ABODE October 2021

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ABODE THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

HAAPAC • HALL OF FAME PHOTOS

Houston Apartment Association 4810 Westway Park Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77041

www.haaonline.org

October 2021

ABODE • OCTOBER 2021 • VOLUME 44, ISSUE 10 www.haaonline.org

The Houston Apartment Foundation Chili Fest Celebrates 30 Years!

See Page 18 for details.

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CONTENTS October 2021

ON THE COVER

FEATURES & PHOTOS

18 Bringing the 90s Back to Chili –

28 On the Scene – Photos from the 2021 HAA Hall of Fame Luncheon honoring Beth Van Winkle.

Mark your calendars for HAF’s 30th Annual Chili Fest 2021 on Saturday, October 23 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Humble Civic Center.

34 Meet a NEXTer – Learn more about HAA’s young professionals group through a NEXT Committee member.

Also in this issue, take a closer look at the proposed constitutional amendments and candidates up for your vote in November, the Texas Special Session and rental assistance programs.

Chili logo by Deborah Nix, HAA Staff

36 On the Scene – Photos from the HAAPAC Luncheon with U.S. Representative Kevin Brady.

38 Thanks HAAPAC Members – Here is a list of supporters of the HAAPAC. 40 State Constitutional Amendments – Proposed Amendments to the Texas Constitution.

COLUMNS & MONTHLY UPDATES 7 President’s Corner – More advice from an HAA PSC past president.

8 Patron of the Month – Meet and support FSI Construction Inc. 9 Legislative Update – The end of the eviction moratorium and other city and state updates.

11 It’s The Law – Dealing with crime in apartments.

14 Resident Relations – A resident stays past the move-out date and disputes prorated rent and charges.

44 The Texas Special Session – A review of notable agenda items.

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

48 Rental Assistance Silver Linings – An overview of rental assistance programs amid the various eviction moratoriums.

26 NAA Update – Treasury updates rental assistance guidance.

52 November 2 Election: Vote for Schools – Local public school districts have a huge impact on the apartment industry.

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

56 On the Scene – Photos from the State of the Industry – Fall Edition.

60 On the Scene – Photos from the Supplier Education Program.

60 In Memoriam – Remembering Blake Subinsky.

72 On Site with ABODE – Take a closer look at another HAA member property.

54 RCR Update – Why you should use a resident screening service.

64 Go-Getters – Cheers to membership!

66 The Ambassador ONE Society – The Ambassadors make connections.

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

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

75 MarketLine – The latest area market numbers.

76 BackPage – News from around the community.

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

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OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL OFFICERS CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ President-Elect JOHN BORIACK President

SCOTT DOUGLAS Vice President at Large

DAVID LINDLEY, CAS President FSI Construction

GINA ERWIN Vice President at Large

DEREK DEVRIES, CAS Vice President, Camp Construction Services

SHELLEY WATSON Vice President at Large

CANDIS MOHR, CAS Secretary, AAA Plumbers

TRACIE YODER Vice President at Large

JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ, CAS Treasurer, The Urban Foresters

CLAY HICKS Immediate Past President

LAURA LESTUS, CAS Immediate Past President, The Liberty Group

STEPHANIE GRAVES Secretary/Treasurer

HOWARD BOOKSTAFF General Counsel

CASEY WATTS MORGAN CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS John Boriack President Clay Hicks Immediate Past President Mack Armstrong Julie Batche Jeff Blevins, CAS Jill Bounds, CAM Michelle Bridges, CAS Kyle Brown Joseph Bryson, CAM, IROP Tina Cavaco Terri Clifton Michelle Croasmun Derek DeVries, CAS Ian Douglas Scott Douglas, CAM, CAPS Gina Erwin Tamara Foster Israel Garza, CAS Diane Gilbert Monica Gracia Stephanie Graves, CAM, CAPS Manu Gupta Bryan Head, CAM Melissa Herrera Deborah Holcombe Crystal Jackson, CAM, CAPS Tyler Johnson Debbie Kelm Jacob Kunath, CAS Barby Lake Laura Lestus, CAS David Lindley, CAS 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 Corri Smith Kelley Suess Debbie Sulzer

Ryan Terrell Starla Turnbo Richard Wall, CAM, CAPS Shelley Watson Quintina Willis, CAM Tracie Yoder, CAPS DIRECTORS EMERITUS Josh Allen Ken Bohan Gary Blumberg Kathy Clem Jack Dinerstein Jenard Gross Darlene Guidry Alison Hall David Hargrove Larry Hill Stacy Hunt Hap Hunnicutt David Jones 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, CAS Amanda Kelly, CAS Cesar Lima Mary Lawler Bruce McClenny Angelee Kumar Parikh Penny Sprang Theri Tinelli Ruha Vohra, NALP, CAM Tony Whitaker GENERAL COUNSEL EMERITUS Joe Bax

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Claude Arnold Kenn Brown Tina Cavaco Terri Clifton Kevin Fenn Diane Gilbert Anita Harrison Dwayne Henson Mike Koch Merry Mount Monette Reynolds Sherry Stevenson Kirk Tate Suan Tinsley Sonny Unverzagt Del Walmsley Nancé Wells H.P. Paul Young Jeanne Marie Zublin Dicks PATRON MEMBERS 1961 CSC ServiceWorks 1968 Century A/C Supply 1978 Houston Planned Energy Systems 1982 Cotton Commercial USA Inc. 1984 AAA Plumbers 1985 Gemstar Construction Development 1986 Craven Carpet 1987 Dixie Carpet Installations 1994 Camp Construction Services 1997 Apartments.com 1999 FSI Construction Inc. 2006 Lowe’s Pro Supply

PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL MEMBERS Amanda Kelly, CAS, Angie Aversa, CAM, Brandt Electrical A/C CAPS, CAS, & Heating Services The Liberty Group Debra Knight, CAS, Chris Bell, CAS, Comm-Fit Cotton Commercial Stephanie Krop, Marivel Bownds, CASE, Poolsure CAS, Valet Living Liz Levins, CAS, Dixie Caldwell, Rasa Floors Apartments.com Tracey Moore, CAS, Shaun Callaway, CAS, Flooring Warehouse Earthworks Karen Nelsen, CAS Neal Conant, CAS, ALN Apartment Gemstar Data Construction Matthew Nunn, CAS, Development Capital Construction Sean Cunningham, Doug Oehl, CAS. CAS, Flooring Flooring Warehouse Warehouse Nikki Sekunda, CAS, Deborah DeRouen, The Liberty Group CAS, OneApp Blaise Spitaleri, CAS, Guarantee Gemstar Juana Estrada, CAS, Construction First OnSite Development Giovanna Gone, CAS, Mat Tilley, CAS, Century A/C Supply WeDoTrash Jimmie Hotz, CASE, Amber Whitaker, CAS Chadwell Supply FSI Construction Dan James, CAS, Redevelopment Services

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OCTOBER 2021 I VOLUME 44, ISSUE 10 CEO and Publisher CASEY WATTS MORGAN cmorgan@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 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 Coordinator MADISON POLSTON mpolston@haaonline.org Membership and Marketing Manager KAYLON NEWCOMB knewcomb@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 John Boriack Casey Morgan Program & Budget Christy Rodriguez Casey Morgan Nominating Clay Hicks Casey Morgan Fair Housing Mack Armstrong Casey Morgan Ethics Michelle Pawelek Casey Morgan Investment Stephanie Graves Casey Morgan ByLaws Kyle Brown Casey Morgan Past Presidents Council Kathy Clem Casey Morgan Multifamily Fire Safety Alliance Elizabeth Castro-Gray Andy Teas Developers Todd Triggs Andy Teas Legislative Christy Rodriguez Andy Teas Political Action Stacy Hunt Andy Teas Century Club Joseph Rodriguez Andy Teas Golf Mark Park Andy Teas Strategic Outreach Stephanie Graves Lauren Turner Leadership Development Alison Hall Susan Hinkley Community Outreach Jackie Aguirre Susan Hinkley Product Service Council David Lindley Susan Hinkley Expo Exhibitor Derek DeVries Amanda Sherbondy Membership Melissa Friend Amanda Sherbondy Doug Oehl Ambassador ONE Society Ryan Weis Amanda Sherbondy Marivel Bownds Independent Owners Connection Ramon Nunez Amanda Sherbondy Education Advisory Council Betsy Marshall Emily Hilton Monica Gracia Career & Community Development Penny Sprang Emily Hilton Resident Relations A Beverly Norris Matti Luna Resident Relations B Kevin Hartman Matti Luna Resident Relations Appeals Darlene Guidry Matti Luna HAF Fundraiser Mark Park Lauren Ragin Debbie Andreozzi NEXT Ruha Vohra Lauren Ragin Amanda Kelley Property Awards Susan Dear Tina DeFiore Crystal Jackson 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, OCTOBER 2021, VOLUME 44, ISSUE 10 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 © 2021 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.

100% Tree & Lawn Care LLC 3BeeGuys Bee Removal A + Infinity Blue Outdoors LLC AAA Staffing Ltd AAdvantage Laundry Systems ACM Contractors of Texas ACT Security Group Action Window Coverings Inc ACTIV Answer by Audio Images Adobe Floors Inc Adventure Playground Systems Inc Affinity Hot Water Technoogy Inc Alexander-Rose Associates Inc All About Doody Pet Solutions LLC All American Mailboxes of Houston Inc Allegion The Allshouse Group LLC ALN Apartment Data Inc America Outdoor Furniture American Fire Systems Inc AmRent Andrews Myers PC Apartment Lines ApartmentData.com APEX Lighting Store AppFolio Arbor Contract Carpet Inc arc electric + lighting Archcon ASAP Personnel Inc ASAP Steamers Carpet Cleaning Atom4 Security Camera AZPartsmaster Belfor Property Restoration Bell’s Laundries Benefits 4 Rent BenefitU Bentley, Bratcher & Associates - PC Bettencourt Tax Advisors LLC BGE Inc/aka Brown & Gay Engineers Inc Big Star Development LLC Bio-One Houston South BioTechs Crime & Trauma Scene Cleaning Blue Heron Technologies LLC BluSky Restoration Contractors Brady Chapman Holland & Assoc Brannan Designs LLC Architecture & Interior Design BrightView Landscape LLC BSI Building Professionals of Texas CAD Restoration Services LLC Cano Electric Inc Cantrell McCulloch Inc Carradine Valet CashFlow Pros LLC Centex Construction CFI Group Chadwell Supply Cinch – Cabinet Refacing Kits Citi Fence & Concrete Classic Same Day Blinds Classic Touch Painting Comcast Commercial Fire Protection Contractors Inc ControlByNet Cloud and Managed Video Surveillance

Solutions CORT Furniture CRE Business Solutions LLC Creative Blinds Crowned Eagle Construction CSI LED & Hardware Cypress Landscaping & Irrigation Inc DeNyse Companies Designs by Holmes Diamond Services LLC DNM Contracting Inc DoodyCalls Door Clearance Center Ecolo Environmental Inc Embark Services Emersyn Electrical Services LLC EnviroSmart Multifamily Pest Solutions Epic Air Conditioning Fantastic Floors FAST Security, LLC Featherston Sign Partners Fedora Intertech Fiat Construction LLC Fidus Construction Services Finish Factory Inc Finishes Insurance Agency Flavor Finish Resurfacing Flexirocks Front Row Signs Frontier Waste Solutions fun abounds Furniture Refinishing Services Gambit Construction Garan Commercial Construction Inc Gasof United Remodeling Gateman Inc Giordano Construction Inc Go-Staff Inc Graphic Stylus Promotional Products Great American Business Products Green City Security LLC Green Garbology Guardian Gutters Halo Doors Inc HARCO Insurance Services Hard Works Valet Trash & Recycling Hays Recruiting Higginbotham Hillco Building Service Hive Technology HK Morris Group LLC The Home Team Roofing & A/C Hoover Slovacek LLP Hut Services LLC IGD Plumbing LLC Industrial Disposal Supply Infinity Power Partners Johnstone Supply Jonah Digital Agency Kathy Andrews Interiors Keylo Painting & Construction King’s Granite and Marble KONE Leah McVeigh Design and Consulting The Liberty Group Lights Out Production Company Lincoln Jacob Construction

Lithotech Printed Products/ Forms Center LJL DESIGN, LLC Local Roofing and Restoration Lopez Carpet Care & Painting LP Building Solutions: LouisianaPacific Corporation LSR Multifamily Macyas Remodeling LLC Maldonado Nursery & Landscaping Inc Marathon Solutions Group LLC Masonry Solutions Inc Matrix Construction Services McMahan's Flooring Inc MPS Direct Mueller Water Conditioning Inc MV Electric Inc MX2 Commercial Paving Nations Roof Houston LLC Nettles & Co Property Tax Consulting Norman Roofing and Construction Notifii LLC O’Connor & AssociatesCommercial Property Tax Division O’Conor Mason & Bone PC On Duty Tree and Landscape Outdoor Elements P.A.I. Restoration Pace Mechanical Services LLC Parking Management Company/PMC Towing Paul Davis Restoration North Houston PCS Creative Surface LLC Perma-Pier Foundation Repair of Texas Pool Knights Precision Hydro Pros Priority Protection & Investigations Inc Pro Turf Landscaping Professional Resurface LLC Pura Flo Corporation Quick Roofing RAM Construction Ram Jack Foundation Solutions Redevelopment Services Redstone Payment Solutions Reliable Roofing of Texas Inc Reliant Remedy Roofing Inc RENCON Rent Debt Automated Collections RentSense LLC Residential Waste Service LLC Restoration 1 of Central Houston REVS (Refuel Electric Vehicle Solutions) RezClean Houston RG Miller Engineers RLB Construction Ltd dba RoofTec Roosevelt General Contracting Roto-Rooter Services Co SafeRent Solutions Saifee Signs & Graphics Saint Clair & Sons Inc Scoop Troop HTX SEAL Security Solutions LLC

Secure Insurance Security Reconnaissance Team Sherwin Williams Company Sign-Ups & Banners Signal 88 Security SOS-ASAP Softwashing South Central Electric LLC Southern Shingles State Patrol Services LLC Steward Trash Valet Service Storm Maintenance & Monitoring Stormwater Professionals Group Strata Roofing and Construction LLC Structural Concrete Systems LLC Swain & Baldwin Insurance & Risk Management Texas Apartment Pool Services Texas Concrete Professional Company Texas Engineered Roofing & General Contracting Texas Landscape Group LLC Texas Management Group LLC Texas Southwest Floors Inc Texas Waste Management Solutions LLC Texas Window Cleaning Co Inc Text Services LLC The Lane Law Firm Three Amigos Texas LLC Tidal Renovations LLC Top Brass Services Group Tpo Pros Roofing & Restoration Triangle DJ Contractors Two Brothers Foundation Repair United Protective Services Urban Design Constructors LLC USA Patrol Division Valet Living VBM Waste LLC Vima Decor WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems Watermark Restoration and Construction Wayfinder Tax Relief LLC Webb Pest Control Westco Grounds Maintenance LLC Whitmans Contracting and Roofing Willbanks & Associates Inc World Cinema Inc WRLD PRO Vending LLC

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Letter from the President

By JOHN BORIACK, 2021 HAA President

LEARN FROM THE LEADERS Advice from the Houston Apartment Association’s rich legacy of past presidents.

