., Stafford.

• Las Palmas: Las Palmas Apartments, 182 units at 12550 John F Kennedy Blvd.

• The Lynd Company: Ventana at Midtown, 282 units at 4001 Fannin St. and Villas at Valley Ranch, 312 units at 21899 Valley Ranch Crossing, Porter; and The Paramount at Kingwood, 372 units at 200 Kellington Drive, Kingwood.

• Madera Residential: Pierpont, 354 units at 23770 Springwoods Village Pkwy, Spring.

• Martin Fein Interests: The Canopy, 332 units at 1800 Spring Stuebner Road, Spring.

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• MLDC Management: Augusta Court, 150 units at 1819 Augusta Drive.

• MTSM: 1405 Harvard Apartments, four untis at 1405 Harvard Blvd.

• NSP Management Group: Miramar Apartments, 143 units at 13150 Bissonnet St. • Portico Property Management: Mt. Vernon Lofts, 42 units at 4509 Mt. Vernon St. • Presence Housing A: Sunridge Villas, 30 units at 10001 Westpark.

• Rainey Property Management: Soctt Plaza, 150 units at 9703 Scott St. • Sheng-Raamco Management: Augusta Meadows, 264 units at 24215 Kuykendahl Road, Tomball.

• SI Communities: Morgan Park Apartments, 64 units at 1601 W. South St., Alvin.

• The Valcap Group: The Vista at Westchase, 239 units at 3435 Walnet Bend Lane.

• Watermark Residential: The Ranch at Sienna Plantation, 312 units at 8811 Sienna Springs Blvd., Missouri City.

In the News Penny Sprang, CAPS, transitions to Greystar as a director of real estate.

RentSense, a new security deposit insurance program, hires Rick Croasdale as senior vice president of sales in Houston.

Kelsey Callaway joins Impact Floors.

HAA President-elect and President of Veritas Equity Management John Boriack was interviewed by Bisnow for an article titled “Landlords And Tenant Advocates Scramble To Unpack Legal, Financial Ramifications Of The CDC Eviction Moratorium.”

Croasdale

Callaway

Boriack

Have something to report from your company or for yourself?

Email us your news at comm@haaonline.org.

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2017

2018

2019

2010s 60 Years, continued from Page 63 The Community Relations Committee’s third year partnering with the Harris County Department of Education’s Head Start Program provided more than 75 families with holiday gifts.

TAA published a new lease with reorganized provisions, shorter paragraphs and headings.

The HAABGF puts on Flights and Bites for the first time, a food and wine (and sometimes beer) tasting fundraiser. HAA and TAA members went to the Texas Capitol to meet with elected officials and discuss bills that would affect the apartment industry. The bills that HAA had its eyes on related to Section 8 housing, the notice to vacate, rent, non-violent offenders and tax appraisals.

At the end of the session, the Texas Senate voted to approve the bill that prohibited Texas cities from forcing apartment owners to participate in the federal Housing Choice Program, like Austin City Council voted to do the year before.

The Texas Senate also approved a bill that was aimed at preventing abuses of surety bonds in the eviction appeal process and another that limits liability for rental property owners who choose to rent to non-violent ex-offenders.

Another bill that was passed related to notices to vacate. The new change in law stated that certain circumstances allow onsite personnel to post the notice on the outside of the apartment unit door if it is in a sealed envelope, bearing the resident’s name and address, as well as the words “important document” in all capital letters.

Past President Jerry Winograd was inducted into the HAA Hall of Fame.

2016

In a workforce development initiative, and in partnership with Goodwill Houston, the first Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician course was held at Goodwill’s Job

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Connection Center.

The HAA Strategic Growth Department hosted fair housing seminars to HAA’s 12-county service area. This was the first time HAF education was delivered to HAA members outside of Houston’s city limits.

HAA received the NAA Excellence Award for membership development category at the NAA Education Conference and Expo.

Leasing 101 was expanded to a day and a half to include TAA lease curriculum. The NAA credential for Independent Rental Owner Professional made its official debut. General Counsel Howard Bookstaff debuts his “Legal Lowdown” YouTube series. (Subscribe to HAA’s YouTube channel called HAATV.) Airbnb started to cause some issues in the apartment industry when the then-startup company announced it wanted to work with apartments to rent short term rentals. The industry started seeing an increase in assistance animals with renters, and assistance animals was the hottest topic in multifamily.

2017

Under HAA President Kyle Brown’s leadership, for the first time, HAA NEXT was represented at TAA’s Day at the Capitol, with more than 25 young professional members arriving to Austin by bus for a day of political lobbying.

