ABODE THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE www.haaonline.org September 2022 MAINTENANCE 2022
CONTENTS September 2022 www.haaonline.org September 2022 ABODE 3 FEATURES & PHOTOS 16 On the Road – Photos from the Baytown Region Meeting. 32 On the Scene – Photos from the Expo Committee Appreciation 28Party.On Site with ABODE – Take a closer look at two of the Honors Awards winning properties. 32 The Best of the Best in Onsite Maintenance & Supplier Service –Meet the top maintenance and suppli er professionals in the Houston area, the 2022 HAA Honors Award winners. 42 Maintenance Matters – Not enough staff. Not enough time. And of course, not enough money. 44 Implement A Preventative Maintenance Program – Budget season is a great time to review your program. 46 Telecommunications Maintenance – Here are some telecom maintenance tips and tricks from a pro. 50 Apartment Amenities – A guide from utility to luxury. 56 On the Scene – Photos from the HAA “Rock and Bowl” Bowling 58Tournament. There’s A Place for You! – Join the PSC members on HAA Committees. 60 On the Scene – Photos from the NEXT “Multifamily Game Show.” COLUMNS & MONTHLY UPDATES 7 President’s Corner – Let’s recognize and honor the lifeblood of our industry’s customer service. 8 Patron of the Month – Meet and support AAA Plumbers. 9 Legislative Update – A win in Washington, D.C. 11 It’s The Law – Can notices be 14emailed?Resident Relations – Learn more about a recent case mediated by the HAA Resident Relations Committee. 20 Calendar – HAA’s schedule of events for the coming months. 26 NAA Update – Check out the progress of the NAAPAC. 64 Go-Getters – Ignite Your 66Membership! Welcome Mat – Find out about the newest HAA members. 68 The Ambassador ONE Society –Learn more about the HAA’s supplier 70network!Portfolio Changes and In the News – Property updates and industry news clips from our members. 74 Index of Advertisers – See the supplier members who support this publication. 75 MarketLine – The latest area market numbers. 76 BackPage – News from around the community. We welcome your comments. Email us at comm@haaonline.org ON THE COVER 32 Maintenance Rules –HAA continues to recognize Honors Awards recipients in this month's ABODE with Q&As from our maintenance professionals and supplier partners. Cover Tool Image © emaerre | Dreamstime.com
Terri DeborahMichelleCliftonCroasmunDeRouen, CAS Derek DeVries, CAS Scott Douglas, CAM, CAPS Gina StephanieMonicaDianeIsraelTamaraErwinFosterGarza,CASGilbertGraciaGraves, CAM, CAPS Clark Gregg, CASe, CAPSe Manu Gupta Bryan Head, CAM Melissa CrystalDeborahHerreraHolcombeJackson,CAM, CAPS Tyler JacobDebbieJohnsonKelmKunath, CAS Barby Lake Laura Lestus, CAS David Lindley, CAS Sonia Lopez, CAM, CAPS Betsy Marshall, CAM, CAPS Kristin McLaughlin, CASe Candis Mohr, CAS Carlos Neto Dean O’Kelley, CAS Jenifer Paneral Mark Park, CAS Angelee Kumar Parikh Velissa DebbieKelleyPennyCorriKurtKellyLoyalMichelleParmerPawelekProffittScottSeidelSmithSprangSuessSulzer
Ryan
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Christy Rodriguez,
MichelleJillJeffJulieMackJohnPresidentBoriackImmediatePastPresidentArmstrongBatcheBlevins,CASBounds,CAMBridges, CAS Kyle JosephBrownBryson, CAM, IROP Tina Cavaco
RichardStarlaTerrellTurnboWall, CAM, CAPS Shelley QuintinaWatsonWillis, CAM Tracie Yoder, CAPS DIRECTORS EMERITUS Josh Allen Ken Bohan Gary DIRECTORSADVISORYJerryBethVicPatHSuanKirkSteveEileenKimJohnJackiePTimCesarDickMikeDavidHapStacyLarryDavidAlisonDarleneJenardJackKathyBlumbergClemDinersteinGrossGuidryHallHargroveHillHuntHunnicuttJonesKochLaMarcheLimaMyersDavidOnanianRhoneRidgwaySmallSubinskySweetTateTinsleyJTollett,Jr.TollettVacek,Jr.VanWinkleWinogradMelissaFriendBillyGriffin,CASAmandaKelly,CASStacyLastovica,CAM, CAPS Mary Lawler Katy RuhaBillBruceMyrickMcClennyNyeVohra,NALP, CAM Tony EMERITUSGENERALWhitakerCOUNSELJoeBax JeanneH.P.NancéDelSonnySuanKirkSherryMonetteMerryMikeDwayneAnitaDianeKevinTerriTinaKennLIFEHONORARYMEMBERSClaudeArnoldBrownCavacoCliftonFennGilbertHarrisonHensonKochMountReynoldsStevensonTateTinsleyUnverzagtWalmsleyWellsPaulYoungMarieZublinDicksPATRONMEMBERS1961CSCServiceWorks1968CenturyA/CSupply1978HoustonPlannedEnergySystems1982CottonCommercialUSAInc.1984AAAPlumbers1985GemstarConstructionDevelopment1986CravenCarpet1987DixieCarpetInstallations1993HirePriorityStaffing&ExecutiveSearch1994CampConstructionServices1997Apartments.com1999FSIConstructionInc. VICE PRESIDENTS AT KarenLARGENelsen, CAS ALN DeborahSeanNealBrandonShaunTammyMarivelChrisSusanBlaiseDataApartmentSpitaleri,CAS,GemstarConstructionDevelopmentAlvarado,CASCenturyA/CSupplyBell,CAS,RoadrunnerRestorationBownds,CAS,ValetLivingBroadway,CASAmericanFireSystemsCallaway,CAS,EarthworksColeman,CASCinemaAnywhereConant,CAS,GemstarConstructionDevelopmentCunningham,CAS,FlooringWarehouseDeRouen,CAS,OneAppGuarantee Marcelino “Tito" Estrada, CAS One DanGiovannaRealtySourceAdvisorsGone,CAS,CenturyA/CSupplyJames,CAS,RedevelopmentServicesAmandaKelly,CAS,BrandtElectricalA/C&HeatingServicesDebraKnight,CAS,Comm-FitStephanieKrop,CASe,PoolsureLizLevins,CAS,GemstarConstructionDevelopmentJimMartensen,CASCampConstructionServicesTraceyMoore,CAS,FlooringWarehouseMatthewNunn,CAS,CapitalConstructionNikkiSekunda,CAS,TheLibertyGroupMatTilley,CAS,WeDoTrashAmberWhitaker,CASFSIConstruction CHRISTY PresidentRODRIGUEZ GINA President-ElectGRAVESSTEPHANIESecretary/TreasurerERWIN LOYAL PROFFITT Vice President at Large SHELLEYEast WATSON Vice President at Large WestQUINTINA WILLIS Vice President at Large NorthOFFICERSBOOKSTAFFHOWARDGeneralCounselCASEYWATTSMORGANCEOANDASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP DEREK DEVRIES, CAS PresidentCampConstruction Services CANDIS MOHR, CAS Vice President, AAA JOSEPHPlumbersRODRIGUEZ, CAS TheSecretary,Urban Foresters DAVID LINDLEY, CAS Immediate Past President, FSI DEBORAHConstructionDEROUEN, CASPRODUCTOneAppTreasurer,GuaranteeSERVICE COUNCIL OFFICERS PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL MEMBERS JOHN ImmediateBORIACKPast President TRACIE YODER Vice President at Large South
CAPS
ABODE SEPTEMBER 2022 I VOLUME 45, ISSUE 9 Chief Executive Officer and Publisher CASEY WATTS MORGAN, MPP cmorgan@haaonline.org EDITORIAL AND DESIGN STAFF Director of Publications and Design DEBORAH NIX dnix@haaonline.org Communications Manager MADISON O’BAR mobar@haaonline.org ADVERTISING Vice President of Membership and Marketing AMANDA SHERBONDY, CAE CONTRIBUTINGasherbondy@haaonline.orgSTAFF Chief Operating Officer SUSAN HINKLEY, CAE shinkley@haaonline.org Vice President of Government Affairs BRADLEY PEPPER bpepper@haaonline.org Chief Financial Officer TREY WIMBERLY, CPA twimberly@haaonline.org Vice President of Education and Outreach LAUREN TURNER, CAE, CMP lturner@haaonline.org Director of Resident Relations MATILDE LUNA mluna@haaonline.org Director of Events and Meetings LAUREN RAGIN, CMP lragin@haaonline.org Director of Rental Credit Reporting TINA DEFIORE tdefiore@haaonline.org Government Affairs Manager MADISON POLSTON mpolston@haaonline.org Membership and Marketing Manager KAYLON NEWCOMB knewcomb@haaonline.org Member Services Coordinator CINDY DE LA RIVA cdelariva@haaonline.org Director of IT WILL ALFARO walfaro@haaonline.org PRINTER TGI PRINTED www.tgiprinted.com HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES COMMITTEE CHAIR STAFF ADVISOR Executive Christy Rodriguez Casey Morgan Nominating John Boriack Casey Morgan Fair Housing Mack Armstrong Casey Morgan Ethics Michelle Pawelek Casey Morgan Finance Gary Blumberg Casey Morgan ByLaws Kyle Brown Casey Morgan Past Presidents Council Kathy Clem Casey Morgan Multifamily Fire Safety Alliance Elizabeth Castro-Gray Bradley Pepper Legislative Stephanie Graves Bradley Pepper Political Action Stacy Hunt Bradley Pepper Golf Starla Turnbo Madison Polston Century Club Deborah DeRouen Madison Polston Strategic Outreach Gina Erwin Lauren Turner Education Advisory Council Betsy Marshall Lauren Turner Career & DevelopmentCommunity Penny Sprang Lauren Turner Leadership Development Alison Hall Susan Hinkley Community Outreach Jackie Aguirre Susan Hinkley Product Service Council Derek DeVries Susan Hinkley Expo Exhibitor Candis Mohr Amanda Sherbondy Membership Richard Wall Amanda Sherbondy Ryan Weis Ambassador ONE Society Liz Levins Amanda Sherbondy Blaise Spitaleri Independent Owners Connection Ramon Nunez Amanda Sherbondy Resident Relations A Diane Totten Matti Luna Resident Relations B Jana Gragg Matti Luna Resident Relations Appeals Darlene Guidry Matti Luna HAF Fundraiser Brandon Coleman Lauren Ragin Stephanie Krop NEXT Ruha Vohra Lauren Ragin Amanda Kelly Property Awards Norma Alvear Tina DeFiore Diane Gilbert 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 tech nology 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, SEPTEMBER 2022, VOLUME 45, ISSUE 9 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 © 2022 by HAA. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABODE, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041. www.haaonline.org September 2022 ABODE 5
3BeeGuys Bee Removal A Affordable Services Co AAA Staffing Ltd AAdvantage Laundry Systems ACM Contractors of Texas ACT Security Group Action Window Coverings Inc ACTIV Answer by Audio Images Adobe Floors Inc Adventure Playground Systems Alexander-RoseInc Associates Inc All About Doody Pet Solutions LLC All American Mailboxes of Houston Inc All Dry Service ALN Apartment Data Ambassador Services LLC America Outdoor Furniture American Fire Systems Inc AndrewsAmRent Myers PC Apartment ArborAppFolioApartmentData.comLinesContractCarpet Inc ASAP Personnel Inc ASAP Steamers Carpet Cleaning Atom4 Security Camera AZP Multifamily The J.P. Barnes Law Firm PLLC Belfor Property Restoration Bell’s Bentley,BenefitsLaundries4RentBratcher & Associates - PC Bettencourt Tax Advisors LLC BGE Inc/aka Brown & Gay Engineers Inc Bio-One Houston South BioTechs Crime & Trauma Scene Cleaning Black Tie Logistics Blue Marlin Maintenance & BluSkyServicesRestoration Contractors Brady Chapman Holland & Assoc Brannan Designs LLC Architecture & Interior Design BrightView Landscape LLC CanoBSI Electric Inc Cantrell McCulloch Inc Capital Disaster Solutions CashFlow Pros LLC Centex CenturyConstructionFireProtection Houston CFI CypressCSCCrownedCreativeCRETheCORTCoreManagedControlByNetContractorsConstructionCommercialClassicCityCityCitiChadwellGroupSupplyFence&ConcretePupsWideBuildingServicesSameDayBlindsFireProtectionECOServicesIncCloudandVideoSurveillanceSolutions24/7RestorationServicesFurnitureCrawfishMenCateringBusinessSolutionsLLCBlindsEagleConstructionServiceworksLandscaping&IrrigationInc D&G Quality Roofing Inc DeNyse Companies Designs by Holmes DHI Commercial Roofing Diamond Services LLC DNM Contracting Inc DryerDoodyCallsVentWizard of Humble Ecolo Environmental Inc Embark EmersynServicesElectrical Services LLC EnviroSmart Multifamily Pest Solutions Epic Air HiveHigginbothamHaysHardHARCOHamilton-SteeleHaloGuardianGreenlogicGreenGreatGraphicGraceGo-StaffFrontFlexirocksFlavorFiretrolFireFireFinishesFinishFidusFiatFeatherstonFantasticEzloEPICHTXConditioningConstructionInnovationFloorsSignPartnersFedoraIntertechFFHIncDBALibertyBuildersConstructionLLCConstructionServicesFactoryIncInsuranceAgencyandLifeSafetyAmericaReconstructionIncProtectionSystemsFinishResurfacingRowSignsFrontierWasteSolutionsfunaboundsFurnitureRefinishingServicesGambitConstructionGatemanIncGemaireGiffordRoofingGiordanoConstructionIncIncLandscapingStylusPromotionalProductsAmericanBusinessProductsGreenCitySecurityLLCGarbologyLighting&ElectricGuttersDoorsIncOutdoorAccentsInsuranceServicesWorksValetTrash&RecyclingRecruitingTechnologyHKMorrisGroupLLCHooverSlovacekLLPHQContractingHutServicesLLCIndustrialDisposalSupplyInfinityPowerPartnersInfinityRoofing&RestorationInnerLoopConstructionLLCInnovatedHomesLLCInsgroupJandBCarpetServicesJAKEnvironmentalLLCJohnstoneSupplyJonahDigitalAgencyKathyAndrewsInteriorsKeyloPainting&ConstructionKONEL.A.PublicAdjustersTheLawOfficeofErnieGarcia,PLLCLandscapesUSALeahMcVeighDesignandConsulting LeasePal Inc Ledge Lounger Lee & Barrier Builders LLC The Liberty Group LightsLiftmasterOut Production Company Lincoln Jacob Construction Lithotech Printed Products/ Forms Center Local Roofing and Restoration Lopez Carpet Care & Painting LP Building Solutions: LouisianaPacific Corporation LSR Multifamily LVL Up Remodeling Macyas Remodeling LLC Maldonado Nursery & Landscaping Inc Masonry Solutions Inc Matrix Construction Services McMahan's Flooring Inc Men In Kilts MGL Rehab Construction Milwaukee Tool Modern Pest Control Monge Contracting Group MPS MuellerDirectWater Conditioning Inc MX2 Commercial Paving Nationwide Complaint NEI General Contracting Nelson Painting and Construction NGC Renovation LLC Norman Roofing and NorthwestConstructionConstruction Group O’Conor Mason & Bone PC Oasis Eco Services On Duty Tree and Landscape On Site Towing LLC Orkin Pest Control Outdoor Elements Pace Mechanical Services LLC Parking Management Company/ PMC Towing Paul Davis Greater Houston PCS Creative Surface LLC Perma-Pier Foundation Repair of TX The Phoenix Staffing Pool PrecisionKnightsSafe Sidewalks LLC PROCO Commercial Roofing Professional Resurface LLC Property Guardians Pura Flo RamRAMQwikkitQuatroQiraPuroCleanCorporationIncTaxLLCConstructionJackFoundation Solutions Redevelopment Services Reliable Roofing of Texas Inc ResidentialRent.RENCONReliant Waste Service LLC Restoration 1 of Central Houston REVS (Refuel Electric Vehicle RLBRGRezCleanSolutions)HoustonMillerEngineersConstructionLtd dba RoadrunnerRoofTec Restoration Company LLC Roosevelt General Contracting Roto-Rooter Services Co SafeRent Solutions Saifee Signs & Graphics Saint Clair & Sons Inc Sayan Renovations and SEALScoopConstructionTroopHTXSecuritySolutions LLC Secure Insurance Select Appliance Wholesale LLC Sign-Ups & Banners Signal 88 Security Skyline Highrise Services SOS-ASAPSnappt Softwashing South Central Electric LLC Spectrum Brands - Pfister Steward Trash Valet Service Stormwater Professionals Group Strata Roofing and Construction LLC Strategic Electrical Solutions Structural Concrete Systems LLC Sunny Pressure Washing LLC Swain & Baldwin Insurance & Risk Management Swift TexasBunnyApartment Pool Services Texas Concrete Professional TexasCompanyEngineered Roofing & General Contracting Texas TexasManagementGroundWorksLandscapeGroup LLC Texas Southwest Floors Inc Texas Waste Management Solutions LLC Texas Window Cleaning Co Inc Three Amigos Texas LLC Threshold Agency LLC Tidal Renovations LLC Tile Center Tpo Pros Roofing & Restoration Trash Roundup LLC Two Brothers Foundation Repair United Protective Services Urban Value Corner Store USA Heroes Coalition D/b/a USA Real Estate Professionals USMEXUSA(USAREP)PatrolDivisionAdvisors/The Collective Real Estate Group Valet Living VBM Waste LLC VERO Leasing Vima WarriorDecorPatrol Services LLC Watermark Restoration and WayfinderConstructionTax Relief LLC Webb Pest Control Whitmans Contracting and WillbanksRoofing & Associates Inc Wilson Fire Equipment Wilsonart LLC World Cinema Inc WRLD PRO Vending LLC SPONSOR MEMBERS These companies have generously supported the Houston Apartment Association with their sponsor membership Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business.
CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ, 2022 HAA President https://tinyurl.com/bdh7tp6s
LET’S RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE LIFEBLOOD OF OUR INDUSTRY’S CUSTOMER SERVICE!
This month’s issue focuses on the heroes of our multifamily properties – our maintenance and service team profession als. Meet our top 2022 Honors Awards Maintenance and Supplier winners, starting on Page 32.
Finally, show your gratitude for our maintenance professionals by taking a moment to send them a note so they know how much you appreciate them. After all, they are the multifamily heroes that make our services come to life, our buildings shift into communi ties and the lives of those we serve better. Get out there and spread some joy. You will be thankful you did.
Our industry is dynamic and recession-resistant, but we must do a better job getting the word out about the employment opportunities that we offer. We must continue to make our industry known to the workforce by leveraging the tools and resources that our great association provides. The Avenues Maintenance program and TAAEF careers resources are just a few of the many resources the association offers which create opportunities to educate, appreciate and recruit talent into our industry. Are you taking advantage of these membership benefits?
Letter from the President
Over the last few years, as many residents have shifted to remote work schedules that allow them to be home more often than before 2020, the demands placed on our service teams have really increased. But our maintenance teams are the ones with the most open positions, specifically entry level positions. We need more of these amazing employees at our properties!
Oftentimes in the news, we hear about poor maintenance of “apartment complexes,” yet every single day, thousands of our residents' lives in our great metropolitan are being impacted positively by the fast acting services of our maintenance professionals.
As President of this great association, it brings me much joy and pride to hear about the countless number of positive customer service interactions our maintenance professionals create with our communities and residents every single day. After all, these professionals know the life of the community better than anyone on staff – and can be even more engaged with residents just by doing their day-to-day jobs.
Throughout my career, I’ve personally witnessed residents beaming with joy as their air conditioning services have been restored after a blistering summer heat because of the swift action our service team takes to restore broken appliances. I’ve seen and read a countless number of positive social media stories and online reviews directly from residents praising our maintenance professionals for the care and quality of service they provide.
So, how do we bridge the gap?
www.haaonline.org September 2022 ABODE 7
Speaking of education, did you know that education grants are available for each credential program from the National Apartment Association? Any member can and should apply. Scan the QR code below if you want to explore more or to find out more info on the program.
By
September Patron of the Month 8 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org Houston Planned Energy Systems HAA Member since 1978 Cotton Commercial USA Inc. HAA Member since 1982 Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search HAA Member since 1993 CSC ServiceWorks HAA Member since 1961 Craven Carpet HAA Member since 1986 Camp Construction Services HAA Member since 1994 Apartments.com HAA Member since 1997 GemstarDevelopmentConstructionInc. HAA Member since 1985 AAA Plumbers HAA Member since 1984 FSI Construction Inc. HAA Member since 1999 Dixie Carpet Installations HAA Member since 1987 Century A/C Supply HAA Member since 1968 These companies have generously supported the Houston Apartment Association with their patron membership. Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business.
Texas law requires eligible voters to register by the 30th day before Election Day. The voter registration deadline for the November 8 Elec tion is October 11. To register to vote, please go to https://vrapp.sos.state.tx.us/index.asp.
Senate Democrats were able to pass their budget reconciliation package in early August after securing the support of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ). Being the final obstacle, the Senator agreed to support the bill after receiv ing several concessions, including the elimina tion of a provision to change carried interest. The original bill included language that would narrow the so-called carried interest loophole. Specific to the multifamily industry, the pro posed bill would have increased the period for carried interest stemming from real estate to receive long-term capital gains tax considera tion to three years instead of the current prac tice of one year. Any carried interest under three years would have been considered shortterm capital gains. It’s worth noting that for all other carried interests the proposed holding period was to increase to five years. Removing the proposed carried interest provisions is a significant victory for renters and housing providers – the use of carried interest is an es sential tool in the development of new and the rehabilitation of existing rental housing.
FCC Broadband Competition Expiration
Before heading to the President’s desk for his signature, the real points of contention had to be worked out in the Senate before the bill even made it to the House of Representatives.
The FCC’s order also requires telecommuni cation service providers to disclose any exclu sive marketing arrangements in material distributed to a MTE’s residents. Furthermore, the FCC reaffirms that sale-and-leaseback arrangements are an unlawful practice.
If you have a regulatory problem or question, call the HAA main line at 713-595-0300 and ask for Government Affairs. If a particular code requirement or issue concerns you, let us know by email ing Bradley at bpepper@haaonline.org. By STEPHANIE GRAVES, HAA Legislative Chair, with BRADLEY PEPPER, Vice President of Government Affairs
Carried Interest Provision removed from the Inflation Reduction Act.
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 suc cessful in representing you or your clients’ interests, and thus, your financial well-being.
LAST MONTH, CONGRESS passed the Inflation Reduction Act along party lines with the support of every elected Democ rat holding office. The bill is a roughly $740 billion measure that includes a number of climate and energy spending programs and tax credits, money for the IRS to increase collection, prescription drug price negotiation and an extension of more generous health insurance subsidies.
A WIN IN D.C.
As we have previously reported, on March 28, 2022, the Federal Communications Com mission (FCC) published official details of its recently unveiled Report and Order and De claratory Ruling on broadband competition in multiple tenant environments (MTEs). With its release in the federal register, the FCC’s actions now have an effective date whereby compli ance will be mandatory. After April 27, 2022, no common carrier of telecommunication services were permitted to enter into any contract with an MTE that gave the premise owner compensation on an exclu sive or graduated basis. Parties to existing con tracts, as of April 27, will have until September 26, 2022, to cancel, replace or void terms and obligations pertaining to compensation on an exclusive or graduated basis.
For more on HAA PAC, visit www.haaonline.org/haapac
The HAA PAC participates in local and state political campaigns, helping candidates who support the apartment industry and its supplier businesses. You can participate in the HAA PAC on several levels.
www.haaonline.org September 2022 ABODE 9 YourVoteMatters
Remember to Register to Vote This November, we will elect nearly every state office from Governor to State Represen tative, as well as every member of our Con gressional delegation. In addition, and of particular interest to us, we will vote on all County Commissioners Court Judges as well as some Commissioners, Judges and Justices of the Peace. If you are not yet registered to vote, let your voice be heard. Registering to vote in Texas is easy. As long as you are eligible, you will be able to register to vote in your county of residence.
While this legislation has been more than a year in the making, it was not passable legisla tion until Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) struck a deal in late July. Manchin had previously objected and held up negotiations citing increased spending concerns.
Legislative Update
It’s the Law By HOWARD
Pursuant to the Uniform Electronic Transac tions Act, a record or signature may not be de nied legal effect or enforceability solely because it is in electronic form. A contract may not be denied legal effect or enforceability because an electronic record was used in its formation.
Execution of the lease electronically.
21st century! Most of us have grown to rely heavily on emails to notify, inform and keep informed. But, has the law caught up with this reality? How are electronic leases valid? Do emailed notices have any legal effect? Let’s take a look at how the law treats elec tronic leases and notices.
Who would have thought that someday we could send a document across the state (even across the world!) without ever leaving the office? Who would have thought you could rent an apartment without leaving your living room?
Based upon the Uniform Electronic Trans actions Act and the lease, notices can be given electronically by the owner to the resi dent if allowed by law and if allowed by law and in accordance with the community poli cies, and electronic notice from the resident to the owner is allowed if sent to the email address or portal specified in the community policies. If you want to restrict emailed no tices from the resident, any restrictions should be added to the community policies. Are there notices that cannot be sent via email?
WHEN I WAS growing up, the most technologically advanced item we had was the game “Pong” on the TV. When I started practicing law, the most technologically ad vanced item the office had was a fax ma chine, with thin waxy paper! Life used to be simple. Letters were typed on typewriters. Mistakes were wiped out with whiteout. If someone had to sign something, it was signed in person. Computers were something in a large storage room, not on every desk (those were still being invented in someone’s garage). Who would have thought that someday we could send a document across the state (even across the world!) without ever leaving the office? Who would have thought you could rent an apartment without leaving your living Welcomeroom?tothe
Pursuant to the Uniform Electronic Trans actions Act, if a law requires a record (i) to be posted or displayed in a certain manner, (ii) to be sent, communicated, or transmitted by a specified method, or (iii) to contain infor mation that is formatted in a certain manner, the following rules apply:
www.haaonline.org September 2022 ABODE 11
Most of us have grown to rely heavily on emails to notify, inform and keep informed. But, has the law caught up with this reality? BOOKSTAFF, Hoover Slovacek LLP , General Counsel
CAN NOTICES BE EMAILED?
HAA
1. The record must be posted or displayed in the manner specified in the law; 2. With certain limited exceptions, the record must be sent, communicated, or transmitted by the methods specified in the other law; and 3. The record must contain the informa tion formatted in the manner specified in the other law.
If a law requires a record to be in writing, an electronic record satisfies the law. If a law requires a signature, an electronic signature satisfies the law. Notices sent via email.
An emailed notice to vacate would not have legal effect. Sections 24.005(f) and (f-1) provide that notices to vacate must be deliv ered in a specified manner. None of the methods by which a notice to vacate can be sent include electronically mailing the no tice. Since the Property Code requires that the notice to vacate be sent in a certain spec ified method, the Uniform Electronic Trans actions Act will not support the emailing of a notice to vacate. Even though other notices may be sent electronically, the notice to va cate must be sent in accordance with the re quirements of the Property Code. If allowed by your community policies, most repair notices can be emailed, with one exception. Section 92.056 of the Texas Prop erty Code provides that an owner is liable to a resident if:
The Act provides that if parties have agreed to conduct a transaction by electronic means and a law requires a person to provide, send or deliver information in writing to another person, the requirement is satisfied. In an electronic record capable of retention by the recipient at the time of Consequentially,receipt. if the law requires written notice to be made and the parties have agreed to conduct their transaction by elec tronic means, the written requirement is sat isfied if the information is provided by email.
Pursuant to section 21.1 of the new TAA lease form, notice may be given electroni cally by the owner to the resident if allowed by law. If allowed by law and in accordance with the owner’s community policies, an electronic notice from the resident to the owner must be sent to the email address or portal specified in the community policies. The residents represent that they have pro vided their current email address to the owner and will notify the owner in the event the resident’s email address changes.
minating the lease, having the condition re paired or remedied, deducting the cost of the remedy from the resident’s rent and obtain ing certain judicial remedies.
2. The condition materially affects the phys ical health or safety of an ordinary resident;
As the law catches up with the 21st cen tury, we may see statutory changes that allow for emailed notices including emailing a no tice to vacate. Until then, it is important that you remain aware of the ramifications of the lease provisions and your community poli cies and the legal effect of notices depending on requirements with respect to how notices must be sent. http://issuu.com/haa_abode.
1. The resident has given the owner notice to repair or remedy a condition;
5. The owner has not made a diligent effort to repair or remedy the condition after the owner received the resident’s notice or no tices; and
The resident has certain remedies if an owner violates the obligation to repair or remedy conditions in the unit, as long as the resident has followed the guidelines of this statute. The resident’s remedies include ter
Want more Howard? He’s online! Want to see current and previous issues of ABODE online? Go to
12 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org
3. The resident has given the owner a sub sequent written notice to repair or remedy the condition; however, if the resident has given the first notice by sending that notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, by registered mail, or by another form of mail that allows tracking of delivery from the United States Postal Service or a private de livery service;
Based upon the language of the statute, if al lowed by the lease and community policies, the notice to repair or remedy would trigger the owner’s obligations under the statute even if the notice was emailed. However, if the resi dent only gives one notice that must be sent via certified mail or another form of mail that allows tracking of delivery from the United States Postal Service or a private delivery serv ice, it would appear that that notice could not be delivered via email since the statute re quires a specified manner of delivery.
4. The owner has had a reasonable time to repair or remedy the condition after the owner received the resident’s notice or notices;
6. The resident was not delinquent in pay ing the rent at any time any notice required by this section is given.
Renters can be referred to HAA by calling 713-595-0300 to speak to a trained consult ant, 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.
Resident Relations from the RESIDENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE 14 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org
A RESIDENT FILED a complaint with the Houston Apartment Association to dispute rent and damage charges she re ceived after moving out of her unit. In her complaint, the resident stated that her long-term lease ended in February, and after that she was renting on a month-tomonth basis. She gave management a 30-day notice at the beginning of April and told staff that she would be moving out at the end of the month.
Management Response Management responded to HAA and that response was then forwarded to the appli cant. Management shared copies of the signed lease, photos of damage found in the unit, final account statements and the dispo sition that was mailed to the resident.
The HAA Resident Relations Committees provide an impartial review of resident com plaints using the documentation provided by both the resident and management. If you are a manager with a resident relations issue, call HAA at 713-595-0300 for direct assistance.
How far in advance should a month-to-month renter give notice?
The final account statement showed that the resident owed management a balance of $2,093.60. These charges included the relet ting fee, rent for the month of May and other material charges for left behind items and damage to the unit.
The Committee’s Decision The committee ultimately decided in favor of Themanagement.chargesrequested by management were all included in the lease agreement that the resident signed. According to the lease, residents must give a 60-day notice, even when renting month-to-month. If that notice is insufficient residents will be charged their owed rent and a reletting fee. In this case, the resident owes the property $2,093.00.
MONTH TO MONTH MANNERS
Speakers and attendees discussed the new jobs, businesses and develop ments coming to the area and received an update on crime. The guest speakers were Officer King and Officer Rasch from the Baytown Crime Prevention Unit and Brett Gardella from the Baytown Economic Division. Thank you to Nicole Willis and Sapphire Bay for hosting the event.
16 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org 1 1
On the Road with HAA
Baytown Region Meeting Sponsored by Redevelopment Services
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 Vice President of Education and Outreach Lauren Turner at lturner@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 lturner@haaonline.org.
Thursday, July 14
HAA headed out to Baytown for a “Future of Baytown” program.
