the ApartMentor September-October issue

Cheers to 35 Years Celebrate with us!

Pages 6-7

the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 2

Triangle Apartment Association 7920 ACC Blvd., Suite 220 Raleigh, NC 27617 919.782.1165 • 919.782.1169 FAX www.triangleaptassn.org TAA Office Hours Monday through Friday 8:30am-5:00pm TAA Mission Statement The leading resource committed to the advancement of the rental housing industry through advocacy, engagement, and innovation.

@TriangleAptAssn

CONTENTS 4 President’s Pen

16-17 New Members

6-7 Cheers to 35 Years!

18 Legal Issues

12-13 Upcoming Education

22 Calendar of Events

OFFICERS President

Vice President

Treasurer

Secretary

April Vasta CAPS, CAM Blue Ridge Companies, Inc.

Kelli Lea CAM, NAAEI Greystar

Rita Zepeda CPM, CAPS, CAM PRG Real Estate Management, Inc.

Craig Nardi CPM Willow Creek Properties, LLC

Immediate Past President

@nctaa

Affiliated with:

Claire Michael CAM Fairfield Residential, LLC

DIRECTORS TAA STAFF MEMBERS Josie H. Eatmon, Executive Director jeatmon@triangleaptassn.org Suzanne Pratt, Director of Professional Development spratt@triangleaptassn.org

Rob Boggs CAM TriBridge Residential, LLC

Berry Craven CAMT Ginkgo Residential, LLC

Becki Hale CAM Grubb Ventures Services, LLC

Steve Hayworth Drucker + Falk

Kristi Henderson Redi Carpet, Inc.

Cindy Nitschke CAS Response Team 1

Chris Smith Greystar

Amy Timocko CAPS Hawthorne Residential Partners, Inc.

Chris Williams RentPath, LLC

Norm Praet General Counsel Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC

Vicki Franciosi, Meetings & Events Director vfranciosi@triangleaptassn.org Dustin Engelken, Government Affairs Director dengelken@triangleaptassn.org Susan Williams, Finance Director swilliams@triangleaptassn.org Meg Palumbo, Communications Manager mpalumbo@triangleaptassn.org Jennifer Creech, Membership & Marketing Manager jcreech@triangleaptassn.org Dan Pauley, Staff Accountant dpauley@triangleaptassn.org Alyssa Clair, Education Coordinator aclair@triangleaptassn.org Jessica Esposito, Events Coordinator jesposito@triangleaptassn.org Layvoyne Toler, Administrative Coordinator ltoler@triangleaptassn.org

Franklin Rodriguez Rebecca Rosario-Bueno CAPS, CAMT CAM, NALP, NAAEI Blue Ridge Full House Marketing Companies, Inc.

COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS Education:

Bret Smith Akeshia Thomas

Government Affairs:

Products & Services:

IRO:

Special Events:

Katy Boone Kelly Goehl

Dena Daniels Tim Masters

Membership:

Natalie Cook-Wooters Sara Cox Elizabeth Godwin-Riley This issue of the ApartMentor is designed and published by Moonstone Studio, LLC, proud member of the Triangle Apartment Association.

PR & Community Outreach:

Paula Kotarakos Derek Tarrant Kathy Woodard

Chad Anderson Chris Fortune Becki Hale Cindy Nitschke

XCEL:

Rob Boggs Heather Arndt Carson Woodell

the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 3

Total Members: 1,103 Total Units: 143,903 Apartment Communities: 610 Suppliers: 261 Management Companie s: 164 IRO: 68

TAA Snapshot as of 8/20/2019

President’s Pen In honor of our 35th Anniversary, we asked TAA President April Vasta some questions about her time in the industry, what changes she’s seen, and where she thinks we can go.

What’s the most steady amenity

24-hour access to our communities. Pros-

self-inflicted as I am always trying to do

you don’t ever see going away?

pects can reserve an apartment, com-

everything for everyone. I’m still learning

I definitely think the pool is here

plete an application, pay fees, sign a lease

to slow down and enjoy the journey.

to stay. Residents love to walk into a beautiful resort-style pool and imagine themselves sitting outside each weekend.

It is amazing how much the pool area has changed over the years. It used to be that you had a few tables and a grill for residents to use. Pools now have cabanas with daybeds, built-in kitchens, outdoor televisions, and can sometimes be found on rooftops of buildings!

What’s the most short-lived “fad” amenity that’s already gone?

Tanning beds & DVD rentals. They’re both slowly making their way out of fashion. People just don’t see the need to have a DVD player when you have every movie at your fingertips with Netflix and other available streaming channels.

