Chairs Message:
Fall is Here – Time to Refocus and Reconnect!
As the busy summer rental season winds down and we head into fall, this is a great time to take stock, refocus, and recharge. We hope you’re finding a balance between keeping business on track and enjoying the change of seasons…whether that means fall festivals, football games, or simply taking in the crisp autumn air with family and friends.
2025 NAA Assembly of Delegates – Atlanta, GA
From November 10–12, Denise Hanzlik (SDMHA), Jill Madsen (Bender Midwest Properties), and I will represent South Dakota at the National Apartment Association’s Assembly of Delegates (AOD) in Atlanta, GA. The AOD brings together up to 250 delegates from NAA’s ten regions and serves as the association’s largest business meeting of the year. During this event, all NAA and NAAEI Boards, Committees, and Task Forces convene, and incoming volunteer leadership is officially installed.
Get Involved with SDMHA Committees
SDMHA is strongest when our members are engaged. Committee involvement is one of the best ways to shape our events, grow our membership, support fundraising initiatives, and connect with fellow independent rental owners. We encourage you to get involved!
Independent Rental Owners (IRO) – Building Community
Our monthly IRO Zoom Meetings launched in July and are off to a great start! These sessions are designed specifically for Independent Rental Owners, offering support, resources, and time for open Q&A. Feel free to invite non-members who may be interested…we’re building a stronger IRO community together.
Now Accepting Applications – SDMHA Board of Directors
We are now accepting applications for the SDMHA Board of Directors. This is a great opportunity to play a leadership role in shaping the future of our association and advancing the housing industry in South Dakota. If you or someone you know is a strong candidate, we encourage you to submit an application. Please reach out to Denise Hanzlik for more information.
Upcoming Events – Mark Your Calendar!
• IRO Monthly Zoom – Every 2nd Tuesday
• Black Hills Education Blitz – September 9
• Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) – Oct 13 – 17
• State Convention 2025 – October 15–16
View the full calendar at SDMHA.com
As always, thank you for your commitment to providing safe, quality housing across South Dakota. Your continued support of SDMHA makes a difference for our members, our communities, and our industry.
Jeff Brooks
LIVABLE SMART TIP
As temperatures begin to dip, think about easy ways you can cut back on the heating bills in your properties. Caulk gaps around windows to reduce drafts. Put programmable thermostats in the common area so you can account for temperature fluctuations and daytime hours when tenants are typically away from the property. Clean HVAC filters every few months, so the system doesn’t have to work as hard to be effective. If your property has a basement or attic, make sure they are insulated. For a bigger investment, consider replacing single-pane windows with double-pane. Up to a quarter of a property’s heat loss can be attributed to windows. Looking for more ways to save? Come save with Livable - learn how we can increase your profit margins today at www.livable.com
Sioux Falls CHAPTER
• OneApp
• Johnson Controls Fire Protection
Black Hills CHAPTER
• KC Lofts
• Waste Management
• Empire Companies
• Pebble Creek Properties
Brookings CHAPTER
• Midwest Glass
MEMBERS WE ARE SAD TO SEE GO:
FMB Properties - Black Hills
ForeverLawn Black Hills
Ninety-Five Group LLC - Sioux Falls
Winker Properties - Sioux Falls
SDMHA REPRESENTS YOU!
40,309 Total Units • 131 Total Associate Members
Call for Applications to Serve on the SDMHA Board of Directors
The South Dakota Multi-Housing Association (SDMHA) is powered by passionate leaders who are committed to strengthening our rental housing industry and supporting communities across our state. Each year, we look for members who are ready to step forward and help shape the future of our industry
Serving on the SDMHA Board is both an honor and a responsibility We welcome individuals (property owners and property management staff) who are passionate, dedicated, and ready to make a difference. Here are some more details:
OBLIGATIONS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
● Establish policies that will serve as the framework for decision-making and strategy on issues that affect the industry or the operations of the association.
● To annually adopt a strategic plan from which to set goals, objectives, and priorities.
● To adopt an annual budget adequate for the operation of the association.
● To establish and implement a membership dues structure.
● To communicate possible issues of concern to the Executive Director and Board.
● To actively promote and attend SDMHA events.
● To motivate members to support SDMHA activities.
INDIVIDUAL DUTIES OF BOARD MEMBERS:
● To attend, in person or via technology, 4 out of 6 meetings, be on time, show commitment to board activities, and follow through on your commitments, with exceptions to this on an as-needed basis.