Stand Up & Stand Out Forty Under 40 Celebration Thursday, September 15 6 p.m. to 9 pm 40 locatedBelowunder Bayou Music Center at 520 Texas Ave. Early bird register by August 19: $65 After August 19: $75 Signature Sponsor Excellence Sponsors Bubbly Bar Joinwww.haaonline.org/eventsSponsortheconversation:#HAA40under40
Saturday, October 15 Noon to 5 p.m. Humble Civic Center Habanero Sponsors EPICHTX Construction Gemstar WatermarkOutdoorDevelopmentConstructionElementsRestorationandConstruction Over 21 TriArcSponsorWristbandConstruction Awards TriArcPoolsureLittleIdealDixieChili-tizerEPICHTXSponsorConstructionStationSponsorsCarpetInstallationsTowingChilisAreaSponsorsConstruction Jalapeno Sponsors ATI WatermarkTriArcRoadrunnerQwikkitPerceptiveLowe’sInterSolutionsInsgroupFSIFlooringFidusCottonCoreCenturyCampBestAmericanRestorationFireSystemsPlumbingConstructionServicesA/CSupplyLandscapeGroupCommercialConstructionServicesWarehouseConstructionStaffingProSupplyThingsRestorationCompanyConstructionRestorationandConstruction We got hot ones! It’s bingeworthy! Mark your calendars for HAF’s 31st Annual Chili Fest! There will be teams serving up their best chili and all kinds of activities for kids and adults. Plus, the best chili, costumes and booths can win BIG! • Movies on the Lawn • Pumpkin Patch • Rock Wall • Shaved Ice • 30 ft Mega Slide • Bungee Run • Face Painting • Balloon Artists • and much more! Tickets are a smoking-hot steal for this all-inclusive event! Adult - $12 prepaid, $15 on site, Child (5-12) - $8 prepaid, $10 on site,Kids 4 and under - Free! 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
Bill Dinerstein Memorial Tournament
Prizes for: Closest To Pin • Longest Drive • Tournament prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, net scores. Check-in opens at 7:30 a.m. with a breakfast buffet. Shotgun start at 9 a.m. Two owner/management and two suppliers per team. Award reception and lunch follows.
HAA is prohibited from accepting corporate contributions for PAC events. If a team does not consist of two owner/management and two suppliers, they will be disqualified from team awards.
Name AddNumberCCMC____Company_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Phone(____________)_________________________Visa____AmEx____Discv_______CreditCard#_______________________________________________________________________SecurityCode____________ExpirationDate__________NameonCard__________________________________________________________ofplayers(twoowner/management,twosupplier)paidfor___________@$200each=$_________WinePullfor$25x_______=_____________(totalamountpaid).Owner/ManagementName____________________________________________Company_______________________________Handicap___________Owner/ManagementName____________________________________________Company_______________________________Handicap___________SupplierName________________________________________________Company___________________________________Handicap___________SupplierName________________________________________________Company___________________________________Handicap___________Mailcompletedformandpaymentto:HAAPAC,4810WestwayParkBlvd.,Houston,Texas77041.Creditcardregistrationsmaybeemailedtogolf@haaonline.org;paymentmustaccompanyregistration. Beverage Cart Sponsors EPICHTX Construction TriArc CrestmarkBagRoadrunnerPPGEarthworksBeverageAmericanPresident'sDixieLongestFergusonClosestConstructiontothePinSponsorFacilitiesSupplyDriveContestSponsorCarpetInstallationsCartSponsorFireSystemsStationSponsorsPaintsRestorationCompanyDropSponsorConstructionServices Breakfast Sponsor AAA AmericanPlumbersFire Systems Practice Range Sponsor Texas Southwest Floors Scorecard Sponsor Guardian Construction Wine Pull Sponsor EPICHTX Construction Hole Sponsors ATI ValetIdealFergusonDixieCampATIAwardsFergusonATI19thZillowConstructionWatermarkTriArcTexscapeSouthernSentriforceRoadrunnerRedevelopmentFidusDixieCottonRestorationCommercialCarpetInstallationsConstructionServicesServicesRestorationCompanyIceCreamServicesConstructionRestorationandGroupRentalsHoleReceptionSponsorsRestorationFacilitiesSupplySponsorsRestorationConstructionServicesCarpetInstallationsFacilitiesSupplyTowingLiving
Benefiting the Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee
NEW! HAA PAC Wine Pull Players will be able to purchase one ticket at $25 for a chance to win a bottle of wine at the 19th Hole Reception. Bottle values ranging from $30 to $120. Registration fee includes golf fees, breakfast, lunch and beverages during play. All tournament winners and sponsors will be recognized in the ABODE Magazine. *Please note this event is open to sponsors and players only, no spectators. In the event of rain, your contribution will go to the HAA Political Action Committee. Contributions are not tax-deductible as charitable contributions under the Internal Revenue Code. Paid for by HAA Political Action Committee, Casey W. Morgan, Treasurer.
Monday, October 3, BraeBurn Country Club, 8101 Bissonnet St, Houston, TX 77074
Payment must be made by personal credit card Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover or personal check payable to HAA PAC. Payment must accompany registration.
Join us for the 43rd annual HAA Golf Tournament.
Sponsored by ALN Apartment Data Conroe Region Meeting Thursday, September 8 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open to onsite personnel only. Registration starts at 11 a.m. The program and lunch begin at 11:30 a.m. This event is free, but we kindly ask you to RSVP yourself and/or team members. Visit
Signature sponsor AAA Plumbers, Excellence sponsors FSI Construction and Texscape Services and Bubbly Bar sponsor Gemstar Construction20 HAA PAC Meeting Tuesday, September 20 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Madison at mpolston@ haaonline.org.for details. Sponsored by Texscape Services Supplier Education Program
Calendar HAA Education, Events and Meetings SCHEDULE 20 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org
Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician: Interior/Exterior Repair Tuesday, September 13 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by Watermark Restoration and Construction 14
Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician: Plumbing Repair Thursday, September 15 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by AAA Plumbers
Avenues: Leadership Lane 3 Feedback Is A Gift Successful Leaders Give with Steve Wunch
8 Avenues:
SSEPTEMBERMTW 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 SOCTOBERMT W T F S1 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
See Page 22 for details.
Tuesday, September 20 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Join the HAA Product Service Council for this free education session for supplier members. For more information, visit 21programwww.haaonline.org/supplierorSeePage41fordetails.
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.
Thursday, September 1 3 HAA'sp.m. monthly legal series comes to you virtually with Howard Bookstaff. Registrants receive access links via email one day prior to event date. Visit the event calendar at www.haaonline.org to register.
Thursday, September 8 8:30 a.m. to noon Clients love this power packed three-hour workshop because it is a great combination of “nuts and bolts” sales strategies and thoughtprovoking big picture concepts, reinforced with entertaining and educational scenes from famous romantic comedies; all combined with Rommel’s own unique obser vances and experiences in the “trenches.”
Featured Event: Forty Under 40 Celebration Thurday, September 15 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. 40 520BelowTexas Ave. The Houston Apartment Association invites you to a special celebration honoring the industry's top 40 pro fessionals under the age of 40. Members of all ages are welcome. See Page 17 for details.
DevelopmentSponsoredoutreach@haaonline.orginformation.meetingswww.haaonline.org/outreachforup-to-dateContacttoRSVP.byGemstarConstruction9
ACES Luncheon Friday, September 9 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Location: TBA ACES is open to supervisors and executive-level multifamily professionals. education@haaonline.orgContact for details.
Wednesday, September 21 8:30 a.m. to noon. Discuss the elements that make feedback successful and easy meth ods to deliver feedback effectively. See Page 22 for details. Sponsored by Best Plumbing. 22 HAA Membership 101 Webinar Thursday, September 22 10 AllViaa.m.Zoommembers are welcome. Contact members@haaonline.org for the link to join. Sponsored by Rent. 22 HAA Board Meeting Thursday, September 22 4 Sponsoredp.m. by HD Supply 27-28 Leasing 101 Tuesday, September 27 and Wednesday, September 28 8:30 a.m. to Noon NEW: Attend both days or Day 2 only for a TAA Lease 2.0 refresher course! From Fair Housing and the TAA lease paperwork, to today’s terminology and techniques, the industry’s most seasoned and dynamic instructors are on hand to educate students on the boundless potential that awaits those who choose the apartment manage ment industry as their career. Visit www.haaonline.org for more information.
1SEPTEMBER 5 Business Exchange
Tuesday, September 6 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 7 New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, September 7 10 AllViaa.m.Zoomnewsupplier members are forContactwelcome.members@haaonline.orgthelinktojoin.
Sponsored by Century A/C Supply and TriArc Construction 13
Certified Pool Operator Wednesday, September 7 and Thursday, September 8 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dispel the myths in pool care and tremendously reduce chemical expenses while extending the life of your pool. Successful completion of this exam offers apartment industry personnel a five year certification from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (formerly NSPF). Marketing Place 3 –Getting “HITCHed!” How to Help Your Clients Fall in Love with Your withCommunity!Rommel Anacan
Thursday, September 1 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. HCC West Houston Institute 2811 Hayes Road, Houston 77082 An opportunity for property man agement professionals to meet face to face with a number of supplier partners as they move around the room in a speed dating for business Sponsoredformat.byChadwell Supply, Flooring Warehouse, Guardian Construction and Zillow Group Rentals Legal Lowdown
Ambassador ONE Society Happy Hour Wednesday, September 7 3:30 Kirbyp.m.Ice House Memorial City 1015 Gessner Road Ambassador members only. Contact Amanda 7-8forasherbondy@haaonline.orgatdetails.
Take
Sponsored by Redevelopment Services6 CAM Exam
Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician: Electrical Repair Wednesday, September 14 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by Century A/C Supply Crime Prevention Round Table Wednesday, September 14 11:30 Contacta.m.Lauren Turner at lturner@haaonline.org for details. Sponsored by American Fire Systems Resident Relations Committee A Meeting Wednesday, September 14 Via Zoom 2 15p.m.
Ambassador ONE Society Happy Hour Wednesday, October 5 3:30 Kirbyp.m.Ice House Memorial City 1015 Gessner Road Ambassador members only. Contact Amanda 6forasherbondy@haaonline.orgatdetails.
Pearland Region Meeting Wednesday. October 5 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open to onsite personnel only. Registration starts at 11 a.m. The program and lunch begin at 11:30 a.m. This event is free, but we kindly ask you to RSVP yourself and/or team members. Visit Sponsoredoutreach@haaonline.orginformation.meetingswww.haaonline.org/outreachforup-to-dateContacttoRSVP.byEarthworks
HAA hits the road: Don’t miss our monthly Region Meetings 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. Check out the calendars above for dates and contact Lauren Turner to sign up for these 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 Region meetings. Contact lturner@haaonline.org.
NEXT Professional Development Breakfast Friday, October 28 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. This niche group within HAA is ded icated to the networking and pro fessional development needs of HAA members under 40. Network with your peers during ‘Couch Talk’ featuring current and previous HAA Forty Under 40 honorees. See Page 25 for Sponsoreddetails.by American Fire Systems and The Liberty Group
and Scopes of TopWork?Tips to Produce Successful Contractswith Chris King-Dye,
Avenues: Maintenance Blvd 2 Creeped Out by Bids Full Thursday, October 6 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. See Page 22 for details. Sponsored by Texas Southwest Floors Legal Lowdown Thursday, October 6 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Via HAA'sZoommonthly legal series comes to you virtually with Howard Bookstaff. Registrants receive access links via email one day prior to event date. Visit the event calendar at www.haaonline.org to register. 7 ACES Luncheon Friday, October 7 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ACES is open to supervisors and executive-level multifamily professionals. education@haaonline.orgContact for 12details.
CAS: Supplier Success Monday, October 17 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit www.haaonline.org for information.19-21 Independent Rental Owner Professional Course Wednesday, October 19 to Friday, October 21 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The IROP designation program is offered to the rental owner who manages their personally held mul tifamily property or properties. Independent rental owners who take the IROP course can earn the IROP credential after complet ing the course and passing the online Sponsoredexam.by FSI Construction and TriArc Construction 19 HAA PAC Meeting Wednesday, October 19 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Madison Constructionformpolston@haaonline.org.atdetails.SponsoredbyGuardian28
Go-Getter Happy Hour Thursday, September 29 4 Kirbyp.m.Ice House - Memorial City See Page 64 for details. Sponsored by Crestmark Construction and TriArc ConstructionOCTOBER3 2022 Dinerstein Memorial Golf Tournament Monday, October 3 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. BraeBurn Country Club 8101 OurHouston,BissonnetTX7707443rdannualHAA Bill Dinerstein Memorial Golf Tournament benefiting the HAA PAC. See Page 19 for Sponsoreddetails.by AAA Plumbers, American Fire Systems, ATI Restoration, Camp Construction, Cotton Commercial, Crestmark Construction, Dixie Carpet Installations, Earthworks Inc, EPICHTX Construction, Ferguson Facilities Supply, Fidus Construction, Guardian Construction, Hoffer Furniture, Ideal Towing, PPG Paints, Qwikkit, Redevelopment Services, Roadrunner Restoration, Sentriforce, Southern Ice Cream, Texas Southwest Floors, Texscape Services, TriArc Construction, Valet Living, Watermark Restoration, and Zillow Group Rentals 4, 11, 18, 25 Certified Apartment Leasing Professional Tuesday, October 4 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Courses held four consecutive EnhanceTuesdays the skills of apartment leasing professionals, resulting in better informed, highly professional individuals with increased lease activity and improved resident relations.Sponsored by AAA Plumbers 5 State of the Industry: 2022 Operations Exchange Wednesday, October 5 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. A look at operational trends affect ing multifamily companies, from labor shortages and marketing, to resident amenities and technology, featuring a panel of industry execu tives and thought leaders. Sponsored by Camp Construction Services and Guardian Construction New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, October 5 10 AllViaa.m.Zoomnewsupplier members are forContactwelcome.members@haaonline.orgthelinktojoin.
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.
www.haaonline.org September 2022 ABODE 21
House Marketing
Resident Relations Committee A Meeting Wednesday, September 12 Via Zoom 2 15p.m. Featured Event: HAF 31st Annual Chili Fest Saturday, October 15 Noon to 5 p.m. Humble Civic Center Arena This year’s theme: is “Bingeworthy –Netflix & Chili.” For more information visit www.haaonline.org and see Page 18. To host a booth email events@haaonline.org for more info. Sponsored by American Fire Systems, ATI Restoration, Best Plumbing, Camp Construction, Century A/C Supply, Core Landscape Group, Cotton Commercial, Dixie Carpet Installations, Earthworks Inc, EPICHTX Construction, Fidus Construction, Flooring Warehouse, FSI Construction, Gemstar Construction, Idea Towing, Insgroup, Intersolutions Staffing, Lowe’s Pro Supply, Outdoor Elements, Perceptive Things, PPG Paints, Qwiikkit, Roadrunner Restoration, TriArc Construction, Watermark Restoration.17
Avenues: Maintenance Blvd - 2 October Creeped6Out by Bids and Scopes of TopWork?Tipsto Produce Successful Contractswith Chris King-Dye, Full House Marketing Avenues: Maintenance Blvd - 3 November 3 Dude, where’s my caulk? Inventory Management and Shop Organization with Chris King-Dye, Full House Marketing Avenues: Leadership Lane - 3 September 21 Feedback Is A Gift Successful Leaders Give with Steve Wunch Avenues: Marketing Place - 3 September 8 Getting “HITCHed!” How to Help Your Clients Fall in Love with Your Community! with Rommel Anacan Need just one seminar?Individual sessions are priced at only$50per person, a real steal for quality education!Follow a road that fits you career journey with Avenues. The Avenues series of seminars feature some of the best nationally-acclaimed speak ers in the industry with learning sessions for every level of multifamily professional. Annual Property Subscriptions are available with unlimited attendance for all on-site property staff to all sessions at discounted prices: • Only $199 per year per property for properties with fewer than 200 units • Only $399 per year per property for properties with 200 to 350 units. • Only $450 per year per property for properties with more than 350 units. If you need a single workshop, individual sessions are priced at only $50 per person, a real steal for quality education. Look for the class schedule and online at www.haaonline.org for details. Contact the HAA Education Department at education@haaonline.org or register online at www.haaonline.org. Sponsored by All new content for 2022! See www.haaonline.org for details. Maintenance BLVD Leadership LN Marketing PL Look for the class schedule and online at www.haaonline.org for details. Contact the HAA Education Department at education@haaonline.org or register online at www.haaonline.org/events.