TO CONTINUE SHARING leadership lessons from industry icons, I want to change gears here and interview past presidents of the Product Service Council. We can learn a lot from these legendary supplier partners.

Past PSC President Grant Crowell, CAS, like many other past PSC presidents, is an entrepreneur who built his successful company from the ground up while simultaneously volunteering and contributing his time, energy and hard-earned money to the Houston Apartment Association.

Grant quickly rose through the ranks as a volunteer supplier partner for HAA through his relentless and consistent commitment to HAA. He is a thoughtful and purposeful individual who I have learned a lot from, and I believe you can gain helpful insight from him too.

John Boriack: What are some things you wish you knew when you started your career?

Grant Crowell: I wish I knew myself, my temperament and my flaws better. Not only that, but I wish I knew, as most of us have figured out, not everyone thinks like you, sees the world like you or values the same things you value. This is pretty standard stuff. The hard part comes in when you have to articulate those differences, own anything that might truly be a fault of yours and leverage those differences for the good of others. A lot of humility there.

John: What skill do you believe is the most important to perfect for someone who does what you do?

Grant: Well, let's take humility for a start. One thing that has become clear to me is that things change over time, especially if the business grows. What once worked for you might actually become a liability. For example, at one time I was the lead salesperson at the business, but as the business grew, it actually became a weakness for us if I was doing the sales. In this case, I am defining humility as "knowing the truth about yourself," neither over nor underestimating your talents, capabilities, weaknesses and/or strengths. It's a difficult thing to get an accurate picture of yourself.

One thing that has become clear to me is that things change over time, especially if the business grows. What once worked for you might actually become a liability.

For example, at one time I was the lead salesperson at the business, but as the business grew, it actually became a weakness for us if I was doing the sales. In this case, I am defining humility as “knowing the truth about yourself,” neither over nor underestimating your talents, capabilities, weaknesses and/or strengths. It's a difficult thing to get an accurate picture of yourself.

A second skill would be seeking counsel. In this case, I mean true coaching, not just getting tips and tricks from peers. Seeking out someone trained in coaching who will take you on for a long period of time and who shares your values. This is an invaluable relationship for your growth as a leader. They can help you with the knowing yourself part of my answer above. I can't stress enough: This is not a typical networking or collegial relationship like most of us tend to think of when we say mentoring. A true coach is going to work on your character, not your skills. This is grueling work sometimes because you have to come face-to-face with your bad habits, biases and mistakes. Further, I would recommend this person does not have a connection to the industry. There is less of a temptation to slide into tactical problem solving when the coach can't actually help you solve the practical issues you are facing. Again, they are there to build your character, so that you can go solve the problems.

John: What is the hardest leadership lesson that keeps being presented to you that you either have to learn or relearn?

Grant: For me, it would be diligence beyond the entrepreneurial phase. Here's what I mean: I love change. I love to do something new.

I love to learn about what I don't know. This put me in hot water more than a handful of times. I'll fail to drive the nail all the way into the wood, so to speak, when I leave a job 70% done. This is common in entrepreneurial people. It is hard for us to be finishers. A second hard lesson for me is being too soft on people. I tend not to like ruffling feathers, especially the feathers of my own people. I want them / See President, Page 63

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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

October Patron of the Month

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October 2021

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

Century A/C Supply

HAA Member since 1968

www.haaonline.org

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Legislative Update

By CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ, HAA Legislative Chair, with ANDY TEAS, CAE, Vice President of Public Affairs

THE END OF THE EVICTION MORATORIUM And other city and state updates.

IN LATE AUGUST, the United States Supreme Court finally found that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s eviction moratorium rule was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court noted that the agency’s rule relied on a “decades-old statute that authorizes it to implement measures like fumigation and pest extermination. It strains credulity to believe that this statute grants the CDC the sweeping authority that it asserts.”

The past 18 months have been a challenge for the apartment industry, and the challenges are by no means over. Some good news is that our area has been home to the most successful local rental assistance programs in the nation.

The Houston-Harris County Program administered by BakerRipley has distributed nearly $200 million in rental assistance directly to landlords, and – after a rough start – the Texas Rent Relief program has distributed nearly $750 million at press time.

This has kept renters in their units, it has helped Houston Apartment Association members and other apartment owners pay their bills as the economy realigns from the pandemic and adjusts to the ongoing challenges of the delta variant.

Harris County Civil Court-At-Law In August, Harris County Civil Court-At-Law Judge George Barnstone resigned. To fill the position, county commissioners have appointed Judge Audrie Lawton-Evans, a local attorney with an impressive background in the Civil Litigation Division of the Texas Attorney General’s office and a local law practice.

Your Vote Matters www.haaonline.org

The apartment industry in Harris County pays a lot of attention to our four civil courtat-law judges. Any eviction case appealed from a justice court ends up there, often after an appeal has delayed the eviction process by weeks or months. Having judges who will follow the law, rule fairly and move dockets quickly is essential to the housing business.

As the newly appointed judge in Harris County Civil Court-At-Law 1, Lawton-Evans will join her colleagues running for re-election next year: Jim Kovach in Court 2, La Shawn Williams in Court 3 and Lesley Briones in Court 4. Party primary races will be held at some point, probably in late Spring, depending on the resolution of redistricting by the legislature and the courts. If re-nominated by their party, each will run in the general election in November.

Overnight Truck Parking Authored by State Representatives Gary Gates (R-Rosenberg) and Mike Scholfield (RKaty), a new law passed by the state legislature earlier this year provides for the owner or manager of an apartment property in unincorporated Harris County to request that the county post signs prohibiting the parking of commercial vehicles on the street next to the property between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. This is an occasional problem in certain areas, such as tractor trailer rigs using the street in front of apartment communities for overnight parking.

The law took effect last month, and the county has clarified that such requests should be routed through your county commis-

sioner’s office. There’s a “service request” form that’s different for each precinct. If this is an issue at your community, email the government affairs staff at govaffairs@haaonline.org – they can help get you to the right place.

Sole Provider Trash Contracts Some cities in the Houston area have found an interesting way to earn revenue from the collection of your property’s trash by private companies. Cities like Pasadena, Pearland, Tomball, Fulshear and Seabrook have ordinances requiring all commercial trash to be collected by a single company which they designate. In exchange for exclusive rights, the company pays a fee to the city.

Sometimes, properties in these cities end up paying rates that are higher, sometimes substantially higher, than in cities that allow competition.

If you have a property in a city that engages in this practice, we want to hear from you. Email govaffairs@haaonline.org and let us know how your trash costs differ from your costs in cities that allow the open market to set prices.

November Election Don’t forget to vote in the November 2 election. Elsewhere in this issue, we cover the state constitutional amendment election as well as races in many local school districts and for the Houston Committee College Board of Trustees. You will also be getting an invitation to participate in the HAA Political Action Committee for 2022. We would love to have you as part of our effort to help support candidates who support the apartment industry!

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

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It’s the Law

By HOWARD BOOKSTAFF, Hoover Slovacek LLP , HAA General Counsel

DEALING WITH CRIME IN APARTMENTS

How to deal with residents, occupants or guests involved in crime-related conduct and communicating security-related issues to residents.

ON JULY 2, 2021, ABC13.com posted an article entitled “Violent crime rates continue to spike across Houston, while number of officers on patrol shrinks”1. The article outlined several trends in crime statistics over the past two years. Specifically, the article stated: • From January to May 2019, 90,916 crimes were reported to the Houston Police Department, according to data from the city; during the same time in 2021, 103,248 crimes were reported.

• Aggravated assaults were up 39% in 2021 compared to 2019.

• One aggravated assault was reported in the city every 28 minutes.

• 87% more weapon violations were reported in 2021 than in 2019.

• Theft of car parts, like catalytic converters, were up 114%.

• The crimes that are up the most compared to 2019 are murder, sexual assault with an object, welfare fraud, gambling equipment violations, theft of motor vehicle accessory and weapons law violations.

Security is an ongoing concern for those that live in a major metropolitan area. Statistics are always subject to interpretation, debate and analysis. However, most of us would not be surprised if crime occurred anywhere in Houston or surrounding areas.

When reading about these crime statistics and coming to the realization that crime could happen at any apartment community, it may be beneficial to discuss two issues: • How to deal with residents or others at your property that may be involved in criminal or quasi-criminal activity.

• How to communicate with residents regarding security-related issues.

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Dealing with residents, Security is an ongoing concern for those that occupants or guests involved in crime-related conduct. live in a major metropolitan area. Statistics are If you have conduct at your always subject to interpretation, debate and property that is related to criminal analysis. However, most of us would not be conduct, your primary remedy is surprised if crime occurred anywhere in Houston to evict the resident who is inor surrounding areas. volved or who has guests or occupants involved, in the conduct. It’s not ok for residents, occupants or guests to n Section 20 Prohibited Conduct. yell profanities or threaten the health or This paragraph has a number of sections safety of people who live or work at the propthat could support an eviction for criminal erty. The standard TAA lease contains a numor quasi-criminal conduct. ber of provisions that can be used in many of • Subparagraph 20(a) prohibits criminal these cases. conduct, regardless of whether or where arn Section 2 Occupants. rest or conviction occurs. The conduct inOftentimes, the source of criminal or cludes drug activity, engaging in or quasi-criminal conduct are unauthorized threatening violence, weapon offenses, disoccupants. If this section of the lease has charging a firearm or displaying or possessbeen properly filled out when the lease is ing a weapon in the common area or in a completed, this paragraph can be used as a way that may alarm others. source of a default if you discover an unau• Subsection 20(b) prohibits behaving in a thorized occupant. loud or obnoxious manner.

Tip: Be sure to fill this section out com• Subsection 20(c) prohibits disturbing or pletely and correctly when the lease is comthreatening conduct. pleted. The standard TAA lease allows you to • Subsection 20(d) prohibits disrupting fill in a blank for the number of days that you the owner’s business operations. would allow someone to live in the unit withTip: The resident is responsible for the out permission. This should be a smaller conduct of occupants and guests. Even if a number (perhaps two or three days) to give guest commits the offensive conduct, the you a better chance at proving a default. resident is responsible. If a resident, occupant or guest acts aggressively in the mann Section 19.5 Notice of Convictions and agement office, these provisions could be Registration. used to support an eviction.

This paragraph requires the resident to non Section 32.1 Acts of Default. tify the owner within 15 days if the resident or This section provides that a resident is in any occupants are convicted of a felony or a default if, among other things: the resident misdemeanor involving a controlled subor any guest or occupant violates the lease, stance, violence to another person, or deapartment rules, or fire, safety, health or struction of property, or if the resident or any criminal laws, regardless of whether or occupant registers as a sex offender.

The full article can be viewed at https://abc13.com/houston-violent-crime-rate-murder-in-growing-kids-killed-gun-violence/10854925/.

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where arrest or conviction occurs; the resident gives incorrect or false answers in a rental application; or a resident or occupant is arrested, charged, detained, convicted or given deferred adjudication or pretrial diversion for an offense involving actual or potential physical harm to a person, drug-related activity or any sex-related crime.

Tip: This section can be used to support an eviction if the resident or an occupant is detained by the police for an offense involving actual or potential physical harm to a person or drug-related activity. This section can also be used to support an eviction if you discover that the resident has given false information in the rental application, including information relating to the resident’s criminal or rental history.

Communication with residents.

Claims against apartment owners relating to criminal activity often involve an allegation that the owner has misrepresented securityrelated issues to residents. In response to such allegations, it is valuable to know what the lease provides regarding these issues.

n Section 24.1 Disclaimer.

n Section 24.5 Crime or Emergency.

In this section, the owner disclaims any express or implied warranties of security. This section also provides that no security system is failsafe, even the best system can’t prevent crime and that the resident should always act as if security systems don’t exist since they are subject to malfunction, tampering and human error. The best safety measures are the ones that the resident takes as a matter of common sense and habit.

This section advises residents to immediately dial 911 or call police personnel in case of suspected criminal activity. The resident agrees that none of the owner’s security measures are an express or implied warranty of security or a guarantee against crime or of reduced risk of crime and that unless otherwise provided by law, the owner is not liable to residents, occupants or guests for injury, damage or loss to person or property caused by criminal conduct of other persons, including theft, burglary, assault, vandalism or other crimes. The resident further agrees that even if previously provided, the owner is not obliged to furnish security personnel, patrols, lighting, gates, fences or other forms of security unless required by law and that the owner is not responsible for obtaining criminal-history checks on any residents, occupants, guests or contractors in the apartment community.

n Section 24.2 Your [the resident’s] Duty of Due Care.

This section requires residents, occupants and guests to exercise due care for their own and others’ safety and security. n Section 24.4 Loss.

This section states that unless otherwise required by law, the owner is not liable to any resident, guest or occupant for personal injury or damage, loss of personal property, or loss of business or personal income from any cause, including theft, vandalism, or negligent or intentional acts of residents, occupants or guests.

When communicating with residents, it would be beneficial to be as consistent as possible with what the resident has already agreed to in the lease. / See Law, Page 51

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www.haaonline.org

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Resident Relations from the RESIDENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE

PRORATED RENT

A resident who stayed past the move-out date disputes prorated rent and charges.

A RESIDENT FILED a complaint with

the Houston Apartment Association to dispute prorated rent and to receive a refund on her security deposit.

In her complaint, the resident explained she never received an explanation for the charges.

Management responded to HAA and that response was forwarded to the applicant. Enclosed in management’s response were copies of the lease, application, final account statement, resident ledger and pictures. Management felt the resident was charged correctly.

The resident’s lease term ended on Aug. 30.

The resident’s notice to vacate was given for Aug. 29. Management checked the unit from Aug. 30 through Sept. 8, finally on Sept. 8, all of

the resident’s belongings were The HAA Resident Relations Committees provide moved out of the unit. an impartial review of resident complaints using Management charged the resident for the days the unit the documentation provided by both the resident was not surrendered and final and management. utilities, including the unit keys and gate card that were not returned to management.

The committee ruled in favor of manageThe HAA Resident Relations Committee ment. Charges were justified, and manageprovides an impartial review of resident comment provided valid proof. The resident owes plaints using the documentation provided by the property $231.87. both the resident and management.

The resident may pursue this complaint in small claims court if he wishes.

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 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!”

www.haaonline.org

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The Honors are back November 11!

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It’s been a tough two years. Come celebrate the best in the multifamily industry with HAA. We will be honoring the best in the industry, plus recognition of the 2021/2022 HAA Officers and Board of Directors, our 2021 committees, NAA Credential holders and HAA Lyceum graduates.

2021 Honors Awards THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11 6 P.M. TO 9 P.M. HILTON AMERICAS-HOUSTON 1600 LAMAR ST., HOUSTON, TEXAS 77010 $120/person Don’t miss the Early Bird Discount: Save $20 – Only $100 if payment is received by October 22 Tables of 10 may be reserved by company name when paid in full.

Requests for refunds must be received in writing by the end of business day on November 4 and will be subject to a $50 cancellation fee. No refunds will be granted after November 4 or for no shows. No refunds will be given for individual tickets, but tickets are fully transferable.

For reservations and information, contact events@haaonline.org or register online at www.haaonline.org/honors.

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2021 We are back and hotter than ever! There will be teams serving up their best chili and all kinds of activities for kids and adults:

Mark your calendars for HAF’s 30th Annual

Chili Fest 2021!