In August, Hurricane Harvey caused more than $125 billion in damage to the Houston area – mostly from severe flooding. HAA members helped relocate thousands of people and donated food and supplies to the many residents who lost everything they owned. In Harvey’s aftermath, HAA supported stricter floodplain regulations in the City of Houston and in unincorporated Harris County.

To eliminate a source of confusion, trustees

voted to change the name of the political action committee from the Better Government Fund to the Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee (HAAPAC).

Instead of limiting recruiting to a couple season each year, the then chair of the Go-Getters committee, Clay Hicks, opened recruitment to all year long.

2018

With Michelle Pawelek as president, HAA dedicated a portion of the Honors Awards to HAA members, both onsite professionals and supplier partners, who stepped up for their properties, residents and the city in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in what was called the Harvey Heroes awards. These heroes were the cover of the August ABODE and each received a special award that night.

HAA NEXT hosted a record-breaking HAA Political Action Committee fundraiser, The HAAPAC Spelling Bee. The HAA Outreach Department brought Leasing 101 and the Redbook seminars to HAA’s 12-county service area, hosted in hotels and other venues outside city limits.

HAA honored the industry’s elite young professionals with the second Forty Under 40 program held at Prohibition Supperclub and Bar.

2019

During Starla Turnbo’s presidency, HAA members took a bigger interest in industry advocacy. A record 100 members traveled to Austin for TAA’s annual Day at the Capitol. At the start of the second decade of the new century, HAA members seemed doomed to a cycle of double-digit property tax valuation increases, rivaled only by aggressive increases in water and sewer rates prompted in part by problems with Houston’s www.haaonline.org

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2020

2020 sewer system. Landmark legislation by HAAmember State Senator Paul Bettencourt greatly restricted property tax increases by local governments without voter approval.

The APPLE education servies was rebranded to Avenues, which includes the addition of a Supplier Track of study. The Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician credential course was offered for the first time entirely in Spanish.

The Business Exchange raised a record of $62,221 for HAF. In addition to legal seminars, fair housing seminars and the Leasing 101 course, HAA Outreach brought more education opportunities to HAA’s 12-county service area with Avenues programs led by national speakers.

The HAA Community Outreach Committee and HAA-members volunteered with Rebuild Houston, a company that provides free home repair to senior citizens, veterans, homeowners with disabilities or working families affected by disasters.

The Strategic Growth Department was rebranded to the Outreach Department.

2020

This year started with the Installation Gala at Revention Music Center. In his speech, President Clay Hicks spoke about inspiring change and breaking through comfort zones.

And, with it being HAA’s 60th year anniversary, HAA was motivated for a big year. The coronavirus (COVID-19), however, had other plans.

HAA was able to host its annual State of the Industry Breakfast at the brand-new Westin Medical Center on Jan. 28. The Volleyball Tournament on March 6 was the last major event HAA held as COVID-19 forced many businesses, offices and properties to close to help contain the spread of the virus. This changed the way people worked, learned and lived. As Hicks www.haaonline.org

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predicted, this year has been full of changes.

For the first time in its history, the HAA staff worked from home for most of the year. The association transitioned as many education seminars, major events and meetings as possible to a virtual experience, including It’s the Law, Avenues, HAAPAC meetings and other major events. Video equipment was installed in the HAA building to broadcast classes to home viewers. The HAF Gab and Grub was created amid the pandemic, as was the micro-webinar live series, Expert Exchange.

The Business Exchange drew a sizable, virtual crowd through the Remo platform, raising $28,300 for HAF. The HAA Education Conference and Expo and HAA Honors Awards were also transitioned to virtual events as of press time.

Houston representative, Carlos Alvarez with 7 Seventy, a Francis Property Management community, placed second in NAA’s National Maintenance Mania championship, which was held as a virtual event due to COVID-19.

HAA members served on multiple committees this year outside of HAA. SMI Realty Partner and HAA Past President Starla Turnbo serves on the Harris County Housing Policy Advisory Committee. Veritas Equity Management President and HAA President-elect John Boriak, HAA board member and Camden CEO Ric Campo and HAA General Counsel Howard Bookstaff serve on the Housing Stability Task Force with HAA’s Alpa Patel Mandhana. Turnbo serves on the UH Bauer College of Business Real Estate Program Advisory Board, and HAA’s Andy Teas is involved on the Harris County eviction diversion program.