DateSavethe Wednesday, October 5 Watch your email and www.haaonline.org for details. IndustryStateofthe Fall Edition
Credential Qualifications: • Minimum of 12 months of apartment or rental housing maintenance experience • Classroom attendance in at least four of the five scheduled modules • Completion of the supplementary online curriculum • A passing score on the comprehensive exam within six months of enrollment Course Schedule and Fees: • The CAMT curriculum is comprised of five modules and is administered by HAA in eight days over the course of two months. • Check-in and registration begins at 8:30 a.m. • Modules vary in length; classes generally will conclude by 5 p.m. or earlier • Lunch is provided • Total Program Cost: $850 • All textbooks, exam fees and meals are included in the full course fee CAMT Course Calendar: Interior and Exterior Maintenance and Repair September 13 Sponsored by Watermark Restoration and Construction Electrical Maintenance and Repair September 14 Sponsored by Century AC Supply Plumbing Maintenance and Repair (two days) September 15-16 Sponsored by AAA Plumbers Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Maintenance and Repair (two days) October 11-12 Sponsored by EPICHTX Construction Appliances Maintenance and Repair (two days) October 13-14 Sponsored by The Liberty Group For a more detailed synopsis of individual course content, please visit the education page of our website at www.haaonline.org/ education. Register online today at www.haaonline.org or call 713-595-0300 for details. Build your future: Get certified and advance your maintenance career!
We look
you! Upcoming NEXT Events: Professional Development Breakfast: Couch Talk with Forty Under 40 Honorees October 28 Winter SocialKaraoke Night December 8 Mark your calendars and stay tuned for what’s NEXT! Amanda Kelly, CAS, Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services Ruha Vohra, NALP, CAM, Veritas ManagementEquity NEXT Co-Chairs:
BE A PART OF THE NEXT GENERATION OF HAA LEADERSHIP. This niche group within HAA is dedicated to the networking and professional development needs of HAA’s young professionals and it is open to all members. Network with your peers and grow your career together among the next generation of HAA leadership! To learn how to become involved with NEXT, see online at www.haaonline.org/next.
HAA
Register
NEXT Mission Statement: A network of young professionals committed to the growth of future leaders with the Houston Apartment Association through education, peer-to-peer networking, and legislative and community involvement. NEXT programs include free networking events held at various venues across Houston and low-cost Professional Development Breakfasts held virtually or at the HAA Education Center. The Professional Development programs feature special guest speakers on timely topics relevant to enhancing and furthering your multifamily industry career. online at www.haaonline.org/next or us at events@haaonline.org for more information. forward to meeting
Grassroots Update
we
$650,000,
you
NAA’s At Home Program is here! NAA members and affiliates are meeting with fed eral lawmakers across the country and dis cussing several important issues facing the rental housing industry. At Home Program is an opportune time to educate lawmakers on key priorities and move the needle on these policies. As get closer to the midterm elections, it is vital that make voice heard! Reach out to affiliate staff and ask how can take part in the At Home Program. contact O’Boyle if have any questions about the At Home Program. is also launching the “NAA Votes” initiative to help ensure NAA members are registered to vote in the upcoming midterm elections. As of August 5, NAAPAC has raised continuing stay ahead is tracking towards
to
Visit the NAA Votes voter registration campaign importantandhttps://naahq.quorum.us/campaign/41385/atregistertovotetoday.Thiselectionistootostayhome! NAAPAC Update NAAPAC continues to make progress towards our 2022 fundraising goal of $1 million.
its 2022 Affiliate Share goal, please visit the Fund Our Future page atesCongratulationshttps://www.naahq.org/fund-our-future.atandthankyouthoseaffiliwhohavealreadyhittheirgoalfor2022: • Apartment Association of Greater Columbia • Apartment Association of Greater Dallas • Apartment Association of New Mexico • Apartment Association of Tarrant County • Apartment Association of Western • North Carolina • Arizona Multihousing Association • Atlanta Apartment Association • Bay Area Apartment Association • Charleston Apartment Association • Chattanooga Apartment Association • Detroit Metropolitan Apartment • Association • Greater Birmingham Apartment • Association • Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky • Apartment Association • Greater Iowa Apartment Association • Greater Lexington Apartment Association • Greater Nashville Apartment Association • Greater Springfield Apartment & Housing • Association • Houston Apartment Association • Indiana Apartment Association • Louisville Apartment Association • Mid-Missouri Apartment Association • Myrtle Beach Apartment Association • New Jersey Apartment Association • Piedmont Triad Apartment Association • Property Management Association of • Mid-Michigan • Space Coast Apartment Association • The Associated Builders and Owners • of NY (ABO) • Upper State Apartment Association NAAPAC would like to thank the 52 members who have already stepped up and supported NAAPAC at the Platinum ($5,000) level: • Dan Berger • Jeff Blevins • Christopher Burns • Chris Carter • Doug Caton • Sarit Catz • Brian Chase • Blue Ridge Companies • David Couch & Chris Dunbar • Cindy Clare • Jack Curry • Jeff Curry • Kirk Downey • Chris Evans • J. Eric Fishburn • J. Scot Fishburn • Mike Gorman • Billy Griffin • Bobby Griffith • Bubba Grimsley • Bruce Hellman • Mike Holmes • Mark Hurley • Rick Jones • Chris Karsaz • Alan King • Curt Knabe • Steve Lamberti • David Legow • Steve Lightner • Jeanette March / See NAA Update, Page 69 AUGUST UPDATE Check out NAAPAC’s progress so far in 2022 and see what’s new with NAA Advocacy! Industry Update from the NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION and the NATIONAL MULTIHOUSING COUNCIL 26 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org
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1 28 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org 4
Wednesday, at The 2022 HAA Education Conference Exhibitor Chair Candis Mohr and the top producing members of the committee enjoyed an afternoon celebration in appreciation of their hard work. Congratulations to our top producers: 1. Shaun Callaway, Liz Macias, Susan Alvarado and Liz Levins (not pictured); 2. Team Captains Joey Rodriguez, Liz Macias and Valerie Lacy with Chair Candis Mohr (not pictured Nichole Aldrich); 3. Rookie of the Year, Susan Alvarado; and 4. Team of the Year “Be You-nique.”
June 29
On the Scene with the HAA Expo Committee 3Expo2 Committee Appreciation Party
Rouxpour Restaurant and Bar The
& Expo
Park Colony recognizes that their community involvement is key to creating an environment that residents can call home. This starts with offering amazing services. 93% of Park Colony’s resident maintenance requests are handled within an hour, providing a service satisfaction that willParkcontinue.Colony is also dedicated to providing residents with peace of mind. They are actively involved with local police and constantly in communication with the area sergeant to ensure the safety of their residents. Along with those key factors Park Colony celebrates all major community milestones including acknowledging residents’ birthdays, condolences during hard times, and the arrival of a new baby. At Park Colony residents are more than just an apartment number. are listed with owner/management at time of the award.
PARK COLONY Less Than 100 Units Property of the Year Property: Park Colony Apartments Owner/Management: Grove Texas Capital, LLC Location: 11200 Huffmeister Road Units: 86 Web: www.lifeatparkcolony.com
Photos provided by Park Colony Park Colony Apartments are a Class-B, Garden-Style community that offers five different floor plans. The newly paved parking lots feature covered parking spaces for residents, picnic areas with grills, playgrounds and pet stations throughout the community. In 2020, the community also made the move to become greener by installing LED fixtures on buildings, providing electronic documents to avoid paper waste, interior improvements featur ing new a/c units throughout the community, double pane windows and updating washer and dryer units, as well as newly updated fixtures including quartz countertops and cabinets.
30 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org On Site with ABODE Featuring HAA Honors Award Property Winners Note: Properties
While the outside of The Park at Live Oak is well kept, the wonderful staff ensures residents are well kept too. The staff is made up of consummate professionals who truly care about the people who live in their community. They host resident events, ensure apartments are turned impeccably, and usually resolve maintenance requests within the same day.
Each month, On Site with ABODE takes a closer look at the winning HAA Honors Awards properties. This month, we visit two of our winners for 2022. See future ABODEs for more of our honorees.
100-150 Units Property of the Year Property: The Park at Live Oak Owner/Management: Lamppost Capital Management Location: 5550 Holly View Drive Units: 148 Web: www.ParkAtLiveOak.com Photos provided by The Park at Live Oak
THE PARK AT LIVE OAK
The Park at Live Oak takes immense pride in the community they have built. They aren’t a ‘cutting corners’ property when it comes to any part of their onsite service. Their pride shows in their work and it’s something that you can tell as soon as you drive up to their beautiful property. The Park at Live Oak is just one block from a major street, but tucked away next to a quiet single-family neighborhood surrounded by tall trees that provide shade and give residents a park like atmosphere. The Park is surrounded by their well-maintained landscaping, gorgeous pool area, playground and outdoor kitchen. The Park at Live Oak is in a “must live” part of town according to Houstonia magazine in 2020, located just 15 minutes from the Galleria. Residents enjoy their easy access to employment, shopping, dining, outdoor activi ties and entertainment.
www.haaonline.org September 2022 ABODE 31
The Best of the Best in MaintenaOnsitence&SupplierService The Houston Apartment Assciation Honors Awards recognizes members for their commit ment to their communities and the apartment industry. Here are the top maintenance technicians and supplier members for 2022. 32 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org
How did you get your first job in the apartment industry?
What is an important quality or skill for people to work in your job position?
What advice do you have for someone who is considering a career in multifamily?
What is your job title and what do you do?
My advice would be to consider a career in the multifamily industry because it is a stable and rewarding career. You will meet many great people and it’s like a big family. It’s a large industry with the opportunity to grow and apply yourself.
How did you get to where you are now in your career?
I like the great friendships you make while working in the apartment industry. Also, the skills and experience you learn every day is something that you can apply at home. I also like having the opportunity to participate in the Houston Apartment Association events that bring many industry professionals together.
“An important quality is to have a good attitude, be patient and always be willing help your team. Also, be a servant leader to your residents and peers.”JosueJonathan Juarez Maintenance Supervisor of the Year, Single Property
www.haaonline.org September 2022 ABODE 33
An important quality is to have a good attitude, be patient and always be willing help your team. Also, be a servant leader to your residents and peers.
What do you like the most about working in the apartment industry?
I am the maintenance supervisor for Legends of Memorial Apartments. Our priority is to provide a great living experience to our residents. I work alongside my peers to maintain the property in excellent condition, complete work orders, make ready turns, operate a chiller system and HVAC systems. I organize, schedule and verify contractor work per formed on the property and apartment homes. I work on plumbing, electrical, appliance and HVAC repairs needed each day.
Earning my CAMT designation was a huge accomplishment for me. I am grateful to work for Veritas Equity Management that gave me the opportunity to take the CAMT course. The years of dedication to the apartment industry and the desire to continue learning by attending classes and seminars offered by HAA and TAA.
What do you think set you apart to be chosen for the award?
Josue Jonathan Juarez, CAMT, AIME, Veritas Equity Management
I had my first opportunity to work in the apartment industry when a friend of mine rec ommended me to work with him.
I started working as a porter and I was interested in learning how to work on HVAC sys tems. I enrolled in HVAC school and gained knowledge and experience. I wanted to better myself, so I also enrolled in English courses and worked during the day and attended school at night. I gained experience by going to electrical classes and putting into practice what I learned. I also had many great friends and peers that guided and taught me what I know.
Supplier of the Year
What do you like the most about working in the apartment industry? Everybody says it and it becomes cliché, but this is a family. I’ve seen people in the industry become best friends, attend each others wed dings and, unfortunately, be there to console each other in difficult times. I think our industry, and especially the HAA, is there to support one another.
“Everybody says it and it becomes cliché, but this is a family. … I think our industry, and especially the HAA, is there to support oneDerekanother.”DeVries
What is your job title and what do you do?
Derek DeVries, CAS, Camp Construction Services
34 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org
What is an important quality or skill for people to work in your job position?
As I stated before, I think you must be able to communicate with people extremely well. At Camp, we form “partners for life” with our customers. Both Camp and our customers have a business to run and need to be able to meet in the middle when challenges are presented. You need to be able to explain your point precisely and quickly and help each other see things from the others point of view so a solution or resolution can be achieved.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering a career in multifamily? Take the leap! I can’t imagine what my life would be like had Jeff Blevins not gotten me into the industry 10 years ago. I had a good job and was comfortable. Joining the multifamily industry changed my life and my families lives for the better. It wasn’t an easy leap, but it cer tainly was well worth the chance, and I appreciate every moment.
What do you think set you apart to be chosen for the award? Being a viable candidate for the Supplier of the Year doesn’t happen overnight or just this year. There are many suppliers who spend a sig nificant time away from their families attending events and entertain ing customers as a commitment to the industry. That level of commit ment leads to success and the opportunity such as the Product Service Council where one is seen as a leader of our industry. A select few get a chance to lead the PSC, and I am honored enough to act as the presi dent this year. I have an outstanding group of individuals on the PSC that make leading this group easy. I think assuming an active role over a period of time in HAA allowed me to be chosen as Supplier of the Year. To put it simply, be involved, be dependable and be committed!
What are you working on right now? Right now I am finishing up my year as president of the PSC and helping Camp grow into new markets across the United States.
The opportunities and advancements in my career are a direct result of work hard and being an honest person. Being a teacher gave me the skills to communicate well with a wide variety of people, and I have developed the ability to deliver positive or negative news in a way that is still respectful and productive. Additionally, and most importantly, I was brought into a company with a great reputation with outstanding role models in Mike Koch, Roger Camp, Jeff Blevins and Billy Griffin.
I serve as the regional director of sales for the central United States for Camp Construction. I have between nine and 13 salespeople at any given time who directly report to me, and I help facilitate opportunities for work, manage our sales force and help my team in any way possi ble to be successful. How did you get your first job in the apartment industry? Before entering the apartment industry, I was a high school World History teacher and softball/basketball coach. One of my fellow coach es had ties to the apartment industry and left teaching to pursue that career path. After a couple of years, he had become president of Camp Construction and thought I would make a good salesman. Jeff Blevins brought me kicking and screaming out of teaching and into HAA. I thank him often for seeing strengths in me that would lead to professional growth and success. How did you get to where you are now in your career?
I worked with Century for seven years and I dealt with apartment managers and mainte nance over the phone, but never face to face.
Rising Star Supplier of the Year
Everyone has a voice, no matter how big or small and we have to be able to listen to the needs, the wants and the frustration of them all. It’s what makes us different from the rest. We don’t want you just as a client, we want you as a friend. It’s important to build those relationships.
The people! You never know and I never knew that they would become more then just col leagues. They become your mentors, your friends and your family. The bonds are great within this industry that is for sure. What do you think set you apart to be chosen for the award? I was up against some awesome individuals who were all deserving as well, but I feel like everyone has their time. This just so happens to be my time. I feel like I do try to put my best foot forward and do things without being asked. I love to help and I love to make sure people are taken care of. What advice do you have for someone who is considering a career in multifamily?
How did you get your first job in the apartment industry?
What do you like the most about working in the apartment industry?
Knowledge is power!
Don’t wait! You will never know how this industry can change your life unless you start today! I love it and I would do it all over again.
Susan Alvarado, CAS, Century A/C Supply
Susan Alvarado
One day a position opened up within the sales department and a conversation with my now boss, Jacob Kunath, is what pushed me into the apartment industry I have come to adore today. How did you get to where you are now in your career?
What is an important quality or skill for people to work in your job position? I’ve found that we all have to learn to value people no matter their stature or positions.
“I’ve found that we all have to learn to value people no matter their stature or positions. Everyone has a voice, no matter how big or small, and we have to be able to listen to the needs, the wants and the frustration of them all.”