Saturday, October 23 Noon to 5 p.m.

Humble Civic Center 8233 Will Clayton Pkwy., Humble, TX 77338

UPDATED! Low-touch activities for kids of all ages: Movies on the Lawn, Pumpkin Decorating, Face Painting, Balloon Artists, Kona Shaved Ice and much more!

Trick or Treating and Costume Contest for the kids!

Tickets are a smoking-hot steal for this all-inclusive event!

Interested in entering the Chili Cook-off Contest? Contact events@haaonline.org for details on how you can get cooking!

Reserve your tickets at www.haaonline.org/chilifest

Take Hwy. 59 North toward Kingwood, exit Will Clayton Pkwy. and turn right.

Turn left on South Houston Avenue and the Humble Civic Center Arena is on the right.

Wristbands: Adult - $10 prepaid; $12 on-site Child (5-12) - $6 prepaid, $8 on-site Kids 4 and under - Free!

Habanero Sponsors AAA Plumbers Earthworks Inc. Gatewise Inc. Texas Apartment Pool Services Over 21 Wristband Sponsor Contractors Inc. Awards Sponsor Contractors Inc. Chili-tizer Station Sponsors Core Landscape Group Scoop Troop

Jalapeno Sponsors American Fire Systems ApartmentData.com AZPartsmaster BluSky Restoration Camp Construction Services Century A/C Supply Contractors Inc. Flooring Warehouse FSI Construction HD Supply Ideal Towing Lowe’s Pro Supply Matrix Construction Services Perma-Pier Redevelopment Services Steward Trash Valet Valet Living WeDoTrash

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OCTOBER S M T W T

Calendar HAA Education, Events and Meetings SCHEDULE

3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28 31

F 1 8 15 22 29

S 2 9 16 23 30

NOVEMBER S M T W 1 2 3 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 28 29 30

T 4 11 18 25

F 5 12 19 26

S 6 13 20 27

OCTOBER 4

Dinerstein Memorial Golf Tournament – SOLD OUT! Monday, October 4 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wildcat Golf Club 1200 Almeda Road, 77045

5

Certified Apartment Leasing Professional Course Tuesday, October 5 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To enhance the skills of the apartment leasing professional, resulting in better informed, highly professional individuals with increased lease activity and improved resident relations. Schedule consists of four consecutive Tuesdays.

6

Avenues: Maintenance Blvd. 2 – “Maintenance Matters” with Chad Moulin Wednesday, October 6 8:30 a.m. to noon This session centers on how to deal with different people on your property. Residents, co-workers, vendors and suppliers. We can talk about how you may have a separate set of boundaries for each. Learn how to manage the relationships and expectations of each group. And you are not getting off the hook that easy! We will also examine what these individuals may expect from you. Understanding what people expect from you can help you get what you expect from them.

See Page 22 for more information.

Sponsored by AAA Plumbers New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, October 6 10 a.m.

Via Zoom All new supplier members are welcome.

Contact members@haaonline.org for link.

Ambassador ONE Society Happy Hour Wednesday, October 6 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Kirby Ice House Memorial City 1015 Gessner Road Ambassador members only.

Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org to join.

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7

Legal Lowdown Webinar Thursday, October 7 3 p.m.

Via Zoom See Page 23 for more information.

Chili Fest Committee Meeting Thursday, October 7 3:30 p.m.

Chili Fest Exhibitors Meeting Thursday, October 7 4:30 p.m.

8

NEXT Professional Development Breakfast Friday, October 8 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

This month’s program is a “Masters Panel” featuring HAA and PSC Past Presidents.

Sponsored by AZPartsmaster and Core Landscape Group

12

Certified Apartment Leasing Professional Course Tuesday, October 12 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To enhance the skills of the apartment leasing professional, resulting in better informed, highly professional individuals with increased lease activity and improved resident relations. Schedule consists of four consecutive Tuesdays.

19

Certified Apartment Leasing Professional Course Tuesday, October 19 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To enhance the skills of the apartment leasing professional, resulting in better informed, highly professional individuals with increased lease activity and improved resident relations. Schedule consists of four consecutive Tuesdays.

20-22

TAA Fall Board Meeting – Houston Wednesday, October 20 to Friday, October 22 The Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa TAA will install its 2022 Executive Committee and Clay Hicks as President the evening of October 21.

20

Certified Apartment Manager Course: Property Maintenance Wednesday, October 20 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sponsored by Best Plumbing Expert Exchange Wednesday, October 20 Noon to 12:30 p.m.

HAA’s Micro Webinar series is made available to you via Zoom and YouTube (subscribe to HAATV).

Every third Wednesday of each month.

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Resident Relations Committee B Meeting Wednesday, October 13 2 p.m.

Via Zoom Education Advisory Council Meeting Thursday, October 14 10 a.m.

HAAPAC Luncheon Thursday, October 14 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The guest speaker will be Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07).

Sponsored by ApartmentData.com

Certified Apartment Manager Course: Legal Responsibilities Thursday, October 21 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sponsored by ApartmentData.com Chili Fest Exhibitor Move In Friday, October 22 All day Humble Civic Center 8233 Will Clayton Pkwy, Humble, 77338

23

Featured Event: HAF Chili Fest Saturday, October 23 Noon to 5 p.m.

Join us as we bring the heat back at the 30th annual HAF Chili Fest!

Don't miss out on HAA member teams serving up their best chili along with family friendly activities and games for all ages!

See Page 18 for more information and a list of sponsors.

26

Certified Apartment Leasing Professional Course Tuesday, October 26 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

To enhance the skills of the apartment leasing professional, resulting in better-informed, highly professional individuals with increased lease activity and improved resident relations. Schedule consists of four consecutive Tuesdays.

27

Avenues: Main Street 3 – “The Mental Makeover” with Terri Norvell Wednesday, October 27 8:30 a.m. to noon Work, deadlines, expectations, family matters, relationships, trauma, uncertainty, stress, stress and more stress. It’s time to get mentally fit!

And here’s why you care. If you are mentally fit, you can handle life’s challenges without stress, suffering, frustration or other negative emotions. In this session, you’ll tap into six superpowers to help you feel strong and successful in every situation you face. You’ll learn how to recognize the possible 10 different voices in your head that create the mental swirl of negative thoughts throughout the day. You will also learn how to tap into positive thinking by strengthening the voice that leads to a happier, healthier and more productive life (without working harder). It's time to get mentally fit!

See Page 22 for more information.

Sponsored by Best Plumbing

HAA Legislative Committee Meeting Thursday, October 14 2 p.m. www.haaonline.org

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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.

For the most up-to-date information, see the calendar on the HAA website:

www.haaonline.org

NOVEMBER 3

New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, November 3 10 a.m.

Via Zoom All new supplier members are welcome.

Contact members@haaonline.org for link.

Ambassador ONE Society Happy Hour Wednesday, November 3 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Kirby Ice House Memorial City 1015 Gessner Road Ambassadors only.

Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

Certified Apartment Manager Course: Risk Management Module Wednesday, November 3 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sponsored by Outdoor Elements

4

Certified Apartment Manager Course: Human Resources Module Thursday, November 4 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sponsored by Core Landscape Group Legal Lowdown Thursday, November 4 3 p.m.

See Page 23 for more information.

Sponsored by Perma-Pier

5

Blood Drive Friday, November 5 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Chili Fest Committee Meeting Friday, November 5 4 p.m.

A final, wrap-up meeting for the Chili Fest Committee.

9-12

Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician Course: HVAC Maintenance Repair Module Tuesday, November 9 through Friday, November 12 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sponsored by Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services

10

Resident Relations Committee A Meeting Wednesday, November 10 Via Zoom 2 p.m.

11

Blue Star Program Thursday, November 11 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The Blue Star Certification Program is a joint effort by the Houston Police Department and HAA. Created for rental properties of all sizes, the program's goal is to help law enforcement officials and the multifamily housing industry work together to effectively reduce criminal activity in rental properties.

Please direct questions to officer Leoroy Ferguson at Leoroy.Ferguson @houstonpolice.org.

Featured Event: Honors Awards Thursday, November 11 6 p.m.

Hilton Americas-Houston 1600 Lamar Street, 77010 Join us as we honor and celebrate the multifamily industry's finest professionals and properties, as well as recent NAA credential holders.

See Pages 16 and 17 for more information and to view a list of sponsors.

16-17

Leasing 101 (two days) Tuesday, November 16 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

17

Steering Meeting Tuesday, November 16 through Wednesday, November 17 12 p.m.

Avenues: Maintenance 3 “Intermediate HVAC” with Mark Cukro Wednesday, November 17 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

See Page 22 for details.

Sponsored by AAA Plumbers

17

NEXT Committee Meeting Wednesday, November 17 5 p.m.

Moonshine Deck 3304 Milam Street, 77006

18

HAA Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, November 18 4 p.m.

Sponsored by Recycle NOW

19

IROC Breakfast Friday, November 19 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Sponsored by Fetch Package

23

HAAPAC Luncheon Tuesday, November 23 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sponsored by ALN Apartment Data

25-26

Offices Closed Thursday, November 25 through Friday, November 26 The HAA office is closed in observance of Thanksgiving.

Take a seat at the table to support your business and our industry The Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee is the PAC of the Houston Apartment Association, a non-profit trade association representing the area apartment industry.

Without political capital, our industry would not be as successful in representing you or your clients’ interests, and thus, your financial well-being.

The HAAPAC participates in local and state political campaigns, helping candidates who support the apartment industry and its supplier businesses. You can participate in the HAAPAC on several levels. Don’t miss these upcoming events: NAAPAC Wine Tasting Thursday, October 28 HAAPAC luncheons: Thursday, October 14 with Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) and Tuesday, November 23 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, visit

www.haaonline.org/haapac

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. www.haaonline.org

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Sponsored by

Follow a road that fits you career journey with Avenues. The Avenues series of seminars feature some of the best nationally-acclaimed speakers in the industry with learning sessions for every level of multifamily professional. Annual Property Subscriptions are available with unlimited attendance for all on-site property staff to all sessions at discounted prices: • Only $199 per year per property for properties with fewer than 200 units • Only $399 per year per property for properties with 200 to 350 units.

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

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

Look for the class schedule and online at www.haaonline.org for details.

Contact the HAA Education Department at education@haaonline.org or register online at www.haaonline.org.

Main

ST

Maintenance

Main III October 27 Teri Norvell The Mental Makeover

Maintenance II October 6 Chad Moulin Maintenance Manners Maintenance III November 17 Mark Cukro Intermediate HVAC

Look for the class schedule and online at www.haaonline.org for details.

Contact the HAA Education Department at education@haaonline.org or register online at www.haaonline.org.

ing Livestream View ersg forodentails. or Inao-P nline.or See www.ha

BLVD

Leadership

LN

Leadership III December 14 Amy Kosnikowski Dilisio Play To Your Team’s Strengths: Adapt Your Leadership Style To Bring Out The Best in All

We’re on the road

ar? in m e s e n o t s ju d Nee sessions are priced at only $50

on!

Individual r quality educati fo l a e st l a re a , n per perso

again!

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Mark your calendars!

October 7 November 4 December 2 Watch your email and visit www.haaonline.org for the latest topics to be discussed.

Get the lowdown, virtually!

2021 is another bumpy ride, with many legal implications for the multifamily industry. Stay up to date and in the know via this monthly series. Join Howard Bookstaff virtually for an update on all things legal, from eviction procedures to local, state and federal law changes.

First Thursday of every month at 3 p.m.

Program fee: $45 per person Annual Property Subscription available: $500 per property

Register online today at www.haaonline.org or call 713-595-0300 for details.

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CAPS off to a great career All in one week: December 6-10

and hands up to a bright future.

Credential Qualifications: • Minimum of 24 months of multisite property management experience or be a CAM or ARM credential holder in good standing and have 24 months of management experience in a management role or position • Classroom attendance in at least four of the five scheduled class days • A passing score on parts I and II of the CAPS exam within 12 months of enrollment Course Schedule and Fees: • The CAPS curriculum is comprised of six modules and is administered

by HAA in five days • Check-in and registration begins at 8:30 a.m.

• Modules vary in length; classes generally will conclude by 5 p.m. or earlier • Lunch is provided • Total Program Cost: $1,310 • All textbooks, exam fees and meals are included in the course fee

CAPS Course Calendar: December 6: Client Services and Stakeholder Relations December 7: Investment Management Decemer 8: Improving Occupancy December 9: Asset Evaluation and Preservation December 10: Talent Management and Leadership December 10: Contemporary Issues in Multifamily Housing For a more detailed synopsis of individual course content, please visit the education page of our website at www.haaonline.org/education.

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Sponsored by: Best Plumbing

Contractors Inc. Earthworks Inc.

Dixie Carpet Installations Inc.

Hoffer Furniture Rental & Sales

For a more detailed synopsis of individual course content, please visit the education page of our website at www.haaonline.org. For more information on the CAPS credential, contact the HAA Education Department at 713-595-0319, email education@haaonline.org or see online at www.haaonline.org. www.haaonline.org

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

THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM? Treasury updates rental assistance guidance.

ON AUGUST 25,2021, the U.S. Department of Treasury (USDT) released its third edition of guidance (https://home.treasury.gov/system/files/136/E RA-FAQ-8-25-2021.pdf) to help state and local administrators improve their rental assistance programs and accelerate distribution of federal Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program grants. While a number of the changes to the guidance are beneficial to the industry, additional changes are needed to ensure that grantees distribute federal rental assistance expeditiously to housing providers and their residents. According to recent USDT reporting, states and localities have only distributed 11% of the $46.5 billion in available funds.

As a direct result of the National Apartment Association’s (NAA) advocacy, the new guidance explicitly permits self-attestation to be used in documenting each aspect of a household’s eligibility for ERA, permits state and local ERA programs to rely on self-attestation alone to document household income eligibility when documentation is not available during the public health emergency and makes clear that state and local grantees may—at an eligible resident’s request—provide assistance to cover remaining rental or utility arrears at a previous address.

Additionally, the updated guidance will enable state and local grantees to provide advance assistance to housing and utility providers based on estimated eligible arrears, as well as permit grantees to make additional rent payments to housing providers that take on residents facing major barriers to securing a lease, including those who have been evicted or experienced homelessness in the past year. To learn more about the newly minted guidance, please visit the USDT’s website at https://home.treasury. gov/news/press-releases/jy0333.

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align with the real estate industry’s program reform priorities (see our August 18 letter to Congress and Administration officials https://www.naahq.org/sites/default/files/2 021-08-18_letter_on_erap_recommendations_.pdf). However, we continue to urge additional program enhancements in our advocacy that would increase positive outcomes for both participating housing providers and renters, including: • Align ERAP and the CDC Eviction Order’s income requirements for renters to close the gap in eligibility; • Require state and local grantees to facilitate bulk processing of applications and payments; • Direct grantees to allow housing providers to apply on behalf of residents and establish a safe harbor for the presumption of renter eligibility when residents refuse to engage in the application process; • Allow ERAP to reimburse rental property owners for rent arrears even if the renter moves out or terminates their tenancy early and prohibit program requirements that force housing providers to return payments in these cases; • Clarify that renter eligibility is not contingent on having a COVID-19 diagnosis; and • Prohibit grantees from imposing program requirements or proscriptions unrelated to payment of outstanding or future rental assistance.

