Apartment News - February/March 2018

AMA introduces bill on abandoned personal property

Melanie Schaefer is finalist for national industry award

Back to the Capitol

Q&A with Bob Schor, of Eliminex Termite and Pest Control

Big Hearts honors outstanding communities

818 N. 1st St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 Phone: 602-296-6200 Fax: 602-296-6178

Dustin Lacey, MarkTaylor Residential Lesa LaRocca, Avenue 5 Residential Pam McCarthy, Fairfield Residential Omar Mireles, HSL Asset Management April Morris, Cox Communications Melanie Morrison, MEB Mangement Services Laura Mros, For Rent Media Solutions BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gloria Munoz, Maricopa Heidi Anderson, ALN County Housing Apartment Data Kevin Ransil, JLB Partners/ Elizabeth Beaulieu, JLB Residential Quarterpenny Management Erica Reinke, Camden Krisanne Beckstead, Picerne Property Trust Real Estate Group Rich Renta, Weidner Lesley Brice, MC Residential Apartment Homes-Arizona Reid Butler, Butler German Reyes, Tiempo Housing Company John Rials, Greystar ​Sue Campbell, Redi Carpet Real Estate Partners John Carlson, MarkLisa Rosenfeld, HSL Asset Taylor Residential Management Bry Carter, Apartments.com Stacey Searl, Weidner - Powered by CoStar Mark Schilling, MEB Linda Coburn, NexMetro Mangement Services Development Andrina Shields, Greystar Scott Cook, Shelton-Cook Real Estate Partners.

Real Estate Services, Inc. Christine Shipley, Dunlap Stacey Deal, Kay-Kay Realty & Magee Kimberly Fitch, Nicolosi Michelle Sinclair, MC & Fitch, Inc. Residential Shelly Griggs, Baron Properties Justin Steltenphol, P.B. Robert Hicks, Alliance Bell Companies Residential Company Tammy TupperDimmig, Redi Carpet Scott Hines, PEM Real Estate Group Bob Venberg, PEM Real Estate Group Michelle Howland, Blue Steel Security Luis Verger, Shelton-Cook David Kotin, Kay-Kay Realty Real Estate Services, Inc. Jim Kowalski, Kowalski Debbie Willis, P.B. Bell Construction Companies Jeff Krohn, Alliance Mark Zinman, Williams, Residential Company Zinman & Parham, PC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair, Amy Smith Montoya, Bella Investment Group Vice Chair, Nicole Wray, Greystar Real Estate Partners Secretary, Wendy Weiske, Dunlap & Magee Treasurer, Kim Pacheco, Scotia Group Management Imm. Past Chair, Chris Evans, HSL Asset Management AMC Exec., Adam Greco, Burns Pest Elimination

Courtney Gilstrap LeVinus Interim President and CEO clevinus@azmultihousing.org Erika McDowell Director of Operations emcdowell@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6210 Michelle Rill Director of Membership, Events & Education mrill@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6205 Lauren Romero Tucson Area Association Executive lromero@azmultihousing.org Phone: 520-323-0643 Fax: 520-447-7747 Todd Bradford Membership Benefit Services Manager tbradford@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-377-2553 Aine Fitzgerald Coleman Community Outreach Coordinator acoleman@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6204

www.azmultihousing.org

Lisa Hernandez Events and Education Assistant lhernandez@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6202 Sharon Hosfeld Manager of Community Outreach & Smoke-Free Community Coordinator shosfeld@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6214 Deanna Jordan Manager of Membership and Business Development djordan@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6212 Amanda Perkumas Assistant to Tucson Area Association Executive aperkumas@azmultihousing.org Phone: 520-323-0643 Kyle Simplot Accounting and Operations Manager kyles@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6207 Cassidy Campana Apartment News Editor & Communications Consultant cassidy@arizonastrategies.com Phone: 602-770-6014

Add your voice to AMA’s legislative work Each start of the new year brings with it a new legislative session at the Arizona Capitol. This month, our publication focuses on the advocacy efforts and programs in which we are involved locally and nationally. The AMA offers many benefits to our members, but none are as important as our role in the legislative and policymaking processes. In fact, the AMA was originally founded because of the need to have a voice in state and local regulations. As we often hear, “If you’re not at the table, you’re most likely what’s for lunch.”

