ABODE October 2024 by HAA Publishing

Saturday, October 19 Humble Civic Center

It’s October and time for the HAF Chili Fest!

AB E

Also in this edition, don’t miss commentary on the presidential election with HAA leadership.

October 2024

ON THE COVER

32

Red & Blue –

Join us for a friendly conversation on the 2024 Presidential race with 2024 HAA President Gina Erwin and 2023 President Stephanie Graves. Plus, the HAF Chili Fest is here and we’re All American! See Page 18 details.

Cover political and fireworks images by Wildpixel and FeelPic, iStock by Getty Images.

FEATURES & PHOTOS

26 On the Scene – Photos from the HAA PAC Steering Committee Luncheon.

28 Domestic Violence – Stakeholders partner together to create awareness and help end the cycle of domestic abuse.

32 Red & Blue – Join us for a friendly conversation on the 2024 Presidential race.

38 HAA PAC Contributors – The HAA PAC members support good government for the multifamily industry.

40 HAA PAC Endorsements – The HAA PAC supports these candidates in the November election.

41 HAA PAC – This infographic explains how the PAC works for you.

42 HAA Judicial Advocacy – HAA strives to develop and maintain strong relationships.

43 On the Road – Photos from the Conroe Region meeting.

44 TAA Legislative Agenda – Learn more about the Texas Apartment Association’s legislative agenda for 2025.

46 On the Scene – Photos from the NEXT Barlympics.

50 On the Scene – Photos from the Take 5 Business Exchange.

56 On the Scene – Photos from the It’s the Law Breakfast.

68 On Site with ABODE – Take a closer look at two more HAA Honors Award winning properties.

COLUMNS & MONTHLY UPDATES

7 President’s Corner – Vote!

8 Patron of the Month – Meet and support FSI Construction Inc.

9 Legislative Update – Learn more about political issues affecting the Houston multifamily industry.

11 It’s The Law – When is an eviction final?

14 Resident Relations – A resident disputes charges.

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

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

60 Go-Getters – Don’t miss your chance to win in $1,000 in December!

62 The Ambassador ONE Society –The Ambassadors make connections.

66 Portfolio Changes – Property updates from our members.

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

71 MarketLine – The latest area market numbers.

72 BackPage – News from around the community.

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

OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP

SHELLEY WATSON President-Elect

GINA ERWIN President

RYAN TERRELL Secretary/Treasurer

HOWARD BOOKSTAFF General Counsel

MONICA GRACIA

Vice President at Large –West

PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL OFFICERS

JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ, CAS President Greenlogic

CASEY WATTS MORGAN CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mack Armstrong

Julie Batche

Kristen Becker

John Boriack

Kyle Brown

Tina Cavaco

Terri Clifton

Michelle Croasmun

Deborah DeRouen

Derek DeVries

Scott Douglas

Gina Erwin

Tamara Foster

Melissa Friend

Diane Gilbert

Monica Gracia

Stephanie Graves

Elizabeth Castro Gray

Manu Gupta

Clay Hicks

Deborah Holcombe

Karen Hefner

Nathan Kelley

Debbie Kelm

Crystal Jackson

Nathan Kelley

Jacob Kunath

Valerie Lacy

Barby Lake

David Lindley

Betsy Marshall

Joe Melton

Kristin McLaughlin

Candis Mohr

Katy Myrick

David Nargang

Carlos Neto

Jenifer Paneral

Angelee Kumar Parikh

Mark Park

Velissa Parmer

Michelle Pawelek

Kelly Robinson

Christy Rodriguez

Joseph Rodriguez

Ingrid Shultz

Nikki Sekunda

Corri Smith

Penny Sprang

Kelley Suess

Debbie Sulzer

Blaise Spitaleri

Ryan Terrell

Starla Turnbo

Richard Wall

Shelley Watson

Richard Whatcott

Quintina Willis Tracie Yoder

DIRECTORS EMERITUS

Josh Allen

Ken Bohan

Gary Blumberg

Kathy Clem

Jack Dinerstein

Jenard Gross

Darlene Guidry

Alison Hall

David Hargrove

Larry Hill

Stacy Hunt

Hap Hunnicutt

David Jones

Mel Kieke

Mike Koch

Dick LaMarche

Cesar Lima

Tim Myers

P David Onanian

Jackie Rhone

John Ridgway

Kim Small

Eileen Subinsky

Steve Sweet

Kirk Tate

Suan Tinsley

H J Tollett, Jr.

Pat Tollett

Vic Vacek, Jr.

Beth Van Winkle

Jerry Winograd

ADVISORY

DIRECTORS

Susan Alvarado

Jeff Blevins

Michelle Bridges

Roger Camp

Israel Garza

Billy Griffin

Stacy Lastovica

Mary Lawler

Laura Lestus

Cari Luetge

Bruce McClenny

Monica Morales

Ruth Reyes

Jake Slosburg

Lindsay Torres-Smith

Tony Whitaker

DEBORAH HOLCOMBE

Vice President at Large –South

DEBORAH DEROUEN, CAS Vice President ClutchCity Consulting

CORRI SMITH

Vice President at Large –North

BLAISE SPITALERI, CAS Secretary Gemstar Construction Development

RICHARD WALL

Vice President at Large –East

NIKKI SEKUNDA, CAS Treasurer The Liberty Group

STEPHANIE GRAVES

Immediate Past President

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

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 Interiors

1993

Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search

1994

Camp Facility Services

1997 Apartments.com

1999

FSI Construction Inc.

2006

Lowe’s Pro Supply

CANDIS MOHR, CAS Immediate Past President AAA Plumbers

PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL MEMBERS

Susan Alvarado, CAS Redi Carpet Sales of Houston Ltd.

Chris Bell, CAS, Century A/C Supply

Marivel Bownds, CAS, Valet Living

Tammy Broadway, CAS American Fire Systems

Shaun Callaway, CAS, Earthworks

Neal Conant, CAS, Gemstar Construction Development

Sean Cunningham, CAS, Flooring Warehouse

Deborah Derouen, CAS ClutchCity Consulting

Derek DeVries, CAS, Epic Multifamily

Construction

Marcelino “Tito"

Estrada, CAS One Source

Realty Advisors

Giovanna Gone, CAS, Rent.

Dan James, CAS, Redevelopment Services

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

Debra Knight, CAS, Comm-Fit

Stephanie Krop, CAS Emeritus, Poolsure

Liz Levins, CAS Emeritus, Gemstar Construction Development

Jim Martensen, CAS Epic Multifamily Construction

Candis Mohr, CAS, AAA Plumbers

Tracey Moore, CAS, Flooring Warehouse

Karen Nelsen, CAS ALN Apartment Data

Arely Pena, CAS The Liberty Group

Nikki Sekunda, CAS, The Liberty Group

Joseph Rodriguez, CAS, Greenlogic

Blaise Spitaleri, CAS, Gemstar Construction Development

Amber Whitaker, CAS FSI Construction

ABODE

OCTOBER 2024 I VOLUME 47, ISSUE 10

Chief Executive Officer and Publisher

CASEY WATTS MORGAN, MPP cmorgan@haaonline.org

EDITORIAL AND DESIGN STAFF

Director of Publications and Design DEBORAH NIX dnix@haaonline.org

Communications Manager MADISON O’BAR mobar@haaonline.org

ADVERTISING

Vice President of Membership and Marketing AMANDA SHERBONDY, CAE asherbondy@haaonline.org

CONTRIBUTING STAFF

Chief Operating Officer SUSAN HINKLEY, CAE shinkley@haaonline.org

Vice President of Government Affairs BRADLEY PEPPER bpepper@haaonline.org

Chief Financial Officer TREY WIMBERLY, CPA twimberly@haaonline.org

Vice President of Education LAUREN RAGIN, CMP lragin@haaonline.org

Events and Meetings Director KASAUNDRA WRIGHT kwright@haaonline.org

Director of Resident Relations MATILDE LUNA mluna@haaonline.org

Director of Rental Credit Reporting TINA DEFIORE tdefiore@haaonline.org

Director of IT WILL ALFARO walfaro@haaonline.org

Education Manager CINDY DE LA RIVA cdelariva@haaonline.org

Government Affairs Manager ALEX CHADWELL achadwell@haaonline.org

Membership and Marketing Manager MARYANN MARTIN mmartin@haaonline.org

PRINTER TGI PRINTED www.tgiprinted.com

HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES

COMMITTEE CHAIR

Executive Gina Erwin

Nominating Stephanie Graves

Fair Housing Howard Bookstaff

Ethics Michelle Pawelek

Finance Gary Blumberg

Past Presidents Council John Boriack

Legislative Shelley Watson

Political Action Stacy Hunt

Golf Starla Turnbo

Century Club Nikki Sekunda

Education Advisory Lindsay Torres-Smith

Michelle Bridges

Independent Rental

Owners Connection Elizabeth Castro-Gray

Leadership Development Kyle Brown

Community Outreach Joe Melton

Product Service Council

Expo Exhibitor

Joey Rodriguez

Deborah DeRouen

Membership Valerie Lacy

Debra Knight

Ambassador ONE Society Tito Estrada

Karen Nelsen

Resident Relations A Jessica Wheeler

Resident Relations B Karah Carrillo

Resident Relations Appeals Darlene Guidry

HAF Fundraiser Neal Conant

Ryan Weis

NEXT Monica Morales

Susan Alvarado

Property Awards Diane Gilbert

Beth Levine

STAFF ADVISOR

Casey Morgan

Bradley Pepper

Lauren Ragin

Susan Hinkley

Amanda Sherbondy

Matti Luna

Lauren Ragin

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 2024, VOLUME 47, 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 © 2024 by HAA.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas.

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

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.