● Be well-informed on issues and agenda items in advance of meetings.
● Contribute skill, knowledge, and experience when appropriate and when it benefits the membership and industry
● Listen respectfully to other points of view
● Represent the organization to the public and private industry
How to Apply or Nominate Someone. If you or someone you know would make a great addition to the SDMHA Board of Directors, now is the time to act!
Go to: https://www.sdmha.com/news/board-applications to learn more and to complete the application and play a key role in advancing our mission.
DEADLINE is September 30, 2025. Together, we can ensure a strong future for South Dakota's rental housing industry.
For more information or questions, contact the SDMHA office at 605-336-7756 or info@sdmha.com. Or you can also contact our Chair, Jeff Brooks at 605-336-9131 x145 or jbrooks@costelloco.com
City of Sioux Falls Building Permit Data
January through August 2025
Source: Building Service Division. For Question, call 367-8670.
Top 5 Apartment Projects Since Jan 1, 2025
1.Nova Apartments - Empire Co Commercial $20,115,514
2.Foss Fields Apartments - Veldhouse Construction Inc $10,197,520
3.Windmill Flats Apartments - Allen Homes Inc $ 8,978,012
4.Briarwood Reserve - Veldhouse Construction Inc. $ 7,608,776
5.Jefferson Reserve - Veldhouse Construction Inc. $ 7,256,976
Accelerate Your Leasing
NAA Click & Lease is an online leasing tool designed to enhance compliance and accelerate the leasing process. NAA Click & Lease combines legal expertise with easy-to-use technology.
Features
We Put Ease in Leasing
Compliant Documents
Lease forms are automatically updated through an annual review process, and are reviewed for compliance with landlordtenant laws and regulations at the local, state and national levels.
PMS Integration
The multi-user platform integrates with most property management software.
Online & Paperless
Web-based software to streamline your leasing operations with E-signatures.
Simple Application
A simple, online rental application helps keep information in one place and optimizes the application process for prospective residents.
Customizable Lease Package
Add custom documents or language within documents, and configure your lease package to have the documents and information you want in your preferred order.
Litigation Defender Insurance
Triggered whenever a resident challenges a provision of the NAA Click & Lease Form. (Contact NAA for Terms and Conditions.)
CAMT Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians s
WE RECOMMEND THIS COURSE for maintenance technicians, porters, housekeepers, and groundskeepers who are ready for advancement.
The CAMT Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians course will help you earn your CAMT credential, allowing you to improve your knowledge and skills and boost your reputation and confidence.
YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:
• Processing work orders efficiently and to residents’ satisfaction
• Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, mechanical, appliance, construction, and lock and key services and repairs
• Painting services
• Customer service
• Following company policy and procedures
• Minimizing personal and property damage
• Maintenance safety
• Fair housing regulatory compliance
• Environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance
• Documenting and reporting maintenance activities in compliance with company policy and regulation
• Curb appeal, property inspection, and daily maintenance
• Maintaining recreational facilities and common areas
• Implementing a preventive maintenance schedule
• Product repair and replacement decisions
• Professional behavior, communication skills, and personal appearance
Free QPR Training
Thursday, October 16, 2025
8:30am - 10:00am Sioux Falls Ramkota Hotel (3200 W Maple St)
Join us during the SDMHA state convention for an important free training. Just like CPR is used in medical emergencies, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is a life-saving response for someone in a mental health crisis. QPR is not counseling or therapy, rather a simple, effective intervention that anyone can learn.
This 90-minute training covers:
How to recognize the warning signs of suicide
How suicidal thoughts are often communicated
How to use these signs as cues for intervention
Participants will learn how to:
Ask direct , compassionate questions
Persuade someone to seek help
Refer them to appropriate professional support
For more information or to RSVP: email training@helplinecenter org www helplinecenter org /9-8-8/trainings or scan the QR Code
www.helplinecenter.org/9-8-8/trainings | training@helplinecenter.org
UNLEASH YOUR POWER
Join us for the SDMHA State Convention - your go-to event for industry-leading education tailored to every role in housing.
Whether you're an Independent Rental Owner, Property Manager, Leasing Agent, Maintenance Professional, or a Realtor. Choose the learning experience that fits your schedule: attend both days, just one day, or select specific sessions that interest you most. Plus, for added flexibility, several sessions will be available for virtual attendance.