What is the biggest change in our industry that’s had the most

and upload documents at 3 am from the comfort of their living room. Residents can get copies of their lease agreements, put in service requests, and pay rent without having to make time during their workdays. My company went paperless about 5 years ago. No longer do we have to worry about losing resident paperwork or finding extra storage for all those past lease files. We have everything we need

accounting, but oh-boy have I heard the stories! I was lucky to have a computer when I started working but I only used it for email and making resident flyers.

Now, we are lucky to have online leasing & resident portals which give prospects and residents the opportunities to have

our industry continuing for another 35 years. The Triangle has been a top 10 place to live for the last 21 years that I have been here and I doubt that will change any time soon. The data shows

coming to the area. Between now and

your job?

housing for the influx of population 2030, Raleigh will need to build 5,309

It has to be the people. I’ve met some

new apartment homes each year to ac-

of the most incredible people through

commodate population and household

the years, many of them I still call friends.

growth. I think for the Triangle Apart-

I not only keep in touch with many of my

ment Association to continue to flourish

past co-workers but some of my favorite

for the next 35 years, we need to remain

past residents as well.

relevant to what our members need and

What is the most challenging part

The advancement in technology

copies of leases or paper ledgers to do

I don’t think we need to worry about

What is your favorite part about

There are days where I wake up and

offices were using carbon paper to make

another 35 years?

that we currently don’t have enough

of your job?

bounds. I wasn’t in the business when

association need to continue for

at any time at our fingertips.

positive impact? has changed our industry by leaps and

What does the industry and our

I’m not sure where I am or where I am supposed to be! I seem to pack a bigger bag for an overnight trip to a property than I do for a weeklong vacation and

be open to change. We need to continue to offer valuable educational offerings and networking opportunities for our members. Most of all, our association needs its tireless volunteers and staff who make the TAA one of the top associations in the country.

somehow I will still have forgotten to pack two matching shoes. My days can sometimes be so busy that I barely stop to catch my breath. I catch myself often answering the question, “How are you?” with “Busy.” This seems to be a common thread with everyone I talk to, especially in these summer months. This is all

the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 4

April Vasta CAPS, CAM TAA President Blue Ridge Companies, Inc. taapresident@triangleaptassn.org

$200 off

2020 Budgeted Repairs

the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 5

! s U n i o J

TAA’s 35th Anniversary Celebration

November 1, 2019 | 6:00pm – 10:00pm At the Newly Renovated Embassy Suites by Hilton Raleigh Durham Research Triangle 201 Harrison Oaks Boulevard, Cary NC 27513 Formal Attire. Black Tie Optional.

To register, visit: www.triangleaptassn.org We need your photos of the past 35 years with TAA for the upcoming event!

Whether you’ve been a member for less than 1 year or all 35 years, please email us your photos of classes, events, friends, or coworkers with TAA! You can email photos to taa@triangleaptassn.org.

25th Anniversary Event

20 2012 Komen Walk

2013 Meet the Candidates

1987 Trade Show

dy President An 1990s - Past cle Sam in n Meador as U rive D ip h rs e Memb

2013 CAMT

1999 Officers

2009 CAM Students the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 6

1996 Awards Banquet

2006 Economic Forum

2009 Casino Night

008 Meet the Candidates

t

NAAEI Designation Recipients

2008 Maintenance Mania

2018 Maintenance Mania

2009 Triumph Awards

1999 Legislative Days

es 2011 Legal Issu the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 7

TAA Past President Barb O’Stee n

CFC Certified VS HVAC Certified…

What’s the difference?

By Andy Meador, CAMT, Director of Capital Projects with McDowell Properties

“HVAC Certified” is a term being used by both employers and job seekers as an important and essential job qualification in our industry. But, there is a big problem with the term because this certification doesn’t actually exist. At least, it doesn’t exist the way the term is being used. The use of this term was created by our own industry from a misunderstood perception of an existing qualification called “CFC Certification.” The biggest problem with this confusing play on letters is the intent of its use. People searching for candidates to fill maintenance positions think that applicants who possess a CFC Certification have the skills they need to repair air conditioning systems. Herein lies the problem, CFC Certifications have nothing at all to do with having HVAC repair skills! Let me explain…

Inside the complex systems that make air conditioning systems work is a refrigerant gas. There are many different types of gases for many different types of applications. A long time ago, when an air conditioning system needed repairs or the system needed to be replaced, technicians use to just cut the tubing and let the gas expel into the air. At the time, these refrigerants were so affordable that technicians would use them to blow out drain lines or even fill golf cart tires! Little did we know that some of these refrigerant gases contained chlorofluorocarbons, otherwise known as CFCs. In the 1980s, scientists discovered that these CFCs have a negative impact on our planet’s ozone layer, particularly the chlorine component (Chloro). The ozone layer protects us from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Without it, our earth would overheat causing crop loss and

death. In the early 1990s, the government stepped in and began regulating the sale and use of these CFC refrigerants. This led to a new requirement that any person who wanted to purchase refrigerants or open a system for service needed to be trained and certified in the safe handling and disposal of these refrigerants. This was the introduction