1st United Construction LLC

3BeeGuys Bee Removal

A&A Fence & Iron

A+ Aquatic Services

AAA Staffing Ltd

ABC Supply

Achilles Security Services LLC

ACM Contractors of Texas

ACT Security Group

Action Buggies

Action Towing Inc

Action Window Coverings Inc

Adams Roofing

Adobe Floors Inc

Advanced Building Supply LLC

Adventure Playground Systems Inc

Advocate Construction Inc

Aerwave

Affinity Waste Solutions

Air Express Construction and Plumbing

Air Pro Systems

Alcaraz Lawn Care

Alexander-Rose Associates Inc

All American Mailboxes of Houston Inc

All Power Solutions

Allen Lockers

ALN Apartment Data

Ambassador Services LLC

American Builders Group LLC

American Fire Protection Group

American Fire Systems Inc

American Platinum Builders

AmRent

Andrews Myers PC

Apex Multifamily

Arborworks TX

ARR Commercial Services

& Sheet Metal

Artisent Floors

ASAP Personnel Inc

Asurety Dryer Vent & Fireplace Inspections

ATSG American Towing Service Group LLC

Audio Images International Inc

AWT Golf Carts

B&G Construction

Bar-B-Clean Southwest Houston

Belfor Property Restoration

Bell’s Laundries

Bettencourt Tax Advisors LLC

BGE Inc/aka Brown & Gay Engineers Inc

Binswanger Glass

Blakan Grey Media

Blue HERON Technologies LLC

Blue Marlin Maintenance Air

Conditioning and Renovation

Blue Star Security LLC

Blue Stream Fiber

BluSky Restoration Contractors

BoldREMO LLC

Brady Chapman Holland & Assoc

Briggs Equipment

Brown & Brown Insurance

Services Inc

BSI

Building Bright Houston

C4 Protection

Cameras Onsite LLC

Cano Electric Inc

Cantrell McCulloch

Capital Disaster Solutions

Catalyst Construction

Centex Construction

Century Fire Protection Houston

CEP Construction Services LLC

Chadwell Supply

Chesapeake Finishing

Chicago Title – Commercial Services

Citi Fence & Concrete

Classic Same Day Blinds

CNM Roofing

Code Red Security Systems PLLC

Comiskey Capital Insurance Agency Inc

Commercial Fire Protection Contractors Inc

Core Multifamily Fabrication

CORT Furniture Rental

CRE Business Solutions LLC

Crossroads Insurance Recovery Advocates

Crowned Eagle Construction

CSC Serviceworks

Cypress Landscaping & Irrigation Inc

D & S Fire & Safety LLC

D&G Quality Roofing Inc

DeNyse Companies

Designs by Holmes

DNM Contracting Inc

DoodyCalls

Double Oak Erosion

Dry Force Corp

Dryer Vent Wizard

EDT Construction Services

Elite Roofing LLC

Embark Services

Emersyn Electrical Services LLC

Encore Services TX, LLC

EnviroSmart Multifamily Pest Solutions

Epic Multifamily Construction

EPremium Insurance Agency

EV Charge Solutions LLC/

EV Power Kings DBA

Exo Edge

Extollo Construction

Faith J Construction

Fantastic Floors

FASTSIGNS Missouri City

Featherston Sign Partners

FFH Inc DBA Liberty Builders

Fiat Construction LLC

Fidus Construction Services

Finish Factory Inc

Fire Reconstruction Inc

Flavor Finish Resurfacing

FlipLok

Floor Merchant

Frontier Waste Solutions

fun abounds

FW Walton

Gambit Construction

Gateman Inc

Go Pro Contractors

Go-Staff Inc

Gold Star Restoration

Golden's Pro-Wash & Windows

GQ Landscaping

GraphTec Inc

GRASSA Construction

Graviti Fast EV Charging

Great American Business Products

Greater Houston Pool Management

Green City Security LLC

Green Leaf Pro

Greenlogic

Grindstone General Contracting

H&R Operator Services Inc

Hallmark Hardwoods

Hamilton-Steele Outdoor Accents

Higginbotham

Hive Technology

HMS Landscaping LLC

Hoover Slovacek LLP

Hut Services LLC

Ideal Parking Management

Imperial Construction

Imperial Wallboard Supply/ The Villa Drywall, Inc.

Infinity Power Partners

Interior Logic GroupProperty Services

Ironwood Connection

J.P. Morin Company LLC

JAK Environmental LLC

Jenkins Restorations

JJ's Waste & Recycling of Texas LLC

Johnstone Supply

Junk Shot and Doorstep

Details of Houston

Kings III Emergency Communications

Leah McVeigh Design and Consulting

Ledge Lounger

Lee & Barrier Builders LLC

Lifeline Roofing Systems

Lift-Texas Construction

Lincoln Jacob Construction

Lithotech Printed Products/ Forms Center

LM Lawns

LP Building Solutions

Maid U Shine LLC

Maldonado Nursery & Landscaping Inc

Matrix Construction Services

McMahan's Flooring Inc

MCW Signs Inc Dba Signarama

Magnolia

Mohawk Industries

Monge Contracting Group

Montana Pavement Group LLC

MPS Direct

Mueller Water Conditioning Inc

Multifamily Access Control

MX2 Commercial Paving

NEI General Contracting

Nelson Painting and Construction LLC

Norman Roofing and Construction

Northwood Construction

OnCall Patrol LLC DBA

ParkingPass.Com

OneApp Guarantee

Optima General Contractor LLC

Pace Mechanical Services LLC

Parking Management Company/ PMC Towing

Pasadena Insurance Agency Inc

Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Houston

PCS Creative Surface LLC

Pepco Sales & Marketing

Perfect Parking

Platinum Pool and Spa LLC

Precision Safe Sidewalks LLC

Premium Improvements

Pretty Cleaning Service LLC

Pro-Tex Contracting Group LLC

Property Guardians

Pura Flo Corporation

Quatro Tax LLC

Qwikkit

RAM Construction

Ram Jack Foundation Solutions

Ready 2 Respond

Real Floors Inc

Redevelopment Services

Redwood Private Security LLC

Reliable Roofing of Texas Inc

Reliant

RENCON LLC

Renova Appliance Center Ltd

Rent.

Resident IQ

Revela Inc

REVS (Refuel Electric

Vehicle Solutions)

Right Scope LLC

Riverway Title

Roadrunner Restoration

Company LLC

Roof Top Innovations

Roto-Rooter Services Co

Rotolo Consultants Inc (RCI)

SafeRent Solutions

Saint Clair & Sons Inc

Sayan Renovations & Construction

Score Construction & Remodeling

SEAL Security Solutions LLC

Secure Insurance

ServiceMaster Recovery

Management

Servpro Friendswood Pearland

Servpro of Sugar Land

Servpro Team Shaw

Sherwin Williams

Sign-Ups & Banners

Signal of Houston

Snappt

Space CT Towing

Spartan Fire Protection

Steward Trash Valet Service

Strata Roofing and Construction LLC

Stripe Lines Inc Dba Grass Lines Inc

STX Roofing

Sunny Pressure Washing LLC

Surface Experts

Swain & Baldwin Insurance

& Risk Management

Tex-Star A&I

Texas Apartment Pool Services

Texas Concrete Professional

Company

Texas Crime Prevention Agency

Texas Southwest Floors Inc

Texas Window Cleaning Co Inc

The Apartments Concierge

The Dick Law Firm

The Legends Group LLC

The Liberty Group

The Phoenix Staffing

The Window Source of Houston

Tidal Electrical Services Inc

Tillman Roofing Inc

Tradition Services

Trash Butler

Two Brothers Foundation Repair

TX Hydrojet

United Protective Services

Urban Design Constructors

Urban Value Corner Store

USA Patrol Division

Valet Living

Webb Pest Control

Westpark Communications

Whitmans Contracting and Roofing

Wilsonart LLC

WorldVue

XXL Construction Inc

Yellowstone Landscape

Yulf Decoration Group LLC

By GINA ERWIN

THIS IS NO TRICK – IT IS ALREADY OCTOBER! AND WHETHER YOU SEE IT AS A TREAT OR NOT, IT IS ALSO AN ELECTION YEAR! EARLY VOTING STARTS THIS MONTH!

During this fall season you will see herds of people rushing to the streets, dressed up in costumes and knocking on doors for candy and treats. Not that I don’t love a sweet treat every now and then, but I would love it even more if those same numbers rushed to vote this October/November. The 2024 election is almost here, and early voting starts on October 21 (running through November 1). Then the big day, Election Day, is Tuesday, November 5. Don’t miss the chance to make your voice heard – every vote counts! You can find a voting center near you at www.votetexas.gov and remember that for early voting you can vote anywhere!

I know politics can stir up some spooky (and often controversial) conversations, even if you happen to be voting for the same candidate! I encourage you to keep having those conversations and keep digging for information. Stay informed on what is happening in your country, search for information from all sources (not just MSM and social media) and listen to the opinions of others! Healthy conversations like these make us better communicators, better friends, better peers, better family members, give us better coping skills and we may realize things about either party that we hadn’t considered before. I sat down and talked politics with 2023 HAA President Stephanie Graves and discussed this year’s Republican and Democratic tickets. Even though we don’t always agree, we had a wonderful (and civilized ��) conversation on the topic. You can find our discussion starting on Page 32.

This election season we have the power to GSD! Voting is the only way you can create change; change for yourself and change for this industry that we all know and love. Every election season HAA tries to emphasize the importance of voting and making your voice heard. Every election and every single vote make that much more of a difference and there is strength in numbers. This year it is more important than ever to get to the polls and VOTE! Whether we like it or not, elections affect our industry in more ways than one. HAA has worked on compiling a list of local candidates that support the apartment industry and has made that list available for members to take to the polls with them. Turn to Page 40 to see who the Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee is endorsing for this year’s local elections. The HAA PAC knows better than to endorse a Presidential candidate so that one is on you! ��

Dress up as your favorite character, eat candy until your stomach hurts and spend all Sunday watching football… but take the time to look at the PAC’s endorsement list! Do your research on this year’s candidates and avoid falling for mainstream media’s opinions. Your right to vote is important, and you should make sure you are using it because being able to make a change in this country is sweeter than candy!

Happy Halloween and Happy Voting! #GSD2024

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

Houston Planned Energy Systems HAA Member since 1978

Cotton Commercial USA Inc. HAA Member since 1982

Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search HAA Member since 1993

Lowe’s Pro Supply HAA Member since 2006

Craven Carpet HAA Member since 1986

Camp Facilty Services HAA Member since 1994

HAA Member since 1997

Gemstar Construction Development Inc. HAA Member since 1985

AAA Plumbers HAA Member since 1984

FSI Construction Inc. HAA Member since 1999

Dixie Interiors HAA Member since 1987

Century A/C Supply HAA Member since 1968

October Patron of the Month

By SHELLEY WATSON, HAA Legislative Chair, with BRADLEY PEPPER, Vice President of Government Affairs

HOT WATER

City of Conroe adopts water/sewer fee only for apartments.

AFTER HAVING TO issue a boil water notice in May and citing aging, inadequate infrastructure to service existing development, the City of Conroe has stated they need additional revenue sources to drill additional water wells.

In July, in an effort to help plug their budget deficits, the Conroe City Council began discussing potentially adopting an additional water and sewer fee for high usage customers, like hospitals, hotels, restaurants, schools and apartment properties. The preliminary discussion was that this could be roughly $10 per month. This fee would be added each month on top of the monthly utility bill.

A subsequent proposal in early August called for monthly fees of $14 for water and $8 for sewer for each apartment unit in Conroe and a $20 water usage fee for restaurants.

When the ordinance was ultimately drafted, the fee had ballooned to $30 total per unit per month, $15 for water and $15 for sewer, that only applied the fee to apartment properties.

After requesting several meetings with City Council and staff, HAA Government Affairs members attended both a City Council workshop and regular council meeting where the fee was discussed in late August.

At these meetings, the “problem” as stated by the Mayor, the City Council and the Finance Director was that multifamily residents pay significantly less than their single-family counterparts.

Accordingly, the additional fee would

theoretically bring the multifamily bills in line with what the single family residents are already paying.

The control variable they used in crafting this ordinance was the average bill that a single-family home would receive if it used 3,000 gallons per month, which came out to roughly $66.

To contrast they pulled four multifamily water bills to compare and show the disparity between the single-family bill and the multifamily bill. The range of the multifamily bills were between $17 to $49 per month. However, they neglected to include the average amount of monthly usage per unit for those examples.

These comparisons are what they used at both meetings to make their case to city council, the public and the media. As we expected, the numbers were not accurate and they were not comparing apple to apples.

It was only after these council meetings that we discovered that one of the examples they used to support their argument was an apartment property with 60 units that used an average of 800 gallons per unit per month. Obviously an average usage of 800 gallons will be substantially less than a single-family home that uses 3,000 gallons.

HAA had several speakers share concerns and real examples of water bills at Conroe properties during the August council meetings. Thank you to Stacy Hunt, Greystar; Daniel Fein, Martin Fein Interests; Karen Hefner, Asset Living; Pat Tollett, Oakleaf Man-

agment; Casey Springer, JCS Asset Management; and Thomas Rexford, McCall Oaks.

Even with our speakers offering information to discredit what the city presented, they unanimously passed the ordinance to apply an additional $30 per unit per month water/sewer fee onto multifamily residents.

Following the ordinance passing, HAA met with the city staff and requested a change of effective date from October 1 to November 1. In addition, HAA General Counsel, on behalf HAA, submitted a letter to the Mayor of Conroe and City Council to address several concerns regarding the fee including the factual premise upon which it was adopted as well as our position that the fee is discriminatory, arbitrary and unconstitutional.

In an effort to provide HAA members with Conroe properties assistance in communicating with residents we have a draft of a template letter notifying residents of the fee increase.

At the time of printing, we have not heard when this will take effect or if the City intends to reconsider the fee based on our legal questions. We will continue to inform members as the situation progresses.

If you have a regulatory problem or question, call the HAA main line at 713-595-0300 and ask for Government Affairs. If a particular code requirement or issue concerns you, let us know by emailing Bradley at bpepper@haaonline.org.

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

For more on HAAPAC, visit www.haaonline.org/haapac

IS IT DONE?

