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ABODE THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

www.haaonline.org

In this month’s issue, we take a closer look at Texas elections and get ready for some spooky treats and spicy eats.

October 2026

Your Industry. Your Voice.

VOTE HAA

CONTENTS October 2026

ON THE COVER

FEATURES & PHOTOS

16, 34

22 On the Scene – Photos from the Maintenance Appreciation Night at Daikin Park.

It’s Time For Chili Fest and Advocacy – Welcome to October and this month’s issue of ABODE covering all things Legislative and Chili! Every fall, ABODE takes a closer look at what is happening on the election front and gets us ready for some chili during the HAF Chili Fest Fundraiser.

26 On the Scene – Photos from the Business Exchange.

Also don’t miss photos from the Business Exchange, Maintenance Appreciation Night at the Astros and much more.

32 On the Scene – Photos from the HAA PAC Luncheon.

Cover image © Serhej Calka | iStock by Getty Images

30 On the Scene – Photos from the Past Presidents Luncheon. 31 In Memoriam – Remembering H.J. Tollet Jr.

33 HAA PAC Contributors – The HAA PAC members support good government for the multifamily industry. 34 Why This JP Race Matters to Harris County Apartment Owners – For apartment owners, Harris County JP race puts court efficiency in the spotlight.

ABODE THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

www.haaonline.org

In this month’s issue, we take a closer look at Texas elections and get ready for some spooky treats and spicy eats.

October 2026

36 TAA's Legislative Priorities for the 90th Texas Legislature – All of these issues could shape how apartment owners operate every day, and it is imperative for TAA to have a prominent voice in these legislative discussions as we progress through the 90th Texas Legislative Session in 2027. 38 Endorsements – Please consider these candidates when you go to the polls. 40 On the Road – Photos from the Brazoria County Region meeting. 42 MORE VIDEOS! 12 Success Strategies with Dr. Debbie – Don’t miss the latest Success Strategy video with Dr. Debbie Phillips.

COLUMNS & MONTHLY UPDATES 7 President’s Corner – Welcome to October and all things advocacy and chili! 8 Patron of the Month – Meet and support Foundation Specialists. 9 Legislative Update – Learn more about political issues affecting the Houston multifamily industry. 11 It’s The Law – Understanding the Early Termination Fee Option in the TAA Lease. 14 Resident Relations – Learn more about what you should do when a complaint is filed. 20 Calendar – HAA’s schedule of events for the coming months. 43 Welcome Mat – Find out about the newest HAA members. 44 Go-Getters – Don’t miss your chance to win in $1,000 in December! 46 The Ambassador ONE Society – The Ambassadors make connections. 50 Portfolio Changes and In The News – Property updates and news from our members. 54 Index of Advertisers – See the supplier members who support this publication. 55 MarketLine – The latest area market numbers. 56 Back Page – News from around the community.

49 On the Scene – Photos from the Supplier Education Program. 52 On the Scene – Photos from the NEXT Summer Social. 53 On Site with ABODE – Take a closer look at another of HAA‘s Honors Award winning properties.

Your Industry. Your Voice.

VOTE HAA www.haaonline.org

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

October 2026

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OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP MONICA GRACIA President-Elect RYAN TERRELL President

MANU GUPTA Vice President at Large

PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL OFFICERS

KAREN HEFNER Vice President at Large

BLAISE SPITALERI, CAS President Rasa Floors

VALERIE LACY Vice President at Large

DEBRA KNIGHT, CAS Secretary Comm-Fit

HOWARD BOOKSTAFF General Counsel

DAVID NARGANG Vice President at Large

LIZ LEVINS, CAS EMERITUS Treasurer Gemstar Construction

CASEY WATTS MORGAN CEO

SHELLEY WATSON Immediate Past President

MELISSA FRIEND Secretary/Treasurer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mack Armstrong Julie Batche Kristen Becker John Boriack Michelle Bridges Kyle Brown Tina Cavaco Terri Clifton Michelle Croasmun Deborah DeRouen Derek DeVries Scott Douglas Gina Erwin Melissa Friend Monica Gracia Stephanie Graves Billy Griffin Manu Gupta Karen Hefner Clay Hicks Sara Hinson Deborah Holcombe Crystal Jackson Nathan Kelley Debra Knight Valerie Lacy Stacey Lastovica Liz Levins David Lindley Betsy Marshall Kristin McLaughlin Joe Melton Candis Mohr Kathy Motis Katy Myrick David Nargang Jenifer Paneral Mark Park Velissa Parmer Michelle Pawelek Ryan Raser Ruth Reyes Kelly Robinson Christy Rodriguez Joseph Rodriguez Ingrid Shultz Corri Smith Blaise Spitaleri Debbie Sulzer Ryan Terrell Lindsay Torres-Smith Starla Turnbo Richard Wall Shelley Watson Richard Whatcott Tracie Yoder

DIRECTORS EMERITUS Josh Allen Gary Blumberg Ken Bohan Roger Camp Kathy Clem Jack Dinerstein Diane Gilbert Jenard Gross Darlene Guidry Alison Hall David Hargrove Larry Hill Hap Hunnicutt Stacy Hunt David Jones Mel Kieke Mike Koch Dick LaMarche Cesar Lima Bruce McClenny 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 Tony Whitaker Jerry Winograd ADVISORY DIRECTORS Marsha Baker Jeff Blevins Karen Briggs Gwin Caroline Erck Emily Frost Nitin Garg Izzy Garza Jacob Kunath Laura Lestus Beth Levine Cari Luetge Monica Morales Arely Pena Paola Rodriguez Jake Slosburg Alan Yu 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 EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS 1968 Century A/C Supply 1978 Houston Planned Energy Systems 1982 Cotton Commercial USA Inc. 1984 AAA Plumbers 1986 Craven Carpet 1987 Dixie Interiors 1993 Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search 1994 Camp Facility Services 1997 Apartments.com 1999 Foundation Specialists 2006 Lowe’s Pro Supply 2024 Air Express Construction & Plumbing

DEBORAH DEROUEN, CAS Immediate Past President Clutch City Consulting

PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL MEMBERS Grant Almquist, CAS, Texas Apartment Pool Services Susan Alvarado, CAS, Chadwell Supply Chris Bell, CAS, Century A/C Supply Marivel Bownds, CAS, Chadwell Supply Tammy Broadway, CAS, American Fire Systems Carina Bryars, Valet Living Shaun Callaway, CAS, Earthworks Brandon Coleman, CAS, Chadwell Supply Neal Conant, CAS, Gemstar Construction Sean Cunningham, CAS, Impact Property Solutions Deborah DeRouen, CAS, Clutch City Consulting Giovanna Gone, CAS, Redi Carpet Sales Bo Hang, Redi Carpet Sales Dan James, CAS, Redevelopment Services Debra Knight, CAS, Comm-Fit

Stephanie Krop, CAS, Emeritus, Poolsure Liz Levins, CAS Emeritus, Gemstar Construction Jim Martensen, CAS, Epic Multifamily Construction Tracey Moore, CAS, Flooring Warehouse Karen Nelsen, CAS, Best Plumbing Arely Pena, CAS, Redi Carpet Sales Xochitl Sheffield, Camp Facility Services Blaise Spitaleri, CAS, Rasa Floors Auri Verser Sherwin Williams Ryan Weis, Affinity Waste Solutions

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OCTOBER 2026 I VOLUME 49, 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 ADVERTISING Vice President of Membership Development RANDA DICK, CAPS randa@haaonline.org CONTRIBUTING STAFF Chief Operating Officer AMANDA SHERBONDY, CAE asherbondy@haaonline.org Vice President of Education LAUREN RAGIN, CMP lragin@haaonline.org Vice President of Facility Management/RCR TINA DEFIORE tdefiore@haaonline.org Vice President of Government Affairs BEN MCPHAUL bmcphaul@haaonline.org Vice President of Finance LALO CARDENAS lcardenas@haaonline.org Events and Meetings Director KASAUNDRA WRIGHT, CMP kwright@haaonline.org Director of Resident Relations MATILDE LUNA mluna@haaonline.org Director of IT WILL ALFARO walfaro@haaonline.org Government Affairs Manager ALEX CHADWELL achadwell@haaonline.org Strategic Outreach Manager MORGAN WATERMAN mwaterman@haaonline.org Education and Events Manager BIANCA REYNA breyna@haaonline.org Member Services Manager JAKKI POSADA jposada@haaonline.org Member Services Assistant SYDNEY CHANSAMOUTH schansamouth@haaonline.org PRINTER TGI PRINTED www.tgiprinted.com

HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES COMMITTEE Executive Nominating Fair Housing Ethics Past Presidents Council Finance Legislative Political Action Century Club Education Advisory Independent Rental Owners Connection NEXT Young Professionals Leadership Development Community Outreach Product Service Council Expo Exhibitor Membership Ambassador ONE Society Resident Relations A Resident Relations B Resident Relations Appeals HAF Chili Fundraiser Honors Property Awards Honors Individual Awards

CHAIR Ryan Terrell Shelley Watson Howard Bookstaff Michelle Pawelek John Boriack Gary Blumberg Monica Gracia Stacy Hunt Liz Levins Lori Latham

STAFF ADVISOR Casey Morgan Casey Morgan Casey Morgan Casey Morgan Casey Morgan Lalo Cardenas Ben McPhaul Morgan Waterman Morgan Waterman Lauren Ragin

Alan Yu Emily Frost Arely Pena Clay Hicks Melissa Friend Blaise Spitaleri Nikki Sekunda Deborah DeRouen Sara Hinson Xochitl Sheffield Jim Martensen Michele Swilley Ryan Raser Darlene Guidry Joey Rodriguez Kathy Motis Karen Hefner Ruha Vohra Joe Melton

Lauren Ragin Lauren Ragin Amanda Sherbondy Amanda Sherbondy Amanda Sherbondy Randa Dick Randa Dick Randa Dick Matti Luna Matti Luna Matti Luna Kasaundra Wright Kasaundra Wright Amanda Sherbondy

HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MISSION AND VISION: HAA is the leading advocate, resource and community partner for quality rental housing providers in the Houston and surrounding area. HAA develops leadership in the multifamily industry by engaging broadly diverse membership, embracing effective technology and advocating for a geographically inclusive association. ABODE IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION serving the multihousing industry in Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton counties. ABODE, OCTOBER 2026, VOLUME 49, 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 © 2026 by HAA. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABODE, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041.

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October 2026

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EXECUTIVE SUPPLIER MEMBERS These companies have generously supported the Houston Apartment Association with their Executive Supplier Membership. Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business.