Due to eviction moratoriums, many HAA leaders and members were interviewed by local and national media outlets to represent HAA and the apartment industry, including HAA President Clay Hicks, President-elect John Boriack, HAA Secretary/Treasurer Christy Rodriguez, Past President Turnbo and HAA member Norma Alvear.

To thank onsite teams for their dedication to keeping residents in our apartment communities well served and safely housed during the COVID19 pandemic, HAA participated in NAA’s Apartment Onsite Teams Day on Aug. 12. Nearly 60 HAA members were split up into groups to deliver goodies to the onsite teams across the Houston area.

This has been a challenging year, but as Hicks said in his installation speech, change will make HAA a stronger, better organization. We look forward to another 60 years of serving you.

Don’t miss the virtual HAA Honors Awards and 60th Anniversary Celebration, see Pages 18 and 19 for details.

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Happy 60th Anniversary HAA Looking forward to many many more Sonny Unverzagt 80

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From One 60 Year Old Company To Another, Happy 60th Anniversary HAA!

www.morgangroup.com LOCAL LUXURY, WORLD CLASS SER VICE

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ad index pg 82.qxp_Ad Index pg 74 10/19/20 12:01 PM Page 1

Index of Advertisers By CATEGORY

A/C Supplies Century A/C Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 281-530-2859 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.centuryac.com

RENCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover 713-666-3636 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rencon.com TPI Construction & Painting Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 713-668-7986 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.tpiinc.com

Answering Service

Occupational Health & Safety Products Dooley Tackaberry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 800-833-0247 . . . . . . . . . .www.dooleytackaberry.com

Personnel Agency

On Hold USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 800-755-4142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.onholdusa.com

Glass – Plate, Window, Etc. Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com

Carpet Installation

ASAP Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 972-432-6667 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.asapdo.com

Plumbing Contractors

Dixie Carpet Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 281-261-6334 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dixiecarpet.com Texas Southwest Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 800-719-4321 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.texasswfloors.com

Insurance Harco Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 713-681-2500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.harco-ins.com

AAA Plumbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15, 49 713-462-4753 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.aaaplumbers.com Best Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71, 80 713-697-4400 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.bestplumbing.net

Interior Decorator Collection Agencies Alexander-Rose Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 713-644-4441 . . . . . . . . . . .www.alexanderrose-inc.com

Educational Consultants Apartment All Stars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.apartmentallstars.com

Leah McVeigh Design and Consulting . . . . . . .80 833-573-5632 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.leahmcveigh.com

Resident Screening Service

Landscape Contractors

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

Outdoor Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 713-955-0990 . . . . . .www.outdoorelementstx.com

Screens

Texscape Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 281-846-3779 . . . . . . . . . .www.texscapeservices.com

Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com

Locks & Locksmiths

Security Control Equipment/Systems

CKI Wholesale Lock Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 713-462-0704 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ckilock.com

SentriForce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 888-671-2202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.sentriforce.com

Market Research Analysis

Swimming Pool Service

ALN Apartment Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 800-643-6416 x 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.alndata.com

Poolsure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 800-858-POOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.poolsure.com

Management Companies

Tax Consultants & Representatives

Better World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.betterworldllc..com

Bettencourt Tax Advisors LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 713-263-6100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.btanow.com

Electric Contractors Affordable Quality Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 713-695-5992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.acuityelectric.com Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services . . . .43 281-693-3383 . . . . . . . . . . .www.brandtelectrical.com Fire Protection Consultants American Fire Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 713-466-9898 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.americanfiresys.com Foundation Repair Church Foundation Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 713-468-8400 . . .www.churchfoundationrepair.com

Dayrise Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dayriseresidential.com General Contractors Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . .Back Cover 713-413-2267 . . . . . . . .www.campconstruction.com Cotton Commercial USA Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 877-511-2962 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.cottongds.com Crestmark Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . .67 713-426-6161 . . . . . . . . . . .www.crestmarkservices.com FSI Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 832-767-1115 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.fsiconstruction.com

Francis Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.francispm..com GWR Management LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.gwrmanagementco.com

Waste Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 713-354-5230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.thinkgreen.com

Landmark Management Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.mylandmarkhome..com

Water Conservation

The Morgan Group Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.morgangroup.com

WaterLogic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 713-983-9555 . . . . . . . . . .www.waterlogic-texas.com

Oak Leaf Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.oakleafmgmt..com

Gemstar Construction & Development . . . . . . .41 281-821-1195 . . . . . .www.gemstarconstruction.com

New Hope Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.newhopehousing..com

Guardian Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 832-672-4196 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.guardianconst.com

Q10 Property Advisors/NSP Management . . .63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.q10propertyadvisors..com

MultiFamily Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 713-266-9100

Unified Residential Management . . . . . . . . . . . .81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.unified-residential.com

Norman Roofing and Construction . . . . . . . . . .53 346-351-1188 . . . .www.normanconstruction-inc.com

Trash Hauling

HAA Products & Services Rental Credit Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 713-595-0300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.haaonline.org/rcr

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

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

Or view this issue on your computer, iPad or smartphone at http://issuu.com/haa_abode/docs/abode_nov2020.