I owe my success to my mentors. There were times that even I doubted myself and what I was doing, but I made sure to keep asking the ques tions. I made sure that I made myself present, not just physically, but mentally. One of my greatest mentors is the general manager of my company. I had the pleasure of working under him and he taught me by showing me how a good leader leads. My second greatest mentor is Jacob Kunath. He was one of the people that believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. He has been there to make sure success is/was always an option. What are you working on right now? Right now I am working on several different committees within HAA. At the moment I am currently working with the best group of individ uals in the Lyceum program. I’m learning so much and I look forward to learn more.
What is your job title and what do you do? Sales consultant-West Territory, for Century A/C Supply. I am the sales rep for our multifami ly division within Century A/C Supply.
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What are you working on right now?
I work on larger projects like changing out the A/C in the clubroom for a senior living community, replace a boiler, training and support the on-site teams for repairing or replacing A/C’s during the summer, but my scope is not limited to just those tasks. I do everything and help where needed at 16 properties.
Onsite Maintenance Support of the Year
What do you like the most about working in the apartment industry?
What is your job title and what do you do?
Assistant regional maintenance supervisor. I assist the regional maintenance supervisor by trouble shooting problems on site that the maintenance supervisor may need advice on to complete a large proj ect or difficult work order. I help to train the maintenance teams, as well as work on the due diligence team for acquisitions. How did you get your first job in the apartment industry? I was referred to Parawest by a friend who worked for the company in Arizona I joined Parawest in 2009 and relocated to Texas as they were expanding into the Houston market. How did you get to where you are now in your career?
Lots of hard work and I learned as much as I could every day. I was successful as the maintenance supervisor at Legacy at Westchase supervising a multi-million dollar interior and exterior renovation and several other properties over the years.
What advice do you have for someone who is considering a career in multifamily? There is a high level of commitment required to have a maintenance position in multifamily housing. You must be okay with being on call, have respect and pride for what you do everyday and a willingness to help people. You must be a team player and appreciate there are all dif ferent types of people you work well with to get the job done.
38 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org
What is an important quality or skill for people to work in your job position?
Become an expert on A/C’s and train people to have patience when learning or teaching. Anyone is capable if they are willing to learn. Teamwork and working well with others are important. I pride myself in my leadership skills to bring out the best in our teams!
Hard work and dedication to my company and I have a positive atti tude. I work until I find a solution and have a high attention to detail. My ability to work well with my team members and most importantly my knowledge and value I bring to our company.
Arturo Lopez, Parawest Management
I love to finish my work and have superb resident satisfaction when I leave. Most importantly, when I coach a co-worker through a problem and they smile when they learn something new and are confident, they can do it themselves the next time. What do you think set you apart to be chosen for the award?
“There is a high level of commit ment required to have a mainte nance position in multifamily housing. You must be okay with being on call, have respect and pride for what you do everyday and a willingness to helpArturopeople.”Lopez
Maintenance of the property, Park Colony, since we are at 100 percent occupancy. What is an important quality or skill for people to work in your job position?
Education grants are available for all the credential programs and cover 50% of program fees. Competition for these awards is based on financial need and a commitment to earning a professional credential.For
Hard work and always learning. What are you working on right now?
What is your job title and what do you do? Maintenance technician. How did you get your first job in the apartment industry?
Communication with residents and management. Maintenance Technician of the Year
Steven Cantu, Grove Texas Capital www.haaonline.org
Alex Quezada, CAMT, The Morgan Group more information, call the HAA & Meetings Department at 713-595-0300, email education@ haaonline.org or look online at www.haaonline.org/educationgrant.
Education
DID YOU KNOW EDUCATION GRANTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CAMT, CAM, CAPS, CAS, CALP AND IROP CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS?
I moved from San Antonio and found this opportunity. How did you get to where you are now in your career?
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Maintenance Supervisor, Multiple Properties, of the Year
Tuesday, September 20 9:30 p.m. to 10 a.m. – Registration 10 a.m. – Legislative Update with Bradley Pepper, HAA Vice President of Government Affairs 10:15 a.m. to 11 a.m. Panel Discussion
PSC President Derek DeVries, Camp Construction Services
Suppliers:
HAF Education Center 4810 Westway Park Blvd. (located off Clay Road and the Beltway) Sponsored by the HAA Product Service Council Free for all supplier members. Register online at www.haaonline.org/supplierprogram
HAA Supplier Education Program: Build to Rent
The next big thing in rental housing? Build To Rent. Single family build to rent communities are attracting significant interest and capital investment as homeownership in the country is declining. Join us for a discussion with these panelists on this latest rental housing option. This program is presented by the Product Service Council.
Moderators (from top left): President Christy Rodriguez, Judwin Properties
Build to rent
TingPanelists:Qiao, CEO, TBD Management/Wan Bridge Dana Dovell, Residential Rental Operations, The Signorelli Company Melissa Herrera, Managing Director, Cushman Wakefield
Learn more on the latest trends and investments of importance to your customers from HAA multifamily industry professionals.
MaMaintenancetters
42 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org ImagesGettybyiStock|elenabs©Images
There are two workshops being offered dur ing this year’s HAA Avenues Series that address some of these issues. During these workshops speakers will share tips to produce successful contracts, inventory management and shop organization. You can find more information on these workshops at the right of this Lastly,page.thank you for supporting our mainte nance professionals!
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There have been three reoccurring issues in our residential property management industry for as long as there have been people living in apartments. What’s different now is that these issues are exponentially more impactful due to both quantity and duration. Our most experienced maintenance leaders and technicians are burning out, changing jobs and even industries. This leaves us with a critical void in our ability to maintain assets and retain residents. To make matters worse, by the year 2030 our industry is expected to lose an additional 37% of current mainte nance professionals due to retirement. That’s a loss of over one third of the maintenance work force! What goes with facility profession als when they retire or leave for other careers? Their historical knowledge of your buildings, grounds, mechanical systems, processes, and especially important – your residents! We need a paradigm shift when it comes to property maintenance. The old saying that comes to mind is “the definition of insanity is doing the same things and expecting different results.” We need to think and act differently at every level of our organizations. Maintenance professionals are responsible for maintaining multimillion dollar assets and are expected to provide an excellent customer experience to residents in their most sacred places, their homes. They want, and truly deserve, to be shown the respect that their knowledge and skills warrant. This is the same story at every level of your organization, from leasing consultants and property managers to regional managers and vice presidents. Studies have shown that it costs an average of $17,000 to market for and fill an empty mainte nance position. So, why not invest those dollars in the growth of your current maintenance pro fessionals by creating rungs on the mainte nance career ladder and providing opportuni ties to grow their knowledge of operation and people management. Things such as adminis trative skills, strategic thinking, equal inclusion in business and budget planning, and giving opportunities for both professional and person al growth. This stable workforce adds value to the residents and the communities they are a part of. Let’s keep in mind not every mainte nance or grounds professional will be interested in career growth, and that’s ok. We need those ‘Steady Eddies’ just as much as we need those looking to Propertygrow.maintenance needs to be a career, not just a job. We need to invest in our main tenance professionals by teaching them how to do more than just turn a wrench. Try to expose them to soft skills so they can think strategically, give them the information need ed so they can grow their careers, put together and implement preventive maintenance pro grams and really impact their daily work lives in a positive Additionally,way.you can personalize career goals by creating a one-year and a three-year development plan for your maintenance pro fessionals. Find their strengths and document them, make a note of challenges they face or any geographical limitations. This will be something that both the associate and the employer share as a responsibility of main taining over the years. You can also reevaluate their compensation, offered benefits and the emergency on-call pro gram. Consider paying stipends for those oncalls, not just for responses. You can also start participating in more association events to reenergize and reinforce that they are not alone in this industry. Maybe even provide them with the opportunity to obtain their National Apartment Association CAMT designation. The Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician course will provide administrative and technical skills. This is an opportunity to grow and to add validation to their skills and careers.
Chris King-Dye is mainte nance director and presenter for Full House Markeing Inc. You can contact Chris at 248-474-3009 or chris@fullhousemarketing.comemail Not enough staff. Not enough time. And of course, not enough money.
By CHRIS KING-DYE, FULL HOUSE MARKETING, Full House Marketing Join Chris for these Avenues Programs, see Page 22 for details.
Maintenance Boulevard 3 November 3 Dude Where’s My Caulk? Inventory Management and Ship Organization: Learn new ideas and revisit tried and true practices on how to avoid the $28 toilet flapper! Leverage your suppliers and word order system to recognize trends and set up a min/max sys tem. Get real tips and learn some best practices to organize a maintenance s hop and get the entire team involved in saving time and money!
Maintenance Boulevard October 6 Creeped Out by Bids and Scopes of Work? Top Tips to Produce Successful Contracts: Avoid Scope Creep and apples to oranges bidding. Learn to write your own requests for proposals and scopes of work. Lead the bidding process to ensure accu racy in scope compliance pay ment terms and guarantees. Get real tips to reduce change, orders and miscommunication while increasing the quality of work and improving relation ships with your contractors.
44 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org
• Exterior, Common Area and Signage Lighting: Inspect and adjust timers or photocells.Sinceeach property is different, this is not a complete list. For example, a high-rise building will probably have elevators, fire sprinklers and a central HVAC with a chiller tower. By doing a complete walk through of the property, you can create a list of everything that will be included in the program. To determine what needs to be done to each item to maintain it, talk to your suppliers and subcontractors who sold and installed each item. Service booklets with main tenance schedules and requirements are typi cally supplied with appliances and equipment.
• Roofs and Flashing: Inspect and repair.
• Storm Drains: Inspect and clean.
• Photocells: Inspect, test and clean.
• Rain gutters: Inspect for secure fastening and clean out.
If you agree that a formal preventive mainte nance program is a necessity, here’s how to get your program started.
If preventive maintenance is such a great idea, why doesn’t every property have a pro gram in place? Do any of these sound familiar?
In any event, it’s time to sharpen our pencils and plan for the future. And this is a great time to review your preven tive maintenance program and make certain that you are doing everything possible to pro long the useful life of all the equipment, appli ances, amenities and physical plant items that seem to cost more money every year. An effec tive preventive maintenance program accom plishes two goals:
• Fire Extinguishers: Inspect and recharge.
• Exterior Doors: Inspect weather stripping, thresholds, hinges, door closers and locks.
“We just don't have the time.” “We just don’t have the money.” “We just don't have enough people on staff.” “We don’t have any time, money or staff!” These may all be true, but regardless of the reason that you don’t have a preventive maintenance program, you will inevitably have to make the time, find the money and hire the people to repair the results of not having a preventive maintenance pro gram. Does the phrase “Pay me now or pay me later” ring a bell? And unlike your car, which just leaves you stranded when it quits, a break down in an apartment will anger the resident, strain your staff and budget, and ultimately result in higher turnover (and by higher turnover I mean less cash flow.)
ImagesGettybyiStock|izzuanmohd©Images
/ See Maintenance, Page 48
A common example of preventive mainte nance is changing the oil in your car. Every car comes with an owner's manual, and that manu al contains a “schedule of recommended serv ice.” (It’s not really recommended, it's mandato ry, because if you don’t do it, it can void your warranty.) By changing the oil at the recom mended intervals, you will prolong the life of the motor.
Budget season is a great time to review your program.
t’s that time of the year again.Time for the “B” word – budgets! Yikes, didn’t we just finish last year’s budget? Or did we just fin ish spending last year’s budgeted money?
• Parking Lot: Inspect for cracks and potholes.
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• Exterior of buildings: Inspect for wood rot, loose or damaged trim, paint deterioration and loose or damaged siding.
• HVAC: Clean coils, change filters, oil motors.
• Swimming Pool: Inspect filters and pumps, oil and adjust.
• Water Heaters: Inspect, drain and descale.
By DOUG CHASICK, CPM, CAPS, CAS, Adv. RAM, CLP, SLE, CDEI, The Apartment Doctor
• Smoke Alarms: Inspect and test battery.
• Lawn Sprinklers: Inspect, test, replace heads, and reset timers.
• By regularly inspecting and maintaining your buildings and equipment, you can prevent breakdowns. For example, regular inspections of your air conditioning units, filter replace ments and coil cleanings all prolong the life of your HVAC equipment.
• Balcony and Stairwell Railings: Inspect for secure fastening.
1. Identify what items need to be included in your preventative maintenance program, and 2. Define, in writing, what needs to be done to each item. Here is a list of the most common items to include in your program and what should be done for each are:
• You can make repairs at the earliest possible time to prevent more serious problems from occurring. For example, to identify and repair a small roof leak before it causes damage to the ceiling, carpet, furniture and resident in the apartment below!
ImplementingAPreventiveMaintenanceProgram
46 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org ImagesGettybyiStock|abluecup©Images MaintenanceTelecommunications
• Check for power, overloaded power strips and faulty racks.
Honey Dos (Telecom Tip and Tricks)
Afterthought It’s hard to think that oftentimes telecom munications are an afterthought. After all this is a product and service that not only con nects us to our businesses and professional lives, but also connects us to our loved ones. Not only that, but telecommunications con nect us to fire stations, police officers, ambu lances, emergency medical technicians and other lifesaving services. So, use these telecom specific actions to ensure that your network, and its collective devices, function properly for years to come and so you never miss a sea son finale due to connection issues again. Marcelino, or Tito as he is known by his close friends, grew up in multifamily and telecommunications. After serving in the United States Marines Corps., he began his career in 1997 with Cox Communications. He began his consulting career in 2018. One Source Realty Advisors was launched in 2019. From due diligence on acquisitions to portfolio reviews, from properly assigning service agreements to revenue audits, One Source Realty Advisors can do it all. Learn more about One Source Realty Advisors by visiting https://www.onesourcera.com.
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Lastly, make sure that your connections are tight. Your RG6, Cat 5 and 6, and twisted pair should all have tight connections for a higher performance level.
After you have found your bird nest of wiring, separated power from the connection and replaced any damaged wiring, it is time to show the heart of your network some love. Modems have a love/hate relationship with heat. Heat is generated because the modem is “working,” but, that same heat can cause your device to overheat. If your gateway overheats, then it will power down until it cools off. Once it powers down you are left without serv ice. Lastly, if this continues then you can shorten the lifespan of the modem/gateway. It will now begin to malfunction more fre quently. You will perceive this as a provider issue, a trouble call is placed and the modem is swapped out and it works perfectly again. But give it time, its performance will eventual ly degrade. So, if possible, place the modem in a place that is ventilated, or at least an area that breathes.
• Check for heat. If found move electronics to ventilated areas.
Scavenger Hunt Ask yourself, where are all my wires? Where are my modems/gateways? Where are smy central wiring panels and power strips? This could set off alarms. Most people would con sider telecommunication a “set it and forget it” service. The reality is quite different. These “tiny” networks are living and breathing enti ties that we rely on for just about everything. Look at your modem/gateway and you will notice that there is a rhythm to all of those blinking lights. That modem of yours is com municating with your service provider every second of every day, and in return your serv ice provider is also monitoring the health of your modem/gateway.
• Label cable lines including phone, Ethernet, coax, etc.
• Check the phone lines (twisted pair), eth ernet cable lines and coax cable lines.
• Look for lockboxes, pedestals, trip hazards, exposed cable or flashing.
Locate gateways/modems in common areas, business services or residential.
Birds Nest and Digital Saunas
• Run a speed test to confirm speeds are up to the contract standards.
The question then becomes; why does CLI matter? Well, according to the FCC, “Cable systems use broadcast TV, radio, aeronautical radio (Federal Aviation Administration), and other channels. Cable operators are consid ered secondary users of these frequencies and must not interfere with primary use.” This warns that signal leakage may interfere with other users of the same frequencies. This also states that cable operators are not considered “primary users.”
Physical Connections. Here are some telecom maintenance tips and tricks from a pro.
By MARCELINO “TITO" ESTRADA, CAS, One Source Realty Advisors
Gateways and Modems
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Cumulative Leakage Index
• Label gateways/modems (i.e., Modem ‘A” serves the lounge.)