2020 Exhibits 360 Apartment Renovations 3BeeGuys Bee Removal A1 Property Construction A1 Wrecker LLC AAA Staffing Ltd ACT Security Group Action Window Coverings Inc ACTIV Answer Adobe Floors Inc Adventure Playground Systems Inc Advocate Construction Inc Affinity Waste Solutions ALD Outdoors Alexander-Rose Associates Inc All American Mailboxes of Houston Inc All Power Solutions ALN Apartment Data Alonso Service Co. Ambassador Services LLC America's Smart Home and Businesses American Fire Systems Inc American Wheel & Tire #2 Ltd Ameristar Screen & Glass Apartment Services Group Artisent Floors ASAP Personnel Inc Asurety Dryer Vent & Fireplace Inspections Bang It Services Inc Bar-B-Clean Southwest Houston Belfor Property Restoration Berkeley Outside Services Bettencourt Tax Advisors LLC BGE Inc/aka Brown & Gay Engineers Inc BioTechs Crime & Trauma Scene Cleaning Blackstorm Security Blue Marlin Maintenance Air Conditioning and Renovation Blue Stream Fiber BluSky Restoration Contractors Brady Chapman Holland & Assoc BrightView Landscape ServicesThe Woodlands Brown & Brown Insurance Services Inc BSI Butler Plus Cabinet Door Usa Callaway Services Capital Disaster Solutions Cardboard Cowboys Cardinal Foundation Services Catalyst Construction Centex Construction Chadwell Supply Chesapeake Finishing Childress Electric ClaimsMate Adjusters Classic Same Day Blinds Code Red Security Systems PLLC Commercial Fire Protection Contractors Inc Core Distributing Corey Construction Commercial & Multi-Family Roofing CORT Furniture Rental CoverAll Pests CRE Business Solutions LLC Create Landscape Services LLC Crowned Eagle Construction CSC ServiceworksAppliance Warehouse Cypress Landscaping & Irrigation Inc Decorative Flooring

DeNyse Companies Designs by Holmes Diamond Services LLC DM Prime Solution DNM Contracting Inc DoodyCalls Double Oak Erosion ECC Exteriors EDT Construction Services Elevated Retail Elite Roofing LLC Emersyn Electrical Services LLC Empire Fire and Safety Encore Services TX EnviroSmart Multifamily Pest Solutions Epic Multifamily Construction EPremium Insurance Agency Exterior Inspections Faith J Construction Inc Fantastic Floors Featherston Sign Partners, LLC Fiat Construction LLC Fire Reconstruction Inc Flavor Finish Resurfacing FlipLok Floor Merchant Foundation Check Inc Frontier Waste Solutions FSD Protection fun abounds Gambit Construction Garland Law Firm Gemstar Construction Glass Doctor of Greater South Houston Gleam Clean GMR Electrical Go Painting of N. Houston Go-Staff Inc Good Landscaping GQ Landscaping Great American Business Products Greater Houston Pool Management Green City Security LLC Green Garbology Green Pride Landscaping Greenlogic Grindstone General Contracting Hamilton-Steele Outdoor Accents Hive Technology Hoover Slovacek LLP Houston Home and Patio Houston Roofing & Construction LLC Ideal Parking Management Incentivefox Infinity Power Partners Innovative Recovery Insurica InterSolutions Property Management Staffing Its Bugs or Us Ivory Property Restoration J National Contractors J Turner Research Jacobson Insurance & Risk Management Jansen Adjusters International JC's General Contractor LLC Johnstone Supply JOR Construction & Property Investments LLC Junk Shot and Doorstep Details of Houston Landing Lanyard Construction Services LCBI Construction, LLC Lincoln Jacob Construction Lineups

LMC Embark Landscape and Tree Care Long Point Roofing Lopez Carpet Care & Painting LP Building Solutions M3 Performance Group Major Piles Matrix Construction Services MeterNet Michel Rogers & Maloney Minol USA MNM Fire Systems LLC Mobiledumps Houston Mueller Water Conditioning Inc Nailed It Roofing Pros Nationwide Energy Partners Nationwide Janitorial Connect Native Smart Properties NEI General Contracting Nelson Painting and Construction LLC Norman Roofing and Construction Northwest Construction Group Odor-Defence Optima General Contractor LLC Pace Mechanical Services LLC Pacific Coast Landscape and Design Pasadena Insurance Agency Inc Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Houston Penco Access Control LLC dba Penco Gate and Fence Platinum Pool and Spa LLC Polywood Precision Appliance Leasing Precision Reconstruction Group, LLC Premium Improvements Pro-Shield Commercial Roofing LLC Pro-Tex Contracting Group LLC Professional Resurface LLC Property Guardians LLC Pura Flo Corporation Pure Green Landscaping Quality Construction Concepts Quick Protection Inc Qwikkit R3BUILD Construction Services LLC RAM Construction Ram Jack Foundation Solutions Real Floors Inc Red Nova Construction Redevelopment Services Redux Construction Reliable Paving, Inc Reliable Roofing of Texas Inc Reliant RENCON LLC Renova Appliance Center LTD Renova One Richmond & Associates Landscaping-Houston, LTD Riverway Title Robles Roofing & More LLC Rose Paving Roto-Rooter Services Co Rotolo Consultants Inc (RCI) RTI Construction SafeRent Solutions SEAL Security Solutions LLC Secure Insurance Service Concepts Inc ServiceMaster Recovery Management Servpro Team Shaw Sherwin Williams Sign-Ups & Banners Signal of Houston Silversand Services Southwest A/C Supply, Inc

Spirtas Worldwide Stealth Renovations Steward Trash Valet Service Stormwater Professionals Group Strata Roofing and Construction LLC Strickland Law Firm PLLC Superhero Fire Protection Superscapes Landscape and Irrigation Surface Experts Surface Experts of Katy/ West Houston Swain & Baldwin Insurance & Risk Management Tejas Softwash Tell Construction & Projects LLC Texas Access Works Texas Apartment Pool Services Texas Concrete Professional Company Texas GroundWorks Management Texas Solution Pros Texas Southwest Floors Inc Texas Window Cleaning Co Inc TextByChoice The Katy Plumbing Company The Liberty Group Three Amigos Texas LLC THS National Tidal Electrical Services Inc Trash Concierge Houston Tri County Specialties LLC TurboPass Two Dots Unified Disaster Resources Urban Design Constructors Urban Outreach, Inc Urban Value Corner Store Valet Living Walton Residential Services Warren Kalyan PLLC Waste Transfer Partners Watermark Restoration Inc We Build Pickleball Courts Webb Pest Control Whitman's Contracting and Roofing Yellowstone Landscape

Letter from the President

By RYAN TERRELL, 2026 HAA President

FALL IS HERE WITH DREAMS OF COOL WEATHER AND THIS MONTH’S ISSUE OF ABODE COVERING ALL THINGS ADVOCACY AND CHILI! Every October, ABODE takes a closer look at what is happening for the November elections and gets us ready for some spooktacular fun. Vote Local, Vote Multifamily First up, the midterms and some very important Texas races. The HAA Political Action Committee and our Government Affairs Department have been hard at work meeting with local candidates and incumbents up for reelection. We have a profile of one of those candidates on Page 34. Former Justice of the Peace Mark Fury is seeking a return to the bench after previously serving two terms as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 5, Place 1. Fury won the Republican nomination for Precinct 5, Place 2 earlier this year and is running in the November general election. He received the HAA PAC’s endorsement. Please help support our industry by considering Fury and all of the endorsed candidates listed on Page 38 when you go to the polls. Vote for our industry and make your voice heard on November 3. Also, the Texas Apartment Association has released its 2027 Legislative Priorities for the 90th Texas Legislature. You will find them on Page 36. All of these issues could shape how apartment owners operate every day, and it is imperative for TAA to have a prominent voice in these legislative discussions as we progress through next year’s Legislative Session. Want to know how you can make a difference and become an advocate for the multifamily industry? Join the Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee. HAA is actively involved in the legislative process at the local, state and national levels. We represent and advocate for the apartment industry and our members with area policymakers, helping them understand the important and complex needs of those who provide housing to their constituents – and we need your support. Without political capital, our industry would not be as successful in representing you or your clients’ interests, and thus, your financial well-being. 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. See the QR code at right to find out how you can get involved. Come Get Your Ghoul On! And last, but definitely not least, it is officially spooky season and time for the Houston Apartment Foundation Chili Fest Fundraiser on Saturday, October 24. “Bring out ya dead!” for the “Monster Mash Chili Bash!” – Or the ninja turtles – or the princesses – or, my favorite, the superheroes. Suit up with your best costumes. My cape is being pressed as we speak. See Page 16 and buy your wristbands now! I can’t wait to see you there and at the polls! Vote for good government, vote for good food, vote for HAA!

www.haaonline.org

October 2026

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These companies have generously

Houston Planned Energy Systems

supported the Houston Apartment

Cotton Commercial USA Inc.

Association with their exclusive membership. Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business.

HAA Member since 1978

Apartments.com

HAA Member since 1997

AAA Plumbers

HAA Member since 1982

HAA Member since 1984

Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search

Air Express Construction & Plumbing

HAA Member since 1993

HAA Member since 2024

Lowe’s Pro Supply

Foundation Specialists

HAA Member since 2006

Craven Carpet

HAA Member since 1999

Dixie Interiors

HAA Member since 1986

HAA Member since 1987

Camp Facilty Services

Century A/C Supply

HAA Member since 1994

HAA Member since 1968

This Month's Exclusive Supplier Member

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October 2026

www.haaonline.org

Legislative Update By MONICA GRACIA, HAA Legislative Chair, with BEN MCPHAUL, Vice President of Government Affairs

The Latest News

More on a new ordinance, fees, budgets, tax increases and endorsements.

IN THIS EDITION of our Legislative Update, we review a recent ordinance that passed at the City of Houston, the Harris County Budget that was passed on September 17th, as well as a big endorsement HAA PAC recently made in the Harris County Judge Race. As always, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to our Government Affairs team! A/C Ordinance Passes This item was briefly mentioned at our June board meeting and has since passed. Councilmember Alejandra Salinas amended Chapter 10 of the Code of Ordinances to remove a screen exemption, which allowed property owners to avoid providing air conditioning in units if they provided window screens. Ultimately, this only affected a small number of properties and most rental properties that relied on this screen exemption were single family rental properties. To date, we have not been contacted by a member property that was affected by this ordinance revision. Constable Service Fees Last week, the Harris County FY2027 budget increased fees paid to Constables for eviction-related services. Commissioner Adrian Garcia proposed the increase, and HAA staff spoke with him before the vote. He assured HAA that the additional revenue would improve writ services and support the County’s creation of an online dashboard to help track the writ process. The service fee for an eviction is going from $85 to $120 and the service fee for the writ of possession is going from $155 to $219. Harris County Budget Update Harris County Commissioners Court passed the FY 2027 budget on September 17th which included the largest property tax hike in Harris County history. The budget included an additional $2,700,000 (a total of $3,700,000) to support eviction prevention programs including legal aid defense and flexible rental assistance under Housing and Community Development previously funded through ARPA (federal funds.) HAA expressed opposition to www.haaonline.org

Commissioners Lesley Briones and Adrian Garcia for this increase as it was paid for by public dollars and explained that legal aid defense often causes eviction delay, ultimately saddling tenants with more debt. HAA plans to meet in the near future with the Harris County Housing and Community Development Department regarding the allocation of these funds. In addition to this, Harris County also expanded their Eviction Diversion facilitator program ($74,000) into one additional Court, Judge Sharon Burney’s 7-2 Precinct, which will become Melanie Miles court in January 2027. This position already existed and will continue to also exist in Judge Steve Duble and Judge Dolores Lozano’s courts. HAA discussed this position with Melanie Miles and shared our concern that the role doesn’t prevent eviction, only delays it. HAA PAC endorsed Orlando Sanchez for Harris County Judge Orlando Sanchez is running for Harris County Judge against former Houston City Council Member Letitia Plummer. Orlando is a former Harris County Treasurer and former Houston City Councilmember. Through his tenure in both positions, HAA has enjoyed a good working relationship with Orlando. Last month, the HAA PAC voted unanimously to endorse him and contribute $25k to his campaign. The consensus among PAC members was that Orlando is most qualified to lead the County and will be more successful in reducing the County’s everincreasing budget. For legislative concerns, call the HAA main line at 713-595-0300 and ask for Government Affairs or email bmcphaul@haaonline.org.