Our industry has become a sophisticated and influential group. Our policy teams, at the local, state and national levels, work to educate and influence policymakers to protect our businesses and support our industry.

Even small changes in regulations can have large impacts on our everyday business operations. Our Government Affairs Committee regularly reviews many bills to see how our members might be impacted and recommends strategies to our local team. Your participation in AMAPAC, the AMA’s political action committee, allows our team access to key legislators.

At the national level, we can participate through NAA’s PAC to help educate policymakers. Like our local PAC, the NAA’s PAC invests in key races and candidates who understand and support our industry and those dollars can make their way into races here in Arizona. With many key congressional and senate seats open, we may see more investments here from the national association. I urge you, and your company through our Better Government Fund (BGF), to invest in these committees and support our important advocacy efforts on your behalf!

— Amy Smith Montoya, AMA Board Chair, Bella Investments

Legislative season and elections are upon us!

Just a few weeks ago, the 53rd Legislature started, and we are off to a fast start. As you have seen in the local news, our Legislature includes a few new faces and we are preparing for a big election season ahead in Arizona. This session, our Phoenix and Tucson Government Affairs Committees have been working on a few key issues including the long standing issue of dealing with a resident’s abandoned personal property.

Around Arizona, we are expecting some major shifts in roles in Phoenix, and at the Federal level. Later this year, we will have at least a few new faces representing us at the national level with an open Senate seat and at least three congressional seats. We also anticipate significant changes at the City of Phoenix with Mayor Greg Stanton resigning soon to run for congress. It is anticipated that Councilman Daniel Valenzuela and Councilwoman Kate Gallego will also both resign to run for the Mayor’s seat creating vacancies in their districts. We are following these changes carefully and will be getting active in races to support candidates who understand and support our industry.

If you’re not actively involved with the Government Affairs Committee, there are still many ways for you to stay involved. I hope you will continue to use our website as a resource for endorsements. Our AMA Political Action Committee (AMAPAC) carefully reviews candidates running for office in our key markets and we make endorsements in those races. Please share this information with your colleagues and friends as well. You can also make investments in our AMAPAC and the Better Government Fund Arizona can take contributions from corporations as well.

I hope you will make time to get involved in our efforts by contributing, attending a special event with us, and voting in the upcoming elections!

Thanks to all of the Tributes judges who are interviewing hundreds of nominees for this year’s awards. It’s exciting to meet so many talented professionals and we are grateful for the commitment of our judges! Thank you for your time and expertise!

Congratulations to all of our amazing Tribute finalists, we are looking forward to celebrating you at the Tribute Awards Dinner this year on Friday, May 11.

— By Courtney Gilstrap LeVinus, AMA Interim President/CEO

February/March 2018 | Apartment News

3

February/March 2018 www.azmultihousing.org

PEST & TERMITE CONTROL Since 1981

Valleywide Service

ALL PHASES OF PEST CONTROL

• Monthly Pest Control Programs

Commercial

• Bed Bugs

8 Back to the Capitol AMA introduces bill on abandoned personal property.

ews and Happenings N Legally Speaking Best Practices On the Scene Events and Education Thank you Patron members

CREATED BY REPUBLIC MEDIA CUSTOM PUBLISHING

General Manager/Advertising: Cami Kaiser Creative Development Director: Isaac Moya

• Bee Service/ Emergency • Roach Control/ Programs

13

If you would like additional copies of Apartment News delivered to your office, email Heather at hsanabria@azmultihousing.org with the names and address you would like added.

• Pigeon Control

• Beehive Removal

6

to Register to Vote

6 10 12 13 14 14

• Termite Warranties Available • Termite Specialists/ FREE Est.

7 It’s Always Time

A division of The Arizona Republic 200 E. Van Buren St., Phoenix AZ 85004

Editor: Jim Williams Project Manager: Nick Kostenko Design: Rachel Tullio Advertising Coordinator: Linda Knoebel

Residential

• Scorpion Control • Rodents, Gophers, Wasps

City of Mesa

Trash & Recycling Collection Services We Pride Ourselves On Service • Frontload Service • Roll-off Container Rentals • Bulk Item & Appliance Pickup • Recycling (Ask about our recycling rebates!)

Commingled Cardboard Scrap metal

602-942-BUGS 602-942-2847

LIC 5508 • Cert • INSURED

eliminexpest.com

(480) 644-6789 MesaTrashService.com AR-0008764747-01

Speak.