Now that you have located your wiring and modem/gateway, look around. I recommend tracing each wire and power cord to its origin.
• Locate, store and safeguard passwords.
Did you know that most providers have teams that hunt for CLI (cumulative leakage index)?
You probably notice that the heat is rising from the electronics and wiring. Heat causes the degradation of the wiring. If there is any degrading, then the data will have issues trav eling at the promised speed. Next you should unravel all of the wiring. Specifically, be sure to remove any power (lines or wiring) from the actual wiring that is delivering your services, whether it be phone, internet or television. If there are any kinks in the wiring, then those should be replaced. A kink in coaxial cable or ethernet wiring would almost certainly indicate a broken center con ductor or damaged twisted pair wiring. If the actual “path” or “road” that the signal is travel ing upon is damaged and continuity is bro ken, then you will experience slow connection speeds or intermittent connections to your devices and to the internet as well.
• Check connections.
RG6, Category 6 and 6A, RJ45, ether net, barrel connectors, compres sion fittings, modems, gateways, and wiring panels, oh my! What do all of these pieces, parts of wiring and connections to the world wide web have in common? Well, without them your Zoom call would start tiling, your remote presenta tion would freeze, your Wi-Fi call would drop, and you would not be able to stream the Stranger Things finale!
• Check for loose fittings which cause cumulative leakage index.
Specifically, when there is an improper connec tion. This is usually at a multifamily or singlefamily community, where the signal literally leaks into the atmosphere. You may think that this is benign, after all it is not something you can see, smell, or touch, but believe me it is there. It is so important that most service agree ments contain language that addresses signal leakage. If excessive CLI is found at the commu nity the provider has the right to discontinue service until it is resolved.
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Make up one of each for the property and each building, listing all exterior and common area items. Create a second set of schedule forms for each apartment in each building, listing only the interior items. Put your "master copy" of each schedule in a safe place so you can make additional copies as needed. Once the basic schedules are complete, bring them to a print shop and have them enlarge the schedules, printing them on heavy card stock and cover them with acetate film so they could be written on and erased. (Make sure you use only an erasable marker pen for writing on the film.) The schedules can be mounted on plywood and hung in the mainte nance shop. Update the preventive mainte nance “boards” by taking information from completed service requests. Note: any work assigned to your service staff, especially pre ventive maintenance work, should be issued on a service request.
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• Exterior,
• Lawn
5. Create a written schedule/ maintenance checklist. The same schedules we just prepared would also be used as the manager's preventive main tenance checklist. The manager would update their schedule from the one posted in the shop, and then perform spot checks. Any work marked complete but not complete would be designated on a service request and assigned. In addition, find out why the work wasn’t completed and / See Maintenance, Page 63 www.haaonline.o
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Exterior of buildings: Inspect for wood rot, Q loose or damaged trim, paint deterioration and loose or damaged siding. Swimming Pool: Inspect filters and pumps, Q oil and adjust. Common Area and Signage Lighting: W Inspect and adjust timers or photocells. W=weekly, M=monthly, Q=quarterly, S=semi-annually, A=Annually, SR=ANYTIME IS IN AN APARTMENT!
One of the most cost effective ways to pro vide preventive maintenance (say that three times fast!) is to have your service technician perform a “mini-maintenance” on each apart ment when they are completing a service request. After completing the service request, the service technician can check all faucets for drips, flush the toilets to see if they run, check all the window screens, graphite the locks, check the HVAC filter, etc. This “mini-mainte nance” should only take five or 10 minutes, and the inspection can be noted on the service request.
Maintenance, continued from Page 44 3. Determine, in writing, how often the items need maintenance. Each item needs to be inspected regularly. Again, ask the manufacturer, read the service book, and talk to the subcontractors to come up with a schedule. Using the list above, add a “frequency” column (see above).
ITEM FREQUENCY HVAC: Clean coils, change filters, oil motors. Q Rain gutters: Inspect for secure fastening Q and clean out. Roofs and Flashing: Inspect and repair. S Water Heaters: Inspect, drain and descale. A Extinguishers: Inspect and recharge. SR Smoke Alarms: Inspect and test battery. SR Photocells: Inspect, test and clean. Q Storm Drains: Inspect and clean. S Sprinklers: Inspect, test, replace W heads, reset timers. Exterior Doors: Inspect weather stripping, SR thresholds, hinges, door closers and locks. Parking Lot: Inspect for cracks and potholes. W Balcony and Stairwell Railings: Inspect for SR secure fastening.
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4. Create a written schedule of inspection and maintenance. Now that we know what needs to be main tained and how often it should be checked, we can create a schedule. The most commonly used preventive maintenance schedules list the items vertically on the left side of a 12 col umn pad, and then use each horizontal col umn to represent a month, giving you a form that can be used for annual, semi-annual and quarterly inspections. Make another form with a 13-column pad to get your weekly schedule.
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A SERVICE TECHNICIAN
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50 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org StoreCornerValueUrbanandImagesGettybyiStock|xieyuliangBluIz60,urfinguss,Skazzjy,©Images ApartmentAmenities:AGuideFromUtilitytoLuxury
Electric car charging stations are one related amenity that is just coming into focus on the horizon. As more of us turn to electric vehi cles, property management will have to begin to provide these facilities.
• In-unit restaurant. Of course, the restau rant isn't in unit (though it may deliver). It's in the apartment community and can make eat ing something better than a fast-food burger a lot easier.
What Amenities are Popular in 2022?
In-unit Amenities
• Community grocery store. For those who work, especially those with long or unpre dictable hours, having a store in the apart ment community can be a real blessing. Many residents won't want to run out to shop every day but will appreciate the convenience of a store in the building that carries a lot of daily needs and emergency supplies. Luxury Amenities
Community Amenities
By STEVE MCKINLEY, Urban Value Corner Store
• Balcony or patio. Having a balcony or patio lets residents take advantage of warm sunny days and the nice fall Houston weather.
• Parking. Simply put: if you own a car, you must put it somewhere. For those who live in cities or suburbs, you must put your car some where when you're not using it. Even if the building charges extra for parking, you still have to keep your car somewhere, and your building is more convenient and more accessible.
• Hair and nail salon. Having a salon right there, for those whose professional lives make their time short, can be a time-saver.
Residents can think of the various amenities in groups: in-unit, community, luxury and others. Some amenities can appear in more than one group depending, for example, on whether the resident considers in-unit laun dry a luxury or an absolute deal-breaking necessity. Let's consider some of these groups.
A look at some of the top apartment amenities. What level of service do you want to provide?
• Business center. Even if residents are being called back into the office, having a business center in the building can make those after-hours assignments a little easier. Plus, if they are still entirely WFH, the busi ness center can make many things easier in day-to-day work.
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The popular apartment amenities tend to change yearly as technology changes and resi dents' desires change. Some of the best amenities stay on the list from year to year, while others simply disappear. In 2022, out door and co-working spaces will be more pop ular amenities. Smart amenities like locks, thermostats and access controls are also high on the desirable list this year, as are systems for receiving your packages. Pet owners always hope to have their companions with them, with additional perks like dog walking, dog spas or exercise spaces to make having them even more accessible. Finally, everyone always has, and always will, be looking for parking and transportation amenities. Residents want to park easily and, in big cities, want close access to mass transportation.
• Sustainability/community garden. More and more people are looking for buildings that offer room to grow things. Whether sav ing the planet or improving their salads, a small garden has become a very attractive plus in an apartment.
In-unit amenities are those that belong to the resident in their unit. They may not technically be "in" the unit, but they are the resident’s alone. Some of the most popular include:
• Smart amenities. Whether smart thermo stats to control the heat and air conditioning or smart locks and smart access control to make residents more secure, smart amenities are at the forefront of sought-after amenities.
A partment amenities are the desir able features offered to residents of apartment buildings. Some more standard amenities include dog parks, community gathering centers and swimming pools, while built-in convenience stores and "smart" amenities are becoming more popular daily. Most amenities don't have a cost, or at least a cost that is disclosed to the resident. Some, like a pool, volleyball courts, fitness club and yoga studios in the building, may impose a membership fee, but most amenities are reflected in the rent.
Residents with wardrobe or book collections essential to them may find storage a nonnego tiable amenity.
• In-unit laundry. Again, this one depends on personality. Having once enjoyed the pleasure of an in-unit washer and dryer, some people would never live without it again. For others, loading everything up into a half dozen machines to quickly finish an unpleas ant chore is the better choice.
Other amenities don't go so much with a resident’s unit as with the building. These communal spaces are known as community or communal amenities; some may be more important to residents than others.
• Gym/fitness center. For many people, a fitness center, maybe even with fitness class es, is a nonnegotiable amenity. Accessing the gym from their apartment, at virtually any time of day, can be very important to the hard-working urban professional.
• Swimming pool. The pool can be indoors or outdoors and may have an extra fee. Still, its relaxing exercise and easy availability is an essential amenity for many.
• Storage space. Storage space is another amenities that can be either a luxury or a necessity. Minimalists don't have as much stuff and probably care less about space.
• Game/recreation center. A quick game of pool or a game of cards could be a cool activi ty for a group of friends to tackle together.
And then there are those amenities that make residents feel pampered and make the building they are looking at go beyond excel lent to perfect.
• Movie theatre. With the growth of stream ing services, in-building theaters are one of those amenities that are fading in popularity.
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Which Amenities and Why? A building's amenities can impact its feel and appearance. A building with a fine restaurant, a well-run community store and other luxury amenities will look like a luxury building, increasing the owner's ability to charge premium rents. In contrast, a build ing with a satellite dish and a clothesline on every balcony gives a different impression. A building's prospective residents and each apartment resident will subconsciously judge the value of the building daily. As an owner, keeping that judgment and percep tion positive is critical. All of these amenities increase the occu pancy rate of a building and thereby increase its value. Monthly rentals can continue to grow with contented residents who appreci ate the amenities offered in their building. Ultimately, the decision as to what ameni ties a resident looks for comes down to lifestyle. Each of us wants and needs differ ent things from our home and environment, and the best building for each person will be the one that meets the most of those needs and the most important of those needs. When considering given amenities, con sider whether each is essential or just useful to the residents you want to attract. If they use a laundry service and don't want to change, an in-unit washer and dryer won't matter that much to them. On the other hand, if they keep strange hours and don't always have time to shop, having a wellstocked, convenient community grocery store where you can grab food or even something already prepared will be a pre ciousHomeownersamenity. think more of units as homes and want amenities that match home owner ship and long-term value. Renters, in con trast, are most often looking for convenience and hotel-like services. Whichever group you fit in, it will have a significant impact on the preferred amenities.
What Can A Store Offer?
ing on what residents are desiring. The community store is convenient but can also be critical in emergencies. A store that carries ice cream and first aid supplies can make almost any prospective resident happy. Potential residents can see them selves shopping here before they sign the lease. If your building's store is attractive and welcoming, apartment tours will include it and lead potential occupants to see themselves taking advantage of its presenceExistingfrequently.residents are steps away from all essentials. This can have a major impact on overall resident satisfaction. Over time the ability to cover all their needs just steps from their front door becomes entwined in their daily lives and this can potentially play into the resident's rate of renewal year after year. An on site store can change how residents shop. It can bring quality and convenience to apartment residents and allow easy shopping for food and beverages. A community store can offer apartment residents a robust ameni ty, combining service, value and convenience, and, by doing so, enhance the experience of all the other amenities in a building. Steve McKinley is the CEO and founder of Urban Value Store. An outstanding com munity store should always be one of your top apart ment amenities. Contact McKinley at info@urbanvaluestore.com, 832-449-0012 or visit www.urbanvaluestore.com.
On site convenience stores can be small “mom and pop” operations offering a wide but not deep selection of foods with perhaps some prepared foods. Or, as urban living changes, they can be the anchor store of a building featuring a major grocery chain. Both offer convenience and value, depend
Amenities may be nominally free or may have a separately listed cost. Either way, resi dents pay for them expressly, or they are includ ed in the rent. Thus, when looking at apartment communities, residents think about which ones are worth their presumed cost.
However, they can be an excellent location for a watch party on special occasions.
Some buildings don't offer the option to pick and choose. These buildings impose an ameni ty fee that covers the cost of all amenities pro vided by that unit. By charging everyone these fees, the building can negotiate from a position of strength with the service providers and are likely to get a better deal. Residents are tasked to look closely at the amenities they are getting for that set fee. On the other hand, many own ers will simply include the fee when calculating the per unit rents.
On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography HAA “Rock and Bowl” Bowling Tournament Friday, July 8 at Copperfield Bowl Sponsored by American Fire Systems and Contractors Inc. HAA members rocked and rolled for the 2022 tournament. 3. Best Team Costume Better World Properties 4. Best Individual CostumeFidel Lozcano, American Landmark 5. First Place Team Better World Properties 6. Second Place Team TriArc Construction 7. Third Place Team FSI Construction/ Asset Living 8. Male MVP Joe Smart, Better World Properties 9. Female MVP Damona Richards, Greystar. Visit www.haaonline.org for more photos. 54 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 9
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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography HAA “Rock and Bowl” Bowling Tournament 56 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org
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Doug: That really depends on your business or personal goals. When I first joined HAA, Ambassadors was beneficial because I was with individuals that I could relate to and con nect with, personally and on a business level.
Amber: Throughout my seven years in the industry, I have been involved in Ambassadors ONE Society (Organized Network Exchange), Community Outreach, Product Service Council, Political Action Committee and NEXT Committee.
Tracey: Picking a favorite is so hard each committee has a special place in my heart. I love Ambassadors because I get to be with people who want to be seen, have a desire to be successful, and discuss vendor challenges and successes. And Chili Fest is one of the only events that includes families from vendors, management and the residents. It also has so much comradery, and the crazy booth designs every year are always great to see. Outreach is also amazing because we give back to the same community in which we work. During Sports Challenge you see the management teams trade their business clothes for play clothes to compete in activities like mega pong and ladder walk. The laughter is contagious and the money goes back to Red Cross.
What has been your favorite HAA committee?
An important part of HAA membership is volunteer ing for our many committees. Which ones have you been involved with?
his month, we interview Amber Whitaker, CAS, of FSI Construction, and Tracey Leach-Moore, CAS, and Doug Oehl, CAS, of Flooring Warehouse, about the importance of being involved in HAA committees.
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Doug: In some capacity or another, all of them! However, that is the fun part about HAA. Through volunteering and working on different commitees you get to find what works best for you and your business. I found myself on the NEXT programs, Go-Getters, Ambassadors and a part of the Expo Committee.
Which committees do you think are most beneficial for supplier members?
Tracey: The most beneficial committee as a new supplier
The Houston Apartment Association’s Product Service Council is here to help supplier partners navigate the association. Learn how you can get the most out of your membership.
OehlMooreWhitakerThere is a Place for You!
Amber: My favorite HAA Committee is the NEXT Committee! NEXT hosts social mixers, professional develop ment breakfasts and interactive fundraisers throughout the year. These are great opportunities to mix and mingle with young professionals who are the “NEXT” generation of lead ers. We always have a ton of fun, and it’s exciting to put on events for our peers!
Tracey: I have been involved with Ambassadors, Chili Fest Committee, Product Service Council, Outreach, Sports Challenge and Expo Committee.
Doug: I enjoy my time on all of them. I was the co-chair for Go-Getters, so that has to be my favorite. Although, Expo is also great because you get to see the final result of some thing that you worked so hard on.
Doug: Volunteering is about doing something selfless. When you have organizations like HAA that provide an organized vehicle, it helps get you out of your regular 9 to 5 grind.
Amber: First and foremost, I would recommend that they attend the New Supplier Orientation. There’s a multitude of invaluable information shared during the orientation that will lay the ground foundation of how to become a successful member of our organization. Second, join a committee. Choose at least one that stands out to you and start attending the meetings. Lastly, choose one of our major upcoming events to attend and network, network, network! There are many friendly faces that will be there to welcome you.
Doug: My advice would be to try it all and find what works best for you. It can consume you if you let it, but it can be very beneficial for you (personally and professionally) if you do it right.