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It’s the Law By HOWARD BOOKSTAFF, Hoover Slovacek LLP , HAA General Counsel

Testing Your Knowledge Understanding the Early Termination Fee Option in the TAA Lease

“MY RESIDENT SKIPPED OUT!” “What do I do next?” “No big deal, I will inspect the unit and assess damages beyond wear and tear, final utilities, some unpaid rent, and, of course, I will assess the “Early Termination Fee.” Right? Wrong!? When a resident skips, is evicted, or otherwise vacates without providing proper notice, identifying which charges to assess, and which ones NOT to assess, can be challenging and full of pitfalls. Let’s take a look at the Texas Apartment Association lease form to better understand what to assess when a resident doesn’t fulfill their lease term. TESTING YOUR KNOWLEDGE: What do you charge when a resident “skips” or “breaks” their Lease? Let’s assume John Doe just signed a lease and moved into Unit A on October 1, 2026.

MULTIPLE CHOICE: In this scenario, which charges are most appropriate to assess on John Doe’s Final account statement? (a) The $2,000 early termination fee, unpaid rent in the amount of $1,500 (prorated to 1.5 months because of your duty to mitigate), unpaid utilities, and damages beyond normal wear and tear. (b) The $2,000 early termination fee, the Reletting Charge, unpaid utilities, and damages beyond normal wear and tear. (c) The Reletting Charge, unpaid rent in the amount of $12,000 (accelerated rent for 12 months through the end of the lease term), unpaid utilities, and damages beyond normal wear and tear. (d) The Reletting Charge, unpaid rent in the amount of $1,500 (prorated to 1.5 months because of your duty to mitigate), unpaid utilities, and damages beyond normal wear and tear.

• Rent is $1,000 per month. (e) I don’t know, just tell me! • Lease Details, Box J provides for an Early Termination Fee Option of $2,000 and requires 60 days’ advanced notice of termination. • John Doe’s lease term ends on October 31, 2027. John Does fails to pay rent in November 2026 and you deliver a 3-day Notice to Pay Rent or Vacate. John Doe vacates on November 15, but does not pay anything more. You make reasonable efforts to market Unit A and are fortunate to find a new resident who moves into Unit A and begins paying rent on December 15, 2026. Crisis avoided; the owner only missed out on 1.5 months of rent.

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If you said answered (d), you are correct, but perhaps in the minority. A common misconception is that the “Early Termination Fee” is assessed when improper notice is provided or when a resident “skips” out or when a resident “breaks” their lease. Let’s take a look at how we get to the correct answer – (d). What is the “Early Termination Fee Option” (Lease Details, Box J and Para. 7.2)? Several years ago, the Texas Apartment Association lease form was updated to include an “Early Termination Fee Option.” This dollar amount is prominently displayed in the middle of the first page of the lease. Don’t be fooled by the name. October 2026

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This is not a fee that an owner gets to charge when a resident skips out or fails to provide the appropriate notice. Rather, if applicable, this is an amount that the resident can elect to pay in order to terminate their lease early and avoid accelerated rent and reletting charges. Think of this as a lease “buyout” amount but remember - it is the resident’s option to exercise the buyout. Under Para. 7.2, if the resident elects to exercise this right, they will provide the appropriate notice, submit the “Lease Termination Fee,” and repay concessions, if any. In this situation, they will not have “broken” their lease because they properly exercised their “buyout” option and fulfilled the abbreviated term of their lease. They will also not owe a reletting charge or accelerated rent. What if the Early Termination Option in Lease Details, Box J is blank (not filled in)? If Lease Details, Box J is blank, this is not a “Get Out of Lease Free” card. It does not mean that a resident gets to terminate early or “buyout” of their lease for $0. Rather, a blank here means that the lease does not give the

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October 2026

resident an early termination option. In this scenario, a resident does not have the right to buyout of their lease. They would not be permitted to voluntarily terminate their lease unless they have a legally valid reason for early termination such as military service, family violence, or stalking. If the Early Termination Fee Option is not filled in and a resident vacates early and without legal justification, then they would be assessed the reletting charge and are also responsible for accelerated rent. So, if a resident “skips” or is evicted, what am I supposed to charge them? The appropriate charges specific to a broken lease scenario are the Reletting Charge (Box I and Para. 7.1) and perhaps accelerated rent (Para 23.2). Of course, this is in addition to the ordinary charges, such as for final utilities and damages beyond normal wear and tear. The Reletting Charge under Para. 7.1 is assessed when the resident: • fails to move in, or fails to give written move-out notice as required in Par. 25; • moves out without paying rent in full for the entire lease term or renewal period;

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• moves out at your demand because of a default (if they move out after receiving a NTV); or • is judicially evicted. Under Para. 23.3, all rent owed through the remainder of the lease term is “accelerated automatically” and due and payable by the resident. Please note, an owner retains the option to decide not to accelerate rent. Isn’t accelerated rent the same thing as the Early Termination Fee? Accelerated rent is simply charging the resident for the rent that they promised to pay – which is rent for the whole lease term. However, an owner’s ability to do this is subject to a duty to mitigate which requires the owner to use reasonable efforts to relet the unit. An owner cannot collect rent from two different residents for the same period. Thus, if a new resident begins paying rent, the previous resident is released from their rental obligation for each month that is paid by the new resident. The process for accelerating rent, collecting accelerating rent, and then adjusting the amount of rent due after a new resident begins paying rent is confusing and cumbersome. A common mistake is that some owners will put an “early

www.haaonline.org

termination fee” or an “improper notice fee” on the Final account statement. This fee often is the equivalent of two month’s rent or equal to the “Early Termination Fee Option” which is found in Box J. This practice could stem from: • confusion about the name of the “Early Termination Fee Option;” or • an assumption that it may take approximately two (2) months to relet the unit and it is easier to simply charge rent for two (2) months than to deal with cumbersome process of calculating and possibly refunding accelerated rent after the new resident moves in. • Or, more likely, it is a little bit of both. But, either way, this practice is NOT proper. It is critical to understand the correct charges to assess when a resident “skips”, “breaks their lease”, defaults, or is evicted. Assessing improper charges on a final account statement can create future headaches and even legal issues for you. Hopefully this will help you navigate the lease terms and the terminology associated with assessing charges in the event of a broken lease. Good luck!

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Resident Relations from the RESIDENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE

What Do You Do?

Learn what to do when a resident files a complaint with HAA’s Resident Relations Department.

A RESIDENT FILES A COMPLAINT with HAA to dispute charges. Now what? When a resident files their complaint concerning security deposits and/or disputing cleaning fees, carpet damage, paint charges, etc., a letter goes out to the management company and the property. How you answer that complaint can be the difference between the Resident Relations Committee finding in your favor or theirs. When you receive this letter, please respond to the complaint within two weeks after reviewing your records and discussing this matter with the community manager with a written response, along with copies of the documents listed below. These documents are provided to the resident giving them the opportunity for a written rebuttal. If the Resident Relations Committee reviews the complaint, both documentations provided by the resident and by the community manager are used to render a decision based on this information. In most instances when a committee sides with a resident, it's because the property failed to provide adequate documentation to substantiate its argument.

THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS MUST BE INCLUDED WITH YOUR EXPLANATION OR YOU WILL AUTOMATICALLY JEOPARDIZE A FAVORABLE MOTION: • EXPLANATION LETTER • COPIES OF THE ORIGINAL LEASE AND/OR RENEWAL – • all pages and signatures MUST BE ATTACHED • APPLICATION FOR RENTAL – all pages and signatures • MOVE IN-MOVE OUT CONDITION FORM/PHOTOS – • these will not be returned. • 30-DAY or 60-DAY WRITTEN NOTICE TO VACATE • SECURITY DEPOSIT DISPOSITION AND • RESIDENT LEDGER • PET AGREEMENT (if applicable) • CARPET/FLOOR INVOICES AND PROOF OF AGE • TO REPLACE CARPET/FLOOR • SUPPLIER INVOICES FOR REPAIRS MUST BE • PROVIDED! (if applicable) The most common reason the committee finds in favor of a resident is due to a lack of response to Resident Relations and the complaint. As a member of the association your cooperation is appreciated. Reviewing these disputes can help property owners resolve issues without the resident and/or owners pursuing the matter in court or expensive legal means.

•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.

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SUBSCRIBE AND

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ON PREVENTATIVE

MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS! Take advantage of our preventative maintenance program today!

CONVENIENCE You can book full or partial property checks based on your needs. Pricing is based on unit count with bulk discounts available.

CONFIRMATION Our service is great for takeover and acquisition due diligence needs. We bill your Century account directly.

CONFIDENCE Licensed HVAC Contractors perform the inspections and provide reporting. Each preventive maintenance inspection is completed by a HVAC professional.

COMPREHENSIVE A detailed report for each apartment/unit checked is provided at completion with the option to elect for suggested repairs.

VISIT CENTURYAC.COM

Need to place an order, schedule service, or set up an install? Call 281-776-1900 today! Angleton • Barker Cypress • Bay City • Beltway • Clay Rd • Conroe • Gulfton • Humble • Katy • League City • Lufkin • Stuebner • Winkler

Saturday, October 24 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Humble Civic Center It will be a graveyard smash! The monsters return as cauldrens of spicy goodness boil and bubble! Grab all the little ghosts and goblins for ghoulish gruel and a scary good time at the 35th annual HAF Chili Fest!

Thanks to our Incredible Sponsors! Over 21 Wristbands: ServPro Memorial West/ N.W.Houston Habanero: AAA Plumbers Earthworks Redevelopment Services Stealth Renovations Trophies: ServPro Memorial West/ N.W.Houston Silent Auction: Q10 Property Advisors Dayrise Residential Chili-Tizer Stations: Cline Construction InterSolutions BOO Bags: Air Express Construction & Plumbing Subcontain of Greater North Houston

It’s all inclusive freakishly festive fun for every “body”! Tricks, treats and spook-tacular competition! Adult $25 prepaid $35 on site Child (5-12) $15 prepaid, $20 on site Kids 4 and under - Free! Online wristband sales close Wednesday, October 21. All sales after this point will be at walk-up rate and purchased at the gate.