Find.

Cheer.

“D-backs”

Catch all the action from your favorite teams with the Contour sports app. cox.com/contour Available to residential customers in select Cox service areas. Advertised features available with Cox Contour® 2 digital receiver. Professional installation required. Broadband WiFi connection required for app-based viewing. Other conditions apply. ©2018 Cox Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

PAD105085-0022

Burdine Named Controller for Quarterpenny Quarterpenny Management recently named Kristina Burdine as their new the controller for the Tucson-based Kristina Burdine company.

Kristina returns to property management after working in the nonprofit field, where she served as the finance manager/CFO at Make Way for Books. Kristina holds an MBA and a B.S. in Accounting and has more than 20 years of accounting and finance experience. Kristina will oversee all financial aspects including the Tucson/Green Valley portfolio and other holdings in Oregon.

Mark-Taylor’s Schaefer named finalist for national industry award

T

o those who know her best, Melanie Schaefer is a rock star mentor: dedicated to guiding the growth of those under her tutelage while managing the operations of two MarkTaylor luxury multifamily communities in the East Valley.

Because of her accomplishments, Melanie was recognized by the National Association Melanie Schaefer of Homebuilders as one of just two finalists for Community Manager of the Year as part of its 2017 Pillars of the Industry Awards.

“Working in the multifamily industry is not an easy profession,” said John Carlson, Mark-Taylor Residential

BATES

president. “Melanie is an exceptional leader,…she consistently exceeds expectations and is an outstanding role model for those who are growing within our company.”

Melanie manages the Azul and Borrego at Spectrum communities in Gilbert, Arizona, two properties that encompass a total of 624 units. “It’s human nature to create connections — and by being visible they know I care, and if there’s any item that needs to be addressed I’ll take care of it before they have an opportunity to complain about it,” Schaefer said.

In addition to being named a finalist for the NAHB Pillar Award, Melanie was named Property Manager of the Year in 2010 by the Arizona Multihousing Association.

EXPERTS IN FOAM ROOFING SYSTEMS

PAVING & SEALING INC. Serving Southern AZ Since 1986

When pricing is long forgotten,

quality is long remembered AFTER

Crazy About Quality” “We’re

Service Valleywide BEFORE

PARKING LOT MAINTENANCE REPAIRS / CRACK SEALING / SEALCOATING / STRIPING RESTRUCTURE / NEW CONSTRUCTION MILL / PULVERIZE / GRADING / PAVING / OVERLAY / CONCRETE

• Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Shingles • Shake • Tile

FREE ESTIMATES • PROFESSIONAL PROMPT SERVICE

(602) 944-4600

3225 E. 44TH STREET / 520-741-2100 W W W . B AT E S P A V I N G . C O M Locally Owned and Operated

AMA Member for Over 25 Years

Licensed, Bonded & Insured ROC# 102421 A-14/ROC# 109056 C-13

• Foam • Installation • Maintenance • Repair • Recoats

www.kykoroofing.com

Member of BBB AR-0008764504-01

LICENSED COMMERCIAL: ROC #145747 RESIDENTIAL: ROC #145748

IT’S ALWAYS TIME TO REGISTER TO VOTE T his spring and summer, there are many important elections coming to the voters of Arizona. Some elections will choose replacements for key officials who will resign from their posts, and some are regularly scheduled elections. To ensure that you can participate, it’s best to check your voter registration.

If you wish to participate in a partisan primary election, an independent may request the party ballot of their choosing.

For the special election to replace Congressman Trent Franks (AZ-8), there’s still time to register for the General Election that will be held on April 24, 2018: Online – If you have an Arizona Driver License, you can register online by logging in to servicearizona.com

By Mail – You can either print off a form from online or get a form from the County Recorder’s office. Some libraries and City Halls have these forms.

When you should update your voter registration: > You’ve moved to a new address > You have changed your legal name > You would like to change your political party affiliation

Permanent Early Voter List: You can also add your name to the Permanent Early Voter List to ensure that you will receive a mail ballot for all elections where you are eligible to vote, including local elections. Simply check the box on the form or go to Service Arizona to update your preference.