When is an eviction final?

YOUR RESIDENT FAILS to pay rent. You give a notice to vacate. You file an eviction. You go to trial and win a judgment for possession. The writ is served, and the resident is moved out of the unit. You are done!

But wait! Six weeks after the resident is gone, you are served with a lawsuit by the (now former) resident stating that you are responsible for damages associated with moving the resident out.

You wonder … Can you be responsible for damages if you went through the eviction process and received judgment for possession?

In 2021, the Texas legislature added Section 24.0061(i) to the Property Code which states: “A landlord is not liable for damages to the tenant resulting from the execution of a writ of possession by an officer under this section.”

This new section of the Property Code would seem to limit wrongful eviction lawsuits. A case decided on August 22, 2024, styled Kadyebo v. Centennial CT. by the Texas Court of Appeals sitting in Houston has weighed in on this issue.

Facts

Kadyebo was a resident at Centennial Court. He was evicted from his unit on May 30, 2023, by a constable deputy pursuant to a writ of possession.

Kadyebo alleged that Centennial Court obtained the writ of possession by making fraudulent and false statements to the court. He further alleged that the housing authority, under which he obtained a voucher, paid over $7,000 to Centennial Court for his rent and that Centennial Court failed to apply the amount to his rent. He also alleged that Centennial Court’s staff stole his property.

The Suit

In July 2023, Kadyebo sued Centennial Court for wrongful eviction. Kadyebo alleged

a number of claims as to why the eviction was wrongful including negligence, retaliation, failure to conduct lawful business, failure to operate a safe premises and breach of a duty of care.

Motion to Dismiss

Centennial Court filed a motion to dismiss Kadyebo’s claims alleging that Kadyebo had no basis in law or fact for his suit. Centennial Court based its motion on two grounds:

a. Pursuant to section 92.332(b) of the Texas Property Code, a landlord is not liable for retaliation if the tenant is delinquent in rent when the landlord gives a notice to vacate or files an eviction action; and

b. Pursuant to section 24.0061(i) of the Texas Property Code, a landlord is not liable for damages to the tenant resulting from the execution of a writ of possession by an officer.

After a hearing, the county court in Tarrant County granted Centennial Court’s motion to dismiss. Kadyebo appealed the decision to the Court of Appeals in Houston.

Court’s Analysis

The appellate court first clarified that a motion to dismiss Kadyebo’s claims could only be granted if Kadyebo’s allegations, when taken as true, do not entitle Kadyebo to the relief sought. In other words, if it is true that Centennial Court acted wrongfully, can Kadyebo still sue his landlord, even though he never appealed the eviction? Or does the addition of §24.0061(i) now prevent that lawsuit?

The court recognized that, pursuant to section 92.332(b), it is not retaliatory for a landlord to file an eviction based upon nonpayment of rent, Kadyebo did not admit that he failed to pay rent in his pleadings, so the court could not dismiss the case.

The court next considered Centennial Court’s argument that, under section 24.0061

of the Texas Property Code, Centennial Court was not liable for damages to Kadyebo resulting from the execution of a writ of possession.

The court stated that this section of the Property Code has not previously been interpreted by other courts and was a case of first impression, which means that the court is interpreting this section for the first time.

The court reasoned that the parties’ dispute focused on whether the issue of the execution of the writ was “proper.” However, the language of section 24.0061(i) does not contain the term “proper.” Thus, under the plain language of the statute, the court stated that it does not appear necessary to consider whether execution of a writ of possession was “proper” before a landlord can be relieved of liability for a tenant’s damages resulting from the execution of the writ.

Nonetheless, the court stated that it was “assuming without deciding” that the Legislature intended a “just and reasonable result” in enacting the statute was that a writ “be properly” issued in order to insulate a landlord from liability for damages.

The court found that Centennial Court could not point to any allegations or statements in the pleadings that Kadyebo’s claims were the direct result of a properly executed writ of possession. To the contrary, Kadyebo’s stated in his pleading that the writ was “irregular” and “unlawful” was because Centennial Court made false representations to the court in obtaining the writ. Kadyebo expressly disputed the propriety of both the issuance of the writ and its execution. Consequently, the court ruled that this falls outside of the reading of section 24.0061(i).

The court noted that it would lead to an absurd and nonsensical result to construe the statute as shielding a landlord from liability to a tenant due to an execution of a writ that was defective.

For the reasons cited, the court reversed the trial court’s judgment and remanded the case for further proceedings consistent with its opinion. In other words, the case goes back to the trial court to continue with the trial process.

What can we learn?

• Section 24.0061(i) should protect a landlord after a writ of possession is served in conclusion of an eviction proceeding. However, the court in the Kadyebo case, for the first time, has interpreted this section as requiring that a writ of possession must have been executed “properly.”

• The court’s requirement that it be a “properly” executed writ of possession could be construed in a number of ways. Does this mean that the tenant can still get a second chance to dispute the validity of a final judgment and a writ of possession, even without appealing the eviction? The answer appears to be, yes. Despite the addition of section 24.0061(i), Kadyebo (and other residents) still have the chance to prove that something the landlord did was wrongful, even though they were unsuccessful in defending themselves at their eviction trial, and even if they don’t ap-

peal their eviction trial. This could result in a never-ending eviction process. Alternatively, a landlord may be held liable for damages if, for whatever reason, the writ was not properly served in accordance with the rest of section 24.0061.

• The court’s opinion does stand for the proposition that, if a writ of possession is not attacked as being improper, a landlord should be somewhat shielded from liability for damages that directly result from the execution of the writ. In its most narrowest sense, this would be construed as absolving the landlord from liability for damage to property when the writ is actually served (i.e. when the property is moved out of the unit to the sidewalk or other area where the constable instructs).

• This decision was rendered on August 22, 2024. As of the date of writing this article, the case could still be appealed to the Texas Supreme Court for further ruling. Consequently, the court’s narrow reading of the statute could change if the case is appealed to the higher court.

As with any new statute, it is always interesting how courts interpret the law. Hopefully

this gives you some insight into the possible use of section 24.0061(i) to defend yourself in the appropriate circumstances.

Got a minute?

The first Thursday of each month, HAA will release a series of videos by legal topic with multiple videos for each chosen theme. Don’t miss this continously building library of legal information, with subscriber access all year long.

Cost: $250 per subscriber/per email for one year of access. For more information, visit www.haaonline.org.

MONEY ORDER MISHAP

A resident requests charges be removed after claiming her money order went missing.

A RESIDENT FILED a complaint with the Houston Apartment Association to dispute charges she received after moving out of her apartment unit. The resident said that she left her last month’s rent via money order on the front door of the leasing office. The resident claimed the office never contacted her for rent, so she moved out of her unit, but was surprised to find a collections balance on her record a few months later when applying for another apartment. A charge of $2,939.40 was listed as owed to her last apartment property.

HAA reached out to the apartment property and passed along the information and that response was forwarded to the resident. Enclosed in the management’s response were copies of the lease, move out condition form, final ac-

count statement and eviction notice. Management stated that they had no record of a rent payment from the resident and filed for an eviction after not receiving the rent payment for several months.

The case was heard during a Resident Relations Committee meeting where the committee decided in favor of management. The committee decided that the charges were justified and that the resident owed the property $2,939.40. The resident was not able to prove that she paid her rent through a money order and missed her court date regarding her eviction from the property.

The HAA Resident Relations Committees provide an impartial review of resident complaints

using the documentation provided by both the resident and management. When the committee finds in favor of the resident, we appreciate a direct response from the property to the resident within two weeks and a copy of the payment sent to HAA for our records. When the committee finds in favor of the resident, management may file an appeal. When the committee finds in favor of the property owner, the decision is final. If you are a manager with a resident relations issue, call HAA at 713-595-0300 for direct assistance. Renters can be referred to HAA to speak to a trained consultant, fluent in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can also be directed online to www.haaonline.org/renters.

We will also be recognizing our industry achievement honorees, including Leadership Lyceum graduates, and credential holders, and nominating and electing our 2025 association leadership.

Wednesday, November 6

The Westin Memorial City 945 Gessner Rd.

11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Table of 10 - $1,000

Individual Seat - $95

Save 20% by registering before October 12:

$800/Table of 10, $75/Individual Seat

OCTOBER

2

New Supplier Orientation

Wednesday, October 2

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Via Zoom

All new supplier members or representatives can attend this online orientation. Learn how to get involved and take advantage of member benefits. Email members@haaonline.org for details.

Ambassador ONE Society Meeting

Wednesday, October 2

3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Kirby Ice House Memorial Supplier partners can join this committee for HAA Ambassadors to find out how to promote HAA Events, contact properties to survey them on benefits, and network with other supplier partners. Supplier members only. Email members@haaonline.org for details.

3-31

CAMT: Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician

Thursday, October 3 through Thursday October 31

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Administered every Thursday over the course of five weeks, the program’s objective is to further the technical, business, and personal development skills of today's multifamily maintenance technician, resulting in improved on-the-job performance and a heightened awareness of customer service and

responsibility. Visit www.haaonline.org for details. Sponsored by AAA Plumbers, Camp Facility Services, Gemstar Construction, Precision Appliance Leasing, and Tidal Electrical

3-4

Independent Rental Owner Success Program

Thursday, October 3 through Friday, October 4

9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Independent Owner Success program is offered to the rental owner who manages their personally-held multifamily property or properties. Independent rental owners who take the course will learn the many business practices of professional property managers.

Sponsored by Sherwin Williams and Steward Trash Valet

8-29

CALP: Certified Apartment Leasing Professional Tuesday, October 8 through Tuesday, October 29

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Administered every Tuesday over the course of four weeks, this program’s objective is to enhance the skills of the apartment leasing professional, resulting in betterinformed, highly professional individuals with increased lease activity and improved resident relations. Visit www.haaonline.org for details.

Sponsored by American Fire Systems and Best Plumbing

9

Domestic Violence and Awareness Seminar

Wednesday, October 9

8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

In honor of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in partnership with Council Member Twila Carter, HAA is offering an educational seminar on domestic violence awareness and prevention in concert with the Texas Council on Family Violence.

Visit www.haaonline.org to register.

Resident Relations Committee B Meeting

Wednesday, October 9

2 p.m.

Closed committee meeting Via Zoom

Excel 102 - Intermediate

Thursday, October 10

9 a.m. to Noon

Go beyond the basics and master Microsoft Excel in this informative course.

Sponsored by Steward Trash Valet Services

Katy Region Meeting

Thursday, October 10

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Contact achadwell@haaonline.org for details.

14

HAA Office Closed Monday, October 14

In observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

16

Avenues: Marketing Place 3

Wednesday, October 16

9 a.m. to Noon

The Avenues series of seminars feature some of the best nationallyacclaimed speakers in the industry with learning sessions for every level of multifamily professional. Sponsored by: Best Plumbing. This program counts for 3 CECs. See Page 22 for details.

30

Avenues Main Street 3

Wednesday, October 30

9 a.m. to Noon

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

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

NOVEMBER

4-8

Extreme CAM

Monday, November 4 through Friday November, 8

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Held for five consecutive days, CAM enhances the skills of the apartment manager, which can result in better managed and more profitable rental properties, improved resident retention rates and increased employee productivity. Sponsored by Ameritex Movers, Century A/C Supply, Massey Services, Texscape Services and XXL Construction

6

New Supplier Orientation

Wednesday, November 6

10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Via Zoom

All new supplier members or representatives can attend this online orientation. Learn how to get involved and take advantage of member benefits. Email members@haaonline.org for details.

6

HAA Board of Directors Meeting

Wednesday, November 6

10 a.m, to 11 a.m.

12-13

Leasing 101

Tuesday November 12 through Wednesday November 13

8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and 8:30 a.m. to Noon on Wednesday From Fair Housing and the TAA lease paperwork, to today’s terminology and techniques, the industry’s most seasoned and dynamic instructors are on hand to educate students on the boundless potential that awaits those who choose the apartment management industry as their career.