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

Reserve your tickets at

www.haaonline.org/chilifest

Goodie Bags: BluSky Restoration Flooring Warehouse fun abounds Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search Indigo Construction InterSolutions Staffing Massey Services Native Smart Properties Northwest Construction Group Proforma-Angelini & Associates Q10 Property Advisors ServPro Memorial West/ N.W.Houston Steward Valet Trash Service The Urban Foresters Judging Contests: Appliance Warehouse Precision Appliance Leasing Entertainment: ServPro Memorial West/ N.W.Houston Sherwin Williams

Discover the Ultimate Roadmap to Success with new speakers for 2026

What is Avenues?

Don’t miss the final two sessions for 2026 and make sure your budgets include our 2027 sessions!

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

How can I attend? We offer two subscription options: • Annual Property Subscription • based on the number of units. • Annual Individual Subscription You can also register for each individual session.

Leadership LN Marketing PL

What does this get me? Once you sign up, you receive access to 13 education sessions throughout the year. All you need to do is respond to the reminder email to confirm attendance.

Pricing: Annual Property Subscription: • Less than 200 units: $230 • 200-349 units: $440 • 350-449 units: $550 • 450 units or more: $600

Not an annual subscriber?

ST Main sessions! l a u id iv d in d n e tt a to r te is g e R

Annual Individual Subscription: Corporate or Supplier Individual: $230 Individual sessions: $70/person Three (3) CEC credits awarded per session.

View the series schedule and register online at www.haaonline.org/events. Contact the HAA Education Department at education@haaonline.org.

Avenues: Marketing Pl – 3 October 8 Marketing at the “Speed of Thumb” with Lisa Trosien Avenues: Leadership Ln –3 November 17 Only the Qualified Survive: Leadership Musts with Rebecca Rosario

Maintenance BLVD Sponsored by

2026 Industry Achievement Luncheon & Annual Meeting With Special Guest Houston Mayor

John Whitmire Join us as we celebrate our 2026 Industry Achievement Honorees and elect our 2027 association leadership. Additionally, we will hear directly from Mayor Whitmire during a special address. Thursday, November 19 The Westin Memorial City 945 Gessner Rd. 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Table of 10 - $1,050 Individual Seat - $100 Walk-up Seat - $120 Save by registering before October 18: $850/Table of 10, $80/Individual Seat

Thank you to our event sponsors: Achievement Recognition & Business Meeting

Chadwell Supply The Urban Foresters Keynote Speaker Mayor Whitmire

Ferguson Facilities Valet Living

See www.haaonline.org/events for more details and to register.

OCTOBER S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Calendar HAA Education, Events and Meetings SCHEDULE

OCTOBER 6

HAA PAC Luncheon Tuesday, October 6 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Contact govaffairs@haaonline.org for details. Sponsored by Best Plumbing

New Supplier Orientation Wednesday, October 7 2:30 p.m. Kirby Ice House Memorial All new supplier members or representatives can attend this in person orientation. Learn how to get involved and take advantage of member benefits. Email members@haaonline.org for details. Ambassador ONE Society Wednesday, October 7 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Kirby Ice House Memorial Monthly Theme: Breast Cancer Awareness/Pink Supplier partners can join this committee to find out how to promote HAA Events, contact properties to survey them on benefits, and network with other supplier partners. See Page 46 for more.

Avenues: Marketing Place 3 Thursday, October 8 9 a.m. to Noon The Avenues series features nationally-acclaimed speakers in the multifamily industry across various topics geared toward every level of multifamily professional. See Page 18 for details. Sponsored by Best Plumbing

HAA Closed Monday, October 12 HAA will be closed in observance of the federal holiday.

NEXT Breakfast with Guest Speaker Congressman Christian Menefee Wednesday, October 14 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. This niche group within HAA is dedicated to the networking and professional development needs of HAA members aged 39 and under. Visit www.haaonline.org/events for details and to register. Sponsored by Century A/C Supply and Core Distributing Resident Relations Committee B Wednesday, October 14 2 p.m. Closed committee meeting Via Zoom

Domestic Violence Awareness Seminar Thursday, October 15 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Join us for an educational seminar led by the Texas Council on Family Violence. Attendees will learn the basics of domestic violence and learn about housing provider resources to help support residents. Sponsored by CORT Furniture Rental and Smith Protective Services

IROC Breakfast: Fall Roundtable Tuesday, October 20 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The Independent Rental Owners' Connection (IROC) offers customized education and networking programs for independent owners and their teams. Visit www.haaonline.org/events for details and to register. Sponsored by Go Painting of North Houston

21-22

Leasing 101 Wednesday and Thursday October 21-22 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and 8:30 a.m. to Noon Thursday From Fair Housing and the TAA lease, to industry terminology and techniques, the Leasing 101 Course educates students on the basics of the apartment management industry. Great course for prospective and new leasing professionals. Visit www.haaonline.org/events for details and to register. Non-members welcome.

Featured Event 2026 HAF Chili Fest MONSTER MASH CHILI BASH! Saturday, October 24 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Humble Civic Center Arena Join us as we bring the heat at the 35th annual HAF Chili Fest hosted at Humble Civic Center Arena! See Page 16 for all the details and sponsors.

HAA Membership 101 Wednesday, October 28 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Via Zoom Whether you work at the corporate office or on-site, this helpful webinar is for all HAA management members and their teams. This presentation will review all HAA benefits available to get engaged and involved. Whether you're new to HAA or have been around and want to get more involved, learn something about HAA that will help you enhance your career. Sponsored by Native Smart Properties

NOVEMBER S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

NOVEMBER 2

Food Drive Kickoff Monday, November 2 Benefiting the Houston Food Bank Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org to find out how to participate!

3-5, 10-12

CAM: Certified Apartment Manager Course November 3-5 and November 10-12 8:30 a.m. to 5: p.m. The CAM Course is six days total. Candidates must attend all days. 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. Visit www.haaonline.org/events for details and to register. Sponsored by American Fire Systems, Century A/C Supply, Core Landscape, Indigo Construction, Jacobson Insurance & Risk Management and Stealth Renovations

New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, November 4 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. Kirby Ice House Memorial For new supplier members or new member representatives to the industry. Learn the ins and outs of HAA from HAA's Product Service Council leaders. The Ambassador ONE Society meeting will follow at 3:30 p.m. for new suppliers to join! For more info, contact Member department at members@haaonline.org.

Ambassador ONE Society Wednesday, November 4 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Kirby Ice House Memorial Theme: Breast Cancer Awareness/Pink Supplier partners can join this

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. 20

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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.

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.

11-12

EPA 608 Course November 11–12 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The EPA 608 Certification Course is a two-day course which ensures technicians are trained in refrigerant safe handling, regulations and environmental protection. Technicians must pass an EPA exam for the specific equipment they work on and will receive a lifetime certification. Sponsored by Century A/C Supply

Resident Relations Committee A Wednesday, November 11 2 p.m. Closed committee meeting Via Zoom

NEXT Fall Social Wednesday, November 11 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Giant Texas Distillers This niche group within HAA is dedicated to the networking and professional development needs of HAA members aged 39 and under. Network with your peers at the final NEXT social of the year. Sponsored by Ally Waste Services and Cline Construction

Avenues: Leadership Lane 3 Tuesday, November 17 9 a.m. to Noon The Avenues series features nationally-acclaimed speakers in the multifamily industry across various topics geared toward every level of multifamily professional. See Page 18 for details Sponsored by Century A/C Supply

HAA Community Outreach Blood Drive Wednesday, November 18 HAA Education Center 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. See Page 56 for details.

Featured Event 2026 Industry Achievement Luncheon & Annual Meeting Thursday, November 19 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Westin Memorial City Join us as we celebrate our 2026 industry achievement honorees and elect our 2027 association leadership. Additionally, we will hear directly from Mayor Whitmire during a special address. See Page 19 for details. Achievement Recognition & Business Meeting aponsored by Chadwell Supply and The Urban Foresters Keynote Speaker Mayor Whitmire sponsored by Ferguson Facilities and Valet Living

Brazoria County JP and Constables Holiday Luncheon Friday, November 20 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For more information, contact govaffairs@haaonline.org.

26-27

HAA Offices Closed Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27 The HAA Offices will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving.

30-December 4

CAPS: Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor Course November 30 through December 4 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. This course is 5 days total. Candidates must attend all days. This course enhances the skills of the apartment portfolio supervisor, resulting in better supervised and more profitable rental properties with improved owner relations and increased. Visit www.haaonline.org/events for details and to register. Sponsored by Chadwell Supply, Indigo Construction, Northwest Construction, Stealth Renovations, and Valet Living

Come get Spicy and Spooky! See Pages 16 and 17 for details!

www.haaonline.org/rcr

Visit www.haaonline.org/events to register and for a list of sponsors

www.haaonline.org

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On the Scene Photos by HAA STAFF HAA Maintenance Appreciation Night at the Houston Astros Thursday, August 20 at Daikin Park Sponsored by Ameristar Screen & Glass Chadwell Supply Cline Construction Core Distributing Stealth Renovation Triumph Construction Group HAA members showed their appreciation to the backbone of the apartment industry, our maintenance professionals! Visit https://photos.haaonline.org for more photos from this awesome event and others!

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography HAA Business Exchange Thursday, August 13 at HCC West Houston Institute Sponsored by Blue Stream Fiber Core Distributing Massey Services Precision Appliance Leasing Thanks to our suppliers and property managment leaders who took the time to attend the Exchange and networked in support of education. And thanks to the Event Chairs Richard Whatcott, Camden, and PSC President Blaise Spitaleri, Rasa Floors. For more, scroll down to the photos galleries on the HAA home page at www.haaonline.org. Thank you to our supplier participants: ACTIV Answer Aeterna Environmental American Fire Systems Inc American Water Savings Ameristar Screen & Glass Aon Apartments.com Artisent Floors Bayou City 360 Beagle Belfor Property Restoration Best Plumbing LLC Best Trash BGSF Blue Stream Fiber Butler Plus Camp Facility Services Cardinal Foundation Services Century Air Conditioning Supply Chadwell Supply Cloudbreak Comm-Fit Community Concierge Services Conservice Core Distributing CORT Furniture Rental Cosign, Inc. CSC ServiceworksAppliance Warehouse CsS Services Inc DCG Environmental Earthworks Inc ECC Exteriors Entrata® Epic Multifamily Construction EPremium Insurance Agency First Onsite Restoration Flooring Warehouse Foxen Freedom Construction LLC Frontdesk AI G & H Trash Valet Inc Gambit Construction Gatewise Incorporated GMR Electrical Go Painting of Bayou City Guardian Construction HandyTrac Key Control Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search Horisons LLC Impact Property Solutions Latchel Light Lineups Lone Star Markets LLC LP Building Solutions Luxer One Texas