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MarketLine By BRUCE MCCLENNY, President, ApartmentData.com

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

HOUSTON Snapshot 89.0% $1,043/mo. $1.18/sq.ft./mo.

885 sq.ft.

Recently Opened (12 months): 82 communities 23,040 units

1000 – – 90.0 975 –

– 89.0

– 88.0

Under Construction: 61 communities 16,778 units

History of Effective Rental Rate & Occupancy for All Units

Hottest Submarkets Over the Past Three Months Submarket Conroe North/Montgomery Sugar Land/Stafford/Sienna Katy/Cinco Ranch/Waterside FM 1960 East/IAH Airport Dickinson/Galveston

Sep 20

Concessions

Annualized % of Market Absorbed 8.0% 12.0% 5.5% 4.7% 5.7%

Aug 20

Jul 20

Jun 20

May 20

Apr 20

Mar 20

Jan 20

Feb 20

Dec 19

Nov 19

Oct 19

Sep 19

Aug 19

Jul 19

Jun 19

Apr 19

May 19

Mar 19

Feb 19

Jan 19

Dec 18

Nov 18

Oct 18

– 87.0

Proposed Construction: 100 communities 29,267 units

Rank 1 2 3 4 5

Occupancy (%)

Operating Supply: 2,888 communities 681,281 units

Rental Rate (¢/sq.ft./mo.)

Past 12 Months: -0.8% rental rate growth 10,321 units absorbed

1025 –

•

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

Rental Rate Growth % 2.2% 1.5% 3.9% 2.0% 1.3%

Total Units Class w/Concessions All 341,800 A 105,889 B 135,696 C 90,034 D 10,181

% of Total Units 50% 66% 48% 45% 24%

Average Special -4.0% -6.9% -2.6% -2.5% -1.6%

Citywide Effect -7.3% -9.9% -5.2% -5.6% -6.3%

One Month Free = -8.33%

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

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

TEXAS

Dallas/Ft. Worth

San Antonio

Austin

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

91.6% $1,164/mo. $1.33/sq.ft./mo.

877 sq.ft.

90.4% $986/mo. $1.15/sq.ft./mo.

855 sq.ft.

88.9% $1,259/mo. $1.44¢/sq.ft./mo.

874 sq.ft.

Past 12 Months: 0.2% rental rate growth 20,381 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: -0.3% rental rate growth 4,866 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: -4.0% rental rate growth 4,825 units absorbed

Operating Supply: 3,211 communities 761,892 units

Operating Supply: 944 communities 202,009 units

Operating Supply: 1,054 communities 248,516 units

www.haaonline.org

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

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

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

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Back Page

with News from around the COMMUNITY

Help us “Deck the Halls” Charity and Resident Recognition Event In Loving Memory of Lisa Purdy “Deck the Halls” is a charity and resident recognition event dedicated to giving a family in need from among the multifamily community some holiday spirit.

Lisa Purdy, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2016, began this event as a way to give back to her beloved multifamily industry. In loving memory of Lisa, her friends and colleagues have continued this tradition.

“Deck the Halls” does everything possible to make this holiday season special for a family selected from among nominations. This year, due to COVID, we will be “stocking a pantry and decorating a door.” Our hope is to provide as many families as possible with a $300 HEB Gift Card and a wreath for their door.

Property Managers: If you would like to nominate a family, please feel free to email tahmannyates@kingsiii.com or shinkley@haaonline.org and tell us why you think the family is in need of this holiday cheer. All submissions must be received by December 14.

If you would like to donate or volunteer to help: please contact Elaine Clayton at ElaineClayton@PurdyInteriorDesigns.com. Checks may be mailed to 20723 Vanderwick Dr., Katy TX 77450. Electronic contributions may be accepted via Venmo.

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. Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation signed and filed with the USPS by Deborah Nix, Editor. 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.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas.

Copyright © 2020 by HAA.

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HAA 60TH ANNIVERSARY

Houston Apartment Association 4810 Westway Park Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77041

ABODE THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

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November 2020

ABODE • NOVEMBER 2020 • VOLUME 43, ISSUE 11

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