Summer 2021 Window Magazine

Page 1

ON RENTAL HOUSING

SUMMER 2021

27 Renter Road Map to Exit Eviction 42 Five Trends Shaping Apartment

Communities in Wake of Pandemic

15 Hiring for Maintenance? We Can Help.

40 Professional of the Year

Nominations Opening Soon! T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E

Austin Apartment Association

THIS ISSUE:

EVERYONE IS

Someone ON THE AAA

Love Boat

41

PG.


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CONTENTS SUMMER 2021 ISSUE

FEATURES 24 Community Connection 27 Renter Road Map to Exit Eviction

41 2021 Trade Show:

Everyone is Someone on the AAA Love Boat

42 5 Trends Shaping

32

Apartment Communities in Wake of Coronavirus Pandemic

We’re Baaack! Welcome Back Bash 2021.

44 PAC Contributions

Help Keep our Voice Strong

What a wonderful evening to finally get together again!

2021 / SUMMER /

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The Official Publication of the

AUS TIN APA RTMENT ASSOCIATION 8620 Burnet Road #475 Austin, TX 78757 512.323.0990 www.austinaptassoc.com

Communications Committee Chairs Danielle Archuleta (844) 433-3824 Stephanie Naylor (512) 335-8138

Executive Editor Emily Blair, CAE

Managing Editor

26 IN EV E RY I SSUE 7 Letter from the Editor 8 Leadership 11 Calendar 13 President’s Perspective 14 Market Report

18 Industry Update 20 New Members 22 Committee Chat 46 Education Opportunities 48 Law In Order

Naomi Bludworth

Association Staff

ADVE RTI SE R I N DE X

Emily Blair, CAE, Executive Vice President, emily@austinaptassoc.com Dana Bolz, CMP, Director of Events/Meetings,

IFC Austin Energy

12 Century A/C

31 Hello Doorstep

1 A&A Wrecker

19 BG Staffing

37 Hire Priority

dana@austinaptassoc.com

2 Camp Construction

19 Austin Estate Gate

39 CORT

Paul Cauduro, CAE, Director of

10 Charter Furniture

21 Ameristar

43 Inter Solutions

10 Austin Resource Recovery

25 Maintenance Supply Headquarters

IBC Stripe-It-Up

Government Relations,

paul@austinaptassoc.com

BC Integrity Paving

Amy Lydic, CAE, Director of Education amyl@austinaptassoc.com Lisa Sedgwick, Director of Membership Development

lisa@austinaptassoc.com Lynne Williams, Accounting Manager, lynne@austinaptassoc.com Design by Graphic Engine Design Studio

www.GraphicEngine.net

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Window on Rental Housing by the Austin Apartment Association is a quarterly magazine. The advertising and article submission deadline for the FALL 2021 issue of Window on Rental Housing is August 15, 2021. All material submitted is subject to review and approval of the Austin Apartment Association. The publisher assumes no responsibility for care and return of unsolicited material. The Austin Apartment Association is affiliated with the Texas Apartment Association and the National Apartment Association. For questions concerning advertising, articles or subscriptions, call (512) 323-0990.



What They See is What They’ll Get...

Be Seen Reserve Your Space Today

512.323.0900

communications@austinaptassoc.com

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THE EDITOR Letter from

STICK WITH AAA As business gets back to “normal.”