✓CFC Certification of the “CFC Certification”. For a technician to become certified (s)he had to learn about the harmful effects the gases have on the atmosphere and how to safely handle and dispose of them. It is presumed that any person wanting to obtain their CFC Certification already possesses the technical skills to perform actual repairs but the exam has nothing to do with actual repairs. It’s all regulatory information that can be learned in a day of studying.

replacements that cost thousands of dollars.

The apartment industry coined the phrase “Jacks of all trades, masters of none” because it best describes our unique workforce. While we would all like to have master HVAC technicians, in reality, our technicians do much more than fix air conditioning systems. They perform many other tasks like electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and painting.

When searching for a prospective maintenance employee, your job listing should ask the candidate to be CFC Certified because it’s required for that person to purchase refrigerants and use them on your community. If a candidate claims they are HVAC Certified, ask them to provide a copy of it so you can ensure it’s not being confused with the CFC Certification. More importantly than this certificate, you should ask about their actual experience making repairs. Ask the candidates if they have had any skills training provided by trade schools, equipment manufacturers, or the Apart-

✓ HVAC Repair Trained/Experience

Over the years, the CFC Certification morphed into the misleading term, “HVAC Certification”. I see employers use the term in job ads and I see candidates using the term on resumes. Even worse, it’s being used to determine the potential salary of our workforce. Employers are paying a large premium for someone who is “HVAC Certified.” In reality, that person may have never received any actual HVAC repair training, and they may only have their CFC Certification. This lack of skills leads to misdiagnosed air conditioning units and unnecessary the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 8

ment Association. Ask the candidates the ages of the communities they’ve worked at and for an example of a particularly difficult HVAC repair and how they handled it. A candidate with 10 years of experience on an 80s vintage community might have more trouble-shooting skills than a candidate with 10 years experience on a new construction property, but you won’t know unless you ask!

FE LI

BEFORE

AFTER

We need your help!

Have you heard about our project with TAA’s New Lease on Life to renovate all 12 of Family Promise of Wake County’s transitional housing units? Family Promise uses the units as transitional housing for families experiencing homelessness. Families usually spend between 3-9 months in the units until they secure permanent housing. The units are in need of renovation and we have the members and resources to make that happen!

BEFORE

AFTER Join us at our free information session, September 17, to hear about the renovation of our test unit and how you can get involved! You’ll hear the vendors who donated and discounted their services and products talk about the process and what’s involved. You’ll also hear from Family Promise of Wake County and how our project is impacting the families they serve. Then you’ll have a chance to ask questions about how your company can get involved!

Register online: www.triangleaptassn.org/events/nlol-unit-renovation-info-session

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NAAEI CREDENTIAL HOLDERS

Congratulations!

Congratulations to the following individuals who have earned the Certified Apartment Supervisor (CAPS) credential from the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI).

Katherine Boone – CrossTimbers Apartments Kim Hayworth – Bell Partners, Inc. Shari Hooker – Indigo Apartments Rebecca Kalishek – Cumberland Cove Apartments Scott Marczewski – Hyde Park Apartments Rebecca Smith – The Flats at the Exchange Traci Wooten – Jones Grant Luxury Apartments

the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 11

Outstanding!

Wishing you even more success in the future.

education classes Please visit TAA’s website for full details about each class and to register online for courses and seminars: www.TriangleAptAssn.org.

All classes are held in the TAA/Response Team 1 Education Center unless otherwise noted. Registration deadlines are one week prior to course date unless otherwise noted. Grow your business with TAA. Get face time with your target market and build meaningful connections with TAA Education Sponsorships! Visit our website for current availability.

2019 Certified Pool/Spa Operator (CPO) Course & Exam Opportunities September 13 & 14 8:30am – 5:00pm Full Course Fee: $279 Members Re-Take Exam Fee: $179 Members

Please note! All CPO courses will be held on a Friday and Saturday. All those seeking CPO re-certifications must attend both days.

Instructor: Mark Peele, CAMT, Director of Maintenance and Construction with PRG Real Estate.

Legal Issues – 2 Dates Available September 19 OR October 24 9:00am – 4:30pm $209 Members Six (6) Continuing Education Credits (CECs)

Join us for this informative seminar to learn all the legalities of operating your property within the law in the state of NC. Get up to speed on the NC landlord-tenant law changes. In addition to learning about the laws, you will learn the legal aspects of property management as well as the eviction process and how to avoid pitfalls.