13

Resident Relations Committee A Meeting

Wednesday, November 13

2 p.m.

Closed committee meeting Via Zoom

19

PAC Steering Committee Luncheon

Tuesday, November 19

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

See Page 41 for information about the HAA PAC and the Steering Committee.

20

It’s The Law Breakfast

Wednesday, November 20

8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Start your day the legal way! Join HAA's Legal Counsel, Howard Bookstaff, for breakfast and a legal discussion. Sponsored by Hire Priority and Precision Appliance Leasing. This program counts for one CEC.

Sponsored by Hire Priority and Precision Appliance Leasing

Blue Star

Thursday, November 21

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

Tracy Gee Community Center

Contact education@haaonline.org for details.

Sponsored by American Fire Systems and EDT Construction

28-29

HAA Offices Closed Thursday, November 28 through Friday November 29

The HAA Offices will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.

Rental Credit Reporting (RCR) was established in 1977 to solve screening problems the Houston Apartment Association founders felt plagued the local apartment industry. RCR has unsurpassed data on resident rental histories in the Houston region. The Houston Apartment Association and SafeRent are partnered to expand RCR and include numerous searches in one bundled report. To learn more and subscribe, call RCR at 713-595-0300, email rcr@haaonline.org or visit www.haaonline.org. Did

Discover the Ultimate Roadmap to Success with all new speakers for 2024

What is Avenues?

It is a series of seminars presenting nationally-acclaimed speakers who are experts in their fields, with sessions for every level of multifamily professional.

Who Can Sign Up?

We offer multiple options for registration:

• Annual per property subscription

• based on the number of units.

• Individual Annual Supplier

• Partner subscription

• Individual/Corporate

• subscription rate

What does this get me?

Once you sign up it gives you access to all 15 education sessions through out the year. All you need to do is respond to the reminder email before each session letting us know how many are attending.

Pricing:

• Fewer than 200 units: $210/year

• 201-350 units: $410/year

• More than 351 units: $510/year

• Supplier: $210/year

• Corporate Individual: $210/year

• Individual sessions: $60/person Three (3) CEC credits awarded per session.

Look for the class schedule at www.haaonline.org for details. Contact the HAA Education Department at education@haaonline.org or register online at www.haaonline.org

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 networking socials hosted at various venues across Houston and professional development breakfasts held at the HAF Education Center. The Professional Development programs feature special guest speakers on timely topics relevant to enhancing and furthering your multifamily industry career.

Register online at www.haaonline.org/next or email us at events@haaonline.org for more information. We look forward to meeting you!

Domestic Violence Awareness Seminar

A housing provider's guide to domestic violence and supporting survivors hosted by the Texas Council on Family Violence.

Wednesday, October 9

HAF Education Center

4810 Westway Park Blvd.

8:30 a.m. - Registration and Breakfast

9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.Program

$55 registration fee

Join us for an educational seminar led by the Texas Council on Family Violence Director of Prevention, Roy Rios, and Public Policy Coordinator, Lisa Medina. Attendees will learn the basics of domestic violence and learn about housing provider resources to help support survivors.

On the Scene with the

HAA PAC Steering Committee

Thursday, August 26

The Houston Apartment Association Political Action Steering Committee and the HAA Leadership Lyceum hosted City of Houston Mayor John Whitmire for a luncheon at Lakeside Country Club. Mayor Whitmire spoke to the attendees on topics relating to the multifamily industry and for city residents in general. He took the time to speak with many attendees individually. HAA sincerely appreciates his representation and service.

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

It is important to recognize that domestic violence is not always physical. Emotional abuse, financial control, threats and intimidation are often used by abusers to exert control over their partners.

By TWILA CARTER, At Large Houston City Council Member and Board Chair of

Domestic Violence

Stakeholders partner together to create awareness and help end the cycle of domestic abuse.

Thank you HAA for giving me this important space and platform to talk about one of my top priorities, perhaps even my top priority.

Talking about, confronting this issue, and committing to be part of this change is not new to me. However, as an elected official I have not only the privilege, but the responsibility to address the most delicate complexities affecting our community.

As a Houston City Council member and the Board Chair of the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV), I have witnessed the devastating impact of domestic violence on individuals, families, and communities. Domestic violence is a public health crisis that affects thousands of Texans each year, crossing all social, economic and cultural boundaries, including many in our city. The effects are often hidden but long-lasting. It is a scourge on our society that has cascading impact: a hurt, frightened child cannot thrive in school, a woman with injuries cannot maintain employment, the economic impact is estimated to be over $8.3 million in the United States, it overburdens our civil and criminal justice systems and most importantly, it is the most dangerous call for law enforcement to respond to.

I address you, members of the Houston Apartment Association, with a heartfelt commitment. Your roles as property managers and leasing consultants put you in a unique position to help address domestic violence and assist survivors seeking safety and a path forward. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence in our community.

The Scope of Domestic Violence in Texas

Domestic violence remains a critical issue in Texas, impacting individuals across the state. According to the Texas Council on Family Violence, in 2022 alone, there were over 194,000 incidents of family violence reported to law enforcement. These alarming statistics highlight the need for stronger advocacy, greater community involvement and systemic support for survivors.

It is important to recognize that domestic violence is not

always physical. Emotional abuse, financial control, threats and intimidation are often used by abusers to exert control over their partners. In 2022, Texas lost 183 women to domestic violence homicides, many of whom suffered in silence. The numbers are sobering and remind us that every one of us has a role to play in preventing domestic violence and providing refuge for survivors.

The Role of Housing in Domestic Violence

For many survivors of domestic violence, one of the greatest barriers to leaving an abusive relationship is the lack of safe, affordable housing. Studies have shown that survivors often face homelessness or financial insecurity when attempting to escape their abuser, leaving them with few options but to remain in dangerous situations. This is where the Houston Apartment Association and its members can become a lifeline.

As a property manager, you may be the first point of contact for someone trying to escape a violent home. Armed with the right information, you have the ability to offer safe shelter and, perhaps most importantly, create a community where residents feel safe reporting abuse and seeking help. By understanding the signs of domestic violence and partnering with the Texas Council on Family Violence and local organizations and law enforcement, you can play a pivotal role in saving lives and helping survivors rebuild their futures.

Legal Protections for Tenants Facing Domestic Violence

Texas has made significant strides in protecting the housing rights of survivors of domestic violence, but there is still much work to be done. Under Texas law, survivors have specific rights regarding lease termination and protections from landlords. Specifically, the Texas Property Code Section 92.016 allows tenants who are victims of domestic violence to terminate their lease early without penalties if they can provide documentation such as a protective order.

However, many survivors are unaware of their rights or are hesitant to speak out due to fear of retaliation from their abuser or misunderstanding from property managers. As members of the Houston Apartment Association, you have a responsibility to be knowledgeable about these laws and handle these situations with empathy and understanding. Survivors often face tremendous emotional and physical risk

when they attempt to leave their abuser, and your cooperation could mean the difference between life and death.

How the Houston Apartment Association Can Make a Difference

As we strive for a future free from domestic violence, it is crucial that we work together as a community to support survivors. The Houston Apartment Association is uniquely positioned to be a catalyst for change. Here are some ways your association and its members can actively contribute:

1. Educate Your Staff and Tenants

Education is the first step toward meaningful change. Consider offering training sessions to your staff on how to recognize the signs of domestic violence and how to respond appropriately. This training could include information on legal protections, local resources, and how to have sensitive conversations with tenants who may be in danger. Additionally, creating a culture of awareness among your tenants by providing information on domestic violence hotlines, shelters, and resources is essential.

2. Establish Partnerships with Local and State Organizations

There are numerous organizations across Houston and Texas dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence. By establishing partnerships with local shelters, advocacy groups, and law enforcement agencies, you can create a direct line of support for your residents. Offering resources like brochures, flyers, or even emergency contacts in com-

mon areas can make a world of difference for someone who may feel trapped.

3. Create a Safe Environment

Your properties should be safe havens for all tenants, especially those fleeing violence. Ensure that your security measures, such as well-lit parking areas, secure entry systems, and cameras, are in place and functional. Communicating a zero-tolerance policy for harassment or violence on your properties can also send a strong message that abuse will not be tolerated.

A Personal Commitment

As the Board Chair of the Texas Council on Family Violence, domestic violence is a deeply personal issue to me. I have spent years advocating for the rights of survivors and pushing for stronger protections and resources at the state level. As a member of the Houston City Council, I am committed to making sure that our city leads the way in addressing domestic violence through policy, resources, and community partnerships. But this fight cannot be won alone. I implore you, as members of the Houston Apartment Association, to join me in this mission. You are in a unique position to help those who are most vulnerable in our community. By providing a safe space, offering resources, and advocating for the rights of survivors, you are not just a landlord or property manager; you are a life-saving ally.

Moving Forward Together

Domestic violence is a complex issue, but

it is one we can address if we work together. The Houston Apartment Association, in partnership with the Texas Council on Family Violence and local organizations, has the power to help break the cycle of abuse and provide survivors with the security and stability they deserve.

On October 9th, I will launch a thoughtprovoking, resource campaign in Houston alongside my colleagues from Harris County and other community partners. My vision is this campaign can easily go statewide so every community in Texas benefits.

In closing, let us not forget that behind every statistic is a person—a mother, a child, a neighbor—who is counting on us to stand up and make a difference. Together, we can create a safer, more supportive community where survivors of domestic violence can thrive. Your actions today could save a life tomorrow.

Thank you for your partnership and your commitment to ending domestic violence in Houston. – Sincerely, Twila Carter

Houston City Council Member At-Large, Position 3, Board Chair, Texas Council on Family Violence

In honor of October being Domestic Violence Awareness Month and in partnership with Council Member Carter, on October 9, HAA is offering an educational seminar on domestic violence awareness and prevention in concert with the Texas Council on Family Violence. Visit www.haaonline.org to register.

REDBLUE

&

Hello HAA members and welcome to our ABODE October political issue. We wanted to discuss the upcoming presidential election and I could think of no better way to do that than to have a friendly conversation with our current President, Gina Erwin, and our past President, Stephanie Graves. They are friends and peers, but often agree to disagree on politics. This is exactly the kind of discourse that we need, something that is diplomatic and always very friendly. We are excited that you have joined us for this special story. This interview has been edited for length.

Casey Watts Morgan: I will start with you, Gina. Following election politics this year has been unpredictable to say the least. Much has unfolded over the last six to eight months, and ultimately, former President Donald Trump found himself at the top of the Republican ticket. And of course, there was great suspense on the Democratic side with President Biden withdrawing from the race, and Vice President Kamala Harris earning the top position on the Democratic ticket. So, with all of this back and forth, it could be easy to become disenchanted with the political process. What do you say to prospective voters to keep them engaged?

Gina Erwin: Thank you very much. And, before I say anything, let me say thank you, Stephanie, for agreeing to do this and being a good sport, as so many families and friendships have been fractured over politics. It’s so nice to know that I can sit down here, and we’re going to probably disagree on a lot of things, but that it’s OK and we will have a productive conversation and will be able to work our way through it.

Stephanie Graves: It’s going to be a great conversation!

Gina: So back to Casey’s question. The wording is interesting to me. “Great suspense” in the selection of the Democratic opponent as opposed to the “election” of a Democratic opponent. I think fundamentally this is probably one of the things that bugs people, and not to say that Vice President Harris wouldn’t have been elected, although not a single primary voted in that direction. But, if you’re disenchanted with the manner in which the DNC has

“How is the personality, function and ability of the leader able to drive those policies? How is that affected? Gina and I talk about this too, as business owners, you need to surround yourself with people that are capable of delivering on what you believe your culture is.” – Stephanie Graves

handled this, whether you think the delegates should have released Biden, or whether you think that it should have gone to an open vote as a convention, regardless of how you feel, it ended up in the same place, and we have two candidates, and you have to vote. If you don’t like the policies of your party, then vote the other party or vote independent. But it’s most important that people get out and vote and be a part of the process. Don’t get so disenchanted that you feel like you need to just remove yourself from the process and you can’t make a difference.