Emily Blair, CAE

Executive Vice President / Executive Editor

I

ing those relationships now – in good times or when n the span of just a few months, it seems we have things just feel simply normal, will help ensure a strong gone from a lingering pandemic to a nearly-normal network to lean-on in times of challenges or emergency. state. I know all of us are most happy to be able to Supplier partners can be your lifeline! They can also welcome back some of normal life! offer lifelong friendships as President Stephani Park Getting back to normal for AAA means events shares in this Summer’s President’s Perspective. with great networking opportunities back on the calenFinally – and most important for the coming months dar, as well as in-person education and our annual – will be residents working together with management Trade Show (see YOU there September 9). to take action and responsibility for unpaid rent that We recently hosted our sold out, “For the Love of may have built up during the pandemic, and pursue AAA” welcome back bash at the Salt Lick. Thank you remedies available for making resident’s accounts to all of our sponsors and those who attended! It was clear there was no love lost during the past year or more, whole. The City and County rules are changing, so stick with AAA and we will be sure you know exactly how to as everyone was thrilled to reconnect with those they proceed in this ever-changing environment. We will do hadn’t seen in a while. Check out pictures from that everything we can to help you work together, with your event on pages 32 to 35. residents and onsite teams, to minimize the possibilAs I looked around that event, it was apparent how ity for evictions and get through to the other side of the crucial it is for our industry to be together. Because pandemic. ultimately when we are together - whether together in the same place, working together on properties, working together on an AAA committee, or tackling a project together – really great things can happen for the Warm regards, members of our AAA community. When industry members and supplier partners work closely together, great things can also happen for our residents. Having gone through the winter storm, one of the toughest experiences in our recent history, it was clear that the power of a strong management-supplier Emily Blair, CAE partnership was make-or-break for success. Develop-

2021 / SUMMER /

7


2 020 - 2021 E X ECUTIV E COMMIT TEE

2020 - 2021 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bill Warren, Warren Law Firm Cecil Domel, CAM, CAPS, Belco Equities, Inc. Chelsea Kneeland, CAS, J Turner Research Christyan Lepiz, CAM, Presidium Property Management Christy Sanchez, Magic Make Readies Colleen Grahn, Lantower Luxury Living Gus Villegas, Metric Property Management Haydee Scott, BG Multifamily

Stephani Park

Katya Watson

Rene Flores

CAPS

CAM

CAS

Avenue 5

CREA Management

Platinum Pool and Spa

Brooke MahoneyLivesay The Morgan Group

President

President-Elect

Vice President

Vice President at Large

Kelly Blaskowsky, Capstone Real Estate Services Kelsea Vernon, Roscoe Property Management Kimberly Faulkner, Greystar Kris Burleson, CAS, InterSolutions Staffing Meagan Johnston, CAPS, Avenue 5 Michael Garcia, Roscoe Property Management Missy Sterns, CAPS, LDG Development Paige Russell, CREA Management Renee Zahn, CPM, ARM, CAM, NALP, Greystar Ryan Harmon, CAS, CAMP Construction Shay Mickler, The Liberty Group Stephanie Petersen, Bluebonnet Commercial Management LLC

Shannon Green Weinstein Properties

Lyndsay Hanes

Sandy Eckhardt

CPM

Immediate Past President

VP at Large

Metric Property Management

Terri Needham, CAS, PS Landscapes Theresa Ebner, CAM, CAPS, CPM, LDG Development Toni Rackley, Flooring Warehouse Tracy Slappey-Scott, Cardinal Group Management

Secretary/Treasurer

AA A PAST PRE SIDENTS John Harrison* (64)

Jim Solt* (76)

Carl E. Beck (88)

Frank Montgomery* (65)

Steve Colella (77)

Kim M. McGregor (89)

Bill Roland, CPM, CCIM (00-01) Tami Martin, NALP, CAMT, CAM, CAPS (01-02) Carol Martine, CPM (02-03) Joy Lamb, CPM (03- 04) John Raper (04-05) Debi Wehmeier, CPM (05-06) Renee Clark, CAM, CAPS (06-07) Sherry Perrin (07-08) Jana Ellis (08-09) Kara Garst, CAPS (09-10) Sarah Thompson, CAM, CAPS

Brooke Mahoney-Livesay CAPS (11-12) Sandy Eckhardt (12-13) Colleen Grahn (13-14) Robbie Robinson, CAM, CAPS, ARM (14-15) Gus Villegas (15-16) Theresa Ebner (16-17) Dwayne Stewart (17-18) Renee Zahn, CAM, NALP, ARM, CPM (18-19) Sandy Eckhardt (19-20)

Jim Eichelberger* (66)

Ted Hendricks* (78)

Beth Holt (90)

Andy Wagner* (67)

Hank Guerrero* (79)

David Stapleton, CPM (91)

Ray Littlefield* (68)

Don Tait (80)

Sheri Gallo (92)