Instructor: Todd Whitlow, Partner with Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC

NAA Lease Review & Training Seminar September 20 9:00am – 4:30pm $189 Members Six (6) Continuing Education Credits (CECs)

This course will cover the NAA Lease, Addendums, and changes that have been made pertinent to the state of North Carolina landlord law. This session is a must-attend for managers, assistant managers and leasing professionals using the National Apartment Association lease agreement.

Instructor: Todd Whitlow, Partner with Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC

Business Writing Course September 26 8:30am – 5:00pm $129 Members Seven (7) Continuing Education Credits (CECs)

New Course!

Instructor: Jenni Hart, Copywriter, Editor, and Writing Instructor Business writing is any written communication used in a professional setting, which includes emails, memos, reports, and presentations. It’s direct, clear, and designed to be read quickly. In business, your writing

counts. It’s a projection of yourself (and your company) just as much as what you wear and how you conduct yourself.

Writing well and learning to communicate and articulate your message is one of the most important and powerful skills you can develop to be successful in the business world. If you often find yourself at a loss for words or lacking confidence in your communication abilities, you don’t want to miss this course!

the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 12

Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Seminar: Fundamental and Advanced Training in LIHTC Compliance October 9 & 10 9:00am – 5:00pm Each Day Complete LIHTC Training & HCCP Exam – $618 Members Complete LIHTC Training ONLY (no exam) – $449 Members HCCP Exam Only – $175

The Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) is the leading credential in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit industry, representing the highest level of competency and knowledge, as well as a commitment to the highest ethical standards.

Visit our website for more information about the LIHTC Seminar.

Instructor: Karen Graham, President & CEO of Karen A. Graham Consulting, LLC

Through the Eyes of an Asset Manager October 16 9:00am – 4:00pm $129 Members Five (5) Continuing Education Credits (CECs) Instructor: Leslie Mathis, Owner of Streamline Multifamily Group & Asset Manager for Woodfield Investments

During “Through the Eyes of an Asset Manager” we will take a deep dive into financials, operational strategy, and branding for your property. Each individual will take away tools to implement once back onsite or in their office. The class is geared to managers, aspiring managers, new regionals, and any multifamily professionals looking to enhance their operational skills. Don’t have an asset manager – no worries! All industry professionals welcomed!

National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) Credential Program October 17 | 8:30am - 5:00pm October 18 | 9:00am - 5:00pm October 19 | 9:00am - 3:30pm November 14 | Presentations | 9:00am - 1:30pm* $519 Members The NALP (National Apartment Leasing Professional) Credential Program curriculum is designed for leasing professionals. They are the first people

prospective residents meet, and often their only gauge of the property staff. This course is designed to teach these professionals skills to help them become top producers. Launch your career by earning your NALP credential!

Visit our website for more information about the NALP Credential Program. * Sponsorship Available!

Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) Credential Program November 5, 2019 | Interior and Exterior Maintenance and Repair November 6 - 7, 2019 | Electrical Maintenance and Repair December 10, 2019 | Heating Systems Maintenance and Repair December 11, 2019 | Air Conditioning Maintenance and Repair January 14, 2020 | Plumbing Maintenance and Repair January 15, 2020 | Appliance Maintenance and Repair January 16, 2020 | Review & Exam $1199 Members* *Modules may also be taken individually for $230/module.

Become a jack-of-all-trades and a Master of Maintenance! This program is designed both as an introduction for new maintenance professionals and as a refresher for the veteran employee, to give these professionals the knowledge and tools necessary to run an effective maintenance program. Maintenance expenses are the single largest controllable element in any operating budget.

Visit our website for more information about the CAMT Credential Program.

Fair Housing November 12 10:00am – 12:00pm $79 Members Two (2) Continuing Education Credits (CECs) Instructor: Chris Loebsack, Founder and Managing Partner of Loebsack & Brownlee, PLLC

You know all about the protected classes, but are you up to date on the latest Fair Housing updates? Join Chris Loebsack and go over the hottest topics currently on HUD’s radar. Come learn the do’s, don’ts and best practices tips for criminal record screening policies; assistance animals; hostile environments; housing provider’s liability; domestic violence situations; medical marijuana; and more!

the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 13

Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC is ready to kick off the season Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC is a property solutions law rm! We assist managers and owners of rental and other investment property, and communities with a wide variety of transactional needs, federal, state and local law regulations compliance and, when necessary, litigation of these issues.