If you decide to vote by mail, your ballot will arrive approximately 30 days before Election Day. Your signed and sealed ballot

www.azmultihousing.org

REGISTRATION DEADLINES FOR UPCOMING STATE ELECTIONS Election Date

Deadline

Consolidated Election

March 13, 2018

February 12, 2018

Special General Election

April 24, 2018

March 26, 2018

Consolidated Election

May 15, 2018

April 16, 2018

must be received before Election Day or dropped off at a polling place on Election Day to be counted. Some cities, like Tempe, are now conducting all mail elections and there are locations such as City Hall where ballots can be collected until Election Day. You can also check to see if your city has an in-person polling place where you can vote early before Election Day.

Participating in this election process is part of being an engaged citizen. It’s worth the time to educate yourself about candidates and issues before the electorate and be part of the voting process.

There have been many elections that have been decided by only a few votes. Use your voice and vote!

February/March 2018 | Apartment News

7

Lawmakers head back to Capitol AMA introduces bill on abandoned property

By Courtney LeVinus & Jake Hinman ere we go again! At noon on Jan 8, the 2nd Regular Session of the 53rd Legislature officially convened.

Before a joint session between the House of Representatives and the Senate, Governor Doug Ducey announced his policy priorities for the year during his annual state-of-the-state address, including his goals of: investing in K-12 education; combating the opioid crisis; protecting Arizona’s future water supplies; continuing to reduce regulations; and reducing recidivism rates in the state.

H

8

or harmful regulations, and preserving key development tools for the industry.

Based upon those policy priorities, and at the direction of the AMA government affairs committee and Board of Directors, the AMA has introduced one proactive bill aimed at clarifying certain provisions in the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Over the last few years, the AMA has listened to concerns raised by property managers regarding the overly complicated requirements related to a tenant’s abandoned personal property.

Currently two sections of statute deal with a tenant’s abandoned property, and both sections have been modified over the years to a point where they have become both unreasonable and unworkable, causing an undue burden on property managers.

Setting priorities

Outlining landlord responsibilities

The AMA also entered the Session with its own set of policy priorities, including: protecting the industry from unnecessary

The AMA has also heard from property managers that current state law is silent on a landlord’s responsibility as it relates

Apartment News | February/March 2018

to abandoned pets.

In order to help alleviate some of these unreasonable burdens caused by state law, Sen. Gail Griffin (R-Hereford) introduced SB1376 (landlord tenant act; personal property) on behalf of the AMA. The bill will clarify the landlord’s responsibility for any property left behind in a unit by a tenant.

SB1376 will modify state law in several key ways, including: • Asserting that abandoned animals may be immediately removed and released to a shelter or boarding facility; • Allowing the landlord to remove and dispose of any property, including perishable items, that are contaminated or may be considered a biohazard or health and safety issue; • Asserting that a landlord will hold abandoned personal property for a period of fourteen days following a writ of restitution or a declaration of abandonment; • Allowing the landlord to donate abandoned personal property if conditions in the section are met, and clarifies that any tax benefit associated with the donation belong to the tenant; • Asserting that the landlord is not liable for any loss to the tenant resulting from moving, storage, or donation of any personal property left in the leased premises; and • Asserting that a landlord may immediately remove and dispose of any personal property left in the dwelling unit if the tenant returns to the landlord the keys to the dwelling unit.

SB1376 is currently making its way through the legislative process and we are hopeful that lawmakers will send the bill to the governor for his signature.

Development incentives under attack The Government Property Lease Excise Tax (GPLET) debate is back once again this year. GPLET is a tax incentive agreement negotiated between a private party and a local government. It was established by the state of Arizona in 1996 as a

www.azmultihousing.org

way to stimulate development in commercial districts by temporarily replacing a building’s property tax with an excise tax.

GPLET is levied on property that is owned by a city, town, county or stadium district and leased to a private entity. The tenant, or prime lessee, pays an excise tax based on size and use instead of property tax based on value.

For the past several months commercial real estate and development stakeholders, including the AMA, have been meeting regularly with representatives from the Arizona Tax Research Association and Rep. Vince Leach in an effort to reach a consensus reform bill on GPLET. The goal is to enact reasonable reforms to appease the opponents of GPLET, while at the same time ensuring that Arizona’s only economic incentive tool remains intact.