Stephanie Graves: That’s the challenge I see, with most people, is when you even attempt to talk about politics – which you try not to, which is unfortunate – we attempt to say, “Have you seen such and such?” They answer, “Oh, it’s just ridiculous.…they’re all crazy and she doesn’t know what she’s doing, and he doesn’t stop tweeting.” The challenge is really getting people to understand that despite the candidates’ personalities, find a way to separate your passion from your purpose.

We’ve had this discussion before, Gina and I texting each other … she says, “look, great personality, but her policies aren’t what I’m interested in. Bad personality, but his policies are what I’m interested in.” Finding a way to separate your passion from your purpose, from your ideals, is really important. I’m passionate about something. The purpose that I have is making sure that everyone has freedoms that are equal and determining how that fits with my policies and my checkbook.

Gina: Yes, I agree I think it’s important to also understand that neither candidate is going to be 100% everything that you hope for in any way shape or form. I mean I was lucky to find a spouse that I could get 60% there (laughs). So, even in politics, the most important thing is to find the things that are most important to you. Pick out the top 10 and get out and vote.

Stephanie: Yes, it’s interesting. … I had an employee once that sent me their notice. We had invested all this time and money in this great person, and she sent me a notice and said I can’t work with the supervisor anymore. I was heartbroken because I had invested so much time and I went to her and I said, “Do you enjoy this job 51% of the time?” And she said, “Well,

yes.” And I said, “Then I’m embarrassed for you that you would make a decision to leave here,” because if you have 51% of what you believe in or what you want in that candidate or in those policies, you are ahead of the game.

No way should we be agreeing on everything we do, but I can tell you that I know for a fact, Gina and I have some of the same policies that we agree on, but the reasons why I believe in those policies aren’t necessarily for the same reasons she does. You hear this all the time, we’re so much alike in general. If we got the two parties together … the intentions are good, but how we get there is usually how that differs and that is why you should get out and vote.

For me, it has to do with data. What does the data say? Every news outlet has some degree of partisanship. Everybody has an opinion, but what does the data say historically when each side has been in office, what happens?

And I am absolutely about moderation. If you eat too many carrots, you’re going to turn orange. If you eat too much ice cream, you’re going to get chunky, right? And unhealthy. So, we have got to have moderation in ideals and in policies and in people in order for us to be successful. Because if everything that Gina believed is what we implemented then it would never work. If everything I believed in was implemented, it would never work. There would be no balance, and so moderation is the key. Figure out what those key ideals are that are important to you. Is it freedom? Is it women’s rights? Is it voting rights? Is it social protocol? Is it fiscal conservatism? What are the top three things and then really find some good sources of data. That can give you objective ideals and, believe it or not, there are some there. There are. There are some outside of the media and outside of social media.

Casey: That’s a great segue. We talked a little bit about what is at stake in the upcoming election, but I’m hoping that you can each comment on some of your favorite policies of your ticket. Gina, we’ll start with you.

Gina: Well, first I’d like to explain that as Stephanie mentioned it beautifully, I’m a policies voter, I am not emotional. I don’t vote on feelings. I don’t vote on vibes. I don’t vote on how another candidate makes me feel. I’m a

policies voter so much like what Stephanie was talking about. I dig for data. I dig for stats. I don’t judge on intentions; I judge on actions and fortunately, we’re in a place where we have two candidates in front of us who have both held office. So, I can look back at the Trump presidency and make decisions. I can look at Kamala Harris’ vice presidency and her Senate record, and up until recently, we had RFK Jr., who in my mind was a very, very fine viable candidate. I think he’s got some great points that I could probably get behind as well.

So with that said, I’ve made some notes of things that are important to me as a voter. These are the things that really resonate with me. Border policy, and this is really funny being in Texas. There is some bittersweet back and forth about having immigrants over and how that impacts our wages and can serve us better in business, but we have to have strict borders and it’s something that I believe. Inflation is a giant problem. Wars. I think all of these things are probably concerns that everybody has on both sides.

A couple of things that are really, really big for me, and part of this is probably driven by my husband is in the oil business, so I stay in tune to that industry as well. The old Petro Dollar Pact Act that expired earlier this year that nobody’s paying attention to, where the US dollar was the world reserve currency. That is really important and it has not made big news. I don’t think it excites everybody because there’s this kind of back and forth between fracking and do you or don’t you drill, but that’s something that I think has snuck up on us and I’m paying attention to.

Capital gains taxes is also a really big issue for us, especially as apartment owners. The unrealized capital gains tax, that is a huge issue for me. Canceling the electric vehicle mandate, you want an electric car, fine. Don’t make me buy one! So these are the things that kind of drive me or move me, if you will. That said, I don’t get moved unless the policy is behind it. Because I’m all about policies.

Casey: Great. Thanks, Gina. Stephanie, what about you?

Stephanie: Well, it’s interesting that Gina mentioned the majority of those policies because, other than immigration, none of

“I would encourage everyone to, if you’re going to follow the media, follow both sides. And if you want to educate yourself? Get off the media and go hunting. Go fishing on your own. There are plenty of resources out there to help us evaluate these people.” – Gina Erwin

those have come up. And so, with the mainstream media, unless you dig deep, you’re not finding that.

I’m a business owner and I support initiatives certainly that the GOP supports. However, while I’m a policy voter, I do listen to what the candidates say. … It’s interesting when you look at the record with these two candidates, it’s not fair to look at the record because Trump was in the middle of COVID and for them to talk about job gains or job losses during that time frame, it’s just ridiculous. It doesn’t even matter, and even if we only look at before he was in office, the little bit that was affected by what he did was a continuaton of what was happening because we had a Democrat in office before. Then talking about Biden’s history, which is also Kamala’s history, they were coming off of the COVID recovery as well.

I feel like the last eight years – looking at that data – it is so skewed because, yes, there were jobs created because so many were lost. When you look at all of those hills and valleys, it’s really challenging to look at that data and see the effects.

And, how much of an influence does the top of the ticket have on the policies that are being passed because we have checks and balances in our system, right? Yes. We have the Congress and everything has to go through that process. So, while the policies of the administration are important … Gina: We have the three branches.

Stephanie: Right! How is the personality, function and ability of the leader able to drive those policies? Gina and I talk about this too, as business owners, you need to surround yourself with people that are capable of delivering on what you believe your culture is, and so it’s challenging for me, even with a great deal of the policies that I could support with the Republican Party, the culture created by that entity at this point is not something that I can support.

Gina: It’s interesting. It’s an interesting concept and and we view it probably the same but a little bit different in that I look at the President as temporary, presidents come and go. They can only be there for so long. So voting for a person individually as opposed to looking at this as more of a chess game – the

policies that will carry into and perhaps be carried forward is more important to me than the person in and of itself, because every person has flaws. I mean every person. Sure, there’s no such thing as perfection, certainly.

Stephanie: I look at it this way: I have 222 employees and if I had 150 of those employees tell me that they didn’t want to work for me ever again, that would be challenging for me. If I had a majority of my cabinet or my executive team say, I don’t want to work for you anymore – and I don’t want to work for you because I don’t think you’re capable of running this business – that would certainly affect my ideals in how I was going to run my country and how I was going to run my business. Donald Trump has said that he, in no pronounced terms, will dictate and have it his way or no way, and so those are things that I can’t ignore.

The other thing from the Houston realm is that I may vote Democratic on the upper level, but locally, I’m very much in favor of solid conservative values in our court systems and those sorts of things. I think it is a balance. Moderation. Moderation. Moderation. I would not be in favor of a completely Democratic D.C. If they win everything, what’s going to happen? And I’m sure you’re thinking the same for Republicans. What’s going to happen? There’s got to be a balance in power and moderation and that is the single reason why it is important that you vote. We’ve got to have moderation and voices in what we do.

Gina: And don’t straight party vote. Yes, make decisions. Down ballot … make a decision based on what you see down ballot that could impact us … the functioning of government and how it is has been altered. We don’t have straight party voting anymore, which is great. But I think people think “I can only vote one way.”

Stephanie: Right. And it is challenging when you go to a primary and they ask “what are you?” and you have to vote a ticket, right? So, this system in itself certainly could use some improvement.

Casey: So here is a challenge for you guys … I’d like for each of you to comment on what you believe are positive attributes of the opposing ticket and Stephanie let’s start with you, this is a real brain buster, I know, but think of some-

thing positive about the Donald Trump/J.D. Vance ticket.

Stephanie: A little known fact, sometime in the 2000s, I was actually in the finals and a candidate for The Apprentice.

Gina: (Laughing) You’re just full of boxes of tricks, aren’t you?

Stephanie: There was four rounds of interviews. I stood in line in the hot summer heat in Austin to go to my first interview, and I made it up to the third line of defense, so I made it through three rounds and if I had made it to the fourth, obviously it was a group of 12 that would have gone to meet Trump and his team. So, I met some of the team up on the executive level, but certainly not Trump. I never was an antiTrump person, but I believe that humbleness is next to godliness and so that’s my main concern about him.

So, to answer your question … good qualities … he has passion and knows how to create excitement and attention in his communication. He knows how to stir controversy. Which can be good and bad, but you know, all publicity is good publicity. And I certainly think he excites and gets people talking. He stimulates communication which is great, and I think he has stimulated thought in people’s minds and made them think about things that maybe they would not have in the past.

I’m going to let Gina go and think about the J.D. Vance situation.

Casey: OK. I appreciate that. I do think that Gina may have a little bit of an edge because she was given more time to think about this answer because it was likely equally difficult for her. But Gina, can you comment on some positive attributes of the Kamala Harris, Tim Walz ticket?

Gina: Yes. And I will and I will go on record and say – and Stephanie knows this because we are friends and we do text – I did watch the entire DNC convention. I will tell you that one of my takeaways that was positive is that Kamala Harris is an incredibly talented salesperson. I think she gave a fantastic speech. I think she spoke very well. She stayed on point. And I think she has had a successful career because she has the ability to sell herself and, to some degree, we do that every day. We do that at the apartment association. We do it in our companies. So, I think that is her gift. I think she is an incredi-

ble salesperson and probably has many of the same attributes that you were talking about that Donald Trump has in that she has the ability to pull people together, to be able to rally people behind her. And I think that all kind of falls under the sales gift, if you will. Not that I’m buying what she’s selling, but it is a gift nonetheless.

I got to tell you, Walz, he just got thrown at us so recently that I don’t know that I’ve really dug deep enough to find an opinion and I really do believe that the Vice President role is more of a supporting role to the President as opposed to having their own agenda. I’m not sure that I place a whole lot of credence into that person or that person’s position. Because, ultimately, they support the President, whether they agree or disagree, it is their role to be supportive. So, I think the jury is still out on that one for me.

Stephanie: Yeah, it’s interesting. I do agree that there is some support there. But, I know you do this in your business and I do this in my business. I want to surround myself with people that are going to challenge me and that aren’t going to agree with me all the time.

I worry about what that looks like for both of these (candidates) and obviously they’re not going to do anything in the media that’s going to make it look like they don’t agree. But of course to offer a little bit of an edge. … I want to have some challenging discourse on what the options are.

Gina: You hope that they do, but like you said, we get so little in the media and, just to go back to this, I would encourage everyone to, if you’re going to follow the media, follow both sides. And if you want to educate yourself? Get off the media and go hunting. Go fishing on your own. There are plenty of resources out there to help us evaluate these people.

Stephanie: Yes, what they’re really made of. And some independent areas that will give you, positives and negatives of both and also data, look at the data over the last 100 years. Where have we been? It’s interesting that you’ll see it’s been on both sides, there’s been positive and negative.

So, returning to J.D. Vance – and I have to say it’s really challenging. If I’m not going to say something nice, I shouldn’t say anything at all. It’s discouraging to me that someone could be so against someone and then completely turn and claim that they’re completely for them. At least tell the truth, say “Yeah, I’m not quite certain about what his intentions are … or I’m not quite sure about that … but I’m supportive of his policies. And, yes, I called him these names. And then I realized that his intention for the country is good.” … that’s a confusing situation.