NAA continues its advocacy efforts with Congress and the Administration to ensure that rental assistance programs continue to be executed in an efficient and effective manner. If you have any questions regarding rental assistance, please contact Jodie Applewhite at japplewhite@naahq.org.

SCOTUS Strikes Down CDC Eviction Moratorium On August 26, 2021, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled 6-3 to strike down the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s

(CDC) federal eviction moratorium (CDC Order). This important decision is not about pursuing evictions for all residents, but rather it restores the ability of housing providers to effectively manage their properties and recognizes that the CDC lacked the authority to impose an unfunded, federal housing mandate that disrupted court processes, housing operations and the rental housing stock nationwide.

“It is indisputable that the public has a strong interest in combating the spread of the COVID– 19 Delta variant,” read the unauthored majority opinion issued along ideological lines. “But our system does not permit agencies to act unlawfully even in pursuit of desirable ends.”

Please note that this SCOTUS ruling only applies to the CDC Order – the CARES Act 30-day notice requirement and state and local eviction moratoria remain in effect. Housing providers should continue to follow all applicable laws and regulations, including state and/or local eviction restrictions, and consult trusted local counsel for clarification as needed.

The ruling emphasized that if a federal eviction moratorium is to continue that Congress must specifically authorize it, which the National Apartment Association (NAA) continues to oppose. There is a possibility that the U.S. House of Representatives will pursue such legislation when Congress returns in September; however, the possibility of an eviction moratorium bill passing through both the House and Senate is slim.

Instead of continuing to pursue flawed and unlawful eviction restrictions, the focus must shift to the distribution of federal emergency rental assistance funds. A recent Treasury report revealed that only 11% of funds have been distributed, meaning $41.4 billion still has not reached renters and housing providers who need the funds the most. NAA, alongside our real estate industry coalition partners, is urging Congress to implement critically needed rewww.haaonline.org

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forms to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) that will accelerate distribution. By taking the steps to make responsible and necessary reforms to this program, lawmakers can address the underlying financial distress faced by rental housing providers and their residents and ensure the long-term stability of the nation’s rental housing infrastructure.

Critically, NAA continues its lawsuit seeking more than $26 billion in damages brought on by the CDC’s order. This lawsuit’s primary intention is to ensure unfunded rent debt accrued under the CDC order is paid, wiping $26 billion in unfunded rent debt from housing providers’ books and, subsequently, from residents’ records. The SCOTUS ruling is a good first step in making housing providers and residents whole again, and further affirms the lawsuit’s goal of recovering lost rent suffered under an unlawful federal mandate. Your support is encouraged.

New Plan Signals White House Commitment to Housing President Biden has taken several steps to ensure an increase in the supply of affordable housing, according to a new fact sheet on the Administration’s housing agenda released on September 1, 2021 at https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/09/01/fact-sheet-biden-harris-ad ministration-announces-immediate-steps-toincrease-affordable-housing-supply/ In the plan, the White House lays out four areas in which immediate action has been taken to drive affordability in housing: boosting the supply of affordable housing, increasing the availability of 2-4 unit properties, increasing homeownership for individuals and working with state and local stakeholders to reduce exclusionary zoning.

One of the plan’s first actions is to increase the contributions that government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may invest towards the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). LIHTC provides critical support to the nation’s affordable housing production by helping apartment firms operate below-market rate housing in an economically feasible manner. In addition to the GSEs’ increased investment in LIHTC, the Treasury Department will unleash $383 million of new funding into the Capital Magnet Fund grant program which will help leverage private capital for the development of new affordable housing.

The plan also relaunches a partnership between / See NAA Update , Page 61 www.haaonline.org

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography HAA Hall of Fame honoring Beth Van Winkle Sponsored by 1 Dixie Carpet Installations and 2 Gemstar Construction Development Thursday, August 12 at the Omni Houston Hotel More than 300 attendees joined HAA in inducting Beth Van Winkle, Highmark Residential, into the HAA Hall of Fame, the association’s highest honor. Friends, family, peers and TAA colleagues celebrated Beth’s life and career with entertaining presentations, including heartfelt speeches and videos.

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www.haaonline.org

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography HAA Hall of Fame

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www.haaonline.org

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www.haaonline.org

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography HAA Hall of Fame

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Meet a NEXTer

Learn more about the Houston Apartment Association’s young professionals group through a NEXT Committee Member. This month, Jessica Gaddis, The Dinerstein Companies, interviews Brandon Coleman, property manager with Point ReyesZocalo Apartments

J

essica: How did you get into the industry?

Brandon: After serving in the Navy for four and a half years, my mother introduced me to property management 15 years ago. She was a property manager and hired me as a porter at her property. It was a 156-unit property in the Third Ward, so I am second generation.

Jessica: What motivates you?

Brandon: Seeing my peers become successful, whether it’s on a corporate level or starting their own business, and of course my family! Seeing them do well is what motivates me the most!

Coleman

Jessica: What are you currently binge watching?

Brandon: I really don’t have a chance to watch TV at home. From a vendor standpoint, with my company Cinema Anywhere, I watch what my customers watch at movie night. Lately Disney has been pretty popular, “Soul” or “Raya & The Last Dragon” just to name a few.

Jessica: What’s the craziest thing that’s happened to you at work?

Brandon: Wow! Two weeks ago at a movie night, a resident chased a maintenance team member with a machete during a Disney movie. I was there on the supplier side but I quickly transitioned over to a property manager and called authorities.

Jessica: Over the 15-year journey of property management, what is the biggest challenge you’ve been faced with?

Brandon: Trying to figure out how to make our team grow together as individuals, I also have to learn what motivates them as a person and what aligns with the company’s goals. Also being open minded to company goals within this ever-changing world that we’re in. Going through 2020 definitely helped us change our thought process on a lot of things and becoming more efficient with everything.

Jessica: Yes, I love that! We were faced with multiple challenges this past year, but always remember challenges definitely bring out the growth in every individual.

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

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

HAA NEXT programs include free networking events held at various venues across Houston and low-cost Professional Development Breakfasts held virtually or at the HAA Education Center. The Professional Development programs feature special guest speakers on timely topics relevant to enhancing and furthering your multifamily industry career.

NEXT Co-Chairs: Register online at www.haaonline.org/next or email us at events@haaonline.org for more information.

We look forward to meeting you!

Amanda Kelly, CAS, Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services

Ruha Vohra, NALP, CAM, Veritas Equity Management

Don’t miss the final NEXT event for 2021: December 2 Jingle Bell Rock Karaoke Night Spotlight Karaoke Galleria 5901 Westheimer Rd 6 p.m to 9 p.m.

Sponsored by Gemstar Construction & Outdoor Elements Visit www.haaonline.org/next for more information.

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On the Scene with the HAAPAC

1

HAAPAC Luncheon Thursday, August 19 at the HAF Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center Sponsored by 1 AZPartsmaster On August 19, the Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee hosted U.S. Representative Kevin Brady of the 8th Texas Congressional District, spanning The Woodlands-area, for the August HAAPAC luncheon. Congressman Brady discussed the ongoing issues facing local constituents in Washington D.C. as well as his recent legislative efforts serving on the House Ways & Means Committee.

Congressman Brady has always been a strong ally to the multifamily housing industry and the HAAPAC was excited to host him!

WE’RE ALL ABOUT BETTER GOVERNMENT Threats from government are coming at the apartment industry at a rapid pace. The HAAPAC, the political action committee of the Houston Apartment Association, needs your help to fight bad legislation. HAA members can participate in the PAC on several levels. Committee application forms are available. To join, renew or learn how to become involved with the PAC, see online at www.haaonline.org/haapac or contact govaffairs@haaonline.org.

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Thanks HAAPAC Members Steering Committee Members – $1,500+ Alison Hall, Camden Property Trust . . .$1,500.00 Ayo Phillips, Perfect Surface LLC . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Becky Newman, SWA Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Billy Griffin, Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Blaise Spitaleri, CAS, Gemstar Construction Development Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Brandt Dillon, Texscape Services . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Bret Heitzman, Dixie Carpet Installations Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Candis Mohr, CAS, AAA Plumbers . . . . .$1,500.00 Caroline Kane, CKR Property Management LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Christy Rodriguez, CAPS, Judwin Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Christy Wheeler, Richfield Real Estate Corp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,533.00 Clark Gregg, CAPS Emeritus, CASE, Hilltop Residential Management . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Clay Hicks, The Dinerstein Companies/ TDC Management Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Corri M. Smith, SMI Realty Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Dan James, CAS, Redevelopment Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 David Hodge, Camp Construction Services $1,500.00 Debbie Brueckner, CAS, Dixie Carpet Installations Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Debbie Sulzer, CAPS, Francis Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Gene Larson, Perfect Surface LLC . . . . . .$1,500.00 Grant Almquist, Texas Apartment Pool Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Howard Bookstaff, Hoover Slovacek LLP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Jackie Rhone, CAPS Emeritus, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Jacob Kunath, CAS, Century Air Conditioning Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Jeff Blevins, CAS, Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Jenifer Paneral, Dayrise Residential . . . .$1,500.00 Jerold Winograd, Judwin Properties . . .$1,500.00 John Boriack, CAM, IROP, Veritas Equity Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 John Ridgway, CPM, Celtic Realty Advisors LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Joseph Batdorf Jr, J Turner Research . .$1,500.00 Joseph Rodriguez, The Urban Foresters LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Ken Valach, Trammell Crow Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Kenneth J. Bohan, The Liberty Group .$1,500.00 Kristin McLaughlin, CASE, Dixie Carpet Installations Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Kyle Smith, Guardian Construction . . . .$1,500.00 Mack Armstrong, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00

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Mark Park, CAS, AAA Plumbers . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Michael Knight, Better World Properties LLC Sumar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Michelle Bridges, CAS, Century Air Conditioning Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Michelle Pawelek, CAPS, Greystar . . . . .$1,500.00 Nichole Williams, CAS, Smart Apartment Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Patrick J. Tollett, Oak Leaf Mgmt Co . . .$1,500.00 Ramey Khalil, Church Foundation Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Rick Luke, Century Air Conditioning Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Ross Love, Scott Equipment Inc . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Ryan Terrell, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Ryan Weis, Crestmark Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Sarah Estep, Central Management Inc .$1,500.00 Scott Douglas, CAM, CAPS, Creative Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Scott Tenney, Claye Properties Inc . . . . .$1,500.00 Sharon Fortmeyer-Selan, CAM . . . . . . . . . ., Kalitera Assets LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Stacy Hunt, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25,025.50 Starla Turnbo, SMI Realty Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Steve Moore, VSC Management LLC . .$1,500.00 Suan Tinsley, DayRise Residential . . . . .$3,000.00 Terri Clifton, Better World Properties LLC Sumar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Tony Whitaker, FSI Construction . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Will McGinnis, CAS, Infinity Power Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00

Trustees – $500+ Amber McCoy, CAM, CAPS, The Dinerstein Companies/TDC Management Co . . . .$500.00 Aryne Bailey, The Dinerstein Companies/TDC Management Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Bruce McClenny, ApartmentData.com .$500.00 Chelsea Jaques, Church Pool Services . .$500.00 Claus Nielsen, Bo Management . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Crystal Jackson, CAM,CAPS, The Dinerstein Companies/TDC Management Co . . . .$500.00 David Lindley, CAS, FSI Construction . . .$500.00 Dean O'Kelley, CAS, The Liberty Group .$500.00 Derek DeVries, CAS, Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Garrett Graham, Bettencourt Tax Advisors LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Gary Blumberg, Brite Real Estate Investors LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Gina Y. Erwin, GWR Management . . . . . .$500.00 Keely Park, . . . . . . . . . .The Dinerstein Companies/ TDC Management Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Kelley Suess, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Kurt Seidel, Lincoln Property Company $500.00 Laura Lestus, CAS, The Liberty Group . . .$500.00

Melissa Friend, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Merideth Bunting, The Dinerstein Companies/TDC Management Co . . . .$500.00 Neal Conant, CAS, Gemstar Construction Development Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Rui Vaz, Imperion Investments Management LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Sal Thomas, Tarantino Properties Inc . . .$500.00 Stephanie Graves, CAM,CAPS, IROP, Q10 Property Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Velissa Parmer, Mosaic Residential Inc .$500.00

Voting Century Club Members – $125+ Amanda Kelly, CAS, Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Andrea Carmona, Greenlogic Lighting & Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Beth Levine, Judwin Properties . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Betsy Marshall, CAM, CAPS, Tradewind Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Braden Griffith, Higginbotham . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Brityn Maddox, Veritas Equity Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Casey Rozell, Rozell Holdings . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Chris Bell, Cotton Commercial USA Inc .$125.00 Christopher J. Hilton, National Credit Systems Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Courtney Vitek, CAM, MLDC Management LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Crystal Varela, Century Air Conditioning Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Dane Anderson, Outdoor Elements . . . . .$125.00 Deborah Holcombe, Capstone Real Estate Services Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Debra Knight, Comm-Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Debra Moore, Apartment Data Services Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Diane Gilbert, CPM, Stonemark Management Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Evan DeGeorgio, LP Building Solutions: Louisiana-Pacific Corporation . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Gary Kiker, Impact Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Giovanna Gone, CAM, CAS, Century Air Conditioning Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Henrik Von Krawie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Israel Garza, III, CAS, Lowe’s Pro Supply . .$125.00 Jaqueline Aguirre, Veritas Equity Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Jimmie Hotz, CASE, Chadwell Supply . . .$125.00 Johnny Atkinson, ACT Security Group . . .$125.00 Juana Estrada, CAS, First Onsite . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Karen Nelsen, CAM, ALN Apartment Data Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Kimberly LeBlanc, Hines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Kristin Buck, RentPath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Kyle Brown, CPM, Highmark Residential LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Lana Pistono, Yardi Systems Inc . . . . . . . . . .$125.00

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The HAAPAC is the political action committee of the Houston Apartment Association, a nonprofit trade association representing the Houston apartment industry. Without political capital, our industry could not be as successful in representing your interests. Thanks to these contributing individual members:

Liz Levins, CAS, Rasa Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Mallory Hess . . . . . . . . . ., Century Air Conditioning Supply LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Marivel Bownds, CAS, Valet Living . . . . . . .$125.00 Mat Tilley, CAS, WeDoTrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Melissa Herrera, Cushman & Wakefield . .$125.00 Ramon M. Nunez, Bravo Capital Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Randy Patton, SafeRent Solutions . . . . . . .$125.00 Sara Hinson, Allied Orion Group . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Sean Cunningham, CAS, Flooring Warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Shala Johnson, Redi Carpet Sales of Houston Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Shaun Callaway, CAS, Earthworks Inc . . .$125.00 Staci Garza, Knightvest Management . . .$125.00 Stephanie Naylor, Flooring Warehouse . .$125.00 Steve Tennison, CAM, Verve Assets LLC . .$125.00 Suzanne Felix, Stellar Equity Management LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Tracey Moore, CAS, Flooring Warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Victor E. Vacek, Jr, Central Management Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$385.00 Victoria Tiemann, Redi Carpet Sales of Houston Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Wendy Radtke, Cobu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00

Non-voting Century Club Members – $100+ Angie Aversa, CAM, CAPS, CAS, The Liberty Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Bo Hang, Redi Carpet Sales of Houston Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Brenda Reyes, The Life Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Catalina Rodriguez, The Life Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Darla Dean, Crestmark Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 David Gilkeson, Westchase District . . . . . .$100.00 Deborah DeRouen, CAS, OneApp Guarantee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Dustin Dean, Crestmark Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Ian Ferguson, Rent Debt Automated Collections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 James D. Attaway, JD Attaway & Co . . . .$100.00 Jennifer Devine, CAS, Valet Living . . . . . . .$100.00 Kyle Loveless, KLM Rentals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Lasha Anthony, The Life Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Marlene Rocha, The Life Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Matthew Nunn, CAS, Capital Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Michelle Rojas, The Life Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Natalie Spratt, NALP, CAM, IROP, The Life Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00

Nidia Jandres, The Life Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Nikki Sekunda, CAS, The Liberty Group .$100.00 Paul Duke, FAST Security LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Rachel Sedelmyer, Texscape Services . . .$100.00 Raul Escalante, Jr, HMS LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Rod Bean, ICI Dulux Paints . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Ryan Carson, Gemstar Construction Development Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Saida Gonzalez, Rasa Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Sandra Garza, The Life Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Stephanie Krop, CASE, Poolsure . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Valerie Lacy, CAM, CAPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cushman & Wakefield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Valerie Radla, CAS, HD Supply . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Victor Garza, REEP Management . . . . . . .$100.00

Want to join the HAAPAC? Visit www.haaonline.org/haapac.