George Nalle* (69)

Ray Head (81)

Gina Roberts (93)

Don Jackson (70)

Ed Norton (82)

Carol Martine, CPM (94)

Gene McGregor* (71)

Bob Benson (83)

Keith Warner (95)

Ed Hamel (72)

Jimmy C. Elliott (84)

Michael R. Hill, CPM* (96)

Barry Gillingwater* (73)

Joe Sharp (85)

Vicki L. Sharp, NALP, CAPS (97)

James Raper (74)

Dick Obenhaus (86)

Kim M. McGregor (98)

Rich Ellmer (75)

Susan Melton (87)

Anna Kelley* (99)

Leadership

Next Gen Committee

Renee Zahn, CPM, ARM, CAM, NALP

Joshua Nichols Ashley Pruden, CAS Tiffany Blankman

Carol Taylor Carrie Thomes Dedra Bouffard, CAM Haydee Scott Josh Nichols Robyn Riley Shannon Minor, CAM, CAS Shay Mickler, CAM, CAS

*indicates deceased

(10-11)

2 020-2021 COMMIT TE E CH AIR PER SONS Austin Supervisors Council

Christine Legg, CAM Meagan Johnston, CAPS Board of Directors, Executive Committee

Stephani Park, CAPS Budget & Finance Committee (NEW)

Katya Watson, CAM Stephanie Petersen, CAM Communications Committee

Danielle Archuleta Stephanie Naylor, CAS

Community Outreach Committee

Eric Leonard Taryn Merrill Toni Rackley Doc & Gayle Young Food Drive Committee

Terri Needham, CAS Paige Russell Taryn Merrill

Cecil Domel, CAM, CAPS Missy Sterns Membership A-Team (Ambassadors)

Education Advisory Council

Carrie Laso, CAM Robyn Riley

Chelsea Kneeland, CAS Gina Frazza-Stowers

Membership M-Team (Mentors)

Education Foundation

Deborah Ray Vogel Kris Burleson, CAS

Brooke Mahoney-Livesay, CAPS

8

Legislative Committee

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Political Action Committee

Theresa Ebner, CAM, CAPS, CPM Gus Villegas Products & Services Council

Rene Flores, CAS, Chair Toni Rackley, Chair-elect Kris Burleson, Vice Chair Ryan Harmon, CAS, Immediate Past Chair PSC Members at Large

Ashley Pruden, CAS

Of Counsel

Bill Warren, Warren Law Firm Texas Apartment Association

512-479-6252 National Apartment Association

703-518-6141


SEE YOU SOON

AUG. 31 – SEPT. 2, 2021 | CHICAGO

TO WELCOME YOU BACK SAFELY Chicago is fully open and everything’s looking good for our rental housing industry reunion later this summer. Make your plans now to save on registration and book a great hotel room! CHICAGO, HERE WE COME