Casey: I want to take some time to focus a little bit on the multifamily industry and I’m hoping that you each can speak to why this election is important to our industry. Gina, we’ll start with you.

Gina: Thank you very much. We will probably agree on this, I think there are two impacts to our industry, one is on our investment side and then the other is obviously the renter. You know owners/investors are going to have a very, very hard time getting people interested in our industry, getting people to want to invest if there are taxes on unrealized capital gains and if there are increased taxes on capital gains. The margins are so small as it is, they’re not really all that great. Everybody thinks that landlords and owners are super rich and we make all the money and we are just rolling in the dough and that’s not the case. The margins are very small. So, if there’s increased taxes on us and increased burdens on the ability to build, the ability to pull investors into our industry … this is going to become increasingly more difficult.

That’s one side of it, and then you also look on the renter side, you know as landlords we cannot absorb the amount of inflation that we have. We cannot absorb the amount of taxes that are burdened upon us. We have to pass on those costs to our renters and in the middle of a affordable housing crisis. Tax increases and the burdens that are put on us by inflation are not going to help, it’s creating a wider gap between what is affordable and what is not. And I think that continues to be a problem.

Stephanie: In our industry, I look at a third group though. A third group is our employees, I also look at how do the policies that come down affect our employees. How do they affect the team members? At one level is the investors and the owners and yes, obviously the decisions they make are going to roll down, but we must consider the day-to-day of the employees that work in the industry, because the majority of the people that are members of the apartment association are working people that are not worried about capital gains taxes. …

The builders and the developers are going to vote. But are our team members going to vote? It was shocking to me when I asked, “So did you watch the DNC?” And they’re like, “What’s the DNC?” …

Gina: They don’t realize it can impact wages and the ability for landlords to be able to continue to improve the wages of our employees, to continue to provide them with good benefits. We feel the squeeze and there’s only so much money to be able to pay people and employees.

Stephanie: Our team members see the budgets and they see those things that they don’t realize what that means on the back end. How does it roll down to me? Why can’t I get a raise? I’m increasing rents by $300. Why am I not getting an increase in pay because of that? … There needs to be some awareness and engagement.

There also needs to be some awareness and engagement on both sides to work on the affordable housing problem and understand that there’s got to be some government assistance to support the builders. It’s interesting, I would have thought with Donald Trump in office, who’s a real estate mogul. I would have thought that there would have been a little bit more consciousness about real estate and those sorts of things … that was when we had the Cares Act passed. Obviously, it was during COVID, but who would have thought that there would have been such an implication on the real estate industry during COVID? Who would have thought that the real estate guy would have been like, we have to stop evictions immediately. That was shocking.

So, there has to be some sort of balance on both sides and I think no matter who wins, we’ve got to be engaged on the local level as well, from the PAC and the apartment association, the Texas Apartment Association, NAA, they are working to fight our battles that we need no matter who wins or how it works.

The presidential election is important. Absolutely. But everything below that line from the Texas area to the local area, whatever gets you to the voting booth, great, but don’t make it be Trump or Harris. Make it be “How can I effect change both locally and at the state level” because those initiatives, those things that we do are going to directly impact how everything else operates.

Gina: Very much. Very well said. We agree. Hey, we agree!

For more from this interview, visit @HAATV on YouTube.

Remember, your voice does matter. Early voting starts on October 21 and runs through November 1. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. www.votetexas.gov for polling locations or scan the QR code at right.

Thanks HAA PAC Members

The HAA PAC 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:

Steering Committee

• Ami Almquist

• Grant Almquist

• Mack Armstrong

• Kenneth Bohan

• Howard Bookstaff

• John Boriack

• Michelle Bridges

• Mynde Bruhn

Elizabeth Castro Gray

Terri Clifton

Arrie Colca

Brandon Coleman

Brian Cweren

Derek DeVries

Scott Douglas

Gina Erwin

Martin Fein

• Melissa Friend

• Monica Gracia

• Garrett Graham

• Billy Griffin

• Alison Hall

• Sheri Harrison

• Christopher Hilton

• David Hodge

• Deborah Holcombe

• Stacy Hunt

• Darlene Hunter

• Dan James

• Gary Kiker

Debra Knight

Michael Knight

Jacob Kunath

Dusty Land

Candis Mohr

David Nargang

Karen Nelsen

Carlos Neto

Joshua Nichols

• Jenifer Paneral

• Michelle Pawelek

• Christopher Peavey

• Joe Perez

• Jackie Rhone

• John Ridgway

• Christy Rodriguez

• Joey Rodriguez

• Beth Rohani

• Corri Smith

Kyle Smith

Blaise Spitaleri

Penny Sprang

Kelley Suess

Ryan Terrell

Wesley Thwing

Patrick Tollett

Starla Turnbo

• Sonny Unverzagt

• Vic Vacek

• Shelley Watson

• Tony Whitaker

• Nichole Williams

• Jerold Winograd

• Christina Zimmerman

Trustees

Gary Blumberg

Michael Boychi

Tammy Broadway

Patrick Castillo

Catherine Do

Elizabeth Foster

Barby Lake

Beth Levine

Yvonda Lewis

• Kathy Motis

• Kirsten Nielsen

• Mark Park

• Velissa Parmer

• Ken Schreiber

• David Stone

• Amber Turner

• Richard Wall

Voting Century Club Members

• Anita Alberger

• Susan Alvarado

James Auippa

Rod Bean

Chris Bell

Tony Boatman

Marivel Bownds

Patrick Brothers

• Kyle Brown

• Kristin Buck

• Marwin Cabezas

• Alisha Cain

• Janell Cedarstrom

• Alex Chacon

• Neal Conant

• Sean Cunningham

• Donald Dawson

• Deborah DeRouen

• Jennifer Devine

• Dana Dovell

Andrew Emerson

Xochitl Flores

Giovanna Gone

Mitchell Head

Karen Hefner

Destiny Hinojosa

Sara Hinson

Jimmie Hotz

• Noella Howard

• Chuck Jennings

• Amanda Kelly

• Liz Levins

• Mike Maerz

• Rodney Manalo

• James Martensen

• Denise McInturff

• Jose Antonio Milke

• Tracey Moore

Norma Ochoa

Benjamin Perry

Ryan Raser

Ruth Reyes

Doug Sandlin

Karine Schepers-Cheng

Nikki Sekunda

Scott Sessums

Teela Shaw

• Natalie Spratt

• Lindsay Torres-Smith

• Crystal Varela

• Auri Verser

• Facundo Villarreal

• Ruha Vohra

• Edward Watral

• Ashley Wendt

• Quin Willis

• Andrea Wynn

• Michelle Ybarra

Karen Zuckero

Non-Voting Century Club Members

Angie Aversa

Liz Berglund

Carina Bryars

Luis Cruz

Emily Frost

• Osmara Garcia

• Bo Hang

• Mallory Hess

• Ali Langley

• Teresa Maldonado

• Arely Pena

• Ashley Ralph

• Paola Rodriguez

• Claudia Rubio

• Martin Rubio

• Lydia Sidaros

• Mason Storrs

Paradise TaShoor

Jacob Voncannon

Your Vote Matters

Join the Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee Today

The HAA PAC participates in local and state political campaigns, helping candidates who support the apartment industry and its supplier businesses. Strengthen your voice by joining us.

You can participate in the HAA PAC on several levels:

Steering Committee • $1,500

• One vote for every $500 contributed.

• Sets the agenda for the HAA PAC.

• Acts as the PAC Board of Directors.

• Invitations to Steering Committee Meetings held four times per year.

• Invitations to special events and meetings with legislators.

• Attend all regular HAA PAC functions at member pricing.

• Receive recognition in the October issue of HAA's ABODE magazine.

Trustees • $500

• One vote for every $500 contributed.

• Invitations to special events and meetings with legislators.

• Attend all regular HAA PAC functions at member pricing.

• Receive recognition in the October issue of HAA's ABODE magazine.

Century Club Members • $125

• Attend all regular HAA PAC functions at member pricing.

• Group voting rights, through their Century Club Representative.

• Receive recognition in the October issue of HAA's ABODE magazine.

Non-Voting Century Club Members • $100

• No voting privileges.

• Attend all regular HAA PAC functions at member pricing.

• Receive recognition in the October issue of HAA's ABODE magazine.

The Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee is our industry’s voice in government. We need your participation and dollars to keep that voice strong. Past Advocacy Wins

•Savedyou$5.5millioninmandatorycarbon monoxidealarmretrofittingrequirements

•Blockedannualsignedfireself-inspection requirements

•Protectedpropertiesfrombeingforcedinto participatinginSection8program

•EnsurenewCityofHoustoncodecontained revisionssoughtbyHAAmembersElections Affecting Multifamily

CityCityofHoustonMayoraland CouncilElections

•OtherCountyOfficialsand SurroundingCityElections

••CongressionalSeats

••HarrisCountyJusticeofthePeace&Constables

SeeTexasLegislatureRaces

Page41formoreonouradvocacyefforts.

HAA PAC Endorsements

Texans will head to the polls on November 5 to decide who will represent us for a variety of offices, ranging from Justices of the Peace to President. The following endorsements have been made by the Texas Apartment Association PAC and/or the Houston Apartment Association PAC. Early voting will begin on October 21 and run through November 1. Make an effort to get your employees and associates to join you. Be sure to consider these candidates when you vote on Election Day November 5

Name Party Office

Federal

q Dan Crenshaw R Representative, TX-2

q Lizzie P Fletcher D Representative, TX-7

q Morgan Luttrell R Representative, TX-8

q Al Green D Representative, TX-9

q Michael McCaul R Representative, TX-10

q Randy Weber R Representative, TX-14

q Sylvester Turner D Representative, TX-18

q Troy Nehls R Representative, TX-22

q Sylvia Garcia D Representative, TX-29

q Brian Babin R Representative, TX-36

q Wesley Hunt R Representative, TX-38

Statewide

Texas State Senate

q Carol Alvarado D SD-6

q Paul Bettencourt R SD-7

q Joan Huffman R SD-17

Texas House of Representatives

q Cecil Bell Jr. R HD-3

q Steve Toth R HD-15

q Will Metcalf R HD-16

q Terri Leo Wilson R HD-23

q Cody Vasut R HD-25

q Matt Morgan R HD-26

q Ron Reynolds D HD-27

q Gary Gates R HD-28

q Jeff Barry R HD-29

q Suleman Lulani D HD-76

q Stan Kitzman R HD-85

q Sam Harless R HD-126

q Charles Cunningham R HD-127

q Briscoe Cain R HD-128

q Dennis Paul R HD-129

q Tom Oliverson R HD-130

q Alma Allen D HD-131

q Mike Schofield R HD-132

q Mano DeAyala R HD-133

q Ann Johnson D HD-134

q Gene Wu D HD-137

q Lacey Hull R HD-138

q Charlene Ward Johnson D HD-139

q Armando Walle D HD-140

q Senfronia Thompson D HD-141

q Harold Dutton Jr. D HD-142

q Ana Hernandez D HD-143

q Mary Ann Perez D HD-144

q Christina Morales D HD-145

q Penny Morales-Shaw D HD-148

q Hubert Vo R HD-149

q Valoree Swanson R HD-150

Name Party Office

Local Offices and Campaigns by County

Harris

q Tom Ramsey R Commissioner 3

q Eric Carter D JP 1,1

q Jo Ann Delgado D JP 2,1

q Joe Stephens D JP 3, 1

q Lincoln Goodwin R JP 4, 1

q Israel Garcia Jr. D JP 5,1

q Victor Trevino III D JP 6,1

q Wanda Adams D JP 7,1

q Holly Williamson R JP 8, 1

q Alan Rosen D Constable 1

q Jerry Garcia D Constable 2

q Sherman Eagleton D Constable 3

q Mark Herman R Constable 4

q Silvia Trevino D Constable 6

q Smokie Phillips D Constable 7

q Phil Sandlin R Constable 8

Brazoria

q Stacy Adams R Commissioner 3

q Jack Brown R JP Pct. 1,1

q John Vasut R JP Pct. 2, 1

q Mike Merkel R JP Pct. 3, 1

q Sarah Linder R JP Pct 4, 1

q Willie Howell R Constable Pct. 2

q Bucks Stevens R Constable Pct. 3

q James Brawner R Constable Pct. 4

q Leonard "Bo" Stallman R Sheriff

Fort Bend

q Vincent Morales R Commissioner 1

q Andy Meyers R Commissioner 3

q Michael Moore D JP Pct. 2, 2

q Chad Norvell R Constable Pct. 1

q Daryl L. Smith Sr. D Constable Pct. 2

q Nabil Shike D Constable Pct. 3

q Michael Beard R Constable Pct. 4

Montgomery

q Robert Walker R Commissioner 1

q Philip Cash R Constable Pct. 1

q Ryan Gable R Constable Pct. 3

q Rowdy Hayden R Constable Pct. 4

q Christopher Jones R Constable Pct. 5

Visit https://www.harrisvotes.com/ for information about voting times and locations in Harris County.