HAA NEXT Committee Buzzes Up Big Money for the HAAPAC! The HAA NEXT Young Professionals held a Spelling Bee benefiting the Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee and raised $52,060 for the association’s PAC. Here the NEXT Committee presents the the check to HAA CEO Casey Watts Morgan and the HAA Public Affairs Department. Thank you, HAA Nexters!

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State

Constitutional

Amendments Proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution.

By

T

exas adopted its first state constitution in 1845 when it joined the Union, changing from an independent nation to one of the United States. As with most other state constitutions written before the Civil War, the Texas Constitution was modeled after the U.S. Constitution: A short, vague list of general guiding principles for state government.

Texas adopted several more constitutions just before, during and after the Civil War. After being re-admitted to the United States, Texas found itself governed by a 1869 Constitution that created a powerful state government with most judges and executive officials appointed by the governor.

Many Texans considered the constitution of 1869 to be a document imposed on Texas by the federal government and set out to replace it with a new one. In the fall of 1875, 83 Texans gathered in Austin to draft the constitution that is still in effect today. The delegates included both Republicans and Democrats, including several African Americans.

The largest group of votes among the delegates belonged to the Texas Patrons of Husbandry, better known as the Grange. The Grangers’ vision of a weak central state government, with direct election of most judges and executive officials by the people to brief terms of office, became the focus of the new constitution. As distrustful of big business interests as www.haaonline.org

they were of big government, the Grangers also placed severe restrictions on banks and railroads in the new constitution, some of which remain in the document today. Texans adopted our current constitution on February 15, 1876, by a vote of 136,606 to 56,652.

The Texas Constitution contains a Bill of Rights that, in some respects, grants greater individual liberty to citizens than the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution. The Texas Constitution also provides that a two-thirds vote of the legislature and a majority vote of the people may amend it.

Over the years, legislators have used the constitution for “super-legislation,” making the document less a blueprint for government than a collection of statutes that are hard to repeal.

Since its adoption in 1876, the Texas Legislature has proposed 690 amendments to voters, who have approved 507 of them. Several attempts to enact a new constitution, most recently in 1972, have not been successful.

Without a new constitutional convention, the job of revising and updating our state’s principal governing document falls squarely on the voters. This year, the Texas Legislature has voted to recommend eight specific changes for your consideration. If you’re not already registered, the last day to register to vote in this election is October 4, with early voting beginning on October 18. Let’s take a look at the eight specific changes the legislature is recommending.

ANDY TEAS, CAE, HAA Staff

Eight Proposed Changes Proposition 1 – Gambling is generally prohibited in Texas. As a Bible Belt state with a long, conservative history of political opposition to drinking and gambling, Texas was the last state to legalize parimutuel horse racing and it is one of the only remaining states to not allow casino gambling at all. Texas does, however, make certain exceptions. If you’ve ever seen the men and women in bright green shirts with “Share to Care” signs at an Astros game, they’re selling tickets for a raffle that splits the pot between the winner and a charitable foundation. An amendment to the state constitution in 2015 was required to allow professional sports teams to do that. Proposition 1 would expand that authority to cover major rodeo events like the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Proposition 2 – Cities in Texas have access to an interesting tool called a tax increment finance zone to help improve blighted areas. In such a zone, the city agrees to freeze the amount of revenue it collects in property taxes for a certain period of time, with the remaining “increment” going into a fund for projects to improve that specific area – a fund created initially by the city issuing bonds. In theory, those improvements will create higher taxable values, allowing the city to collect more revenue than it otherwise would have when the zone expires.

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This year, the Texas Legislature has voted to recommend eight specific changes for your consideration. bondholders, so everybody wins. Proposition 2 would expand this power to county governments, which could be particularly important in Harris County, where nearly half the population lives in the unincorporated area.

Proposition 3 – In the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic, many jurisdictions enacted public safety measures to slow the spread of the disease, such as temporarily ordering the closure of restaurants, movie theaters, retails stores and other places where groups of people could expose each other to the virus. Some jurisdictions made exceptions for religious gatherings, but others did not.

Proposition 3 would prohibit the state and local governments from prohibiting or limiting religious services, even in a public health crisis.

Proposition 4 – To serve on one of Texas’ statewide courts, a court of appeals or as a district judge, the Texas Constitution imposes some basic minimum qualifications. You must be a licensed attorney in all cases. To serve on an appellate court, you must have served as an attorney or judge in Texas for at least 10 years.

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Practicing for four years is enough to qualify to serve as a district judge. Proposition 4 would increase the minimum qualifications for both offices and add a provision that the person’s law license cannot have been suspended or revoked during the qualification period.

Proposition 5 – The State Commission on Judicial Conduct is responsible for ensuring that Texas judges conduct themselves legally and ethically in the performance of their duties.

Proposition 5 would extend the commission’s jurisdiction, giving them the authority to investigate and take action against candidates for judicial office, even if those candidates have not yet been elected.

Proposition 6 – During the pandemic, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission prohibited nursing facilities from allowing non-essential visitors from entering.

Proposition 6 would give residents of certain nursing facilities the right to designate an “essential caregiver” whose visitation could not be prevented by the facility.

Proposition 7 – The Texas Constitution requires taxation to be “equal and uniform,” but goes on to provide for a long list of exemptions for various property taxpayers for various reasons. One of these provides for a $10,000 homestead exemption from taxable property value for individuals who are disabled. Proposition 7 would extend that exemption to the surviving spouse of a disabled individual if that spouse is at least 55 years old and maintains the property as their homestead.

Proposition 8 – Another property tax homestead exemption provided in the Texas Constitution is for the surviving spouses of soldiers killed in action defending our country. Since this provision was approved by voters in 2013, it has been noted that the phrase “killed in action” does not cover those killed in acts of terrorism or in non-hostile events or incidents related to their service, but not technically on the battlefield. Proposition 8 would broaden the definition to include the spouses of all members of the armed services killed in the line of duty.

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The Texas

Special Session A review of notable agenda items.

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Please note, this article reflects the status of each bill as of press time. he governor may call a special legislative session at any time without any warning to the Texas Legislature for a maximum of 30 days. During a special legislative session, the governor has complete control to set the subjects of legislation that may be reviewed at the legislature. No issues may be discussed during the special legislative session that were not issued on the governor’s proclamation.

On August 7 Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued his second proclamation for a special legislative session this year with a 17-item agenda. Given the lack of quorum in the Texas House of Representatives, the special session began on uncertain footing. The 17-item agenda was an expansion upon the agenda set for the first special legislative session of this year, increasing from an 11-item agenda. The additional items include the spending of federal COVID-19 relief funds, public education during a pandemic, protecting Texans from radioactive waste and changes to the legislative rules regarding quorums.

As expected, the Texas Senate has moved quickly through Governor Abbott’s agenda items. The Texas House of Representatives has been unpredictable and inefficient as Republican and Democrats remain

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deadlocked regarding an elections bill.

Though no initiatives on Abbott’s agenda directly impact the multifamily housing industry, there are many to review that will impact HAA members. These priorities include bail reform, education strategies, social media censorship, family violence prevention, primary election modification, radioactive waste, employment and legislative quorum requirements.

Bail Reform Championed by Senator Joan Huffman of Houston, the bail reform bill (SB 6/HB 12) is aimed at the practice of releasing violent offenders on personal bonds and increasing the resources that judges must consider prior to setting bonds. The legislation also requires that a judge impose the least restrictive bail conditions to reasonably ensure the accused’s appearance in court and to ensure the safety of the community, victims and law enforcement.

To ease concerns regarding the difficulty to achieve bail for those of minority or lower social economic demographics, it is also required that all other offenses be given the least restrictive bail possible. The legislation passed through the Senate and House, and has been sent to the governor to be signed.

MADISON POLSTON,

HAA Staff

Education Authored by Senator Larry Taylor of Friendswood SB 15 (Companion, HB 30 & HB 172) is primarily aimed at providing strategies for public school teachers and administrators to provide quality education to students despite the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Requirements were set regarding virtual and off-campus programs, including assessments and attendance collection. The legislation also provides solutions for those Texans aspiring to become teachers during this time, allowing for candidates to satisfy the certification requirements through remote internships. The legislation passed through both legislative bodies and is awaiting the governor’s signature.

Social Media Censorship Legislation regarding any censorship on large social media platforms was composed by Senator Bryan Hughes of Mineola (HB 20) and finds social media platforms with the largest number of users as common carriers. This bill would apply to the users located in the State of Texas and would force social media platforms with over 50 million users to publicly disclose information regarding its content management and make available a live company agent to take user complaints through a toll-free telephone number, email address along with a October 2021

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To check on the status of pending bills, you can visit the Texas Legislature online at www.capitol.texas.gov.

To look up a particular bill, use the bill number included in this article. You can set alerts on specific bills to get updates on that piece of legislation. The latest legislative session began September 20.

quarterly publication of transparency reports.

The attorney general is tasked with enforcement of this legislation and may bring legal action against these social media companies if necessary. The bill also allows for individuals to bring action to the social media platforms regarding any censorship of their content, with exceptions being made regarding violent threats of any kind. The legislation did pass through both the House and Senate, and is expected to be signed by the governor.

Family Violence Prevention The purpose of SB 9 is to require public schools to provide instruction relating to the prevention of child abuse, family violence and dating violence. Under this bill it is required for schools to notify parents in a written description of this curriculum, providing the parents the right to review all materials that will be given during the instruction and to remove their child from these lessons. Alternatively, parents will also be empowered to file complaints if a district has not fulfilled their duty to provide these lessons. This legislation passed in both houses of the legislature and was sent to the governor’s desk to be signed.

Employment The aim of this legislation (SB 14/HB 10) is to provide consistency across the state for employment benefit management, including leave, hiring practices and scheduling practices. If this bill were to pass, it would prevent municipalities from exceeding the benefits required to be provided to employees by federal or state statute.

While this would not prevent employers from offering above minimum benefits to their employees, employers would not be compelled by municipalities or counties to provide any additional benefits beyond those required by federal and state law. This bill is a reaction to municipalities across Texas attempting to increase those expectations for employers to

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provide paid sick leave. Supporters claim that this bill would provide a simple set of expectations that are consistent and easy to navigate for small business owners and would make Texas a more attractive destination for large businesses, along with the employment these businesses provide to the state. Detractors are concerned with workers rights and see this as a decrease in labor rights. This may protect your business from additional requirements, while allowing you to be more competitive by offering additional benefits to your employees in comparison to competing potential employees.

During regular session this legislation was revised many times and despite the many revisions, it was unable to be passed through the House. This legislation passed through the Senate during the special session, 18-11, however was sent back to the committee in the House. This topic may be addressed during the next session of the Legislature.

Legislative Quorum The Texas Constitution requires that each chamber, Senate and House of Representatives, have at least two-thirds of its members present to do business. As most of our readers will be aware, given the media coverage, the Texas House was unable to make quorum for approximately three months due to a walk out of House Democrats. This walk out has happened throughout history, with the latest being in 2003.

In response to this, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick reportedly asked Governor Abbott to add a line item regarding changing the quorum requirements. The proposed change would be an amendment to the Texas state constitution.

Though the Texas Constitution has been amended 507 times, it does require a two-third majority to amend the constitution. Though the resolutions have been filed (SJR 1/HJR 9) and passed in the Senate, 19-10, it was unable to be passed through the House.

Radioactive Waste As a company in West Texas, Andrews County, is applying through the federal government to store high-level radioactive waste, Texas Legislators are looking to pass a bill preventing highly radioactive material to be transported, stored or disposed of in Texas. A similar bill to this was brought before the legislature during the regular legislative session earlier this year but did not get voted into law, with law makers citing weak language that would not be strong enough to fully ban these highly radioactive materials. The bill presented at this second special session would not only ban the highly radioactive material, but would also bar state agencies from issuing construction, storm water or pollution permits to facilities that would store high-level radioactive waste. This bill (HB 7) has been reported favorably and passed in both legislative bodies.

Primary Elections Following the 2020 Census, it is the charge of the Texas Legislature to design a redistricting plan. This important process takes a significant amount of discussion and time to get through.

These districting plans define what areas a legislator will represent, so it is crucial to the upcoming election cycles. With this in mind, a bill (SB 13/HB 15) has been presented to delay primary elections and filing deadlines for 2022, allowing an abundant amount of time for the redistricting process. This legislation has passed in the Senate and the House, and is awaiting the governor’s signature.

This information was updated before press time. To check on the status of pending bills, you can visit the Texas Legislature online at www.capitol.texas.gov. To look up a particular bill, use the bill number included in this article.

You can set alerts on specific bills to get updates on that piece of legislation. The latest legislative session began September 20.

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Rental assistance has been crucial for both apartment owners and renters accruing insurmountable debt to stay afloat amid eviction moratoriums.

HAA understands rental assistance is a much better option for both housing providers and renters. While eviction moratoriums have been in place, rental assistance has been and continues to be available for any resident who needs help.

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Rental Assistance

Silver

Linings An overview of rental assistance programs amid the various eviction moratoriums.

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s of press time, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did not have the authority to impose the eviction moratorium. While it is unclear at this point what will happen next, it has been a long and bumpy road for the apartment industry with various eviction moratorium orders and extensions.

How did we get here? Let’s look back. Here is a brief timeline: The Texas Supreme Court issued its first order on March 19 that directly impacted the eviction process.

No trial, hearing or other proceeding could have been conducted and all deadlines were tolled until April 19, 2020. This was then extended to May 19, 2020.

A writ of possession may have been issued, but the posting of the written warning required by the rules and the execution of the writ couldn’t have occurred until after April 26, 2020. This was extended through May 26, 2020.

The Federal CARES Act Eviction Moratorium began on March 27 and ended on July 24 (120 days).

Applying only to covered properties and residents. The owner of covered dwelling could not make, or cause to be made, any filing with the court of jurisdiction to initiate a legal action to recover possession of the covered dwelling from the resident for nonpayment of rent or other fees or charges; or charge fees, penalties or other charges to the resident related to such nonpayment of rent.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) issued its eviction moratorium on Sept. 4, 2020.