Don't miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow in the ever -evolving world of rental housing.
Wednesday, October 15th
8:30am11:30am Fair Housing For The Real World with Scott Michael Dunn, Costello Property Management
8:30am10am Right on Target: Using Leasing & Marketing Analytics to Drive Strategy, with Allie Crist, Hubbell Realty
9:30am10:30am Boiler & Mechanical room For Maintenance with Midwestern Mechanical
10am11:30am Seal The Deal: Connect with Prospects, Convert with Confidence, with Allie Crist, Hubbell Realty
10:30am11:30am Lead Based Paint with Bob Zak
11:45am1pm Lunch with Mayor Paul TenHaken as keynote
1pm - 2pm Addiction Services at Avera. What to look for and what services are available at Avera with Thomas Otten, Avera Behavioral Health
1pm - 2pm EPA Updates & Changes with Brian Wilhite, Wilhite Services
2pm - 4pm Trade Show
4pm - 6pm Property Showcase
Clarity on Algorithmic Pricing Emerges from the DOJ
Over the past few months, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) case against algorithmic pricing has slowly gained clarity. This progress moved forward last week with the announcement from the DOJ of a proposed settlement with Greystar that will likely serve as the model for other settlements.
While an earlier settlement with Cortland provided initial clues, it included unique conditions that wasn’t sure to fully translate to the rest of the industry. The Greystar deal, however, offers stronger guidance, especially since Greystar is the largest apartment operator in the world and has significant influence.
This remains a developing situation; however this new proposed settlement offers a welcome set of guidelines that the industry should be able to rely upon (and other defendants negotiating with the DOJ will obviously take note of). While the lawyers will parse through this in detail and may provide additional insight, here’s my read.
The most important and clearest things are in Sections IV.A.1 and IV.A.2 where Greystar agrees to 1) not use External Nonpublic Data from non -Greystar properties (nor share any data outside of Greystar) and 2) not use any systems that incorporate a price floor (unless set by Greystar) nor requires them to accept any recommendations.
The crucial thing to understand about those sections is that the DOJ is applying rules to which revenue management software must adhere. Which in turn means that revenue management is legal in the eyes of the DOJ, provided suppliers stick to the rules. The rules are also thankfully simpler than the full seven -point test in the proposed Cortland settlement. That is good news for vendors like REBA, as it means we can self -certify compliance.
Unsurprisingly, the settlement takes a strong stance on the sharing of nonpublic competitor data. The sharing of confidential information with competitors was central to the allegations that kicked off this legal saga. Section IV.A.1.iv of the document prohibits Greystar from pooling or combining data from properties that have different owners.
Suppliers should take note of this provision. It is unusually restrictive in the context of other industries. Hotel operators and franchisors, for example, are not prohibited from pooling data amongst multiple owners to get more robust analyses of importan t insights like seasonality patterns. In an increasingly data - enabled world, limiting the breadth of training data will have negative impacts on the quality of technologies we will increasingly need to run high-quality operations.
Fortunately, REBA was designed from the ground -up to treat portfolios (even single properties) individually rather than intermingling data from multiple companies. This also extends into publicly available data, which is also excluded from the pricing algo rithm. While allowed by the DOJ proposed settlement, this is highly relevant in light of Seattle's recently passed law that bans the use of any kind of comp data (public as well as nonpublic). This means that now is a good time to plan for life after comp data.
A huge, and maybe provocative, implication is that AI for revenue management software in multifamily housing is dead. It’s simply not possible to accurately train an AI model on a single community’s data, so any AI- driven algorithms would be limited in their application.
In one of the lighter parts of this proposed settlement, Greystar agrees it will not attend or participate in any RealPage meetings (see Section V.B). Since the allegations appeared in the press, journalists and plaintiffs have
SDMHA BUYERS GUIDE
SDMHA BUYERS GUIDE
RENTAL EVIEW
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED PO BOX 90327 • SIOUX FALLS, SD 57109
LIVABLE SMART TIP
Fall is here and along with all those changing leaves and pumpkin spice lattes comes a host of maintenance activities. Luckily, Buildium has a great fall checklist to make sure you’ve thought about everything from termites to clearing away brush and branches before the colder winter months descend. Looking for more ways to save? Come save with Livable - learn how we can increase your profit margins today at www.livable.com