Visit https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/county-services/elections-voter-registration/ for Fort Bend County.

Visit https://elections.mctx.org/ for Montgomery County.

Visit https://www.brazoriacountyclerktx.gov/departments/elections for Brazoria County.

3,337 Properties

719,236 Units

1,554 Owners and Suppliers

Protecting members from lengthy eviction appeals

Working with Federal, State and Local Officials on members’ behalf

Saving owners millions by advocating for apartment friendly inspections

HAA helped pass legislation that prohibits cities from imposing notice to vacate requirements that go beyond state law.

GETTING RESULTS

94% of HAA PAC endorsed candidates won their elections over the last two cycles.

HAA PAC raised $200,400 in 2023 and contributed more than $151,000 to local and state elected officials.

HAA has helped pass legislation to limit property tax increases without voter approval and provide property owners an opt-out of inclusion in a proposed Conservation District.

The HAA PAC proactively protects members by promoting policies that support the multifamily industry. PAC members also screen, endorse and support candidates for public office.

JP Constable Holiday Parties

Annual educational updates for JPs and Constables

Courtroom Workshops and Webinars

Connected HAA members and JPs both in their courtrooms and virtually

Area Region Meetings

8 17 16

Meetings for onsite personnel held outside of Houston with local Justices of the Peace and HAA General Counsel

Political Engagements

Attended or contributed to political fundraisers for Judges and Constables

Meetings

Highlighting industry issues and questions for Judges and Constables

On the Road with HAA

Conroe Region Meeting

Wednesday, August 14

Enclave at Woodland Lakes

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE PRIORITIES FOR 2025

TAA’s key legislative priorities for the upcoming session.

Printed with permission from TAA and Texas Apartments Magazine.

During the Summer Board Meeting, the Texas Apartment Association’s Legislative Committee met and carefully selected key legislative priorities for the upcoming session. These priorities were chosen based on their potential impact on members and the rental housing industry, with a focus on eviction processes, housing affordability, and property owner/resident relations:

Evictions/Squatters:

• Evictions should be consistent, efficient, and straightforward to resolve legal claims promptly.

• Evictions are a last resort and necessary to regain possession when rent is unpaid, or lease terms are violated.

• Squatters pose unique threats; Texas needs expedited processes to protect property owners and communities.

Affordability/Property Taxes:

• Addressing housing affordability involves managing rising costs like property taxes, insurance, labor, and materials.

• Reducing property taxes and reforming the tax process are crucial to making rental housing more affordable.

Property Owner/Resident Relations:

• The relationship is governed by laws and lease agreements that outline responsibilities for both parties.

• TAA’s lease agreement, recognized by HUD, enhances transparency and helps residents make informed decisions.

• TAA encourages residents who may have an issue with their rental housing to contact their property owners and make them aware of the issue.

In addition to the priorities above, we anticipate a slew of anti-industry bills to be filed based on previous Sessions and recent media coverage that would impose additional burdens on property owners and managers, such as right to cure, source of income prohibitions, and other operational mandates. TAA’s Government Affairs team remains committed to fighting against any burdensome legislation and ensuring a positive business climate for our members.

For more information, see TAA’s fall issue of Texas Apartments and visit www.taa.org/advocacy.

NEXT “Barlympics” Social

Thursday, August 15 at Austin’s Backyard

The HAA NEXT Committee hosted a Barlympics Fundraiser benefitting the YMCA Apartment Outreach Program and raised over $9,000! Attendees competed in a beer pong tournament and Harrison Hanner and Craig Hall with Dixie Interiors won gold. Thanks to our generous sponsors for their support:

Welcome Sponsor

Catalyst Construction

Games Sponsors

Catalyst Construction,

Crestmark Construction

EDT Construction

Epic Multifamily Construction

Photobooth Sponsors

Epic Multifamily Construction

Texscape Services

Beverage Sponsors

Camp Facility Services

TriArc Construction

MEET 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. 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.

On the Scene

HAA Take 5 Business Exchange

Thursday, August 8 at Houston Community College West Institute

OWNERS

Cor3 Capital

Danial Hussain

10190 Katy Freeway, Ste 100

Houston, TX 77043 (832) 840-7760

Palm Trace Homes

The Grove At Oak Forest

Sydney’s Park

Louetta Creek

Rella Village

GMG Residential

MJ Ghoreishi PO Box 542040

Houston, Texas 77254 (832) 715-3843 1023 Lyndon St Royal Gardens Apts 6335 Milwee

Gy Winrock

Stephen Guo 2100 Winrock Blvd Houston, TX 77057 (713) 784-6330

Winrock

Life EC

Won Lee 9229 Westview Drive Houston, TX 77055-6421 (832) 618-8545

511 Dahlia

McDuffie Place LTD

Carrie McCall PO Box 55922

Houston, TX 77255-5922 (713) 539-2352

McDuffie Place Apts

Memorial Apartments

Baytown TX

Sandeep Pradhan 6102 Ashford Falls Lane

Sugar Land, TX 77479 1305 Memorial Apartments

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

Southside Management

Neil Ruparel

3634 Glenn Lakes Lane St 230 Missouri City, TX 77459 (832) 975-0704

Hycohen Residency

WildWood Lake Residency

Referred by Nancy Provenzano

SRAV

Serge Ribot 6124 HWY 6 N Ste 115 Houston, TX 77084 (713) 589-2199

521 E House 4230 Friar Point 8138 Marcy 7211 Fairway 2504 Rosemead

Triples Investments LLC

Sandeep Kaur 17322 Bonnard Circle Spring, TX 77379-6276 (619) 948-7247

Estada Villa Apts

SUPPLIERS

Ace Parking Lot Maintenance

Eric Ramirez 1734 Skinner Road Houston, TX 77093-4027 (832) 305-7275

Parking Area Maintenance & Marking, Pressure Washing - Equipment & Service, Asphalt & Asphalt Products, Concrete Contractors, Concrete Repair, Paving Contractors, Resurfacing, Sandblasting, Waterproofing Contractors

B&M Cleaning Services

Perla Ruvalcaba 9431 Chase Hollow Lane Cypress, TX 77433 (832) 573-6763

Janitorial Services, Lawn Maintenance

Chesapeake Finishing

Laura Martinez 212 S Frederick Ave Gaithersburg, MD 20877 (301) 232-5923

Building Contractors, Remodeling & Repair-Building Contractors

Coryell Roofing & Construction

Lisa Olson

3630 W. Pioneer Parkway Ste 111 Pantego, TX 76013 (254) 749-0872

Roofing Contractors, Roofing Consultants

Dormakaba

Meda McKinney 6161 E. 75th Street Indianapolis, Indiana 46250 (281) 795-7566

Security Control Equipment/Systems, Security Systems Consultant

EPremium Insurance Agency

Ann Padgett

2035 Lake Side Centre Way, Ste 250 Knoxville, TN 37922 (800) 319-1390

Renters Insurance, Security Deposit Alternatives, Insurance Consultants, Insurance

Gemaire Distributors

PJ Disharoon 806 East Harris Pasadena, TX 77506 (409) 553-8580

A/C Supplies & Parts, Water Heaters & Boilers

GQ Landscaping

Kevin Ibarra 15218 Yellowstone Lake Drive Humble, TX 77396 (346) 477-1580

Lawn Maintenance, Landscape Contractors

Hallmark Hardwoods

Paul Lantz

730 Genoa Red Bluff Road Houston, TX 77034 (713) 903-9551

Cabinets, Kitchen Cabinets

P.L. Hurley Roofing

Pete Hurley 402 26th St San Leon, TX 77539 (409) 240-1841

Roofing Contractors, Roofing Consultants

Roof Savers of Texas

Antonio Villarreal 2604 San Edwardo Mission, TX 78572 (956) 227-5713

Roof Cleaning, Roofing Contractors

Sayan Renovations & Construction

Ryan Cramer 4801 Spring Valley Road Ste 94 Farmers Branch, TX 75244 (972) 428-7100

General Contractors, Remodeling & Repair-Building Contractors, Painting Contractors, Roofing Contractors

Tex-Star A&I

David Carmona 27350 Blueberry Hill Drive Ste 12 Conroe, TX 77385-8965 (832) 860-1380

A/C Contractors, Painting Contractors

Texas Pride Disposal

Jordan Gugenheim 4203 Montrose Blvd Houston, TX 77006 (713) 582-5607

Trash Hauling, Trash Containers

Referred by Erin Rogers

The Lee Quigley Company

Tom Stoub 21013 Old Sorters Road, Ste A Porter, TX 77365 (281) 358-9608

Referred by Donna Farthing

The Nitsche Group

Paul Biehle 143 E Austin St Giddings, TX 78942-3299 (800) 258-8302

Insurance Consultants, Financial Services

Thank you Management Districts!

The Houston Apartment Association would like to send out a big thank you to these participating Management Districts for providing RCR screening services to the multifamily properties in each of their areas:

· Spring Branch Management District

· Brays Oaks Management District

· Hobby Area District

· Southwest Management District

· International Management District

· Gulfton Management District

· Near Northwest Management District

Thanks to these districts for helping the apartment industry by providing free RCR screening services.

Together we hold the key to better communities.

HAA and Houston have done a lot of changing over 60 years and Rental Credit Reporting has been there for many of them. RCR was established in 1977 to solve screening problems HAA founders felt plagued the local apartment industry. And now, with the help of area management districts, we can do even more.

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

a service of

The Go-Getters

MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Join the Go-Getters to help grow your association and network by recruiting.

Valerie Lacy Cushman & Wakefield

Debra Knight Comm-Fit 2024 Chairs: Join our Quarterly Meetings!

We will be giving away the final grand prize of $1,000 cash in December to a recruiter!

Every new member you recruit this year earns you a chance to be entered into a drawing to win. No purchase necessary.

Recruit one member and get one entry. Recruit five members and get FIVE entries. It’s up to you! Contact the membership department at members@haaonline.org for more details!

Meetings will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Cottonwood, 3422 N Shepherd Drive, Houston, TX 77018

Last meeting date: December 12 ($1,000 Drawing)

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

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

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.

THE SUPPLIER NETWORK

HAA’s Ambassadors are the pros at outreach to our members.

Ambassador ONE Society meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month: October 2, November 6, no meeting in December. The meeting spot is Kirby Ice House,

Team photos at left, from top:

First place – Brown SugHAA with 3,144 points

Second place – Purple Rain with 3,106 points

Third place – Orange Crush with 935 points

The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios:

• Arise Equity Management: Arise Bear Creek, 186 units at 5450 Timber Creek Place Drive.

• Arnold Grounds Property Management: Norma's Plaza Apts, 80 units at 7526 Martin Luther King Blvd.