Unfortunately, we were unable to reach an agreement with the opponents of GPLET, and three bills — HB2126, HB2005, and HB2330 — have been introduced that will have a detrimental effect on GPLETs in the future if signed into law. The AMA, along with other commercial real estate interests, will be actively working to stop these damaging bills from going forward in the legislative process.

AMA hotlist The AMA is also monitoring many other bills that have a direct or indirect impact on the apartment industry.

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT H2263: Landlord Tenant; Security Deposits Summary: If a tenant does not dispute the deductions from a security deposit or the amount due and payable to the tenant within 45 days after termination of the tenancy, the amount due the tenant is final and any further claims are waived.

H2454: Sexual Assault; Rental Agreement Termination Summary: A tenant is permitted to terminate a rental agreement if the tenant provides to the landlord written notice that the tenant was the victim, in the

www.azmultihousing.org

tenant’s dwelling, of sexual assault.

S1314: Employment; Housing; Public Accommodations; Antidiscrimination Summary: The list of attributes for which a person cannot be discriminated against in employment practices, various housing related statutes, and in places of public accommodation is expanded to include “sexual orientation,” “gender identity,” and “veteran status” (all defined).

the greater of 5 percent of the total land area or 640 acres. Modifies the requirements for leases between a prime lessee and a government lessor to require the government lessor to determine that a public benefit to the state and the county or municipality in which the improvement is located will occur because one or more of a list of specified slum or blight-related circumstances exist.

DEVELOPMENT

HB2330: 1% Property Tax Limit; Gplet Summary: If a school district qualifies for additional state aid for education in the fiscal year and if all or part of an affected school district is located in a municipality or stadium district in which any government property improvement is located, the Property Tax Oversight Commission is required to determine the full amount of primary property tax that would have been assessed for the tax year by the affected school district against each government property improvement, notify the municipality and any affected stadium district of the amount, and notify the State Treasurer to withhold from state shared monies and pay the amount computed for each government property improvement to each appropriate school district.

HB2005: Municipal Economic Development; Sale; Lease Summary: Municipal governing bodies are authorized to sell or lease for “economic development activities” (defined elsewhere in statute) land or buildings owned by or under the control of the municipality if specified conditions are met, including that the lease term cannot exceed 25 years, that the land or building is appraised by an experience appraiser, and that the land is sold or leased at a public auction to the highest responsible bidder after public notice of the sale or lease is given.

HB2126: Government Property; Abatement; Slum; Blight Summary: For the purpose of statute allowing municipalities to abate taxes for government property improvements in a single central business district, the definition of “central business district” is modified to require the geographical area to be not larger than the greater of 2.1 percent of the total land area within the exterior boundaries of the municipality or 960 acres, instead of not larger than

SUPPORT YOUR INDUSTRY TODAY!

As part of the AMA’s government affairs program, the AMA operates two critical funds - AMAPAC and the Better Goverment Fund (BGF) - to help elect leaders and defend the industry from unreasonable government intrusion. To effectively represent the industry, it is critical to have leaders who are accessible and receptive to our industry’s issues. To learn more and contribute, please visit azmultihousing.org/advocacy.

S1101: Property Tax Appeals; Court Findings Summary: If a property tax appeal is taken by a county assessor and the court finds that the valuation is insufficient, the court’s finding of the property’s full cash value is required to be not greater than the full cash value initially determined by the county assessor and appealed by the taxpayer. Applies retroactively to property tax appeals that were filed in court beginning Jan. 1, 2017. Emergency clause.

The AMA will be actively monitoring and engaging in many more bills throughout the course of the year. To view the entire list of bills, visit azmultihousing. org and select the Government Affairs tab. If you have any questions about any of the bills making their way through the process, please do not hesitate to contact either one of us.

February/March 2018 | Apartment News

9

Don’t ask a question if you don’t want the answer

BY MARK B. ZINMAN, ESQ

Mark B. Zinman is an attorney with Williams, Zinman & Parham P.C. He can be reached at 480-994-4732.

R

ecently, clients have contacted our office questioning whether they should include a question on their rental application asking if the applicant has an assistive animal.

While having some appeal, clients recognized that there was a problem with this suggestion: a rental application should never ask an applicant if they have an assistive animal as this is no different than asking if they are disabled. It could be argued that just the inclusion of the question is a violation of the federal and state Fair Housing Acts.

A rental application is key in determining whether an applicant qualifies to live in your rental property. Therefore, every question you ask should be a factor in reaching this determination.