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Calendar of

EVENTS

JULY 2021 DATE EVENT

PLACE

TIME

12-16 RPM Week 13 M-Team Committee Meeting

AAA 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

24 Executive Committee Meeting

4:00PM – 5:30 PM

14-16 TAA Summer Board of Directors Meeting

Grapevine, TX

26 Disaster Preparedness & Response Task Force Meeting

9:30AM – 10:30AM

19 Budget & Finance Committee Meeting 11:00AM – 12:00PM

Chicago, IL

20 Education Advisory Council Meeting

AAA

21 2021 Business Exchange

Norris Conference Center 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

27 AAA Board of Directors Meeting

AAA

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

1

Solt Scholarship Application Period Opens

28 Court Process, Petitions & Paperwork: Legal Seminar for Rental Housing Providers

Norris Conference Center 8:30 AM - Noon

2

NAA Apartmentalize Ends

Chicago, IL

29 Association 101

AAA 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

3

Professional of the Year Nominations Close

Virtual

8

A-Team Committee Meeting

AAA

9:00AM -10:00AM

9

Communications Committee Meeting

9:00AM – 10:00AM

9:30AM – 10:30AM

AUGUST 2021 DATE EVENT

PLACE

2

Professional of the Year Nominations Open

3

Legislative Committee

11 A-Team Committee Meeting

TIME

AAA

9:30am – 10:30am

AAA

9:00AM -10:00AM

16 Budget & Finance Committee Meeting 11:00AM – 12:00PM

shutterstock

31 NAA Apartmentalize Begins

18 NextGen Committee Meeting

AAA

19 Outreach Committee Meeting

AAA 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM

19 ASC Bus Tour

12:00PM – 1:00PM

SEPTEMBER 2021 DATE EVENT

PLACE

TIME

5:00PM

9 Trade Show Palmer Events Center 4:00pm – 8:00pm 14 Education Advisory Council Meeting

AAA

14 M-Team Committee Meeting

AAA 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

15 NextGen Committee Meeting

AAA

12:00PM – 1:00PM

23 Disaster Preparedness & Response Task Force Meeting

9:30AM – 10:30AM

28 AAA Board of Directors Meeting

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

AAA

9:30AM – 10:30AM

30 Solt Scholarship Application Period Closes

2021 / SUMMER /

11


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President’s

PERSPECTIVE Stephani Park, CAPS Avenue 5 2020-2021 AAA President

“OH HAPPY DAY!”

The Value of Industry Relationships

I

have been fortunate to have spent my entire career in the multi-family industry. It amazes me that I have industry relationships that span 30+ years. As some of you know, I started my career as a receptionist at a Property Management Company in Houston. During this time, I was introduced to a supplier partner that would impact my life in many ways over the years. Professionally, he was always available to assist with projects and provide guidance no matter how big or small. At industry meetings at the local, state, or national levels, he always made sure to include me, introduce me, and made me feel welcomed. Personally, he has been a part of so many fun times - too many to highlight! But he also was there for me during the illness and loss of my Father. My life has been truly enriched by this relationship – that all I can say is “Oh Happy Day”! As management operators, many of us would consider our supplier partners as one of our most valuable resources. Everything that we do for our residents and property owners could not be accomplished without services or goods provided by our supplier partners. We must recognize that creating a great partnership, goes both ways. I’ve often said “something is going to go wrong,” as no company has a perfect track record. Let’s face it, things happen… but it is how you communicate and navigate through a situation is that makes a great partnership. During a recent conversation, I asked 3 of my closest friends, that also happen to be valued supplier partners: what are the most important elements to your management partner relationships? Their responses were perfectly consistent – they all shared:

1. Communication: open, honest, responsive, with strong follow thru 2. Opportunity: to earn the business and earn our trust 3. Accountability: setting expectations, understanding each other’s world/situation, and paying bills timely. Most suppliers are only seeking an opportunity to earn the business, earn your trust. They want to be a resource in more than just the service that they provide, they are seeking honest communication and accountability. They want a true partnership and want to a resource of more than just the service they are providing. Over time, these types of partnerships have proved to be life-long valued friendships and working relationships. The multifamily industry is filled with so many of these amazing people that are passionate about people and passionate about our industry. Don’t miss out on making these new connections and strengthening those partnerships with things like the AAA Trade Show. It is coming up in September, and it is an opportunity to support one another. Thank you to all of our supplier partners! Sincerely,

Stephani Park, CAPS

2021 / SUMMER /

13


June 2021

Market Line - AUSTIN AUSTIN OVERVIEW Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

90.7% 1,371 $/mo 1.56 $/sf/mo 876 sf

Past 12 Months: 4.8% Rental Rate growth 13,318 units absorbed Operating Supply: 1,079 communities 255,231 units Recently Opened (12 mo): 51 communities 14,008 units

The box on the left displays a snapshot of the current market conditions.

Proposed Construction: 108 communities 33,439 units

92.5

1400

The graph on the right displays the overall occupancy and effective rental prices over the past 24 months. These statistics are derived from a continuous survey of all apartment communities. Effective rental prices are calculated net of concessions and utility adjustments. The table below lists the 5 hottest submarkets in the Greater Austin area. There are a total of 11 submarkets, and the ranking is based on the best combination of rental rate growth and absorption over the past 3 months.