Tracey: It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside! Plus, it gives me an opportunity to meet new people that I otherwise wouldn’t get to meet.
member is Ambassadors. You will meet like-minded people who want to succeed just like you. I met my mentor, friend, and competitor all in one, Kristin McLaughlin, at Ambassadors. She introduced me to HAA and a helped me navigate all the volunteering opportunities that can lead to financial opportunities.
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SUPPLIER PARTNERS SERVING TO FACILITATE GROWTH AND STRENGTHEN THE INDUSTRY. The Product Service Council is a group of active supplier members whose objectives are to promote the active involvement and participation of supplier members. For more information on the council and how you can make your membership work for you, see online at www.haaonline.org/psc or contact Susan Hinkley at shinkley@haaonline.org. www.haaonline.org/psc
Why is volunteering so important to you?
Amber: The two most beneficial committees are Ambassador ONE Society (Organized Network Exchange) and the NEXT Committee. The Ambassador ONE Society gives members a chance to connect with various management companies, while also acting as an ambassador of your own supplier company where you can potentially get your foot in the door. The HAA NEXT Committee is a group of dynamic individuals looking to make their footprint on the industry. There are many networking opportunities that come along with being a member of NEXT as well.
Tracey: My advice for new suppliers would be don’t be afraid to ask the HAA staff questions. They are truly an open door. Most importantly, reach out to a Product Service Council member who does what you do. Everyone is waiting to share their knowledge and would love to help you find your right fit! Plus, we have room for everyone here at HAA! Do not be discouraged if you are in a certain industry and you see 10 other companies just like yours. There is enough work for everyone. Just call a PSC member because we are waiting by the phone.
Amber: HAA is the bread and butter of organizations for the multifamily industry, and it truly is one big family. After join ing HAA and attending my first few events, I had the desire to volunteer because it strengthened my ties to the community and broadened my support network. Volunteering also gives me the chance to help others in a selfless way – and that’s what life is about!
What is your advice for a new supplier wanting to become involved in our committees and volunteer for HAA?
NEXT “Multifamily Game Show” Event Sponsored by Gemstar Construction Development and Texscape Services Beverages sponsored by TriArc Construction Wednesday, July 20 at the HAF Education Center The HAA NEXT Committee hosted a fundraiser at the HAF Education Center and members donated more than $12,000 for Halo House Foundation, a non-profit that provides apartment housing for cancer patients and their caregivers. Thanks to John “Bob Barker” Boriack and Christy “Vanna White” Rodriguez for hosting the show and congratulations to the winner, Liz Levins! MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF HAA LEADERSHIP. This niche group within HAA is dedicated to the networking and professional development needs of HAA young professionals. Network with your peers and grow your career together among the next generation of HAA leadership! To Learn how to become involved with NEXT, see online at www.haaonline.org/next. On the Scene with the HAA NEXT 60 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org
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Most preventive maintenance programs fail because they run out of money: money for parts (inventory), money for replacement items and money for staff to perform the preventive maintenance work while keeping up with the daily maintenance work. I know it’s tough to do a zero-based budget, and you have a much bet ter chance of success by budgeting what you need and then dividing that amount by the total number of units at the property to find out your “per-unit” cost than you do if you choose a “per-unit” cost and multiply it by the number of Startunits.by reviewing as much historical data as possible. Two or three year’s worth of financial statements and invoices will be sufficient. What level of service do you plan to give your resi dents? The answer to that question will dictate the quality and amount of inventory you need to budget for, as well as impact your mainte nance payroll budget. Remember not to be penny-wise and pound foolish; the only thing worse than not showing up at the resident’s apartment to fix something is to show up and fix something poorly, or with cheap parts, so that the resident has to call you again to get it fixed again! (Which will probably mean they won’t renew again.)
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Maintenance, continued from Page 48 address the problem immediately: Not enough staff, unusually high workload that month, staff needs training, etc.
6. Create your budget on what you actually need, not a “rule of thumb.”
When your staff is properly trained and you maintain an adequate, quality inventory and you regularly inspect and service all of the items identified as part of your program, you will save lots of money by preventing replacements and additional maintenance, not to mention reduc ing resident turnover.
Doug Chasick, CPM®, CAPS, CAS, Adv. RAM, CLP, SLE, CDEI, is The Apartment Doctor™, restoring rental health to mul tifamily professionals for the past 38 years. A licensed real estate broker in Florida and Georgia and a Licensed Fair Housing Expert Instructor in Virginia, he’s based in Melbourne Beach, FL and can be reached by writing DChasick@Aptdoctor.comto or by visiting www.Twitter.com/Aptdoctorwww.Aptdoctor.com, www.Facebook.com/TheApartmentDoctorandwww.haaonline.org
IGNITE YOUR MEMBERSHIP ! Join the Go-Getter club and get fired up about recruiting for HAA! THE GO-GETTERS ARE THE BACKBONE 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 Membership Department at members@haaonline.org. The Go-Getters HAA’s MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS 64 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org Honorary Life Members Claude Arnold Kenn Brown Tina Cavaco Terri MerryMikeDwayneAnitaDianeKevinCliftonFennGilbertHarrisonHensonKochMount Monette Reynolds Sherry Stevenson Kirk JeanneH.P.NancéDelSonnySuanTateTinsleyUnverzagtWalmsleyWellsPaulYoungMarieZublin Dicks Join our Quarterly Meetings! Be the top recruiter for each quarter and win $500 cash! Plus, for each new member you recruit, you’ll earn a chance to win gift cards ranging from $25 to $250! Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetters to get all the information you need. Richard Wall Westdale ManagementAsset Ryan Weis Crestmark Construction Services 2022 Chairs: Check the Go-Getters Corner for more information on the upcoming quarterly meeting dates: September 29 December 7 at Kirby Ice House Memorial City 10154Gessnerp.m. Visit www.haaonline.org/gogettersformoreinformation.
OWNERS AVANT Real Estate and Development LLC Alioune F. Ndiaye 3040 Post Oak Blvd #1800-125 Houston, TX 77056 (832) AVANT904-6496RealEstate and Development LLC - Properties Book & Ladder LLC Mark Miller 20 Enterprise #400 Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 (949) Hayworth209-8499 Brookfield Properties Multifamily Pooria Daryabeyg 127 Public Square #2400 Cleveland, OH 44114 (346) Village998-4570onMemorial TH Montrose Investment Partners LLC Nick 20475GruyState Hwy 249 #100 Houston, TX 77070 (281) Montrose444-4868Investment Partners LLCReferredPropertiesby Tina Cavaco, CAPS Spire Capital Moshe Klein 535 Reynolds Ave Toms River, NJ 08755 (732) 702-3355 Bel Lindo Apartments Saint James Place Apartments Westbury Park Apartments Square Real Estate Solutions Kole Girard 1811 North St (832)Nacogdoches,#100TX75965696-6020 Texas Triangle Investors Anil J. Chandy 4410 Nenana Drive Houston, TX 77035 (713) 444-2424 Vero Sade Noelle McCutcheon 1600 Brittmoore Road #A Houston, TX 77043 (254) 308-1222 City SUPPLIERSVista Houston Roofing Group LLC Garren Bartschi 2200 Central Pkwy #D Houston, TX 77092 (281) Roofing253-3628Consultants, Roofing ReferredContractorsby Gina Y. Erwin Houston Trim and Cabinets Ben Corley 3515 Broadmead Drive Houston, TX 77025 (832) ReferredCabinets,264-0604CarpentersbyBlaiseSpitaleri, CAS Humble Elevator Sevice Inc Kasey LeDonne PO Box Elevator(281)Humble,2948TX77347540-2698Maintenance & Repair, ReferredElevators by Richard Wall, CAM, CAPS Kruuz Power LLC Husam Shadid 1940 Fountain View Drive #1282 Houston, TX 77057 (310) Amenities,745-6830Leasing Services Referred by Donna Farthing Mare Traffic Control Solutions Maria Guerra 1400 Broadfield Blvd #200 Houston, TX 77084 (832) Parking551-9493AreaMaintenance & Marking, Pressure Washing - Equipment & Service NEI General Contracting Mike Myers 13360 S Gessner Drive Missouri City, TX 77489 (346) Building200-7336Contractors, General ReferredContractorsby Bill Elsbree Select Appliance Wholesale LLC Joleen Thomas 11001 Maple Leaf St Houston, Texas 77016 (877) Appliance900-1880Removal, AppliancesMajor - Used Severton LLC Severo Obama 1414 Wood Hollow Drive #529 Houston, TX 77057 (832) Cleaning382-8462Specialists, Trash ServiceValet, Valet Parking Service USA Heroes Coalition D/b/a USA Real Estate Professionals (USAREP) Anthony L. Wilkerson 1302 Waugh Drive PMB 301 Houston, TX 77019 (713) 409-1350 Real Estate, Leasing Services Referred by Tim Newton Vitalguard Pest Services Eddie Vital 933 Royal Oak Drive Dickinson, TX 77539 (713) 429-2727 Pest Control Services XXL Construction Inc Cindy Salinas 32438 FM 529 Road Brookshire, TX 77423 (281) General721-4700Contractors, Remodeling & Repair-Building Contractors ALL MEMBERSSUPPLIER arelisted online at www.haabuyersguide.com, searchable product/serviceby category or company name. Welcome Mat Introducing HAA’s NEW MEMBERS www.haaonline.org September 2022 ABODE 65
Mark your calendars and join us! Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month: September 7, October 5, November 2 at Kirby Ice House, 1015 Gessner Road, 77055. The Ambassador ONE Society HAA’s WELCOMING COMMITTEE 66 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org THE AMBASSADOR ONE SOCIETY is an organized net work 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 ww.haaonline.org/ambassadors or contact Amanda in the Membership Department at 713-595-0316, or email asherbondy@haaonline.org. HEADING INTO FALL The Ambassadors network and collect household supplies for Camp Hope veterans. Ambassador ONE Society members with at least 10 points, ranked by points earned, year to date: Xochitl Flores Zumper 929 Giovanna Gone Century A/C Supply 867 Crystal Varela Century A/C Supply 621 Amanda Kelly Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services 491 Nilo Quiroz PuroClean 375 Tammy Broadway American Fire Systems, Inc. 352 Susan Alvarado Century A/C Supply 245 Mallory Hess Century A/C Supply 242 Danyell Wilkerson ApartmentData.com 130 Teresa Schroit Advanced Exercise 120 Marcy Holmes Designs by Holmes Interior Design 105 Krysta Chacon BG Multifamily 79 Diana Moreno Jansen Adjusters International 70 Samantha Hernandez Houston Waste Services 65 Amador Aguilar Pavement Services 52 Tracey Leach-Moore Flooring Warehouse 47 Kimberly Scott That Kimberly 43 Diamela Bravo Green City Security 33 Brian Alvarado Done Deal Consign 29 Austin Lawley Furniture Refinishing Services 25 Shaun Callaway Earthworks, Inc 23 Marcus Wheatfall Triple Seal Insulation 21 Sarah Davis Arbor Contract Carpet Inc 21 Sucy Zepeda Arbor Contract Carpet Inc 21 Tiffany Torres Johnstone Supply 21 Kyle Turney 20 Debra Knight Comm-Fit 19 Drew Slaughter Arbor Contract Carpet Inc 18 Pete Lopez Gemaire 18 Joe Slaughter Arbor Contract Carpet Inc 17 Grace Medley Restoration 1 of Central Houston 16 Ramon Gasca QNS Roofing 16 Jessie Smith Johnstone Supply 15 Kevin Thomas Waste Consolidators, Inc 15 Rudi Carbajal Arbor Contract Carpet Inc 15 Stacy Proctor BG Multifamily 15 Steve Tabuena FSI Construction 15 William Plows Earthworks, Inc 15 Jadrian Mitchell Johnstone Supply 14 Wes Sagendorph TACT Houston 14 Hank Preslar Arbor Contract Carpet Inc 13 Ryan Weis Crestmark Construction Services 13 Jason Tillman City Wide Building Services 12 Michael Childress FSI Construction 12 Daviana Cearley Earthworks, Inc 12 Amber Whitaker FSI Construction 11 Angel Lopez Metropolitan Staffing Solutions 11 Bo Hang Redi Carpet 11 David Hines Orkin 11 Gilbert Escobedo Behr Paint Company 11 Jim Martensen Camp Construction Services 11 Joey Rodriguez The Urban Foresters 11 Sean Cunningham Flooring Warehouse 11 Matthew Nunn Capital Construction 10 Brenna Parker BG Multifamily 10 Grace Schaper All Dry Services 10 Will Castro Minol USA 10 Brent Lindsey Impact Property Solutions 10 Brooke Evans RentPath 10 Chance Eggleston Arbor Contract Carpet Inc 10 Chris Bell Roadrunner Restoration Company 10 Deron Lewis ATI Restoration 10 Malik Hemani Graphic Stylus Promotional Products 10 Olevia Nguyen Vero Interiors 10 Patrick Brothers Goodman MFG 10 Ramon Martinez BrightView Landscape LLC 10 Ruben Perez ATI Restoration 10 Ted Morgan Paul Davis Greater Houston 10 Yvonda Lewis Steward Trash Valet Service 10 Ambassadors earn points by sharing leads, making introductions and visiting communities to promote HAA events and news. Photo at right: “ONE of the Month” Nilo Quiroz, PuroClean, with 265 points. Danyell Wilkerson, ApartmentData.com, was second with 130 points and Amanda Kelly, Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services, was third with 115 points.
Team photos at left, from top: First place You Already Know with 457 points Second place Super Suppliers with 304 points Third place Bee HAAppy with 206 points www.haaonline.org September 2022 ABODE 67
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www.haaonline.org September 2022 ABODE 69 NAA Update, continued from Page 26 • Jeff March • Amy Smith Montoya • Mitch Morgan • Jay Parmelee • Bob Pinnegar • Ronda Puryear • Steve Rappin • Marc Ross • Paul Schultheis • Bonnie Smetzer • Matthew Smith • Rick Snyder • Charles Stroud • Susan Stroud • Steve Waters • Dean Weidner • Gunti Weissenberger • Jerry Wilkinson • Laura Reese-Williams • Wayne Williams • Joel Worcester • Joanna Zabriskie Thank you also to those members who have contributed at the Gold ($3000) level: • Nathan Burnett • Julie Elkins • Michael Haydinger • Stacy Hunt • Pam Lovell • Susan Passmore • Norman Praet • Angi Pusateri-Downey • Todd Whitlow And thank you as always to the members of the NAA National Suppliers Council (NSC), whose members have already contributed $250,000 to NAAPAC! NAAPAC has also has another tremendous opportunity for NAA members to support our industry advocacy in this critical election year and choose one of 3 Dream Vacations:
2. Cruise the Caribbean's Turquoise Wa ters: The Tropical Trade Winds Will Guide Your Royal Caribbean International Cruise to the Caribbean for Five Nights in a Veranda Stateroom for Two; or
Last but not least, NAA members should watch for an invite to the NAAPAC Telethon on the afternoon of October 18, 2022. This will be a 30-minute webinar featuring testi monials from members on the importance of giving and being involved in the political process as well as updates from NAA on the legislative & political environment. Partici pants will also have an opportunity to enter the sweepstakes coinciding with the Assem bly of Delegates in November. For more on the National Apartment Association,, visit www.haahq.org.
1. Bali's Breathtaking Beauty: Soak Up the Essence of Bali, Indonesia for Eight Days & Seven Nights at the Bali Double V Villa for Up to Six People, Including Round Trip Airport Transfers, Unrestricted Access to Finns Recre ation Club, a Private Chef and an On-Call Driver with Private Luxury Vehicle; or
3. Mesmerizing Mexico: Adventure Abounds in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for Six Days & Five Nights at the Bahia Cabo Hotel and Beach Club for Two, Including Three Days of Your Choice of a One-Hour Stand-Up Paddleboard Rental, Sunset Cruise or Snor keling Trip and a $250 Gift Certificate to the Esquina Bar and Restaurant, Sur Beach House, Coffee Shop, Juice Bar or Pool Bar!