Think of each question as a hurdle that the person must overcome and meet your standards, to be able to qualify to rent in your property. You would not create a hurdle that hinges on whether the person

is disabled. You only want to ask questions that would qualify or disqualify an applicant: Do not ask any question that will not be used in qualifying the applicant.

There are numerous examples of this. For example, if you have an applicant standard that prohibits applicants from previously being evicted, it is logical to have a question asking, “Have you ever been evicted?” or “Has an eviction action ever been filed against you?” On the other hand, it is obvious that you would never ask if an applicant is disabled or if they need a wheelchair. While a landlord may know that a wheelchair will cause a lot of damage to carpet, it is improper to ask because it is not relevant in determining whether the person qualifies to live in the unit.

Similarly, while a landlord may be interested to know whether they will have to allow an assistive animal, it should not be relevant at the application stage because it does not relate to whether the

person is qualified to rent the unit. It can only be assumed that the only reason a landlord would want to know this information on the application is because they are going to use that information to reject the tenant. The mere inclusion of this question may violate the Fair Housing Act and misunderstands assistive animals.

By asking if they need an assistive animal, the landlord is implicitly asking whether the tenant is disabled. There is never justification for this, until the tenant asks the landlord for a reasonable accommodation and provides the requisite documentation. However, as an assistive animal is akin to a wheelchair, there is no legal reason this would need to be disclosed on an application. While some people have argued that they could use this question to show that a tenant lied on the application, this ignores the fact that in many instances the need for the assistive animal may not even arise until after the tenant moves into the unit.

This principle should be used throughout the application.

Every question on your rental application should be a factor in determining whether the person qualifies. If the question leads to discriminatory issues, don’t include the question in your application. Also, check with your attorney before changing such forms.

The views expressed here are generalized advice or information. Fact-specific questions should always be referred to legal counsel. Statements and opinions expressed in these legal columns are solely those of the author or authors. This advice does not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the Arizona Multihousing Association.

10

Apartment News | February/March 2018

www.azmultihousing.org

Specific location of rent payments Understanding the pitfalls

BY ANDREW M. HULL, ESQ

L

andlords depend on timely rent payment for a number of obvious reasons. The primary ones are cash flow to make mortgage payments and maintain the property. It also is a concern of residents, since they do not want to pay unnecessary late charges and a tarnished credit record.

Management should be aware of potential problems with the delivery of rent. This article will provide an overview of some of these pit falls.

A.R.S. § 33-1314 states in part: Rent shall be payable without demand or notice at the time and place agreed upon by the parties.

Unless otherwise agreed, rent is payable at the dwelling unit and periodic rent is payable at the beginning of any term of one month or less and otherwise in equal monthly installments at the beginning of each month.

In other words, the lease agreement should specify where a resident needs to pay rent. Normally, it’s at the leasing office during normal business hours. However, failure to designate a location requires management to collect rent from a resident at his or her unit. This could create delays if the resident is not home during collection times.

The resident also could argue that he or she is exempt from late

www.azmultihousing.org

charges since the rent was ready for pick up. Careful drafting of your lease should correct this problem.

Night drop boxes Another potential problem is night drop boxes. Residents use these for submitting rent during non-business hours or when the office is closed. This could lead to problems.

The resident can claim he or she submitted rent through one of the devises and management misplaced it. It takes time to trace money orders to determine if someone cashed them. If the landlord tries to evict the resident for nonpayment of rent, he or she may use this example as his or her defense.

Additionally, a renter may claim that management offers the night box for his or her convenience.

The individual therefore assumes that he or she can pay rent in this manner every month. Both the landlord and renter could potentially argue over the timeliness of rent payment and if late charges are appropriate.

If your community offers these

devises to residents, include a disclaimer in the lease. This should state that a resident who uses the night box is doing so at his or her own risk, and it is his or her obligation to make sure the rent arrives timely to the landlord.

Some final problem areas include mail, direct deposits and cash. If a resident mails you the rent, make sure your lease states when the community must receive it. For instance, management should require the envelope be postmarked by the first of the month; if it isn’t, late charges apply.

Some landlords have their residents direct deposit the rent into their bank accounts. The biggest problem with this method is partial payments. The resident could direct deposit a partial payment of rent a few hours before his or her eviction hearing. This could constitute a waiver and result in the case being dismissed.