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Major League Gutter Cleaning Massey Services Inc MLSApartments Mooring USA NCS 360 New Creations Houston OneApp Opiniion OurPetPolicy ParkM Pay Ready Payscore PetScreening Poolsure Precision Appliance Leasing Property Cost Systems Pro-Shield Commercial Roofing LLC Qwikkit RAM Construction Rasa Floors Redevelopment Services Redi Carpet Sales of Houston Ltd Renova One Resident Connect Services ResMan By Inhabit Rotolo Consultants Inc (RCI) Servpro Team Shaw Silversand Services Sparkle Squad Sprinkler Repair Professionals Stealth Renovations Steamatic of Southwest Houston Subcontain of Greater North Houston Superscapes Landscape and Irrigation Surface Experts Sustainability Solutions Team Traction, Inc TeamCadre Texas Apartment Pool Services Texas Pressure Washing TextByChoice The Liberty Group The Origami Company THS National Total Apartment Solutions Urban Foresters Valet Living White Wing Construction WithMe Yardi Systems Inc

www.haaonline.org

Thank you to our owner/ management participants: Asset Living Better World Properties LLC Camden Centra Partners LLC Central Management Inc Cushman & Wakefield Dayrise Residential Devonshire Real Estate & Asset Management Foresight Asset Management LLC Francis Property Management Greystar GWR Management Hanover Company Hilltop Residential Management Indus Management Judwin Properties Lunas Properties LLC Magnolia Property Company Morgan Group New Hope Housing Inc Preferred Apartment Advisors LLC ResProp SMI Realty Management Summit Property Management (SPCP) SYNC Residential Tarantino Properties Inc The Dinerstein Companies/ TDC Management Co The Richdale Group United Apartment Group Inc (UAG) Veritas Equity Management Westdale Asset Management Ltd Whitney Management Corp Willow Bridge Property Company

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography HAA Business Exchange

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On the Scene with HAA PAST PRESIDENTS Past President Council Luncheon with Mayor Whitmire Thursday, August 27 at Lakeside Country Club HAA’s Past President Council was honored to welcome Houston Mayor John Whitmire for lunch! We appreciate Mayor Whitmire for taking the time to connect with our industry and share his perspective on the future of Houston. Thank you for your continued leadership, service, and commitment to our city and its communities.

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In Memoriam

H.J. Tollett Jr. February 13, 1935 – September 15, 2026 HAA is saddened to announce the passing of an HAA Founding Member, Hall of Fame recipient and 1977 HAA Past President H.J. Tollett. We send our love and condolences to his family, friends and peers. He will be greatly missed. From his family: Horace James Tollett, Jr., known lovingly as H.J., passed away peacefully on September 15, 2026, at the age of 91. A devoted husband, proud father, grandfather and great-grandfather, beloved brother, and loyal friend, H.J. built a life defined by family, service, leadership, and an enduring commitment to the people and communities around him. Born on February 13, 1935, in Galveston, Texas, H.J. was the son of Margaret Cogbill Tollett and Horace James Tollett, Sr. He attended Kirwin High School and later served his country in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1959. In 1961, he married Jo Ann Pusateri, beginning a loving marriage that spanned 65 years and became the heart of a large and close-knit family. H.J. is survived by his loving wife, Jo Ann; his five sons, James and his wife, Sheila; Kenneth and his wife, Donniece; Jeff and his husband, Nicky; Mitchell and his wife, Camille; and Paul and his wife, Cynthia. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Rachel Dunn and her husband, Matt; Wesley and his wife, Annie; Lilah; Walker and his wife, Sohee; Andrew and his wife, Kaeli; Benji and his wife, Maite; Leah; Jimmy and his fiancé, Ryan; Audrey; Miles; Sidney; and Lucas; as well as his great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Arthur. He is further survived by his brothers Wayne Tollett, Douglas Tollett, Jesse Tollett, and Pat Tollett. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Robert Tollett, Lee Tollett, Jordy Tollett, Mary Adair, and Marie Costello. A Life of Leadership, Service, and Joy For more than 40 years, H.J. was a respected leader in Houston's real estate management and development community. He became a Certified Property Manager in 1968 and went on to form three real estate management companies, own and hold stock in two financial institutions, develop and build commercial properties, and manage more than 17,000 apartment units. Across the years, he employed and supervised hundreds of managers and maintenance professionals, leaving a lasting influence on the industry and on the many people who worked alongside him. His career reflected both vision and determination. H.J. served as President of Tollett Management from 1968 to 1972; Founding Partner of Fairhaven Development from 1972 to 1993; Founder and President of Oak Leaf Management from 1972 to 1993; Chairman and President of Sun Savings Association from 1986 to 1993; and President of Rachel Realty Company from 1993 to 2003. H.J. also gave generously of his time to professional and civic service. A member of the Houston Apartment Association beginning in 1968, he served as its President in 1977. He was named the Association's Man of the Year in 1984, received the National Housing Conference's Housing Man of the Year honor that same year, and was inducted into the Houston Apartment Association Hall of Fame in 1988. Appointed by the Mayor of Houston to the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Houston, he served as Chairman from 1982 to 1984 and again from 1992 to 1997. Away from his professional accomplishments, H.J. found joy in the things that mattered most: time with family, a round of golf, tending his garden, traveling, fishing, and exploring computers. His family will remember not only the scope of what he achieved, but the life they shared with him, the example he set, and the many memories created across generations. H.J.'s legacy lives on in his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, extended family, friends, and the countless lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. For service information and to send flowers or a note, visit https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/houston-tx/hj-tollett-13038962

On the Scene with the HAA PAC

HAA PAC Luncheon Tuesday, August 25 at the HAF Education Center Sponsored by 1 Flooring Warehouse The HAA PAC hosted Harris County Judge candidate Orlando Sanchez in August. Sanchez is running for Harris County Judge against former Houston City Council Member Letitia Plummer. Orlando is a former Harris County Treasurer and former Houston City Council member. Through his tenure in both positions, HAA has enjoyed a good working relationship with Orlando. Last month, the HAA PAC voted unanimously to endorse him and contribute $25,000 to his campaign. The consensus among PAC members was that Orlando is most qualified to lead the County and will be more successful in reducing the County’s ever-increasing budget. Early Voting for this race will begin October 19 and runs through October 30. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.

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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. 32

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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 Ken Bohan HowardBookstaff John Boriack Marivel Bownds Michelle Bridges-Pahl Mynde Bruhn Roger Camp Holden Chang Terri Clifton Brandon Coleman Robert Cote Cherie Cruz Brian Cweren Derek DeVries Scott Douglas Daniel Edmunds Gina Erwin Melissa Friend Monica Gracia Garrett Graham Stephanie Graves Chris Gray Billy Griffin Manu Gupta Alison Hall Mitchell Head Bret Heitzman Christopher Hilton Sara Hinson David Hodge Pete Hosbach Stacy Hunt Darlene Hunter Jakelin Jaimez Gary Kiker Michael Knight Debra Knight Kristin Krohn Beth Levine Liz Levins Will McGinnis Candis Mohr Steve Moore Kathy Motis Betsy Valdes David Nargang Karen Nelsen Joshua Nichols

Jenifer Paneral Michelle Pawelek Joe Perez Jackie Rhone Christy Rodriguez Moe Shariff Corri Smith Kyle Smith Blaise Spitaleri David Stone Ryan Terrell Wesley Thwing Starla Turnbo Shelley Watson Nichole Williams Alan Yu Christina Zimmerman Trustees: Gary Blumberg Tammy Broadway Guillermo Gomez Melissa Martinez Mark Park Teela Shaw Richard Wall Voting Century Club Members: Yris Bauerkemper Chris Bell Garren Bivins Alisha Cain Valerie Capodice Mariah Casserly Marissa Castellano Stephen Cleary Sean Cunningham Justin Davidson Jennifer Devine Dana Dovell David Gonzales Israel Gutierrez Karen Hefner Krystal Hoover Jeffrey Hope Nidia Jandres Amanda Kelly Brittany Laws Norma Ledbetter Jim Martensen Denise Mclnturff

Kristin McLaughlin Tracey Moore Stacy Proctor Ashley Ralph Ryan Raser Ruth Reyes Scott Sessums Shelly Shea Casey Stinson Suan Tinsley Lindsay Torres-Smith David Vasquez Auri Verser Andrea Wynn Non-Voting Century Club Members: Chris Agner Angie Aversa Aaron Boggs Karina Cabrera Janie Fullington Nancy Garivey Giovanna Gone Bo Hang Devan Isaac Dennis Juarez Christie Oliver Drew Perez Paola Rodriguez Jackie Rowan Martin Rubio Cluadia Rubio Lydia Sidaros Mason Storrs Victoria Sepulveda Christina Shambro Xochitl Sheffield

For more about the HAA PAC and how to join, use the QR code above or visit “advocacy” at www.haaonline.org

Why This JP Race Matters to Harris County Apartment Owners

By MARK FURY, Former Justice of the Peace, Candidate for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 2

Former Justice of the Peace Mark Fury is seeking a return to the bench after previously serving two terms as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 5, Place 1 at the Chimney Rock courthouse.

Image © Mathew Risley | iStock by Getty Images

Fury won the Republican nomination for Precinct 5, Place 2 earlier this year and is running in the November general election.

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or apartment owners and property managers, a Justice of the Peace court is often where a lease dispute becomes a legal matter. These courts handle eviction cases, landlord-tenant disputes and civil claims involving up to $20,000. When you manage hundreds or thousands of units, the way a court operates can affect your residents, your staff and your ability to plan.

That is why I believe the race for Harris County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 2 deserves the multifamily industry’s attention. Last year, this court handled approximately 17,400 eviction cases—nearly 23 percent of all eviction filings in Harris County. It is the largest court for eviction filings in Texas. Every one of those cases deserves a judge who listens to the people involved, considers the evidence and applies the law consistently. I am running for this position because I have managed a busy Harris County JP court before. I was elected to two terms as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 5, Place 1 at the Chimney Rock courthouse. During that time, my court reduced a backlog of more than 70,000 cases while keeping pace with approximately 60,000 new filings each year. We also became a leader among Harris County JP courts in civil filings. I believe attorneys and litigants brought cases to our court because they trusted us to treat people fairly and handle their matters efficiently. Those numbers represent real people waiting for decisions. When rent goes unpaid or a lease violation requires legal action, an owner needs a timely, orderly process. Delays can mean additional unpaid rent while property taxes, insurance, maintenance, utilities and other expenses continue. Residents also face serious consequences in eviction proceedings. Both sides must have the opportunity to present their cases and understand the basis for the court’s decision. A judge has to do two jobs well. In the courtroom, I believe in listening carefully, following the evidence and applying Texas law. Outside the courtroom, the judge must lead a staff, set clear expectations and make sure cases move through the system in an organized way. In a court handling nearly one-quarter of the county’s eviction filings, that administrative work matters every day. Addressing the Place 2 court’s backlog would be one of my first priorities. My experience working through a substantial backlog has taught me the value of setting goals with employees, supporting staff while holding them accountable, emphasizing customer service and being present at the courthouse. There is no shortcut to that work, but I know how to get the job done. I also understand that owners and managers need a predictable process. Filing a case can require coordination among onsite staff, attorneys, witnesses and residents. Clear procedures and consistent court operations help everyone prepare and know what to expect. Justice courts should be accessible to the people they serve. They give individuals and businesses a place to resolve qualifying disputes without the expense and complexity of larger civil cases. I speak Spanish and, when appropriate, can conduct proceedings in Spanish when both parties are Spanish-speaking. Helping people understand what is happening in court is part of treating them fairly and avoiding unnecessary appeals. JP races do not always receive much attention, but this court has a direct connection to the multifamily industry and the residents it serves. I have led a Harris County JP court through a heavy caseload before. I am seeking the opportunity to bring that experience to Precinct 5, Place 2— and to run a court that hears cases efficiently, considers the evidence and applies the law consistently. www.haaonline.org

If you live in the green shaded area of Harris County, JP Precinct 5 candidate Mark Fury will appear on your ballot. Early voting runs from October 19-30 and Election Day is November 3rd. Visit https://www.harrisvotes.com/Vote-Centers for a list of polling locations. October 2026

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TAA's Legislative Priorities for The 90th Texas Legislature (2027)

Image © gnagel | iStock by Getty Images

All of these issues could shape how apartment owners operate every day, and it is imperative for TAA to have a prominent voice in these legislative discussions as we progress through the 90th Texas Legislative Session in 2027.