Tickets are only $25 and can be purchased online!
Radiance Living LLC: Timberwalk Apartments, 300 units at 5635 Timber Creek Place Drive.
The Lynd Company: Perla 249, 83 units at 8719 FM 1960 W Houston.
• Asset Living: Buenavilla, 318 units at 11500 Keegans Ridge Road; Buena Vista, 250 units at 11505 Keegans Ridge Road; Miramonte Single Living, 68 units at 1701 Moore Road, and Miramonte Apartments, 124 units at 1535 Moore Road in Stafford; El Campo Village Apartments, 80 units at 1185 Olivia St. in El Campo; Crossview Courts Apartments, 167 units at 929 Crossview Drive; Provision at West Bellfort, 116 units at 13701 W Bellfort St. in Sugar Land; Copper Lodge, 294 units at 1000 Cypress Station Drive; Bridges of Cypress Creek, 314 units at 17710 Red Oak Drive; Park at Spring Creek, 252 units at 29807 Tomball Pkwy in Tomball; Altanova, 239 units at 15414 Kuykendahl Road; and Gates at Prairie View, 128 units at 625 Elm St. in Prairie View.
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Portfolio Changes 70 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org
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AVANT Real Estate and Development LLC: AVANT Real Estate and Development LLC - Properties, two units at various locations.
• Corporate: Big Bass Resort, 200 units at 9701 Market Street Road.
• Elevated Asset Management LLC: Crossings at Alderson, 106 units at 13925 Alderson St.
Madera Residential LLC: Enclave at Mary’s Creek, 240 units at 2900 Pearland Pkwy in Pearland.
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GemStone Management: Element Apartments, 286 units at 400 Greens Road.
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• 118EMurrill Scott: Serenity on Sloan, 8 units at 6414 Sloan St. AMC LLC: Reveal at Rye 220, 134 units at 220 Bammel Westfield Road. Ascension Commercial Real Estate LP: The Huntington at Stonefield, 264 units at 13100 Stonefield Drive, and Excelsior on the Park, 200 units at 14400 Ella Blvd.
• Core Management Group: Canal Place, 200 units at 2104 Canal St.
• Original Management: La Bella Vista, 154 units at 3600 S Shaver St.
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The Morgan Group: The Esplanade, 375 units at 1 Hermann Museum Circle, and The Amalfi at Hermann Park, 420 units aat 3 Hermann Museum Circle.
• Devonshire Real Estate & Asset Management: Alden Park Kingsland, 423 units at 18021 Kingsland Blvd., and Villa Nueva, 160 units at 5600 North Fwy.
• Cushman & Wakefield: Parkside Residences at Discovery Green, 309 units at 808 Crawford St., and Alders Cross Creek, 172 units at 6525 Cross Creek Bend in Fulshear.
• Indio Management: Verano, 312 units at 2800 S Dairy Ashford Road; Sedona Square, 250 units at 11715 S Glen Drive; and Rock Creek, 572 units at 200 Hollow Tree Lane.
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• Cirrus Asset Management Inc.: Chisholm Trail, 228 units at 18204 Chisholm Trail.
• Greystar: Prose Franz, 213 units at 24300 Franz Road in Katy, and Regard at Med Center, 319 units at 8877 Lakes at 610 Drive.
Passco Companies: Enclave at Woodland Lakes, 340 units at 300 Enclave Drive in Conroe; Sapphire Bay, 384 units at 99 W Cedar Bayou Lynchburg Road in Baytown; and The Grayson, 330 units at 4115 Louetta Road in Spring.
• CKR Property Management LLC: The Towns of Kingsbridge, 21 units at 14235 Bissonnet.
• Q10 Property Advisors: The Wilcox, 312 units at 2400 South Loop W; The Morgan, 312 units at 2401 Westridge St.; and Bridgewater, 206 units at 1100 Graham Drive in Tomball.
• BCP Cedar Hgts Investment LLC: Cedar Heights Apartments, 12 units at 4747 South St. in Brookshire.
• Book & Ladder LLC: Hayworth, 246 units at 1414 Wood Hollow Drive.
• MAA: Post Midtown Square Apartments, 529 units at 302 Gray St.
• BH Management Services LLC: Broadstone New Territory, 504 units at 5555 New Territory Blvd. in Sugar Land.
Olympus Property: Olypus at Memorial, 379 units at 777 S Mayde Creek Drive.
The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios:
• Wilhoit Properties Inc.: Bay Ranch Apartments, 64 units at 1401 Thompson Drive in Bay City.
• Westdale Asset Mgmt Ltd.: Muse at Museum District, 270 units at 1301 Richmond Ave., and Allusion at West University, 231 units at 3810 Law St.
Joanna Pacheco with Westdale Asset Management has been pro moted to Community Manager of Harlow River Oaks. Liz Berglund has joined Parcel Pending as Regional Account Executive.HAAwasthree for three at the NAA Excellence Awards, with all our nominees proving victorious! Congrats to Q10 Property Advisors and Indus Management on their property awards, and Ramon Nunez for winning IRO of the Congratulationsyear! to Danting Li, COO of Wan Bridge, who was recognized as a member of the 2022 Class of the Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40
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• TBD Management LLC/Wan Bridge Group: Yanfu/Ediosn/Uri, 40 units at various locations, and The Oaks at Suncreek Estates, 26 units at 1050 Lakeland Circle in Rosharon.
Arely Pena, The Liberty Group, has been promoted to Branch Manager for Houston. Megan Thornburg has joined WeDoTrash as the Director of National Accounts.
• S2 Residential: Sutton, 272 units at 22022 Cimarron Pkwy. in Katy, and Silverado, 344 units at 1335 Silverado Drive; Pearce, 440 units at 900 Henderson Road.
• Yellowstone Asset Management LLC: Kings Haven North, 32 units at 100 S 2nd St., and Kings Haven South, 24 units at 410 S 2nd St in Alvin.
Got News? Email comm@haaonline.org. www.haaonline.org September 2022 ABODE 71
Pena
• RAM Partners LLC: Grand at Westchase, 316 units at 10881 Richmond Ave., and Estates at Westchase, 307 units at 2305 Hayes Road.
Thornburg In the News Berglund
• Spire Capital: Saint James Place Apartments, 323 units at 9109 Fondren Road; Westbury Park Apartments, 156 units at 12111 Burdine St.; and Bel Lindo Apartments, 251 units at 6200 W Bellfort Ave.
RPM Living: Remy on the Trails, 330 units at 10421 Deerwood Drive; The Ranch at Champions, 186 units at 6830 Champions Plaza Drive; San Paloma, 372 units at 1255 Eldridge Pkwy.; Ashford, 312 units at 1200 N Dairy Ashford Road; The Sarah at Lake Houston, 350 units at 17571 W Lake Houston Pkwy. in Humble; and Alta Baytown, 336 units at 1600 Santavy St. in Baytown.
Do you really know
applicant?
RCR provides Houston’s apartment industry with the most effective rental credit reporting tool available. RCR was established in 1977 to solve screening problems HAA founders felt plagued the local apartment industry. RCR has unsurpassed data on resident rental histories in the Houston region and gives your leasing staff immediate access to information about which prospects have fulfilled their leases and who have been residents in good standing.
The Houston Apartment Association’s Rental Credit Reporting and SafeRent Solutions have partnered to offer numerous searches in one bundled report with immediate and unlimited inquiry access. in partnership with your
Comprehensive applicant screening tools available today can uncover financial and criminal background information. Proper screening can also reveal identity fraud issues, including stolen and fabricated identities, which may result in costly problems. Comprehensive screening using Rental Credit Reporting can also tell you who hasn’t paid rent, who has broken leases and who has received their deposit refund.
To subscribe or to learn more, call RCR at 713-595-0300, email rcr@haaonline.org or visit www.haaonline.org. a service of
The Houston Apartment Association’s committees and clubs are some of the most productive tools we have to ensure that we remain the nation’s largest and most effec tive apartment association. Members of the association dedicate their time to lead and serve on the various clubs and committees. Some general responsibilities of committee and club members include a commitment to attend all meetings and help develop marketing strategies (i.e. telemarketing, developing handouts, fliers, articles). To serve on any of these committees and clubs, please contact the HAA office at 713-595-0300, online at www.haaonline.org or email the departments listed below. education@haaonline.orgEducation Education Advisory Council HAF Fundraiser Committee* Career and Community Development Committee Government govaffairs@haaonline.orgAffairs HAA Political Action Committee* Century Club* Media Relations Committee Fair Housing Committee Strategic Outreach Committee members@haaonline.orgMembership Ambassador ONE Society Go-Getter Membership Recruitment ExpoClubExhibitor Committee* Street Team* Community shinkley@haaonline.orgOutreach Community Outreach Committee Product Service Council* Resident resrel@haaonline.orgRelations Resident Relations Committee *Note: These committees have specific requirements. Contact HAA for details. Getwww.haaonline.orgInvolvedVolunteerHAA www.haaonline.org September 2022 ABODE 73
Want to see current and previous issues of ABODE online? Go to http://issuu.com/haa_abode. Or view this issue on your computer, tablet or smartphone at http://issuu.com/haa_abode/docs/abode_sept2022. A/C CenturySuppliesA/CSupply 39 281-530-2859 www.centuryac.com Carpet Installation Dixie Carpet Installations 49 281-261-6334 www.dixiecarpet.com Texas Southwest Floors 14 800-719-4321 www.texasswfloors.com Collection Alexander-RoseAgenciesAssociates Inc. 63 713-644-4441 www.alexanderrose-inc.com Electric AffordableContractorsQualityElectric 13 713-695-5992 www.acuityelectric.com Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services 53 281-693-3383 www.brandtelectrical.com Foundation Repair Church Foundation Repair 37 713-468-8400 www.churchfoundationrepair.com General Contractors Camp Construction Services Back Cover 713-413-2267 www.campconstruction.com Capital Disaster Solutions 59 800-460-9670 www.capdsus.com Contractors Inc. 29 832-900-2366 www.contractorsinc.com Cotton Commercial USA Inc. 10 877-511-2962 www.cottongds.com FSI Construction 15 713-690-5330 www.fsiconstruction.com Gemstar Construction & Development 35 281-821-1195 www.gemstarconstruction.com Guardian Construction 45 832-672-4196 www.guardianconst.com MultiFamily Services 70 713-266-9100 RENCON Inside Back Cover 713-666-3636 www.rencon.com TPI Inc. 1 713-668-7986 www.tpiinc.com Glass Plate, Window, Etc. Ameristar Screen and Glass 63 713-683-6767 www.ameristarglass.com HarcoInsuranceInsurance 73 713-681-2500 www.harco-ins.com Internet Provider Dish Fiber https://info.dishbusiness.com/texas2 Landscape Contractors Outdoor Elements 73 713-955-0990 www.outdoorelementstx.com Texscape Services 48 281-846-3779 www.texscapeservices.com Laundry Equipment & Supplies Scott Equipment 71 713-686-7268 www.scott-equipment.com WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems 5 281-967-9507 www.washlaundry.com Maintenance Supplies AZP Multifamily 70 888-924-7278 www.myazp.com HD Supply 27 800-431-3000 www.hdsupplysolutions.com Personnel Agency ASAP Personnel 63 972-432-6667 www.asapdo.com Plumbing Contractors AAA Plumbers 69 713-462-4753 www.aaaplumbers.com Resident Screening Service SafeRent Solutions Inside Front Cover 888-297-8821 www.corelogic.com AmeristarScreens Screen and Glass 71 713-683-6767 www.ameristarglass.com Swimming Pool Service Poolsure 12 800-858-POOL www.poolsure.com Trash Service - Valet Steward Trash Valet 52 346-375-4090 www.stewardtrashvalet.com HAA Products & Services Rental Credit Reporting 26 713-595-0300 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. 74 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org Index of Advertisers By CATEGORY With HAA’s job board, you’ll discover a professional community that’s committed to helping you find the right candidate or your next job opportunity in the greater Houston and surrounding areas. www.haaonline.orgLEADSQUALIFIEDTARGETjobs@haaonline.org713-595-0300 www.haaonline.org
• (%)Occupancy(¢/sq.ft./mo.)RateRental 20Jul 20Aug 20Sep 20Oct 20Nov 20Dec 21Jan 21Feb 21Mar 21Apr 21May 21Jun 21Jul 21Aug 21Sep 21Oct 21Nov 21Dec 22Jan 22Feb 22Mar 22Apr 22May 22Jun History of Effective Rental Rate & Occupancy for All Units Snapshot Occupancy: 91.2% Price: $1,259/mo. Rental Rate: $1.42/sq.ft./mo. Size: 890 sq.ft. Past 12 Months: 9.2% rental rate growth 16,238 units absorbed Operating Supply: 3,029 Recently716,030communitiesunitsOpened(12 months): 88 35,200118Proposed14,61656Under22,703communitiesunitsConstruction:communitiesunitsConstruction:communitiesunits Hottest Submarkets Over the Past Three Months Annualized % of Market Rental Rate Rank Submarket Absorbed Growth % 1 Downtown 24.3% 5.5% 2 Conroe North/Montgomery 14.9% 2.8% 3 Tomball/Spring 15.6% 1.2% 4 Almeda/South Main 13.9% 2.2% 5 Dickinson/Galveston 14.1% 1.3% Concessions Total Units % of Average Citywide Class w/Concessions Total Units Special Effect All 163,371 23% -1.3% -5.2% A 62,366 32% -2.0% -5.7% B 45,785 19% -0.8% -4.2% C 46,436 23% -1.1% -5.0% D 8,784 11% -0.8% -6.5% One Month Free = -8.33%–90.0–89.0–88.0–87.0–91.0 THE FIRST TABLE ABOVE GIVES A SNAPSHOT of the current market conditions. The graph displays the overall occupancy and effective rental rates over the past 24 months. These statistics are derived from a continuous survey of all apartment communities in the Houston region. The effective rental rates are the calculated net of concessions and utility adjustments. The second table lists the five hottest submarkets in the Greater Houston area. There are a total of 42 submarkets, and the ranking is based on the best combination of rental rate growth and absorption over the past three months. The third table distributes and analyzes concessions (specials) by classification. Concessions generally are represented by three types of specials: move-in, months free or floor plans. The effect of these specials is captured and prorated over a lease term to arrive at a percentage reduction in market or street rents. HOUSTON 1000105010259751075 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • MarketLine By BRUCE MCCLENNY, President, ApartmentData.com ApartmentData.com has been providing apartment data and marketing products since 1986. ApartmentData.com provides real-time access for property specific information, market surveys and historic submarket data for more than 3.5 million apartment units in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina and Tennessee. For more information, contact Bruce McClenny at 800-595-8730.©2022ApartmentData.com TEXAS Dallas/Ft. Worth Occupancy: 93.1% Price: $1,520/mo. Rental Rate: $1.73/sq.ft./mo. Size: 881 sq.ft. Past 12 Months: 14.8% rental rate growth 22,223 units absorbed Operating Supply: 3,378 812,200communitiesunits San Antonio Occupancy: 92.5% Price: $1,209/mo. Rental Rate: $1.42/sq.ft./mo. Size: 858 sq.ft. Past 12 Months: 10.9% rental rate growth 4,062 units absorbed Operating Supply: 986 212,564communitiesunits Austin Occupancy: 92.1% Price: $1,687/mo. Rental Rate: $1.93¢/sq.ft./mo. Size: 876 sq.ft. Past 12 Months: 12.3% rental rate growth 13,128 units absorbed Operating Supply: 1,148 273,862communitiesunits www.haaonline.org September 2022 ABODE 75
Back Page with News from around the COMMUNITY The HAA Community Relations Committee held a School Supply Drive for the Spring Independent School District from June through July. The Spring Independent School District serves over 35,000 prekinder garten through 12th-grade students in a diverse district located 20 miles north of central Houston. Thanks to our volunteers and to our members for their donations. Helping Spring ISD Students HAA School Supply Drive a Success!Scholarly 76 ABODE September 2022 www.haaonline.org
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