Join us in congratulating Patrick Johnson for becoming a licensed attorney in the state of GeorgiaÂ

Meet us at upcoming events

September 5th TAKE 5 Breakfast Business Exchange September 19th Legal issues Seminar taught by Todd Whitlow September 27th Golf Tournament

Follow us on Social Media @propertysolutionslaw Visit us at: www.bwpf-law.com

the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 14

TOUR OF CITIES CITIES TOUR OF

C OC M MM UU NNI T N EETTW WOORRK K OM I TYY CCH HA AT , N I NI N G ,G &, & H OHTOTTO T PO I CPSI C S Tour of Cities – Durham!

TAA’s Membership Committee is hosting a quarterly event called “Tour of Cities” as a part of our Engagement Drive for 2019. Each quarter our event is hosted at an apartment community in a different city to bring TAA to YOU! The quarterly event includes a networking breakfast, speakers presenting hot topics, and a tour of the host community.

Our second stop of 2019 was Durham!

June’s event offered an amazing networking

Next Stop: Cary!

September 11 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM The Aster Apartments Coming up on September 11 is our third quarter “Tour of Cities” – this stop is in Cary! Register online to join our community chat and network with other onsite professionals while learning about Legal Issues, Market Trends, & Social Media.

breakfast, a presentation from Andy Meador

If you’re interested in learning more about your

on Recruiting/Retaining Service Team

membership with the Triangle Apartment Asso-

Members, Summer Event Planning ideas

ciation and how you can get involved, contact

from Lori Valenti Webb, and ended with a

Jennifer Creech, Membership and Marketing

tour of the fabulous The Apartments at

Manager at JCreech@TriangleAptAssn.org or

Palladian Place.

919.782.1165 ext 3.

the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 15

New Members MANAGEMENT COMPANIES Alliance Residential Company 200 Providence Road, Suite 250 Charlotte, NC 28207 Contact: Sarah Calhoun scalhoun@allresco.com (704) 910-7068 Units: 342

Atlantic Housing Management, LLC 4770 Iberia Avenue, Suite 100 Dallas, TX 75207 Contact: Lydia Escalante lescalante@atlantichousing.org (469) 206-8901 Units: 81

Berkley Hall Management, LLC 500-D State Street Greensboro, NC 27405 Contact: Alix Horton alix.horton@berkleyhallmgmt.com (336) 315-8500 Units: 432

DTH Management Group Ltd. PO Box 1567 Dunn, NC 28335 Contact: Pam Higgins pamh@dthmanagement.com (910) 892-5999 Units: 96

Surpass Senior Living 6360 Lyndon B Johnson Freeway, Suite 276 Dallas, TX 75240 Contact: Sara Jane Beck sbeck@surpassliving.com (469) 828-6935 Units: 182

COMMUNITIES The Aspens at Bedford Falls 1580 Dunn Road Raleigh, NC 27614 Contact: Colleen Jones ed.taabf@surpassliving.com (919) 846-7216 Units: 182

Bloomfield at 5401 North 7760 Midtown Market Avenue Raleigh, NC 27616 Contact: Catrina Patterson bloomfieldmgr@greystar.com (919) 578-8226 Units: 192

Brizo Luxury Apartments 1108 Merrion Avenue Morrisville, NC 27560 Contact: Tracie Lyon manager@brizoluxury.com (984) 329-7228 Units: 260

Brookside Apartments 1406 Brookside Drive Raleigh, NC 27604 Contact: Ashley Pourron brookside@wellingtonadvisors.com (833) 614-8167 Units: 68

Crabtree Lakeside Apartments 5500 Home Valley Drive Raleigh, NC 27612 Contact: Cheri Kleber ckleber@rkwresidential.com (888) 221-3441 Units: 221

Monarch Apartments 1001 Ruby Street, #D39 Durham, NC 27704 Contact: Gabrielle Rodriguez monarchdurham@wellingtonadvisors.com (919) 797-0075 Units: 44

Solis Patterson Place 3705 Southwest Durham Drive Durham, NC 27707 Contact: Stephanie Rodriguez stephanie.rodriguez@greystar.com (919) 703-4033 Units: 345

Summit Place Apartments 4913 Summit Place Drive NW Wilson, NC 27896 Contact: Amanda Faircloth amandaf@dthmanagement.com (252) 237-5437 Units: 96

Sunnybrook Pointe Under Construction Raleigh, NC 27613 Contact: Marcie Conrad mconrad@druckerandfalk.com (919) 846-7300 Units: 180

The Caswell at Creech

2920 Boone Trail Raleigh, NC 27610 Contact: Anthony Fulton creech@wellingtonadvisors.com (919) 977-0519 Units: 12

The Retreat at Fuquay-Varina 800 N Judd Pkwy NE Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 Contact: Holly Baker holly.baker@berkleyhallmgmt.com (336) 315-8500 Units: 432