Finally, use caution when accepting cash. Cash is legal tender, so you may wish to word your lease to restrict payment of rent in this form.

Andy M. Hull is the principal of Hull, Holliday and Holliday, PLC. He can be reached at 602-230-0088.

February/March 2018 | Apartment News

11

Professional, reliable service Q&A with Bob Schor, president of

Eliminex Termite and Pest Control too by maintaining the same technician on a property so that the manager on site or in the office. They will know the technician by their first name, and the technician knows the property and its needs.

Q: What inspired you to add training for the office staff?

A: It all begins in our office…it begins with communication.

If someone who is answering the phone is asked a question, they need to be knowledgeable. We wanted our staff to be able to answer questions about products and services. The technicians are able to communicate with the office staff regarding situations that arise. When you call our office number, you are actually speaking to an Eliminex employee. We are locally owned and operated.

Q: How did you get started in this industry?

Q: How would you describe your approach to service?

A: I moved here from California in 1998 to buy a business. My research showed tremendous opportunity in the pest control industry. Insects of all kinds and termites are a prevalent part of Arizona life. For the first year or so, I drove an Eliminex truck and participated in all aspects of the business.

A: By providing our technicians with the most up-to-date training, equipment and latest chemical technology available, we pride ourselves on quality service. If the service isn’t good, the price doesn’t matter.

Our office staff is very knowledgeable about what’s going on and what we do in the business, even from the chemical standpoint. We get a lot of compliments about the office team. They all attend training classes.

We create relationships with the managers and management companies.

Everyone in our company is very accessible. If the office staff doesn’t have the answer, there is always an answer minutes away.

We ensure consistency in our service

Q: What did you learn in that first year?

A: I learned how important knowledge of the business and reliable service is to the customer. I learned all about the products and how they work. With my overall firsthand experience, I am able to relate to our technicians and understand our customer needs.

12

Apartment News | February/March 2018

Q: What new or improved technologies are there in the pest treatment industry?

A: We are constantly utilizing new chemical products that have been proven to be more effective. All of our technicians are required to have six hours of training for their licensing as per the Office of Pest Management, an office in the Department of Agriculture, and we ensure that they stay up to date on what’s happening in the industry.

Q: How does the AMA help your business succeed?

A: We’ve been in the AMA now for the past 5-6 years. It has given us the opportunity to provide our service to many of the management companies in the apartment industry.

The trade shows have given us ability to meet face to face and build relationships.

www.azmultihousing.org

TUCSON BIG HEARTS WINNERS: Top 3 Management Companies: 1st Place: HSL Asset Management 2nd Place: Scotia Group 3rd Place: MEB Top 3 Individual Properties: 1st Place: Arboretum 2nd Place: Carondelet Apartments 3rd Place: Shannon Park Apartments

Associate Member Winners 1st Place: Distinctive Carpets 2nd Place: Redi Carpets 3rd Place: Law Offices of Scott Clark PHOENIX BIG HEARTS WINNERS: Top 3 Management Companies: 1st Place: P.B. Bell Companies 2nd Place: Mark Taylor Residential 3rd Place: Avenue 5 Top 3 Individual Communities: 1st Place: San Palacio, Mark Taylor Residential 2nd Place: Enclave at Arrowhead, Avenue 5 3rd Place: San Privada, Mark Taylor Residential

Big Hearts Honors Communities and Members January’s Dinner Meetings celebrated the impressive accomplishments of the Big Hearts Committee companies and individual members for their efforts to raise funds for local nonprofits and AMCF. This year’s Phoenix Bowl-A-Thon raised more than $27,000 to support Big Hearts. Tucson’s Big Hearts committee stayed very active this year hosting many fundraisers to support their goals. The family run, Gaslight Theatre night and

El Tour de Tucson team all worked to support Big Hearts. Members also kept their residents involved with apartment communities working on raising funds in unique ways on site including community yard sales, special fundraising meals, and ice cream socials. This year, 19 member communities in Tucson hit their goal of raising $1 per door or more; and, 23 communities hit that goal in Phoenix.