Initially put in place to temporarily halt residential evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, this order was extended five times.

It was first legislatively extended through January 31, and again extended by the CDC through March 31. On March 29, the CDC further extended the moratorium until June 30.

Then, again, it was extended through July 31.

LAUREN TURNER, CAE, CMP, HAA Staff

The most recent extension was dated Aug. 3 through Oct. 3. On Aug. 26, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled the CDC exceeded its authority in its latest eviction moratorium, which pertained to counties with a “substantial” or “high” level of COVID-19 transmission.

Rental Assistance Rental assistance has been crucial for both apartment owners and renters accruing insurmountable debt to stay afloat amid eviction moratoriums. HAA understands rental assistance is a much better option for both housing providers and renters. While eviction moratoriums have been in place, rental assistance has been and continues to be available for any resident who needs help.

Below is a list of current programs, as of press time, in HAA’s service area. For a full list of available programs around the country visit the “Rental Assistance Finder” tool that was created by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to help renters and housing providers find what program(s) are in their area.1

1 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/mortgage-and-housing-assistance/renter-protections/find-help-with-rent-and-utilities/ 2 Local eviction intervention: https://houstonharrishelp.org/eviction-intervention/ 3 Brazoria County Emergency Rental Assistance Program: https://www.brazoriacountytx.gov/departments/emergency-rental-assistance-program 4 Fort Bend County ERA Program: https://fortbend-era.powerappsportals.us/vendor/

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• The Texas Rent Relief Program After a slow start, the state of Texas program has distributed over $786 million statewide.

Check out the daily dashboard total here: https://texasrentrelief.com. Both properties and residents can use the TRR website to create an account and submit their applications.

• Brazoria County Emergency Rental Assistance Program Brazoria County has launched its own rental assistance program that assists with past due rent, future rent, past due utility payments and future utility payments. Visit their website to learn more and sign up today.3

• Houston-Harris County Emergency Rental Assistance Program The Houston-Harris County program has been extremely successful. It has provided over $204 million in rental assistance, helping about 49,923 families. Visit https://www.houstonharrishelp.org/ for more information or to sign up today.

• Fort Bend County Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program The Fort Bend ERA program will provide rent and/or utility assistance for up to 12 months or until funds are exhausted.

Payments will be made to the landlord for eligible renters.4

• Local Eviction Intervention The Houston-Harris program is also funding an eviction intervention program through The Alliance, a local non-profit. Properties who have filed an eviction can quickly receive up to six months of rent for stopping the eviction and can then move the resident to the Houston-Harris County program to get additional past due rent.2

The information in this article is accurate as of press time. HAA will continue to monitor the status of evictions and rental assistance.

HAA members will be kept apprised of any relevant updates and/or changes.

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

The Buyer’s Guide is online!

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

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

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Law, continued from Page 12 Tips regarding incident warning letters: When a crime of significance occurs, it is beneficial to provide a letter to residents regarding the crime and what residents can do to protect themselves.

• Remember the purpose of an incident warning letter.

The incident warning letter should be sent when you have a crime of significance that occurred on the property and it would be beneficial to give residents details of the incident to allow the residents to take precautions to protect themselves from the same or similar criminal activity.

• Be factual and brief.

Since your goal is not to be the source of criminal information, but the messenger of information, it is beneficial to be factual and brief with respect to the incident that occurred. It is beneficial to advise residents that you are getting the information from some other source, so residents don’t mistakenly believe you have firsthand knowledge about the crime. You might consider the phrases “We have learned from the police that …” or “We received information that …” to begin your statement regarding the facts associated with the crime.

• Take the opportunity to reiterate your security position.

Use the security position stated in the lease to inform residents of what they can do regarding security (call the police) and what you do regarding security (you may have security related measures, but residents should not rely on those measures for protection).

• Don’t assume duties you should not undertake.

You may want to refrain from telling residents that you will keep them updated. Although updates can be provided (when necessary), if you assume a responsibility to update residents, it is difficult to determine when that duty would end. Will you tell residents when the suspect has been arrested?

Convicted? Paroled? The duty can be unending.

Crime is a reality in our society. Don’t be surprised if crime occurs. Be prepared when it does!

Want to read more legal news from Howard? See previous issues of ABODE online at http://issuu.com/haa_abode. www.haaonline.org

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No governmental entity has a greater impact on an apartment community than the local public school district. School taxes are roughly two-thirds of your property tax bill, and the quality of the schools to which your property is zoned has a lot to do with whether families want to lease there.

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Vote

November 2

Election for Schools

Local public school districts have a huge impact on the apartment industry. Vote!

By

S

ince the City of Houston transitioned to four-year terms for their elected officials, November elections in odd-numbered years between Houston elections have a lot less action.

Nevertheless, there is an election next month that involves you. Every Texas voter is eligible to participate in the constitutional amendment election (see Page 40).

Depending on where you live, there may be other notable things on the ballot.

If you’re not already registered, the last day to register to vote in this election is Oct. 4. Early voting begins on Oct. 18 and Election Day is Nov. 2. Let’s look at some of the other elections in our area next month.

Houston Independent School District No governmental entity has a greater impact on an apartment community than the local public school district. School taxes are roughly two-thirds of your property tax bill, and the quality of the schools to which your property is zoned has a lot to do with whether families want to lease there. Still, as HAA Legislative Chair Christy Rodriguez pointed out in her Legislative Update column last month, the business community doesn’t pay nearly enough attention to school board races.

This Houston Independent School District (HISD) is the largest school district in Texas, and the seventh largest in the United States, with nearly 200,000 students – 78.45% of whom qualify as economically disadvantaged. The board’s disfunction has been well documented and has led the district to the brink of being www.haaonline.org

taken over by the Texas Education Agency.

Five of the nine school board positions are up for election next month. Let’s take a look at each race: In District I, incumbent and former teacher Elizabeth Santos is running for reelection against two opponents. Janette Garza Lindner is an energy consultant with Veritas Total Solutions, with previous experience at BP. Matias Kopinsky is a petroleum engineer at Chevron.

In District V, incumbent Sue Deigaard is running for reelection against two opponents.

Maria Benzon is an assistant principal at Discovery Middle School. Caroline Walter is a stay-at-home mom.

In District VI, incumbent and former teacher Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca is running against two opponents. Kendall Baker is a pastor.

Gregory Degeyter is an attorney with a background in science who did lab work for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In District VII, incumbent Anne Sung brings master’s degrees from Harvard in both physics and public policy. She has three opponents.

Dwight Jefferson is a former state district court judge. Bridget Wade is a homemaker and school volunteer. Software services company owner Lee Macerlaen Walker is also running.

In District IX, incumbent Myrna Guidry, an attorney, has two opponents. Joshua Rosales is an attorney with Baker McKenzie. Gerry Monroe, who lists his occupation as “consultant,” has been banned from HISD property for threatening employees.

ANDY TEAS, CAE, HAA Staff

Houston Community College Another governmental body that gets little attention from the business community (and voters) is the board of trustees of Houston Community College. HCC serves over 57,000 students – the largest of any Texas college, and a key provider of technical training in addition to its academic mission. Voters will elect trustees in five of the nine positions on the HCC board in November.

In District III, incumbent and former teacher Dr. Adriana Tamez will be opposed by attorney Brandon Cofield Sr. In District IV, Dr. Reagan Denise Flowers is running for reelection unopposed.

In District IV, electrician and former trustee Dave Wilson is running unopposed, although former Houston Housing Department Director Jim Noteware has declared himself a write-in candidate.

In District VIII, incumbent and former teacher Eva Loredo has two opponents. Jharrett Bryantt is an assistant superintendent in HISD. Victor Gonzales is an insurance consultant.

Other Elections The Nov. 2 elections will also feature school board races in Aldine ISD, Alief ISD, CypressFairbanks ISD, Klein ISD and Spring ISD. News coverage of school board races can be sparse. If you live in one of those districts, be sure to do your homework. Ballotpedia.org is a good place to start. Each school district has a webpage with information about its election.

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RCR Update

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

FINDING GREAT RESIDENTS Why you should use a resident screening service.

DO YOU REALLY know who's living in your rental property? Most property managers have streamlined their search for good residents by moving to an online rental application. However, without a qualification process in place, a property owner is often left hoping the details on that application are accurate. Professional resident screening services can help take out the guesswork and make leasing decisions easier.

Image © fizkes | iStock by Getty Images

Putting Together a Comprehensive Online Rental Application We don't often think of an application as a screening tool, but it contains almost all the information you need about each potential applicant. To that end, build an application that gathers the data you need most, including:

• Applicant's name and As much as your focus needs to be on your financontact information • Number of applicants cial well-being and other professional interests, you including both children also have a duty to protect your residents and and adults the community.

• Number, type and size of pets • Employment information • Income Know Your Applicant's Credit History • Address history A simple three digit number could help de• Requested move-in date termine whether a potential applicant can • Preferred lease term maintain financial commitments, including If there are multiple applicants jointly applyrent. A credit score is a bank and a lender aping for a single property or unit, they will each proved way to understand someone's debt need to fill out a form so you can consider each repayment history. Though there are multiindividual based on their own merits. Paper apple credit bureaus, each with its scoring plications work, but offering online submission models, the criteria are primarily the same: is often more convenient and less time-con• Payment history suming for everyone involved.

• Length of credit • Type of credit • Amount of credit versus credit used • Number of credit inquiries Credit checks may also serve as a secondary way to verify your applicant's name, possible aliases, social security number, known addresses and any other information in the public record.

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Protect Your Property & Community Criminal searches can be conducted by geographic area, including county or statewide inquiries, and include records related to misdemeanors, felony convictions or incarceration as provided by key sources, such as the Department of Corrections and the Administrative Office of the Courts. Reports usually include a potential applicant's background of violence, property destruction, sex offense or financial crime.

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fender registry search part of your resident screening process. Sources of information are trusted government and law enforcement agencies such as the Departments of Public Safety and State Police. Each report also includes detailed case and conviction information, providing important context to help you understand the applicant's criminal history.

Help Avoid Future Evictions Property operators generally ask three things of their residents: pay on time, be responsible and be respectful of the property.

Not coincidentally, violations of those three requests are often some of the biggest reasons residents are evicted. Opting to include an eviction history report as part of your resident screening process gives property operators insight into past actions that may serve as indicators of future behavior.

Eviction reports generally include the following eviction court records: • Failure to pay rent • Writs and warrants of eviction • Resident judgments for rent • Unlawful Detainers • Resident judgment for possession and money You will be alerted to possible red flags concerning an applicant's social security number and quickly know whether that applicant has applied for housing elsewhere.

These factors could provide insight into each applicant's propensity for skipping out on

rent—hopefully saving you time, money, and frustration down the line.

Rental History Check Another essential part of the screening process is looking at the applicant's history.

A rental history report will show if there were issues with the applicant paying on time or any history of property damage.

Because this requires contacting previous property managers, using a service to get the rental history reports will save time and frustration, should you have difficulty connecting with a property manager. You'll get accurate information to answer your questions about an applicant's renting behaviors.

Sorting it out Collecting all of this information is just half the battle. The other half is reviewing it.

In the end, you want a trustworthy resident who pays their rent on time, is responsible and respectful of your property. Implementing a consistent resident screening process that includes credit, criminal record and eviction reports will provide a greater chance of finding qualified applicants.

The relatively small amount of time you invest in a good resident screening service today, will determine how likely the applicant is to default on a lease, which can save you time and money in the long run.

While a resident screening is an excellent measure of an applicant's financial and rental

history, it is essential to verify employment and references. You should contact an applicant's employer and personal references. Request to see a current pay stub as proof of current income. A consistent process that involves online resident screening and reference checks will significantly increase your chances of finding quality residents.

Unless you do many screenings every year, it can be challenging to interpret the information correctly. A resident screening service can effectively highlight the high-risk areas for you, allowing you to decide if you want to take the risk of renting to an applicant. The ultimate goal is to find responsible and long-term residents as one of the most important aspects of owning property.

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

Did they pay their rent?

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

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

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography State of the Industry Breakfast - Fall Edition Sponsored by Chadwell Supply and Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search Thursday, August 26 at the Westin Memorial City A “boots on the groun”’ perspective pertaining to the many operational challenges facing the apartment industry today was the focus of our fall edition program with HAA President John Boriack, Veritas Equity Management, moderating. Thanks to panelists Joe Melton, Vice President of Marketing and Management Support Services, The Morgan Group; Allison Dunavant, Vice President Organizational Development, Camden; Amy Groff, Chief Operating Officer, National Apartment Association; Monica Blankenship, Vice President, HR & Risk Management, Highmark Residential; Patrick Jankowski, Greater Houston Partnership; and Jody Batdorf, JTurner Research.

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography State of the Industry Breakfast

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On the Scene with the HAA PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL Supplier Education Program Thursday, August 19 at the HAF Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center The Product Service Council sponsored Supplier Education Program got back to business, giving tips to supplier partners on how clients and potential clients want to be engaged before, during and after the HAA Education Conference and Expo. HAA Product Service Council Past PSC Presidents Cesar Lima, AAA Plumbers, and Beth Rohani, Ameritex Movers, presented the session.

If you are a new supplier to HAA, visit www.haaonline.org/psc to find a Product Service Council representative who is happy to discuss the benefits of the association and doing business in the multifamily industry.

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NAA Update, continued from Page 27 the Treasury Department and the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Risk Sharing Program. Together, the two agencies will help mitigate lending risk to state and local housing finance agencies and enable the development of new affordable housing The plan also calls upon the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to address the GSE mortgage eligibility requirements for buildings with 2-4 units. In March, the GSEs implemented restrictions on its lender partners that reduced the number of loans they would acquire, particularly impactful for properties with 2-4 units. It is anticipated that these restrictions will be reversed, allowing for greater lending to these property types and placing much-needed units back into the housing stock.

Finally, the Administration will explore federal solutions that will compel greater housing development at the state and local level. This will include identifying and seeking pathways to reduce common barriers to housing development. The plan also looks to leverage resources like the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund to promote new affordable housing development and orders the immediate publication of a Housing Supply Toolkit to be distributed to state and local governments.

The White House expects the plan to create more than 100,000 new housing units over the next three years. While this output does not meet the nation’s need for the more than 4.6 million new housing units that the National Apartment Association (NAA) estimates are needed over the next ten years, it is a step in the right direction. NAA applauds the White House for signaling a strong commitment to increasing the supply of housing, breaking down barriers to housing development and reclaiming affordability for the nation’s renters. NAA looks forward to being a trusted partner and resource to the Administration as it further defines its plans for housing affordability.

For more information on the White House Plan to Increase Affordable Housing, please contact Sam Gilboard, NAA’s Manager of Public Policy.