Trilogy Cary 1106 Scenic Club Drive Cary, NC 27519 Contact: Meg Grant trilogycary@rkwresidential.com (919) 908-3076 Units: 205

INDEPENDENT RENTAL OWNERS Oak Springs Management, LLC 2605 Brookstone Ridge Loop Raleigh, NC 27613 Contact: Lily Styler oakspringscapital@gmail.com (919) 341-9772 Units: 1

G Hall Homes, LLC 400 Coach House Lane Hillsborough, NC 27278 Contact: Glenn Hall glenn.a.hall0@gmail.com (612) 270-7370 Units: 1 the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 16

SUPPLIERS Bizmaids, LLC 4801 Glenwood Avenue, #200 Raleigh, NC 27612 Contact: Muhammad Ibrahim inquiry@bizmaids.com (804) 491-8178 Apartment Cleaning Services

Stylus SE

Triangle Game Night

220 Carolina Town Lane Holly Springs, NC 27540 Contact: Jason Huggins info@stylusevents.com (919) 346-4669

112 Sunny Chloe Court Holly Springs, NC 27540 Contact: Erin Dean erin@trianglegamenight.com (919) 610-5050

Audio/Visual Installation | DJ’s | Photography & Video | Resident Retention & Events

DJ’s | Playground and Park Equipment Resident Retention & Events

Sunshine Cleaning Solutions

Chamblee Graphics

210 Calibre Chase Drive, #208 Raleigh, NC 27609 Contact: Mishell Thielen sunshineofnc@gmail.com (919) 366-8096

1300 Hodges Street Raleigh, NC 27604 Contact: Diane Johnson diane@chambleeinc.com (919) 833-7561

Welcome!

Apartment Cleaning Services | Carpet Cleaning Services | Gutter Cleaning & Pressure Washing Contractors | Painting Contractors

Design Services (Graphics, Logos, Publications)

ONLINE MEMBER DIRECTORY

Did you know TAA’s website offers a full member list that you can filter by member type and area of expertise?

www.TriangleAptAssn.org/Members Supplier Members are visible publicly, but to view Owner/Operators, you must be a logged in member. Logging into your account is easy and creating your account only takes a few clicks! Keep in mind your account is specific to you, meaning each person should have their own. Your account will stick with you no matter what company or property you work for.

Need help creating your account? Visit www.TriangleAptAssn.org/FAQ or contact Meg Palumbo at mpalumbo@triangleaptassn.org.

Logged-In Member Account Benefits: • Register yourself and coworkers for classes & events • Invoice your company or property • Get full access to online member directory • Get access to an exclusive blog specific to your job type • Keep track of your event and class attendance • Update your profile • Primary Contacts can update the company profile, edit staff, and view/pay invoices

the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 17

legal Issues

Legal Issues

What Does Immigration Status Have to do with the Fair Housing Laws?

By Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC

As you know, the federal Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) prohibits discrimination in the rental of dwellings, and in other housingrelated transactions, based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Some state and local fair housing laws prohibit discrimination based on additional classifications. Some examples of such additional classifications are source of income and sexual orientation. Every person in the United States is protected by the FHA, including persons who are not United States citizens and persons who do not have legal status in the United States.

Landlords may not treat potential and current renters differently because of their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or familial status. While landlords may request documentation and conduct inquiries to determine whether a potential renter meets the rental criteria, the same procedure must be applied to all applicants.

While the FHA explicitly prohibits discrimination based on national origin, it does not explicitly prohibit discrimination based on immigration status. So, there is no prohibition in the FHA against screening potential residents for immigration status. However, procedures to screen potential and existing residents for immigration status may violate the FHA’s prohibitions on national origin housing discrimination. Further, HUD stated that “[a] requirement involving citizenship or immigration status will violate the [FHA] when it has the purpose or unjustified effect of discriminating on the basis of national origin.” HUD will investigate complaints alleging that a landlord inquired into a person’s immigration status or citizenship to see whether national origin discrimination may have occurred.

HUD has advised that, while landlords can ask for identity documents and institute credit checks to ensure the ability to pay rent, an applicant or tenant’s immigration status is not necessarily connected to their ability to pay rent or their fitness as a tenant. Advocates for landlords argue that it can very well be connected. They argue that “noncitizen residents pose a greater risk profile” for not being able to fulfill some obligations under their lease and the applicant screening processes allow landlords “to gain a comfort level that the potential resident will fully comply with the terms of the lease” and that the potential resident will “not pose a foreseeable safety risk to others.” For example, a non-citizen renter without perma-

nent resident status whose visa expires in the middle of a lease term could be forced to exit the United States resulting in the landlord suffering financial loss.