Big Hearts shows no signs of slowing

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR 2018 BIG HEARTS FUNDRAISERS: Tucson: April 27, Kick Off Party; June 23, Big Hearts Car Wash; July 26, “Gnatman” at the Gaslight Theatre; November 17, El Tour de Tucson

www.azmultihousing.org

Phoenix: April, Light It Up Blue for Autism ; August 10, AMCF Big Hearts Phoenix Bowl-a-Thon; October 28, Autism Speaks Walk in Tempe

down, and has many special events ahead on the calendar for members, colleagues and their families. Our Family Services and Tucson Homeless Connect benefit from the Big Hearts fundraising in Tucson, and UMOM receives funds from AMCF in Phoenix. Many of these organizations support families in transition with stable housing and services to get them back on the path to housing and employment. Dollars raised by Big Hearts also go to Autism Speaks and the AMA’s Julie Hurst Scholarship Fund that helpsmembers and their families pursue advanced degrees.

February/March 2018 | Apartment News

13

Phoenix

Classes held at the AMA Office, 818 N. 1st St., Phoenix 85004

EDUCATION Fair Housing

Feb. 27, 9 a.m. – noon, $20

Appliance Repair Class

Plumbing Basics Class March 20, 9-11 a.m., $30

Electrical Troubleshooting Class

Feb. 28, 9 a.m. – noon, $30

March 28, 9 a.m. – noon, $30

AZ Landlord Tenant

Fair Housing

March 7, 9 a.m. – noon, $20 Knowing how to use and comply with state law that governs all rental housing operations can save time, make you money, and minimize legal difficulties. Get your NALP, CAM, CAPS and Real Estate CEC’s.

CAM March 12-16, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., $895 Earning your Certified Apartment Manager credential allows you to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and ability to manage an apartment community. The CAM Program consists of eight modules plus a comprehensive two-part certification exam. Get your Real Estate CEC’s. Instructor: Kris Wegener.

April 11, 9 a.m. – noon, $20 Get your NALP, CAM, CAPS and Real Estate CEC’s

R410A Conversion April 11, 1-3 p.m., $30

Intro to Social Media April 17, 11 a.m.– 1 p.m. $25

EVENTS

Phoenix Reverse Trade Show – March AMA Madness March 22, 9 a.m. – noon, $350 Phoenix Convention Center, South Building

Phoenix Dinner Meeting April 5, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

AMC Meeting April 19, 3-5 p.m., $69 Phoenix Country Club

Tucson EDUCATION

EVENTS

March 1, 9-11 a.m., $30 2502 N. Jack Rabbit Dr.

March 29, 5-7:30 p.m.

Radisson Suites Tucson $59 ($79 non-members ($79/$99 after March 23)

Appliance Repair Class

Secrets of Leasing Leaders Class March 8, 9 a.m. – noon, $20 Big Heart Coffee

R-410 A. Conversion April 12, 9 a.m. – noon, $30 2502 N. Jack Rabbit Dr.

14

Tucson Dinner Meeting

2018 Tucson AMA/ Alexis Security Group Golf Tournament April 13, 8:30 a.m. shotgun start Randolph Golf Course

Apartment News | February/March 2018

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO BECOME A PATRON MEMBER OF AMA, PLEASE CONTACT DEANNA JORDAN, DJORDAN@AZMULTIHOUSING.ORG, 602-296-6212. www.azmultihousing.org

Partsmaster Has You Covered All Year Round

Make PARTSMASTER Your First Choice!

AZ PARTSMASTER YOUR COMPLETE MAINTENANCE SUPPLIER

Phoenix (602) 233-3580 Tucson (520) 573-5828 azpartsmaster.com

SPRING

SUMMER

FALL

WINTER

How Does Your Laundry Operator Stack Up?

Other Trusted since 1947 If you’re unhappy with your current laundry room operations, consider switching to WASH. Apartment owners and managers have been trusting WASH with expert management of their laundry rooms since 1947. We offer top-of-the-line commercial washers and dryers, quick service, and a variety of convenient payment options for your residents, including mobile pay. Plus, our laundry room leases can be tailored to meet your revenue goals, with a variety of profit-sharing arrangements and flexible terms. Contact WASH for a free, no-obligation quote today!

www.washlaundry.com/stackup

Toll Free 800.777.1484

No matter the season... @MSupplyHQ

Call 866-630-6747 EspaĂąol 888-281-0255 Fax 866-631-6747 supplyHQ.com Proud member of

we are always ready to serve you!