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!

www.haaonline.org

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Welcome Mat

Introducing HAA’s NEW MEMBERS

OWNERS

SUPPLIERS

1995 Asset Management Tim Girgenti 13907 Springmint Drive Cypress, TX 77429 713-299-9264

Advance LED Solution Nadeem Rajani 7333 Harwin Drive #102 Houston, TX 77036 281-888-4221 Light Bulbs & Tubes, Lighting - Outdoor, Lighting Consultants, Lighting Fixtures & Supplies, Electric Contractors

Assurance One of Texas Scott Ashley 245 Commerce Green Blvd. #110 Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-494-6400 Insurance, Insurance Consultants

Commercial Fire Protection Mike Scrabis 815 Brazos St. #500 Austin, TX 78701 888-308-3473 Fire Alarm Systems, Fire Protection Equipment & Supply, Sprinklers - Automatic Fire, Fire Protection Consultants Referred by Amanda Eirich

HarDam Hotels & Housing James Guillory 1420 Blodgett St. Houston, TX 77029 713-893-8782 Songwood Park Residences HCME Thomas Cunningham 16903 Mustang Trail Drive Magnolia, TX 77355 832-488-8127 Mcavoy Khal Investment Group Bhavin Divecha P.O. Box 1754 Sugar Land, TX 77487 832-443-8278 Hollyvale Apartments

Convey By OneDay Mike Davis 150 Manufacturing St. #207 Dallas, TX 75207 972-742-8818 Video Products & Services, Virtual Tours, Marketing Products Referred by Andy Cordina

Meadowview Apartments Lizette Hernandez P.O. Box 703 Katy, TX 77492 979-291-2394 Meadowview Apartments - Properties Pioneer Property Management Olah Gandy 9420 Wilshire Blvd.

Beverly Hills, CA 90212 407-205-5422 The Villages At Meyerland Sugar Branch Condominium Association Jane Sarne 10110 Forum Park Drive #201 Houston, TX 77036-8111 713-542-2811 Burkhardt Investments Tricon Residential Theri Tinelli 19424 Park Row #165 Houston, TX 77084 832-720-0168 Falls at Copperlake Falls At Eagle Creek Yorktown Crossing Apartments 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!”

Eagle Eye Technology Mckay Christensen 6443 Fairmont Pkwy #140-272 Pasadena, TX 77505 281-458-2292 Computer Networking, Electrical Gates & Doors, Home Theater Systems - CCTV, MusicBackground, Security Consulting Service, Security Control Equipment/Systems, Security Systems Consultant Heartland Payroll and Payment Systems Lucy Whittington 27253 Lana Lane Oak Ridge North, TX 77385 713-445-6819 Payroll Services, Credit Card Processing Referred by Doug Oehl, CAS KGI Zachary Rand 11251 Northwest Frwy #450 Houston, TX 77092 832-521-4004 Employee Screening, Resident Screening Service

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

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

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 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!”

Lift-Texas Construction Jason Lidisky 9210 Hwy 36 #A2 Needville, TX 77461 713-885-8700 Foundation Repair, Plumbing Contractors Moen Ron Linzer 25300 Al Moen Drive Montgomery, TX 77356 281-923-9706 Plumbing Fixtures/Parts/Supply, Building Maintenance The Davey Tree Expert Company Katherine Leary 11721 N. Garden St. Houston, TX 77071 713-270-7100 Lawn Maintenance, Landscape Contractors Referred by Donna Farthing Triarc Construction Hogan Campbell 2855 Mangum Road #459 Houston, TX 77092 281-836-4464 General Contractors, Remodeling & RepairBuilding Contractors Vastago Painting Ruben Diaz 12842 Remy St. Houston, TX 77045 832-790-5026 Air Duct Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning, Maid Services, Painting Contractors Watermark Restoration and Construction R Prado 3656 Cahaba Beach Road Birmingham, AL 35242 855-507-1517 General Contractors, Fire/Water Damage Restoration, Drywall Contractors - Equip & Supply, Drywall Contractors, Disaster Recovery/Relief, Demolition Services, Concrete Contractors, Mold Remediation, Painting Contractors, Asbestos - Removal Service WaterSignal Aaron Beasley 510 Staghorn Court Alpharetta, GA 30004 844-232-6100 Leak Prevention Products Window World Aimee Hooker 8405 Airline Hwy Baton Rouge, LA 70815 225-706-2100 Windows I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

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

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

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

www.haaonline.org

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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President, continued from Page 7 to be happy and well cared for. I have been too wishy-washy with them about my true thoughts for fear of hurting feelings. In the end this has stunted them and hampered the organization's development.

John: What was either the best career advice you’ve ever received or the worst career advice you’ve ever received?

Grant: Best: Debrief failure. Choose what to change. Begin again.

Worst: I read a lot of business books in the early 2000s that emphasized the idea of passive income. I've come to hate this idea.

There's no such thing as passive growth.

Left alone long enough, any system, no matter how well built, falls into disorder.

There's a lot of talk in business about delegation, but we mustn't confuse abdication with delegation.

John: Describe either a challenge, accomplishment or decision that catapulted you to your success?

Grant: Catapulting makes me think overnight success. I doubt this image is true for many successful business people.

One book that really did change the way I thought, though, was the classic “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey. If you haven’t read that one seriously (and worked through the workbook), I recommend it.

John: Do you have a daily habit that you feel makes you a more productive or successful person?

Grant: There are a handful of them.

Here's three: 1. Morning prayer for 30 minutes.

No books, no phone. Only listening and journaling.

2. Journaling was a behavior that I resisted for years. It has become invaluable to me, however, to keep my thinking clear. I refer back to the journal if an idea or concept needs to be communicated to someone else.

3. Examination of your day. At the end of the day for two to three minutes max. Does anything stick out about your day? Good or bad? What are you thankful for? What are you sorry for? What will you resolve to do differently and/or better tomorrow? Write those things down.

www.haaonline.org

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The Go-Getters HAA’s MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS

CHEERS TO MEMBERSHIP! Join the Go-Getters so everyone knows your name and they’ll be glad you came!

2021 Chairs:

Join our Quarterly Meetings!

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

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

Melissa Friend Greystar

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

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

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

Doug Oehl, CAS Flooring Warehouse

Don’t miss the next meeting: Thursday, December 9 4 p.m.

Location to be announced!

Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetters for more information.

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

WILL THEY “STAY” NUMBER ONE? Stay Classy is in the lead, but who will be the top team for 2021? Suppliers, come join us to find out!

Mark your calendars and join us! Ambassador ONE Society meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month: October 6 • November 3 at Kirby Ice House, 1015 Gessner Road, 77055

1

Visit www.haaonline.org for details.

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

THE AMBASSADOR ONE SOCIETY is an organized network exchange that helps supplier partners build their business contacts within HAA. It’s the perfect way for new suppliers to get started with the association. Group members share leads, make introductions and support HAA and its members. For details, attend an orientation and one of the meetings listed here, or contact Amanda in the Membership Department at 713-595-0316, or email members@haaonline.org.

Janell Richter-Cornelius. JMI Contractors 360 Susan Alvarado Century A/C Supply 179 Giovanna Gone Century A/C Supply 139 Amanda Kelly Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating 109 Dimas Turcios Platinum Copier Solutions LLC 70 Mike Andrade BenefitU 34 Karen Nelsen ALN Apartment Data Inc 34 Xochitl Flores Zumper 34 Tracey Leach-Moore Flooring Warehouse 31 Tammy Broadway American Fire Systems, Inc. 31 Blaise Spitaleri Gemstar Construction 28 Marcy Holmes Designs by Holmes Interior Design 27 Brian Alvarado Done Deal Consign 26 Gena Bean Belfor 26 Kevin Thomas Waste Consolidators, Inc 25 Tiffany Torres Johnstone Supply 24 Tim Broxson Dixie Carpet Installations Inc 24 Austin Lawley Furniture Refinishing Services 22 Ryan Carson Gemstar Construction 21 Phillip Price HD Supply 20 Andrew Middleton Behr Paint Company 20 Brian Clayton 20 Danyell Wilkerson ApartmentData.com 20 Juana Estrada First Onsite 19 Lindsey Veliz Matrix Construction Services 18 Bo Hang Redi Carpet 17 Alex (Marquez) Fanning. Johnstone Supply 17 Eddie Maher Redi Carpet 17 Cesar Silva Jr Done Deal Co-Sign 17 James Gregory Fidus Construction 16 Tito Estrada One Source Realty Advisors 16 Jennifer Fisher Blackmon Mooring 15 Shaun Callaway Earthworks, Inc 15 Grace Medley Restoration 1 of Central Houston 15 Casey Lund Hive Technology 15 Candis Mohr AAA Plumbers 14 Crystal Varela Century A/C Supply 14 Mario Erazo Contractors Inc 14 Harvey Martin Allied Consulting & Security Services 14 Justin Krautz Dixie Carpet Installations Inc 14 Bill Pilkington Bentley, Bratcher & Associates - PC 13 Chris Bell Cotton Commercial 13 Marcus Wheatfall Triple Seal Insulation 13 Ramon Martinez BrightView 13 13 Ashley Wiggin Infinity Power Partners Rachel Sedelmyer Texscape Services 13 Amador Aguilar Pavement Services 12 Derek DeVries Camp Construction Services 12 Will McGinnis Infinity Power Partners 12 Abraham Kaboutari Behr Paint Company 11 Amber Whitaker FSI Construction 11 Jammy Malone FTK Construction Services 11 Kyle Turney Camp Construction Services 11 Chad McBride Earthworks, Inc 11 Daviana Cearley Earthworks, Inc 11 Pete Lopez HD Supply 11 Matthew Nunn Capital Construction 11 Brandon Coleman Cinema Anywhere 11 Angel Lopez Metropolitan Staffing Solutions 10 Diane Smith Karndean 10 Gilbert Escobedo Behr Paint Company 10 Dane Anderson Outdoor Elements 10

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

Total team points for August: 1. Stay Classy - 146 points for August 2. The Bomb Squad - 81 points for August 3. Green Machine - 73 points for August

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Top producers for August: 1. Janell Richter-Cornelius, JMI Contractors (Stay Classy) 2. Amanda Kelly, Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services LLC (Green Machine) 3. Gena Bean, Belfor (The Bomb Squad)

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What is an Ambassador ONE committee member?

The "Organized Network Exchange" is composed of product/service company volunteers. Ambassador ONE society volunteers are representatives of the Houston Apartment Association who focus on networking to bring supplier members together to reinforce relationships and to promote professionalism in the multifamily industry.

They are tasked with sharing industry leads and news, and to contact new and current members to inform them of upcoming events and promoting membership benefits and services.

How does my involvement in the Ambassador One Society help me promote my product or service?

You can increase your customer base as you contact HAA members to promote membership benefits. The initial contact is not the time for a hard sell, but it’s a good opportunity to make your presence known. When introducing yourself, use your company name feel free to mention what your company does and say that you are a volunteer for HAA. Be sure to give contacts your business card so they can readily identify you with your company.

After tending to HAA business, follow up with a thankyou note and brochure on your company. Plus, networking with fellow supplier partners is a great way to build professional connections.

How do Ambassadors know whom to contact?

Each month, HAA supplies the club volunteers with a list of members with contact information to reach out to on behalf of HAA and promote member benefits and events.

What kind of valuable information does an Ambassador exchange?

When changes occur at a property, whether it’s a new owner, management company or staff, new business opportunities may become available. Ambassador volunteers working together can find out more information about owner member changes and the product or service needs associated with those changes.

Sharing this type of information can be very beneficial Information that is not useful to one volunteer may prove useful to another.

Join the Society!

The Ambassador One Society is a perfect way to grow your network, establish a referral system, gain exposure in the industry and get involved in the association. To join, email members@haaonline.org to register for the HAA 101 Orientation held on the first Wednesday of every month. Then attend at least three Ambassador meetings to become a full ONE member.

To RSVP for the next meeting or with questions, contact the HAA Staff Liaison Amanda Sherbondy at 713-595-0316 or email asherbondy@haaonline.org.

Get in the picture!

ABODE magazine is your source for what’s happening in the Houstonarea apartment market. Every month, our members-only publication highlights industry news and trends, plus photos of YOU, our members, from HAA events!

ABODE is your source for industry-specific legal and legislative news as well. Share your promotions and new hires in our “People on the Move” column, or the latest development in your area of expertise by writing an article. Look for ABODE in the mail the first week of each month or read online at issuu.com/haa_abode. Contact the Communications Department at comm@haaonline.org for to find out how to write your story and contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org to advertise.

ABODE is your HAA, and it’s #notjustaprettyform!

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In Memoriam

Blake Rhone Subinsky 1989-2021 It is with great sadness HAA announces the passing of Blake Subinsky, Product Service Council member, active HAA volunteer and the son of HAA and TAA Past President Jackie Rhone and grandson of HAA Hall of Fame recipient and Past President Eileen Subinsky. Many of you know him as a great friend and a dedicated member of our association. Words cannot convey the depth of our grief for Blake’s wife Britney, their 5year-old daughter Kailey, Jackie, Eileen and the entire Rhone/Subinsky family. Please keep them in your prayers.

From his family: Blake Rhone Subinsky, 32, passed away from this life on August 31st, 2021, as the result of a tragic automobile accident. Blake was born on January 9th, 1989, in Houston, TX. Blake grew up in Angleton, Texas and attended Angleton schools for most of his life, before graduating from Brazosport Christian School with the class of 2007. He loved all sports and excelled at every turn, playing soccer, baseball, basketball, football, softball and golf. Blake had an uncanny memory (only for sports stats) and could still tell you who was on first or second, in the 5th inning at his 9-year-old All Star Game. He was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan from a very young age, loved his Houston Astros and never missed a Longhorns game. After high school, he attended Sam Houston State University where he very quickly became a Huntsville legend. Blake was also a huge fan of his Sam Houston Bearkats and was so proud of their recent national championship. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity where he served in many capacities, including president. Blake’s fraternity brothers were truly his brothers. He played club baseball and was heavily involved with intramural sports. Blake graduated from Sam Houston in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science degree and was employed by HD Supply as a Regional Account Manager, serving the multi-family industry and following in the footsteps of his mother and grandmother in an industry that he loved. He was a very active volunteer at the Houston Apartment Association and enjoyed the time he spent with friends and

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colleagues across the industry. Blake was lucky enough to meet the two loves of his life in Britney and daughter, Kailey Rae. The love they all shared was genuine, beautiful and so apparent for anyone to see. They were married on September 19th, 2020. The other “girl” in his life was his chocolate lab, Dezzy.

While he had many names/titles- son, brother, bubba, bubs, grandson, cousin, friend, BSub, prince Blake, momma’s boy, savage, husband and many more, by far his favorite name was Daddy Blake to his Kailey Rae. They had an incredible love for each other and a special bond that only a daddy and daughter could share. Blake is survived by his loving wife, Britney, and beloved daughter, Kailey Rae of Rosharon, TX; parents Mark and Jackie Rhone of Hitchcock, TX; sister Erinn Marshall (Richard) of Katy, TX; sister Megan Bugg (Travis) of Katy, TX; grandparents Edward and Eileen Subinsky of Houston, TX ; grandparents Igor and Betty Effimoff of Houston, TX; grandparents Edward and Peggy Hawkinson of Galveston, TX; in-laws Raymond and Nancy Garivey of Pasadena, TX; sisters in law, Sierra King (Charles) of Rosenberg, TX and Victoria Garivey of Pasadena, TX; brother-in-law Ray Garivey (Samantha) of Rosenberg, TX and many, many, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who were like family. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rex Ray Rhone Sr. and Charleen Carole Rhone.

Blake’s infectious smile and personality could light up any room and he was always the life of the party, wherever he was. He loved life and more than anything, he loved his family and friends. Blake never met a stranger. He was our “gentle giant” and will be missed forever and always. His kindness to all who knew him was his calling card.