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he 89th Texas Legislative Session was one of the most productive legislative sessions for rental housing owners in recent history. TAA passed landmark legislation to reform Texas’ eviction laws and establish an expedited civil process to remove squatters (SB 38). Although evictions are always a last resort and affect a limited number of residents, property owners and managers must have access to a timely, consistent legal process. Having a predictable legal remedy for managing breaches of a lease agreement encourages the continued investment and development of rental housing in Texas and benefits those residents who comply with their lease obligations by ensuring legal obligations and responsibilities are consistently managed. For 2027, TAA’s primary focus will be to ensure the reforms made in the 89th Legislative Session are not weakened. Below are the priorities that will guide TAA's advocacy at the Capitol during the 2027 Legislative Session. Defending SB 38 and 2025 Reforms With the passage of Senate Bill 38, the Legislature and the Governor gave property owners a more clear and efficient process for removing squatters and other unlawful occupants under Chapter 24 of the Texas Property Code. The law took effect on January 1, 2026. Apartment owners know how costly, and at times unsafe, it can be to regain possession of a unit from someone who has no right to be there. TAA’s top priority is to defend these important reforms, and we will be closely monitoring several issues related to implementation, notice requirements, and enforcement. Ensuring Property Tax Relief Reaches Apartment Owners Property taxes remain the single largest and least predictable cost most apartment owners face. Last session delivered real relief for homeowners, including raising the homestead exemption from $100,000 to $140,000, but state leaders have made clear there is more work to do. For the 90th Legislative Session TAA will work with legislative leaders to provide property tax relief for rental housing owners and improve the consistency and predictability of the property tax process in Texas. Lease Fee Transparency TAA supports transparency and consistency regarding the disclosure of rental housing fees. Our support is more than lip service TAA unilaterally and without legal or governmental order, amended its proprietary lease form over four years ago to clearly delineate fees and charges on our lease cover page. Our lease form’s structure provides potential residents with a clear, up front and simplified view of the core costs associated with renting a housing unit prior to the execution of a lease agreement. Rental pricing may reflect multiple factors including the type of rental housing formats noted above, but also renter selections including unit location and configuration and lease duration in addition to governmental program requirements for a particular type of unit. In addition, fees may change during the cycle of a lease term: a resident may opt to access a community amenity, add a pet, add parking or another service offered by the property. Fees to cover these expenses may be mandatory or optional, fixed or variable or tied to third party services. The Federal Trade Commission is currently considering a fee transparency rule to apply to rental housing leases across the country. In addition, the City of Austin has recently adopted an ordinance requiring rental housing owners and managers to disclose certain fees. TAA will continue working with all stakeholders to ensure prospective residents are provided the tools to make an informed decision when selecting rental housing. Staying Ahead of Emerging Issues Beyond these priorities, TAA is closely monitoring a broader list of issues that could be considered by the 90th Texas Legislature including: • Prohibitions on Foreign Ownership and Leasing of Property • Application Fraud • Apartment Security https://www.taa.org/legislative-priorities/ • Management Licensing • Preemption of Local Ordinances Impacting Rental Housing • Emotional Support Animals • Credit Reporting All of these issues could shape how apartment owners operate every day, and it is imperative for TAA to have a prominent voice in these legislative discussions as we progress through the 90th Texas Legislative Session in 2027.

www.haaonline.org

October 2026

ABODE

HAA PAC Endorsements

Texans will head to the polls to decide who will represent us for a variety of offices, ranging from Justices of the Peace to Governor. The following endorsements have been made by the Texas Apartment Association PAC and/or the Houston Apartment Association PAC. Early voting will begin on Monday, October 19 and runs through Friday October 30. Make an effort to get your employees and associates to join you. Visit www.haaonline.org/advocacy for a sample ballot, polling locations and more election information. Be sure to consider these candidates when you vote on Tuesday, November 3. Name

Party

Office

Texas Senate q Brett Ligon q Dennis Paul q Borris Miles q Lois Kolkhorst

R R D R

Senator, SD 4 Senator, SD 11 Senator, SD 13 Senator, SD 18

Texas House of Representatives q No Endorsement q Brad Bailey R q Will Metcalf R q Cody Vasut R q Matt Morgan R q Ron Reynolds D q Gary Gates R q Jeff Barry R q Sulemani Lulani D q No Endorsement q Stan Stanart R q Charles Cunningham R q Tom Butler R q Scott Bowen R q Tom Oliverson R q Alma Allen D q Mike Schofield R q Mano DeAyala R q Ann Johnson D q Odus Evbagharu D q Gene Wu D q Lacey Hull R q Charlene Ward Johnson D q Armando Walle D q Senfronia Thompson D q Harold Dutton Jr. D q Ana Hernandez D q Mary Ann Perez D q Christina Morales D q Penny Morales-Shaw D q No Endorsement q Valoree Swanson R

Representative, HD 3 Representative, HD 15 Representative, HD 16 Representative, HD 25 Representative, HD 26 Representative, HD 27 Representative, HD 28 Representative, HD 29 Representative, HD 76 Representative, HD 85 Representative, HD 126 Representative, HD 127 Representative, HD 128 Representative, HD 129 Representative, HD 130 Representative, HD 131 Representative, HD 132 Representative, HD 133 Representative, HD 134 Representative, HD 135 Representative, HD 137 Representative, HD 138 Representative, HD 139 Representative, HD 140 Representative, HD 141 Representative, HD 142 Representative, HD 143 Representative, HD 144 Representative, HD 145 Representative, HD 148 Representative, HD 149 Representative, HD 150

Name Harris County q Orlando Sanchez q No Endorsement q No Endorsement q No Endorsement q No Endorsement q Lucia Bates, q Laryssa Korduba q Mark Fury q Angela Rodriguez q No Endorsement q Louie Ditta Brazoria County q No Endorsement q David Liner q No Endorsement q No Endorsement q Jon Albin q Blaine Chesser Fort Bend County q No Endorsement q Grady Prestage q No Endorsement q Kelly Crow q Tricia Krenek q Roderick Garner q No Endorsement q No Endorsement Montgomery County q Mark Keough q Charlie Riley q Matt Gray q Scott Carson q Trey Spikes q Brittany Gable-Hale q Jason Dunn q Billy Masden

Party

Office

County Judge County Commissioner 2 County Commissioner 4 Justice of the Peace 1,2 Justice of the Peace 2,2 Justice of the Peace 3,2 Justice of the Peace 4,2 Justice of the Peace 5,2 Justice of the Peace 6,2 Justice of the Peace 7,2 Justice of the Peace 8,2

D R R D R

R R

D R R D

R R R R R R R R

County Judge County Commissioner 2 County Commissioner 4 Justice of the Peace, 1,2 Justice of the Peace 3,2 Justice of the Peace, 4,2

County Judge County Commissioner 2 County Commissioner 4 Justice of the Peace 1,1 Justice of the Peace 1,2 Justice of the Peace 2,2 Justice of the Peace, 3,1 Justice of the Peace 3,2

County Judge County Commissioner 2 County Commissioner 4 Justice of the Peace 1 Justice of the Peace 2 Justice of the Peace 3 Justice of the Peace 4 Justice of the Peace 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.

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

ABODE

October 2026

www.haaonline.org

ABODE FIND SONNY!

A D V E N T U R E S Click on Sonny the Star found somewhere in the online ABODE at ✨https://issuu.com/haa_abode/docs/abode_october_2026

✨ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel ✨ Email members@haaonline.org to enter!

✨

Follow that Star! Each month in ABODE, our hidden Membership Star, Sonny, will pop up somewhere in the online magazine. Your adventure is simple:

1. Find Sonny 2. Click, subscribe to @HAATV and 3. Email members@haaonline.org to enter!

One lucky winner each month will receive: 🏆 $50 Prize 📸 Your photo featured in the next ABODE magazine 🏢 Your company highlighted 📱 Recognition across HAA social media

Bonus for Supplier Winners: Supplier winners will also receive: 🏆$200 toward a Full Page ABODE Ad 🔗 Clickable website link included 🎥 Option to include a video It’s a fun way to explore the magazine, discover new content, and maybe even see yourself featured in the next issue of ABODE. So start searching… Where in the Digital ABODE will our Star appear this month?

On the Road with HAA Brazoria County Region Meeting Tuesday, August 18 Sponsored by Precision Appliance Leasing HAA hosted a Brazoria County Region Meeting featuring Brazoria County Precinct 3, Pl. 2 Justice of the Peace Roy Castillo, Brazoria County Precinct 3 Constable Buck Stevens, and Brazoria County Pct. 3 Constable Stevens' office, Sergeant Bort. Attendees received valuable updates from the Judge on his court, as well as insights from the constable’s office regarding the eviction process.

HAA IS REACHING OUT to better serve our members by bringing targeted networking and educational events to different parts of our 12-county service area. Contact govaffairs@haaonline.org to sign up for FREE, management-only events where you can learn about issues affecting your area and network with your fellow managers. Want to host an event? We are looking for member properties to host a Region Meeting. Contact govaffairs@haaonline.org.

ABODE

October 2026

www.haaonline.org

Don’t miss Dr. Debbie’s latest video @HAATV!

Dr. Debbie’s Dozen

12 Success Strategies for Enhancing Your Career

Join Dr. Debbie for another powerful dose of motivation in her Success Series every month online in ABODE magazine!