• Ascension Commercial Real Estate LP: Winkler Apartments, 97 units at 166 Winkler Drive; Thicket Apartments, 267 units at 13011 Northborough Drive; and Sago Palms Apts, 240 units at 13502 Northborough Drive.

• Asset Living: Artistry Design District, 400 units at 3939 W 12th Street, and Oakmoor Apts, 248 units at 11900 Oakmoor Pkwy.

• Avita Property Management: Casa Paz, 276 units at 505 Wells Fargo Drive.

• Better World Properties LLC: Coventry Park, 128 units at 9401 Coventry Square Drive.

• Broad Management Group: Pepper Tree Manor, 250 units at 5950 Antoine Drive.

• Cor3 Capital: Sydney's Park, 41 units at 1010 Tomball Pkwy in Tomball, and Rella Village, 102 units at 13588 Ella Blvd.

• Elevate Real Estate Management: Walnut Creek, 280 units at 11411 Green Plaza Drive.

• Emerge-Living: Gallery at Katy, 316 units at 1007 S Mason Road in Katy.

• Excellence Property Management of Texas LLC: Parker Square Apartments, 175 units at 10300 Shady Lane.

• Finishes Solutions LLC: Finishes Solutions Properties, 15 units at Various Locations; Orange St Duplex, 12 units at 3011 Orange Street in Waller; Castle Street Studio Apartments, eight units at 2612 Castle Street in Waller; 3 Lakes, 42 units at Vilma Lane in Hockley; Presidential Shores, 12 units at 13165 Snow Lane in Willis; Green Gardens, 127 units at 0 Penick in Waller; and Greenville Townhomes, 25 units at 2619 Washington St in Waller.

• Greystar: Mirella, 204 units at 18131 Bluegrass Park Lane in Cypress; Marina Bend at Clear Creek, 203 units at 350 N. Wesley Drive in League City; Lenox at the Grid, 350 units at 11111 Nexus Ave in Stafford’ Rye Heights, 211 units at 1111 W 23rd Street; Huntcliff Apts, 240 units at 2525 St Christopher Street in League City; Grand Villas at Tuscan Lakes, 206 units at 18055 S Egret Bay Blvd in League City; CP Waterfront Apartments, 264 units at 451 Constellation Blvd in League Cit; Cadence Creek at Towne Lake, 237 units at 11411 Greenhouse Road in Cypress; Cadence Creek at Gosling, 189 units at 21901 Gosling Road in Spring; Broadstone Oliver, 346 units at 1505 Oliver Street; Alta Grandway, 336 units at 2020 Grandway Drive in Katy; Regency Park, 348 units at 11300 Regency Green Drive in Cypress; Alta Sunset Heights, 378 units at 1617 Enid Street; and The McAdams at Memorial City, 333 units at 12000 Barryknoll Lane.

• Internacional Realty Inc: Tranquility Grove, 92 units at 15455 Ella Blvd.

• Lone Star Communities: Solano Apartments, 262 units at 535 W Nasa Pkwy in Webster.

• RPM Living: Solano Apartments, 262 units at 535 W Nasa Pkwy in Webster.

• The Michaels Organization: Lake Jackson Landings, 96 units at 294 Abner Jackson Pkwy in Lake Jackson.

• Mill Creek Residential Trust: Beckett West Fork, 408 units at 10485 League Line Road in Conroe.

• The Morgan Group: Memorial City Residences, five units at 945 Gessner Road; The McAdams at Memorial City, 333 units at 12000 Barryknoll Lane; The Lodge at Spring Shadows, 432 unis at 10221 Centrepark Drive; Memorial City Apartments, 418 units at 872 Bettina Court; The Fountains at Memorial City, 114 units at 9870 Gaylord Drive; The McCarthy At Memorial City, 129 units at 9789 Katy Fwy; and The McKinley At Memorial City, 278 units at 9757 Katy Fwy; and Caroline at Memorial, 334 units at 15635 Memorial Drive.

• Willow Bridge Property Company: The McAdams at Memorial City, 333 units at 12000 Barryknoll Lane.

• Q10 Property Advisors: Avenue Fulton & James, four units at 3517 Irvington Boulevard #300.

• Richmark Properties: Casa Azul Townhomes, 211 units at12247 Sunset Meadow Lane.

• RPM Living: The Oak at Katy Park, 348 units at 24720 Morton Ranch Road in Katy, and Verdir at Hermann Park, 224 units at 2380 S Macgregor Way.

• Southhampton Management Inc: Imperial Oaks Square, 269 units at 30020 Creekside Terrace Drive in Spring.

• SRAV: 7211 Fairway, one unit at 7211 Fairway Ct, 8138 Marcy, one unit at 8138 Marcy Drive, 4230 Friar Point, one unit at 4230 Friar Point Rd and 521 E House, two units at 521 E House Street in Alvin.

• SunRidge Management Group Inc: Springwood at Aliana, 136 units at 18600 W Bellfort Street in Richmond.

• Tarantino Properties Inc: The Life at Timber Ridge, 316 units at 5350 Aeropark Drive.

• TBD Management LLC/Wan Bridge Group: Yanfu/Edison/Uri, 34 units at Various Locations.

• Turtlewood Manor: Turtlewood Manor Condominium, 42 units at 6955 Turtlewood Drive.

• Willow Bridge Property Company: Mount Vernon Lofts, 42 units at 4509 Mt Vernon Street, Haven at Bellaire, 297 units at 20220 Bellaire Blvd in Richmond.

Note: Properties are listed with owner/management at time of the

RESERVE AT BANKSIDE

Built Before 1980 Property of the Year

Property: Reserve at Bankside

Owner/Management: Judwin Properties

Location: 10700 Fondren

Units: 348

Web: www.reserveatbankside.com

Photos provided by Reserve at Bankside

The Reserve at Bankside is a garden-style community with lush grounds, inviting spaces, an outdoor gazebo with charcoal grills, pet park and playground. Inside the newly renovated units you can find granite countertops, sleek appliances and wood grain plantation blinds. The Resident Center features a gourmet coffee bar for residents to relax and indulge. The property is also committed to building connections within the community. Residents can attend quarterly social events, engage with the monthly newsletter or they can get involved in an on-site recycling initiative that the property offers.

Management is actively engaged in Positive Interaction Program meetings to foster safer communities and positive relationships with law enforcement. The YMCA afterschool program offers activities for children in grades K-8 to cultivate important life skills and build friendships in a safe environment. The Reserve at Bankside’s participation in the City of Houston's HOME program for subsidized housing benefits residents and the community, contributing to housing equality and economic growth.

The property takes pride in their dedication to quality and service, with a Google rating of 4.5. The locally owned and operated community stands out for meticulous maintenance and low turnover rates and serving a low-income demographic with excellence. The Reserve at Bankside believes true excellence lies in the enduring relationships that they cultivate within their community.

Each month, On Site with ABODE takes a closer look at winning HAA Honors Awards properties. This month, we visit two of our 2024 winners. See future ABODEs for more honorees.

TIMBER MILL APARTMENTS

Tax Credit Property of the Year

Property: Timber Mill Apartments

Owner/Management: Venterra Realty

Location: 1481 Sawdust

Units: 216

Web: www.venterraliving.com/apartments/timber-mill

Photos provided by Timber Mill Apartments

The Timber Mill Apartments are affordable one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments based on income. Aside from the pool and trails, the property also provides residents with a bark park for pets, business center and a playground for all the kids in the neighborhood. The property also offers a 48-hour maintenance guarantee.

Onsite, Timber Mill Apartments has a clubroom that residents can reserve for free, a beautiful preserve area surrounding the property and full-grown trees through-out offering a wooded country-like living experience. Residents have access to The Woodlands Walking Trails that are located directly outside the property.

The property is also involved in the community, they raised food for Interfaith, participate in the Adopt a Family and Adopt a Senior programs and every year the property recognizes Adopt a Shelter Pet by waiving pet deposits so residents can save a life and add a furry friend to their family and home.

A/C Supplies

Century A/C Supply 19 281-530-2859 www.centuryac.com

A/C Contractors

Gemstar Construction & Development 30 281-821-1195 www.gemstarconstruction.com

Carpet Installation

Dixie Interiors 2 281-261-6334 www.dixieinteriors.com

Texas Southwest Floors 49 800-719-4321 www.texasswfloors.com

Collection Agencies

Alexander-Rose Associates Inc. 67 713-644-4441 www.alexanderrose-inc.com

Electric Contractors

Affordable Quality Electric 10 713-695-5992 www.acuityelectric.com

Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services 15 281-693-3383 www.brandtelectrical.com

Foundation Repair

Church Foundation Repair 10 713-468-8400 www.churchfoundationrepair.com

Furniture - Outdoor

Texacraft 37 281-494-1541 www.texacraft.com

General Contractors

Camp Facility Services Back Cover 713-413-2267 www.campfs.com

Cotton Commercial USA Inc. 14 877-511-2962 www.cottongds.com

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

Guardian Construction 17 832-672-4196 www.guardianconst.com

MultiFamily Services 66 713-266-9100

RENCON Inside Back Cover 713-666-3636 www.rencon.com

Glass – Plate, Window, Etc.

Ameristar Screen and Glass 54 713-683-6767 www.ameristarglass.com

Internet Service Provider

Blue Stream Fiber 13 844-416-1000 www.bluestreamfiber.com

Landscape Contractors

Texscape Services 55 281-846-3779 www.texscapeservices.com

Paint

Behr Paint 31 800-431-3000 www.homedepot/proxtra.com

Personnel Agency

ASAP Personnel 67 972-432-6667 www.asapdo.com

Plumbing Contractors

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

Resident Screening Service

SafeRent Solutions Inside Front Cover 888-297-8821 www.saferentsolutions.com

Screens

Ameristar Screen and Glass 67 713-683-6767 www.ameristarglass.com

Swimming Pool Service

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

HAA Products & Services

Rental Credit Reporting 59 713-595-0300 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.

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 www.haaonline.org

Want to see current and previous issues of ABODE online? Go to http://issuu.com/haa_abode. Or view this issue on your computer, tablet or smartphone at http://issuu.com/haa_abode/docs/abode_oct2024.

Join the HAA Food Drive and help feed the hungry this holiday season.

HAA is asking all members to collect food to donate to the Houston Food 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. The drive begins November 1 and ends the beginning of December.

If your property or company plans on a community service 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.

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.

Visit www.haaonline.org/fooddrive for details.

ABODE October 2024

Saturday, October 19 Humble Civic Center

AB E

CONTENTS

October 2024

ON THE COVER

32

FEATURES & PHOTOS

COLUMNS & MONTHLY UPDATES

OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP

ABODE

SPONSOR MEMBERS

HOT WATER

IS IT DONE?

When is an eviction final?

Facts

The Suit

Motion to Dismiss

Court’s Analysis

What can we learn?

Got a minute?

MONEY ORDER MISHAP

OCTOBER

2

3-31

3-4

8-29

9

14

16

30

NOVEMBER

4-8

6

6

12-13

13

19

20

Discover the Ultimate Roadmap to Success with all new speakers for 2024

What is Avenues?

Who Can Sign Up?

What does this get me?

Pricing:

Domestic Violence Awareness Seminar

On the Scene with the

Domestic Violence

The Scope of Domestic Violence in Texas

The Role of Housing in Domestic Violence

Legal Protections for Tenants Facing Domestic Violence

How the Houston Apartment Association Can Make a Difference

A Personal Commitment

Moving Forward Together

REDBLUE

&

Thanks HAA PAC Members

Steering Committee

Trustees

Your Vote Matters

HAA PAC Endorsements

Statewide

GETTING RESULTS

JP Constable Holiday Parties

Courtroom Workshops and Webinars

Area Region Meetings

Political Engagements

Meetings

On the Road with HAA

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE PRIORITIES FOR 2025

Evictions/Squatters:

Affordability/Property Taxes:

Property Owner/Resident Relations:

On the Scene

OWNERS

SUPPLIERS

Thank you Management Districts!

The Go-Getters

MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Honorary Life Members

THE SUPPLIER NETWORK