While we may not understand the “why” at such a young age, we do know where he is, sitting with his Savior in heaven likely talking about the Dallas Cowboys or Longhorn football. Heaven is a little brighter today because of his presence. Our love for him will endure forever. Hold your loved ones a little tighter, be kind, spread love and #BeABlake.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in his memory to New Hope Church. https://newhopechurch.tv/give

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Portfolio Changes The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios: • Adara Communities: Arella on Jones, 229 units at 12840 Jones Road.

• American Communities: 1711 Caroline , 220 units at 1711 Caroline St. • ArtComm Equity: Campbell Apartments, 15 units at 1801 Campbell Road.

• Avenue5 Residential: Allora Friendswood, 249 units at 2911 W. El Dorado Blvd., Friendswood; Allora Northwest Crossing, 378 units at 5550 Bingle Road; and Park at Humble, 216 units at 9390 FM 1960 Bypass Road W., Humble.

• Axiom Residential: Flats on Tanglewilde, with 256 units at 2630 Tanglewilde St. • Baba Enterprises: Imperial Oaks Apartments, with 256 units at 625 Seminar Drive.

• Bell Partners: Royal Spring, with 351 units at 4910 Spring Cypress Road, Spring.

• Bellrock Real Estate Partners: Bellrock Summer Street, with 375 units at 3030 Summer St. • Better World Properties: Terracita Apartments, with 176 units at 801 S. Allen Genoa Road S. • Blazer Real Estate Services: Hartwood At West Little York, 150 units at 7925 W. Little York Road.

• CAF Management: Silverstream, 300 units at 21077 Kingsland Blvd., Katy.

• Centra Partners: Reserve At Forest Ridge, 102 units at 3030 N. Frazier St., Conroe.

• Creative Property Management: Whispering Pines Apartments, 44 units at 205 N. Columbia Drive, West Columbia.

• DayRise Residential: The Fordham at Eagle Springs, 137 units at 18021 Eagle Springs Pkwy., Humble.

• Elm Street Assets: properties, with 7 units at various locations.

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• Greystar: Millennium High Street, 342 units at 4410 Westheimer Road; Encore Motif, 240 units at 23233 Western Centre Drive, Katy; and Cyan Cinco Ranch, 433 units at 21650 FM 1093, Richmond.

• HarDam Hotels & Housing: Songwood Park Residences, 30 units at 10506 East Fwy. • Haven Residential - 29th Street Capital: San Cierra, 362 units at 15500 Cutten Road.

• Hilltop Residential Management: Plaza San Jacinto, 132 units at 3331 Luella Blvd., La Porte.

• Hudcon: properties, with 1 unit at various locations.

• Indus Management Group: Stratford House Apartments, 476 units at 4010 Linkwood Drive.

• Internacional Realty: Heights West 11th, 121 units at 2205 W. 11 St. • Linebacker Equity Management: Queens Lane Apartments and Townhomes, 88 units at 2525 Allen Genoa Road, Pasadena.

• Meadowview Apartments: properties, 14 units at various locations.

• Monument Property Management: Cedar Gate Apartments, 52 units at 1325 Cedar Post Lane.

• The Morgan Group: Prose West Cypress, 336 units at 19770 Clay Road, Katy.

• Mosaic Residential: Briarstone, 96 units at 4719 Reading Road, Rosenberg.

• Oak Leaf Management: 835 Heights Blvd. Apartments, 48 units at 835 Heights Blvd.; 4300 Rosslyn Apartments, 27 units at 4300 Rosslyn Road; 1222 Heights Apartments, 10 unitsat 1222 Heights Blvd.; 1548 Ashland Apartments, 16 units at 1548 Ashland St.; 214 West 17th Street Apartments, 22 units at 214 W 17 St.; 427 West 16th Street Apartments 28 units at 427 W. 16 St.; Su Casita, 133 units at 4825 Aldine Mail Route Road; and Mi Casita Apartments, 194 units at 5001 Aldine Mail Route Road.

• Olympus Property: Olympus At Waterside Estates, 229 units at 9900 S. Mason Road, Richmond.

• Penn Capital Management: Westwood Park Apartments, 124 units at 1908 Rosharon Road, Alvin.

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• Pioneer Property Management: The Villages At Meyerland, 714 units at 8900 Chimney Rock Road.

• Q10 Property Advisors: The Co-Op At The Med Center, 200 units at 7710 S. Main St. and Westfield Ridge Apartments, 112 units at 20515 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble.

• Rockstar Capital Management: Valencia Place, 246 units at 3131 W. Bellfort Ave. • Roscoe Properties: Aventura 1414, 256 units at 1414 S. Dairy Ashford Road and The Mill Apartments, 201 units at 780 Sawdust Road, Spring.

• Rose Valley Properties: properties, 26 units at various locations.

• Royal Key Property Management: Emory at Canal, 44 units at 7530 Canal St. • Sentinel Peak/Summit Properties: The Preston, 144 units at 4545 Louetta Road, Spring.

• Stonemark Management Company: The Standard At Eastpoint, 283 units at 7447 Eastpoint Blvd., Baytown.

• TAZRock Asset Management: Villas At Braeburn, 80 units at 9600 Braes Bayou Drive.

• The Life Property Management: The Life At Sterling Woods, 234 units at 8625 Winkler Drive and The Life At Grand Oaks, 556 units at 5500 De Soto St. • Tricon Residential: Yorktown Crossing Apartments, 312 units at 15903 Yorktown Crossing Pkwy; Falls at Copperlake, 374 units at 9140 Highway 6 N.; and Falls at Eagle Creek, 412 units at 9702 N. Sam Houston Pkwy E., Humble.

• Venterra Realty: San Palmilla, 347 units at 18833 Town Ridge Lane, Webster.

• VSC Management: Monaco Villas Apartments, 160 units at 460 Highway 332, Lake Jackson.

• Yida International Trading: Bellaire View Apartments, 60 units at 9115 Bellaire Blvd.

In the News The Houston Apartment Association is excited to welcome Madison Polston, public affairs coordinator, to the HAA team.

Polston

Knight

Debra Knight, CAS, accepts a position as senior sales representative with Comm-Fit. Hilltop Residential Management is thrilled to announce Clark Gregg joins their team as director of capital projects. Gregg is managing and executing all interior and exterior renovation projects across the Hilltop portfolio.

Signorelli gives a warm welcome to Dana Dovell as vice president of residential rental operations, overseeing the Build For Rent Gregg division of the company; Grace Rocha as regional supervisor; Erika Foster as senior multisite manager; and Kristal Jimenez as accounting department. www.haaonline.org

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On Site with ABODE

Photos provided by DayRise Residential

RIVERBROOK VILLAGE A luxury 55-plus apartment community.

Property: Riverbrook Village Owner/Management: DayRise Residential Location: 5450 Atascocita Road, Humble Units: 110 Built: 2016 Web: www.liveatriverbrook.com Interesting features: Located in the Atascocita neighborhood within Humble, Riverbrook Village is an excellent choice for renters aged 55 years and older who want to live in a luxury apartment home in an excellent area.

Atascocita has Lake Houston on the eastern border and contains multiple parks, country clubs and golf courses, which might be why this neighborhood ranks on the list of best places to retire by U.S. News and World Report.

Residents have access to resort-style amenities including a stunning swimming pool, grilling stations, a fitness center, a clubhouse with a library, a card room and an onsite hair salon. These amenities were designed just for its residents, elevating each resident’s experience at home.

Riverbrook Village has its very own activity coordinator who is committed to providing social and active events for residents.

This apartment community offers one and two-bedroom apartment homes.

Floor plans include premium finishes and spacious interiors with options such as private garages, kitchen islands, balconies and walk-in closets.

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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

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

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Do you really know your applicant?

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

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

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

a service of

in partnership with

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

ad index pg 74.qxp_Ad Index pg 74 9/17/21 2:40 PM Page 1

Index of Advertisers By CATEGORY

A/C Supplies

Landscape Contractors

Swimming Pool Service

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

Outdoor Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 713-955-0990 . . . . . .www.outdoorelementstx.com

Poolsure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 800-858-POOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.poolsure.com

Texscape Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 281-846-3779 . . . . . . . . . .www.texscapeservices.com

Carpet Installation Dixie Carpet Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 281-261-6334 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dixiecarpet.com

Laundry Equipment & Supplies

Texas Southwest Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 800-719-4321 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.texasswfloors.com

Scott Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 713-686-7268 . . . . . . . . .www.scott-equipment.com

Collection Agencies

Locks & Locksmiths

Alexander-Rose Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 713-644-4441 . . . . . . . . . . .www.alexanderrose-inc.com

CKI Wholesale Lock Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 713-462-0704 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ckilock.com

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.

Maintenance Supplies

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

AZPartsmaster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 888-924-7278 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.azpartsmaster.com

Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services . . . . .19 281-693-3383 . . . . . . . . . . .www.brandtelectrical.com

Outdoor Furniture

Foundation Repair

Texacraft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 800-327-1541 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.texacraft.com

Church Foundation Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 713-468-8400 . . .www.churchfoundationrepair.com

Personnel Agency ASAP Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 972-432-6667 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.asapdo.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

Plumbing Contractors AAA Plumbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 713-462-4753 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.aaaplumbers.com

Crestmark Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 713-426-6161 . . . . . . . . . . .www.crestmarkservices.com FSI Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 832-767-1115 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.fsiconstruction.com Gemstar Construction & Development . . . . . .33 281-821-1195 . . . . . .www.gemstarconstruction.com Guardian Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 832-672-4196 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.guardianconst.com MultiFamily Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 713-266-9100 RENCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover 713-666-3636 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rencon.com

Resident Screening Service SafeRent Solutions . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover 888-297-8821 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.corelogic.com

Resurfacing Perfect Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 713-952-0202 . . . . . . . .www.perfectsurfaceinc.com

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

Glass – Plate, Window, Etc. Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com

Security Control Equipment/Systems SentriForce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 888-671-2202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.sentriforce.com

Insurance Harco Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 713-681-2500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.harco-ins.com

Security Deposit Alternatives RentSense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 833-500-5959 ext,105 . . . . . . . . . . .www.rentsense.us

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

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

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_oct2021.

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MarketLine By BRUCE MCCLENNY, President, ApartmentData.com •

•

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

HOUSTON Snapshot 91.7% $1,155/mo. $1.30/sq.ft./mo.

887 sq.ft.

Recently Opened (12 months): 86 communities 22,992 units

1000 –

– 90.0

975 – – 89.0

– 88.0

Under Construction: 48 communities 13,479 units

Occupancy (%)

Operating Supply: 2,954 communities 696,883 units

Rental Rate (¢/sq.ft./mo.)

Past 12 Months: 10.6% rental rate growth 33,451 units absorbed

1025 –

•

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

•

Aug 21

Jul 21

Jun 21

May 21

Apr 21

Mar 21

Feb 21

Jan 21

Dec 20

Nov 20

Oct 20

Sep 20

Aug 20

Jul 20

Jun 20

May 20

Apr 20

Mar 20

Feb 20

Jan 20

Nov 19

Dec 19

Proposed Construction: 99 communities 28,652 units

Oct 19

Sep 19

– 87.0

History of Effective Rental Rate & Occupancy for All Units

Hottest Submarkets Over the Past Three Months

Concessions

Annualized % of Market Rank Submarket Absorbed 1 Tomball/Spring 34.6% 2 Heights/Washington Ave 29.8% 3 Montrose/Museum/Midtown 30.3% 4 Katy/Cinco Ranch/Waterside 31.2% 5 Highland Village/Upper Kirby/West U 28.2%

Rental Rate Growth % 7.3% 6.2% 3.8% 3.3% 3.9%

Total Units Class w/Concessions All 244,826 A 74,543 B 61,267 C 74,660 D 14,356

% of Total Units 32% 39% 28% 35% 19%

Average Special -2.0% -2.8% -1.2% -1.7% -1.4%

Citywide Effect -5.7% -6.7% -4.5% -5.0% -6.5%

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:

92.7% $1,332/mo. $1.52/sq.ft./mo.

878 sq.ft.

92.7% $1,103/mo. $1.29/sq.ft./mo.

856 sq.ft.

91.9% $1,516/mo. $1.73¢/sq.ft./mo.

876 sq.ft.

Past 12 Months: 14.2% rental rate growth 37,594 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: 11.2% rental rate growth 10,526 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: 20.9% rental rate growth 18,587 units absorbed

Operating Supply: 3,317 communities 793,825 units

Operating Supply: 967 communities 207,709 units

Operating Supply: 1,100 communities 260,623 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. © 2021 ApartmentData.com October 2021

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Back Page

with News from around the COMMUNITY

In Memoriam

Pat Collins 1949-2021

Patrick (Pat) Gill Collins, a long-time member and supporter of HAA and ABODE magazine, passed unexpectedly on August 21, 2021 in Houston, Texas.

Born on November 14, 1949 in El Paso, Texas, Pat attended St. Thomas High School and graduated with the Class of 1968. He attended San Jacinto College, then enlisted in the Navy from which he received an Honorable Discharge. Pat was working full time when he took a class to learn how to re-key locks. He became so successful at this “part-time” job he hardly had time to sleep. So, in 1974, he gave up his day job and began his own company, Collins Keys Inc., known as CKI Wholesale Lock Supply Inc. The company branched out to selling hardware to home builders and apartment communities throughout Texas and the United States. Pat is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Helen; his three sons, Patrick Neal Collins, Christopher Collins; and his favorite son, Marley Collins (a golden retriever – two years old on the day Pat passed). Pat is also survived by his brother Paul Michael Collins, his wife Becky Collins, their son Craig Collins, his niece and Godchild Kendra Collins Heusinkveld.

Additionally, he’s survived by his nephew Clinton Collins and niece Lynette Collins. Pat will be greatly missed.

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Blood Drive November 5 9 a.m. to 1 p.m at the HAA Office Sign up with shinkley@haaonline.org

Join the HAA Food Drive for people and pets beginning November 1

HAA is asking all members to collect food, for both people and pets, to donate to the Houston Food Bank and The Rescue Bank. HAA held its first food drive in 1983, and the Houston Food Bank lists HAA as one of the top 25 donors to the organization.

If your property or company plans on a community effort this coming holiday season, why not collect food for the citizens of Houston and the surrounding areas who are food insecure. The Houston Food Bank is America's largest food bank leading hunger relief in 18 southeast Texas counties. The food bank collects for pets as well so don’t forget our four-legged friends, too!

Apartment managers, here are some ideas for collecting food on site: • Set up a collection box at the leasing office. The Houston Food Bank has collection boxes available, or you can decorate your own box.

• Place a flier at each resident’s door or in your newsletter announcing that you will be collecting food during November.

• Visit your local grocery store and ask for a supply of paper bags that you can use to place at each apartment door asking residents to fill the bag with nonperishable food for people and pets.

• Place a flier in the mailbox area announcing the food drive and where/how to donate.

Please contact Susan Hinkley at 713-595-0313 or shinkley@haaonline.org to participate. www.haaonline.org

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ABODE THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

HAAPAC • HALL OF FAME PHOTOS

Houston Apartment Association 4810 Westway Park Blvd.

Houston, Texas 77041

www.haaonline.org

October 2021

ABODE • OCTOBER 2021 • VOLUME 44, ISSUE 10 www.haaonline.org

The Houston Apartment Foundation Chili Fest Celebrates 30 Years!

See Page 18 for details.