Recently, the federal appellate court for North Carolina and Virginia heard a case involving a claim against a landlord, Waples Mobile Home Park (“Waples”). Waples rents primarily to Latinx people. Waples required all occupants to provide documentation showing their legal status in the United States in order to renew their leases. A complaint was filed alleging that this policy violated the FHA by disproportionately excluding or ousting Latinx persons as compared to non-Latinx persons.

By holding that a policy targeting undocumented aliens could violate the FHA, this case effectively creates a protected class for undocumented aliens despite the FHA not including immigration status as a protected class.

The plaintiffs showed that Latinxs make up 64.6% of the total undocumented immigrant population in Virginia and that Latinxs are ten times more likely than non-Latinxs to be adversely affected by the policy at issue since undocumented immigrants make up 36.4% of the Latinx population compared to only 3.6% of the non-Latinx population. Based on this evidence, the plaintiffs asserted that “a policy that adversely affects the undocumented immigrant population will likewise have a significant disproportionate impact on the Latino population.” The Court held that the plaintiffs showed discrimination by asserting that the policy requiring all occupants to provide documents proving legal status was likely to cause Latinx Waples residents to be disproportionately subject to exclusion or eviction compared to non-Latinx Waples residents. The Court did not state whether discrimination against Latinx is discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, or both; the Court found that it is enough to agree that Latinxs are a protected class under the FHA.

the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 18

Essentially, the Court found that discrimination could be shown through evidence that Latinxs constitute the majority of undocumented immigrants in the geographic area where Waples is located, and thus Latinxs are disproportionately impacted by any policy targeting undocumented immigrants.

The Court therefore may have effectively extended FHA protection to individuals based on their immigration status. By holding that a policy targeting undocumented aliens could violate the FHA, this case effectively creates a protected class for undocumented aliens despite the FHA not including immigration status as a protected class. This could mean that a landlord’s policies against renting to undocumented aliens or practice of demanding documentation to prove legal status in the United States could be challenged as violating the FHA.

Landlords may be concerned about the potential of liability for renting to undocumented aliens. The Federal Immigration and Nationality Act (“INA”) makes it illegal for any person, “knowing or in reckless disregard of the fact that an alien has come to, entered, or remains in the United States in violation of the law, [to] conceal, harbor, or shield from detection, or attempt to conceal, harbor, or shield from detection, such alien in any place, including any building or any means of transportation.” However, federal courts have held that “‘harboring’ requires some act of obstruction that reduces the likelihood the government will discover the alien’s presence. It is highly unlikely that a landlord’s renting of an apartment to an alien lacking lawful immigration status could ever, without more, satisfy this definition of harboring. Renting an apartment in the normal course of business is not in and of itself conduct that prevents the government from detecting an alien’s presence.” Thus, simply renting apartments to undocumented aliens likely does not, without more, constitute the crime of harboring an alien.

It is important that landlords review their policies and procedures to ensure that they are applying the same policies and procedures in a consistent manner to all applicants and residents. Further, any policy relating to identification and/or citizenship status should be reviewed thoroughly for potential liability.

This article is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. You should seek advice from your attorney as to your specific issues.

and join us

s

Wild

Joinon us for one of ourDecember most popular events, and theat first one this year! After Join us Tuesday, 3, 2019 and provides an easy way to network after hours.

With Wild Wing CafĂŠ in Brier Creek for our final appetizers being pro you is for individually purchased food and beverage. Come out and enjoy a After Work Networking event of the year!See you there!

Need a new headshot? We will be hosting Happy Hour Headshots!

2018 December After Work Networking

Get in the giving spirit!

The December After Work Networking Event will also be a drop off location for our Toys for Tots collection drive.

2018 December After Work Networking

Consider It DoneSM when you choose Economy Exterminators!

For over 40 years our company has been servicing Apartment Communities in North Carolina. v Pest Control v Mosquito Control v Flea Control

v Termite Control v Moisture Control v Bed Bug Control

Schedule your FREE evaluation!

Contact Us Today Raleigh: 919-362-1000 www.Economy Exterminators.com the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 19

2019 TAA Political Endorsements On Tuesday, August 6, the Triangle Apartment Association Political Action Committee’s Board of Trustees voted to endorse candidates in municipal elections across the Triangle. The candidates who have received an endorsement from TAA-PAC were interviewed by members of the Board of Trustees and were selected based on their commitment to smart growth strategies, their focus on sustainable development and their attention to the housing affordability crisis in our communities.