Contact Information: Debbie Phillips Debbie@TheQuadrillion.com 404.787.4409 Scheduling & Event Coordination: Lorie Delk Lorie@TheQuadrillion.com

Welcome Mat Introducing HAA’s NEW MEMBERS OWNERS Alan Townsend Alan Townsend

26 Charleston St N Sugar Land, TX 77478 (832) 457-1259 Referred by John Boriack, CAM, IROP Brazos Residential Management Michele Flores

5728 LBJ Fwy #400 Dallas, TX 75240 (214) 764-0887 Woodway Gardens Hadeed Group LLC Saira Rizvi

21319 Grand Hollow Ln Katy, TX 77450-8802 (832) 486-0775 Saxon Square Ironhold Asset Management Reine Becker

1230 Division St Charleston, IL 61920 (936) 443-0929 Cedar Gate Referred by Joe Bryson, CAM, CAPS, IROP JSR Apartments Inc Ram Bhambhani

Space City Lofts, LLC Sharon Harrelson

Cloudbreak Brandon Thibodeaux

Light Adam Compain

108 Treybourne Dr Reidsville, NC 27320 (336) 340-6394 Zion Village

1104 Sabine St #1501 Austin, TX 78701 (512) 981-9276 Insurance Consultants, Risk Management Referred by Monica Gracia

98 San Jacinto Blvd #160 Austin, TX 78701 (800) 956-6208 Ancillary Revenue Providers, Electricity Providers

Stewardship Development Samantha Kettler

1247 Villard St Eugene, OR 97403 (254) 913-0712 Saddle Creek Village Vouno, LLC Maritza Roman

2520 Montrose Blvd Houston, TX 77006 (832) 818-2191 2515 Yoakum 2501 Yoakum

SUPPLIERS 360 Apartment Renovations Ignacio Morandini

5473 Blair Rd #100 PMB 47372 Dallas, TX 75201 (972) 838-1437 Painting Contractors, TurnkeyComplete Aeterna Environmental Michael Weinstein

9955 Club Creek Dr Houston, TX 77036 (713) 271-1700 Santa Barbara Apts

2150 Blue Valley Ave Socorro, TX 79927 (346) 513-9100 Water Conservation, Water Consultants

Kallpa Group LLC Juan Bustamente

Beagle Enzo Passariello

28242 Natalie Bend Rd Katy, TX 77494 (281) 627-8127 Decker Place Prominent Banyan Investment LLC Debra Kong

8800 Hammerly Blvd Houston, TX 77080 (713) 465-0776 Banyan Shores Redstone Residential, Inc Shannon Condie

4283 North Canyon Rd Provo, UT 84604 (801) 948-8000 625 at Prairie View

3626 N Hall St #700 Dallas, TX 75219 (609) 458-0990 Insurance, Security Deposit Alternatives Cartonah Construction Chris Gobbi

1919 Decatur St Houston, TX 77007 (832) 874-2170 Roofing Contractors, Construction Mgmt-Consultants Referred by Auri Verser City Supply Company Inc Rod Espinosa

2480 Dallas St Houston, TX 77003-3604 (713) 224-1643 Plumbing Equip & Supplies, Plumbing Fixtures/Parts/Supply Referred by Candis Mohr, CAS

PetScreening Patrick Dattolo

DM Prime Solution Doris Rivera

PO Box 570784 Houston, TX 77257 (346) 297-7006 General Contractors, Maintenance - Property Liability Specialists Referred by Ruha Vohra, NALP, CAM, CAPS Elevator Repair Service, Inc John Flores

4250 N Sam Houston Pkwy E #100 Houston, TX 77032 (281) 987-8252 Elevator Maintenance & Repair, Building Maintenance Referred by Ryan Raser, CAPS Frontier Restoration Services April Shane

13735 FM 529 Houston, TX 77041 (832) 228-6862 Fire/Water Damage Restoration, Mold Remediation, Carpet Cleaning, A/C Systems Cleaning GE Appliances Chantelle Luicien

4000 Buechel Bank Rd Louisville, KY 40225 (832) 420-7889 Appliances - Service & Repair, Appliances - Supplies & Parts, Building Maintenance, Leak Prevention Products Happy Holmes Cleaning Services Keesha Holmes

2600 Westridge Street #293 Houston, TX 77054 (832) 496-4280 Moving Supplies, Odor Control, Cleaning Specialists High Class Valet Parking Services, LLC Franklin Tarazona

603 S Church St #218 Mooresville, NC 28115 (864) 641-7387 Pet Services, Ancillary Revenue Providers Porter Valet Services Hannah Thomas

333 W 24th Houston, TX 770808 (678) 956-3561 Trash Service - Valet, Waste Reduction/Disposal/Recycling Precision Reconstruction Group, LLC Keith Licciardo

606 US Hwy 80 E Bldg 9 Sunnyvale, California 75182 (972) 971-7442 General Contractors, Roofing Contractors The Origami Company Farhan Hussain

12670 Jebbia Ln Stafford, TX 77477 (832) 818-2062 Amenities, Laundry Service Typhoon Construction Phillip Webel

19901 Southwest Fwy #161 Sugar Land, TX 77479 (832) 381-7222 General Contractors, Cabinets, Roofing Contractors, Plumbing Contractors Referred by David Nargang, CAPS WeldTX LLC Oliver Garcia

21411 Juniper Meadows Dr Spring, TX 77388 (832) 639-3455 Gates & Gate-Operating Devices, Fences, Welding, Access Control Systems

4729 Serrano St League City, TX 77573 (713) 367-1226 Valet Parking Service, Parking Garages Referred by Lenore Clay

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

October 2026

ABODE

The Go-Getters HAA’s MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS

Empower Your Membership! Recruit and network with HAA! 2026 Chairs:

Join us this year and recruit for HAA, you could win big! Go-Getter Meetings are from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Sara Hinson ResMan by Inhabit

Cottonwood, 3422 N Shepherd Drive. Don’t miss the Last Meeting date of 2026!

December 10 Deborah DeRouen ClutchCity Consulting

Let’s shoot for the stars and SHINE together! Join us for our next Go-Getter Meet & Greet! ✨ DO YOU KNOW A POTENTIAL SUPPLIER MEMBER? Invite them to this Meet & Greet so they can learn about the benefits of HAA. They’ll get a chance to meet the HAA staff and other members to see what we’re all about to help make their decision that much easier. WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

HERE’S IT IS! The chance to win $1,000 cash! For each new member you recruit this year, you earn a ticket to go into the drawing at the December meet up! The more you recruit, the more chances you earn to win!

ith Ryan ent, tied w the m e g a n a f s Equity M e top recruiters o onth’s ra, Verita Ruha Voh Management, as th etition! See next m print! R eting – in ent Comp Raser, GW mber me Recruitm te ip p h e S rs e e b om th Mem r photos fr ABODE fo

PLUS! At each meeting, win a gift card ($25 to $100) for every new member you recruit this quarter! You’ll also earn recognition at both local and state level! And $250 cash prize awarded to top recruiter for each quarter! Visit the Go-Getter Corner at the QR code for more

THE GO-GETTERS ARE THE BACKBONE of the Houston Apartment Association. By recruiting new members, the Go-Getter Club helps both new management and supplier companies and the association grow for the future. To join the club and get going on recruitment, see online at www.haaonline.org or contact the Membership Department at members@haaonline.org. 44

ABODE

October 2026

www.haaonline.org

Get out there this year! Shake some hands, make some connections!

Get in the know with these FREE informative online orientation sessions. Learn about member beneﬁts and how to get involved with your HAA.

EMPOWER MEMBERSHIP!

TOGETHER WE SHINE! Join HAA and HAA Past President John Boriack for

Membership 101 via Zoom 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

October 28 Visit www.haaonline.org/events for details.

www.haaonline.org

February 2026 ABODE

The Ambassador ONE Society HAA’s WELCOMING COMMITTEE

The Supplier Network

HAA’s Ambassadors collect backpacks for the YMCA and network with members. Ambassador ONE Society members with at least 10 points, ranked by points earned: 1472 Furniture Options Dennis Juarez 651 Superscapes Juana Reyes 371 American Water Savings Chris Agner 357 Renvoa One Dustin Hawkins 352 Precision Appliance Leasing Steve Griffith 296 Yanelis Capote Guerrero Sherwin Williams 191 Encore Services Melanie Morales 137 Lineups Irene Gonzalez 135 Fire Reconstruction Inc Jennifer Coleman 129 Lineups Lucas Blancas 126 Penn Apartment Staffing Doris Martinez 121 Bayou City 360 Jeff Djayasaputra 107 The Liberty Group Victoria Sepulveda 95 Hentana Construction LLC Daniel DeTrinis 86 Electricity On Meoshe Hennesy 82 The Liberty Group Ryan Adams 77 Stealth Renovations Kerra Fitzgerald 62 Insurica Scott Newell 60 Redevelopment Services Adoteh Joseph Akue 57 Waste Pro Luke Peterson 54 Go Painting N Houston Debbie Stinson 52 CORT Furniture Rental Jackie Rowan 42 Century Air Conditioning Supply Crystal Varela 34 Best Plumbing Karen Nelsen 29 Sherwin Williams Auri Verser 28 HD Supply Shannon Day 27 Gatby Griffin Simpson 26 Fortech Solutions Inc. Samvel Mamyan 22 360 Fire & Flood Property Restoration David Loeb 21 Air Express Construction & Plumbing Angel Martinez 17 Redi Carpet Bo Hang 17 Lincoln Waste Solutions Virginia Taylor 17 Northwest Construction Group Facundo Villarreal 17 Steward Trash Valet Service Yvonda Lewis 16 The Nitsche Group Abby Skowron 15 InterSolutions Crystal Murillo 14 Flooring Warehouse Tracey Leach-Moore 14 Century Air Conditioning Supply Giovanna Gone 14 Texas Solution Pros. Stephen Cleary 14 Sherwin Williams Carol Berglund 14 Appliance Warehouse Jennifer Jacks 14 Century Air Conditioning Supply Medley Guzman 13 Camp Facility Services Xochitl Sheffield 13 Ferguson Facilities Supply Clinton Hudson 13 Flooring Warehouse Paola Magana 13 Jonathan Bartholomew Artisent Floors 12 Floor Merchant Mo Aly 12 American Fire System Inc. Tammy Broadway 12 Freedom Construction Derek DeVries 12 RAM Construction Chad Davis 12 Poolsure Chloe Griffin 12 Gemstar Construction Liz Levins 11 Encore Services David Gonzales 11 Chadwell Supply Marivel Bownds 11 Appliance Warehouse Roosevelt Fuller 11 Sherwin Williams Ryan Bruner 10 Best Trash Eliott Cloninger 10 Fresh Aire of Galveston County Doyle Williams III 10 BrightView Landscapes Kelby (K.C) Catchings 10 Core Distributing Caldwell DeVries 10 Tejas Softwash James Seay 10 Century Air Conditioning Supply Mason Storrs 10 ParkM Abe Shoubash 10 Redi Carpet Sales of Houston Arely Pena 10 Craven Carpet Delaney Taylor 10 Earthtones Larry Gattis Ambassadors earn points by sharing leads, making introductions and visiting communities to promote HAA events and news.