Mayor

At Large

District B

District D

Harold Weinbrecht haroldweinbrecht.com

Lori Bush loribush.org

Don Frantz frantzforcary.com

Beth Friedrich bethforcary.com

Cary Endorsements

At Large (3 Seats)

Mayor

Durham Endorsements

Javiera Caballero javieracaballeroparadurham.com

Jillian Johnson jillianjohnson.net

District 1

District 2

District 3

Michael Schlink michaelformorrisville.org

Kristen Richardson electkristenrichardson.com

Steve Schewel stevefordurham.com

Charlie Reece charliefordurham.com

Morrisville Endorsements

District A

At Large (2 Seats)

Mayor

Raleigh Endorsements

Liz Johnson lizjohnson.org

Mary-Ann Baldwin maryannforraleigh.com

Jonathan Melton jonathanmelton.com

Nicole Stewart nicoleforaleigh.com

District B

District D

District E

Brian Fitzsimmons brianfitznc.com

Saige Martin saige4raleigh.com

David Knight knightforraleigh.com

Patrick Buffkin patrickforraleigh.com

and join us TAA held its first After Work Networking event of 2019 on Tuesday, July 9 at Wild Wing Cafe in Brier Creek. Over 150 members came out to enjoy a relaxing evening full of fun and networking with colleagues and friends. The Backpack to School collection drive was also held during the event, in support of multiple organizations around the Triangle.

We were able to fill the stage with backpacks and school supplies that will benefit students in need as they head back to school.

Thank you to everyone who contributed for your generosity!

Wild

Join us for one of our most popular events, and the first one this year! Afte and provides an easy way to network after hours. With appetizers being pr you is for individually purchased food and beverage. Come out and enjoy See you there!

We would also like to congratulate Andy Hernandez and the staff at Tryon Place Apartments for winning a $100 gift card that was donated by Wild Wing Café for a staff lunch. Enjoy!

Thank You!

Thank you to our July After Work Networking sponsors, who helped us make this event such an incredible success!

Thanks to Bio-One Raleigh, FINCOR Construction, and Trible’s Inc. – we could not have done it without you!

After Work Networking is open to all TAA members, with no cost to attend.

Mark your calendars for our final After Work Networking event of 2019, which will be held at Wild Wing Café in Brier Creek on Tuesday, December 3.

the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 21

September 2 5

2019 SOLD OUT!

11

12

Independent Rental Owner Lunch Meeting 11:30am – 1:30pm

TAA Closed | Labor Day

TAAEF’s “Take 5” Breakfast Business Exchange 8:30am – 12:00pm Brier Creek Country Club

Tour of Cities | Cary 9:30am – 11:30am The Aster Apartments

13-14

17

19

20

NAA Lease Review & Training Seminar 9:00am – 4:30pm

CPO 8:30am – 5:00pm

NLOL Unit Renovation Project Info Session 9:00am – 11:00am

Legal Issues 9:00am – 4:30pm

22

24

Executive/Board of Directors Meeting

26

Business Writing Course 8:30am – 5:00pm

27

10

10

16

24

NLOL 5k Team 7:45am – 10:30am WakeMed Soccer Park

SOLD OUT!

Golf Tournament The Neuse Golf Club

October

9-10

Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Seminar 9:00am – 5:00pm

Independent Rental Owner Lunch Meeting 11:30am – 1:30pm TAA’s Large Conference Room

Day of Service 12:45pm – 3:00pm Multiple Locations

17-19

22

23

NALP Credential Program Times Vary

Executive/Board of Directors Meeting

TAA 101 9:00am – 11:00am

Through the Eyes of an Asset Manager 9:00am – 4:00pm

Legal Issues 9:00am – 4:30pm

All classes are at TAA’s Office unless otherwise noted. Please visit the TAA Website at www.TriangleAptAssn.org for a complete list of Courses, Events, & Committee Meeting dates and times.

the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 22

Save

Date

35th Anniversary Celebration November 1

After Work Networking December 3

Advertiser’s Index

PAGE

Apartment Association of North Carolina ___ 11

Loebsack & Brownlee, PLLC ________________2

Brownlee Whitlow & Praet, PLLC __________ 14

Redi Carpet, Inc. ________________________ 10

Economy Exterminators___________________ 19

Tidal Electrical Services, Inc._________________5

Full House Marketing_______________________9 Advertising space available! Contact Meg Palumbo for availability and pricing at mpalumbo@triangleaptassn.org or 919.782.1165 ext 1.

the ApartMentor | September-October 2019 23

7920 ACC Blvd, Suite 220 Raleigh, NC 27617

Give back with TRIANGLE APARTMENT ASSOCIATION'S

DAY OF SERVICE

OCT 10

12:45PM - 3PM

TWO LOCATIONS

FOOD BANK OF CENTRAL & EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA

DURHAM & RALEIGH

REGISTER ONLINE: WWW.TRIANGLEAPTASSN.ORG