August Top Producers: 1. Chris Agner, American Water Savings - 250 points, Team Power Partners 2. Juana Reyes, Superscapes Landscape & Irrigation - 103 points Team Game ChangHAAs 3. Victoria Sepulveda, The Liberty Group - 92 points, Team Game ChangHAAs August Graduates: Tony Wolverton, Mobiledumps Houston, Maroon MHAAdness Ryan Olvera, Stand Strong Fencing, Power Partners Heidi Ewald, Valet Living, Power Partners

THE AMBASSADOR ONE SOCIETY is an organized network exchange that helps supplier partners build their business contacts within HAA. It’s the perfect way for new suppliers to get started with the association. Group members share leads, make introductions and support HAA and its members. For details on how to join and for meeting dates, visit www.haaonline.org/ambassadors or contact the Membership Department at 713-595-0319, or email members@haaonline.org. 46

ABODE

October 2026

www.haaonline.org

Team photos at left, from top: First place – Power Partners - 370 points Second place – Game ChangHAAs - 312 points Third place – Maroon MHAAdness - 73 points

Mark your calendars and join us! Ambassador ONE Society meetings: October 7, November 4, no December meeting The meeting spot is Kirby Ice House, 1015 Gessner Road, Houston, Texas 77055.

www.haaonline.org

October 2026

ABODE

MORE PHOTOS Click here

ABODE

October 2026

www.haaonline.org

On the Scene with the HAA PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL Supplier Education Program ”Don’t Panic! Present!” Tuesday, August 25 at the HAF Education Center HAA members sharpened their public speaking and presentation skills at this interactive roundtable workshop hosted by HAA’s Product Service Council and the National Speakers Association.

MORE PHOTOS Click here

www.haaonline.org

October 2026

ABODE

Portfolio Changes The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios: • 29th Street Capital: The Park at Tivoli, 250 units at 12903 Sugar Ridge Blvd in Stafford. • American Landmark: Toscana Parkway, 292 units at 11575 Pearland Pkwy. • Arbor Property Management Inc: Casa Azul Townhomes, 211 units at 12247 Sunset Meadow Ln. • Asset Living: Park at Fort Bend, 250 units at 3001 Dove Country Dr in Stafford, and Baypointe, 236 units at 901 S Kobayashi Rd in Webster. • Avan Property Management: Rama Senior Living, 103 units at 5510 Queenston Blvd. • Avenue5 Residential: Mariposa at Reed Road, 180 units at 2889 Reed Rd, and Mariposa at Ella Blvd, 182 units at 16354 Ella Blvd. • Better World Properties LLC: Territory at Genoa, 80 units at 401 S Allen-Genoa South. • Brazos Residential Management: Woodway Gardens, 80 units at 8003 Woodway Dr. • Donias: 7312 Lawndale St, 4 units at 7312 Lawndale St. • Falls Management/NMJ Inc: Falls of Gessner, 424 units at 3230 S Gessner Rd. • Fat Property LLC: 230 West Alabama, 98 units at 230 W Alabama St, and 220 West Alabama, 33 units at 20 W Alabama St. • Gia Capital LLC: Gia International District, 560 units at 6700 S Ashford Dr.

ABODE

October 2026

• Greystar: Residences at Silver Ridge, 264 units at 3201 Atascocita Rd in Humble. • Hamilton Point Investments: Standard at Lake Houston, 178 units at 14809 Ralston Rd in Humble. • Kinera & Co: Kinera & Co - Moody, 4 units at 1317 Moody; Kinera & Co - Hutton, 18 units at Various Locations; Kinera & Co - Ivy, 10 units at 2705 Ivy St; Kinera & Co - Chickering, 12 units at 3111 Chickering St; Kinera & Co - Gregg, 8 units at Various Locations; Kinera & Co - Bay, 12 units at Various Locations; Kinera & Co - Cactus, 10 units at Various Locations; Kinera & Co - Los Angeles, 16 units at Various Locations; Kinera & Co Engleford, 9 units at 3417 Engleford; Kinera & Co - Crane, 29 units at Various Locations; Kinera & Co - Hoffman, 10 units at 4506 Hoffman; Kinera & Co - Lavander, 6 units at Various Locations; Kinera & Co Marcus, 9 units at 5514 Marcus; Kinera & Co - Bauman, 12 units at 7700 Bauman Rd; and Kinera & Co - Lyerly, 10 units at 92 Lyerly St. • Morgan Group: Tribeca on the Bayou, 217 units at 8 Asbury Pl. • NextGen Home Solutions: NextGen Home Solutions Properties, 27 units at Various Locations; Gehring Place, 24 units at 6218 Gehring St; and 6633 Studios, 23 units at 6633 W Montgomery. • Northland Woods LLC: Northland Woods Apts, 280 units at 15165 Vickery Dr. • Nova Asset Management: Rama Estates, 111 units at 8657 Pitner Rd. • Oak Leaf Mgmt Co: The Pines at Frazier, 58 units at 2301 N Frazier St in Conroe; Bay Meadows Apts: 122 units at 17201 Blackhawk Blvd in Friendswood; and The Park at Aviano, 308 units at 2500 E. James

www.haaonline.org

Ave in Baytown. • Portico Property Management: Braxton at Tamarron, 351 units at 3230 FM 1463 in Katy. • Redstone Residential, Inc: 625 at Prairie View, 120 units at 625 Elm St in Prairie View. • RPM Living: The Vic at Jordan Ranch, 365 units at 2011 Texas Heritage Pkwy in Katy; The Residences At Pearland Town Center, 234 units at 11200 Broadway St #2400 in Pearland; Bala Woods at Kingwood Apts, 262 units at 23200 Forest North Dr in Kingwood; The Palms at Clear Lake, 240 units at 1300 Gemini Ave; The Kacey at Kingwood, 331 units 21919 Northpark Dr in Kingwood; Rasha at Audubon, 326 units at 39899 Mill Creek Rd in Magnolia; The Peri on Westheimer, 300 units at 13328 Westheimer Rd; and Alcott Village, 248 units at 6767 Bennington St. • RTR Assets: Bella Capri, 46 units at 6030 Winsome Ln; Montebello Gardens, 109 units at 6041 Winsome Ln; and Freehill Lofts, 94 units at 10742 Freehill St. • Summit Property Management (SPCP): Serenity at Cityside, 362 units at 6061 Beverly Hill St. • Venterra Realty: Townstone at 359, 372 units at 11430 FM 359 Rd in Richmond. • Villa Springs LP: Villa Springs, 216 units at 15101 Blue Ash Dr. • Vouno, LLC: 2515 Yoakum, 12 units at 2515 Yoakum, and 2501 Yoakum, 16 units at 2501 Yoakum Blvd. • Willow Bridge Property Company: Six Pines Market Square, 429 units at 8900 Six Pines Dr in Shenandoah. • ZRS Management LLC: The Grayson at Baybrook, 322 units at 19100 Glenwest Dr in Friendswood.

In the News Natalie Duke has joined SatisFacts and ApartmentRatings as VP of Sales, South Central.

Duke

Have something to report from your company or for yourself? Email us your news at comm@haaonline.org. www.haaonline.org

October 2026

ABODE

On the Scene with the HAA NEXT Catch the NEXT Wave Summer Social Thursday, August 27 at Woody’s Hideaway Sponsored by Century A/C Supply and Core Distributing Industry Young Professionals caught the NEXT wave at the NEXT Social. Attendees made meaningful connections, expanded their professional networks, and enjoyed an evening filled with great conversations and summer fun.

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. 52

ABODE

October 2026

www.haaonline.org

On Site with ABODE Featuring HAA Honors Award Property Winners

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

Each month, On Site with ABODE takes a closer look at winning HAA Honors Awards properties. This month, we visit another of our 15 award recipients for 2026. See future ABODEs for more.

Villas by the Bay Built 1980-1989 Property: Villas by the Bay Owner/Management: Banyan Equity Management Location: 2800 E NASA Pkwy, Seabrook Units: 220 Web: https://www.liveatvillasbythebay.com/ Photos from Villas by the Bay Villas by the Bay offers a relaxing, resort-style atmosphere that sets it apart from surrounding communities. The property features a large pool with a tanning ledge where residents can comfortably lounge and cool off. The courtyard includes a resort-style seating area under a palapa, creating a vintage coastal feel. Villas by the Bay stands out in the Seabrook market with unique, home-style floor plans that offer features rarely found in surrounding communities. Several units include built-in wine bars, and the layouts provide a more residential feel compared to the typical open-concept designs found in many competing properties. The office was recently upgraded to compete with newer Class A communities while still maintaining the welcoming charm residents love. Inside, the property offers a “Resident Corner,” where residents regularly stop by to enjoy coffee, connect with the staff, and socialize with neighbors. With a current 4.6 Google rating and nearly 30% of residents calling Villas home for more than five years, it’s clear this property is more than just an apartment community it’s often a forever home. Which is why they average 99% close out occupancy. Villas by the Bay prioritizes resident engagement and service as a key part of its success. The team hosts two resident events each month to create opportunities for connection and community, helping the property remain highly competitive in a market filled with newly upgraded communities. Service excellence is also a major focus. In 2025, the maintenance team achieved an average work order completion time of just 1.79 day, demonstrating their commitment to responsiveness and resident satisfaction. The team at Villas by the Bay prioritizes connection and engagement with residents. Past residents frequently return to visit the staff, and family members often express gratitude for the time and care the team shows their loved ones. Walking the property, it’s common to see residents stopping by the office’s “resident corner” to enjoy coffee, snacks, and conversation with the manager. Villas by the Bay truly feels like family. www.haaonline.org

October 2026

ABODE

Index of Advertisers By CATEGORY

A/C Supplies

Glass – Plate, Window, Etc.

Screens

Century A/C Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 281-530-2859 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.centuryac.com

Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . www.ameristarglass.com

Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . www.ameristarglass.com

Paint Electric Contractors Affordable Quality Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 713-695-5992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.acuityelectric.com

Behr Paint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 800-431-3000 . . . www.homedepot/proxtra.com

Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services . . . . .2 281-693-3383 . . . . . . . . www.brandtelectrical.com

Management Companies

Foundation Repair

Q10 Property Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . admin@q10pa.com

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

Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.greystar.com/careers

Personnel Agency General Contractors MultiFamily Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 713-266-9100 RENCON . .Inside Front Cover, Inside Back Cover 713-666-3636 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.rencon.com

ASAP Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 972-432-6667 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.asapdo.com

Swimming Pool Service Poolsure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 800-858-POOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.poolsure.com

HAA Products & Services Rental Credit Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 713-595-0300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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.

Plumbing Contractors AAA Plumbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 713-462-4753 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.aaaplumbers.com Air Express Construction & Plumbing . . . . . . .40 713-498-7751 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.airexpressconstructionandplumbing.com

ABODE

October 2026

www.haaonline.org

MarketLine From MRI ApartmentData MRI Real Estate Software

www.haaonline.org

October 2026

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Back Page with News from around the COMMUNITY

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

HAA is invites 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 2 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.

E! E DATApartment SAVE THHouston Association ! a a h t a 8 1 R E B M NOVE

Contact asherbondy@haaonline.org to sign up for a time slot.

Thursday, June 4 9:00 am - 1:30 pm 2nd Floor Education Center

ABODE

October 2026

www.haaonline.org

Houston Apartment Association 4810 Westway Park Blvd. Houston, Texas 77041

Want to Join a Winning Team? GREYSTAR IS HIRING Positions Available: Community Managers Assistant Community Managers Leasing Professionals Maintenance Roles

Benefits: Up to 15 Vacation Days, including Sick Days, Personal Days, and Birthday Off Up to 8 Weeks Continuous Paid Parental Leave Extensive Medical Plan Coverage Employer Matching 401(k) Housing Benefits Cellphone Reimbursement

Apply at:

www.greystar.com/careers

Scan To Apply