Under Construction: 54 communities 15,503 units

History of Effective Price & Occupancy

1350 90.0 1300 87.5 1250

1200

J J A S O N D J F M A M J J A S O N D J F M A M 2019

2020

The table below distributes and analyzes concessions (specials) by classification. Concessions generally are represented by three types of specials: move-in, months free, or floorplan. ApartmentData.com captures the effect of these specials and prorates them over a lease term to arrive at a percentage reduction in market or street rents.

CONCESSIONS

Over The Past 3 Months

1 2 3 4 5

Cedar Park/ Leander/ Four Points Round Rock/ Georgetown I-35 South Southeast/ Riverside Dr UT/ Mueller

Annualized % of Mkt Growth % Absorbed 35.7% 3.3% 36.2% 2.7% 31.7% 2.8% 30.9% 3.0% 25.4% 3.0%

Class ALL A B C D

Total Units w/ Concessions 66,164 25,107 18,211 13,622 9,224

% of Total Units 26% 36% 24% 19% 23%

Other Texas Markets HOUSTON Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

90.1% 1,092 $/mo 1.23 $/sf/mo 886 sf

SAN ANTONIO Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

90.8% 1,034 $/mo 1.21 $/sf/mo 856 sf

DALLAS/FT.WORTH Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

91.6% 1,242 $/mo 1.42 $/sf/mo 878 sf

Past 12 Months: 2.6% Rental Rate growth 23,055 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: 4.1% Rental Rate growth 9,385 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: 5.2% Rental Rate growth 29,785 units absorbed

Operating Supply: 2,935 communities 692,191 units

Operating Supply: 965 communities 207,103 units

Operating Supply: 3,285 communities 784,806 units

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2021

Price ($/mo)

Occupancy %

HOTTEST SUBMARKETS Rank Submarket

85.0

Citywide Effect -1.5% -2.2% -1.4% -0.8% -1.1%

Average Special -5.8% -6.7% -5.7% -4.2% -4.7%

ApartmentData.com has been providing apartment data and marketing products since 1986. We provide real time access for property specific information, market surveys and historic submarket data for over 3.5 million apartment units in AZ, FL, GA, NC, TN, and TX. Cindi Reed Regional Vice President 512.969.1499


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Industry UPDATE

with experienced mentors, and concludes the three-month program with a debate-style competition. ATXelerator Executive Director Ward Tisdale describes it this way: “Trying to have competent and effective local elected officials without a formalized program to train them is like not recruiting college football By Paul Cauduro, AAA Director of Government Relations players and expecting to win.” The ATXelerator was launched logo is frequently included with other with the backing of six former mayors he Austin Apartment Associaassociation logos when communicatand councilmembers. Its mission is to tion (AAA) was founded in 1964 ing shared concerns involving housing promote good government and help and since that time has served and housing development. The chalbusiness leaders better understand as the collective voice of the inlenge become trying to work proacthe issues confronting Austin help dustry. Cleary, since its inceptively and expand the organization’s move Austin toward having more fortion, the market has radically changed impact and brand awareness in an exward-thinking and business-minded and the industry’s voice now has to be pensive and dynamic housing market leaders in local government. raised on issues far beyond the typwhere rental housing providers are not AAA’s support for the ATXelerical NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) always cast in a favorable light. ator is aimed at being proactive and complaints about how apartments Enter the ATXelerator. The AAA helping to change the course of city cause traffic congestion or loud parand its political action committee know leadership which has become more ties thrown by college students living in-tune with special inin apartments disrupt the terest and anti-growth neighborhood. and anti-business activist Because the issues have groups. The AAA’s leadergreatly evolved and the ship views the support as need for a collective voice an investment in the fuis more important than ture because it invests in ever, in the fall of 2019 the In the fall of the education and trainAAA adopted a new Strate2019, the AAA adopted a new ing of common-sense peogic Plan to help guide and Strategic Plan ple which is Austin’s best sustain our voice and politto help guide hope to bring centrist govical actions. The plan calls and sustain ernment back. for the AAA to increase our voice and political To date the ATXelits community impact by actions. erator has produced 75 engaging proactively and alumni, more than a dozcollaboratively with goven City of Austin board/ ernment, business, and commission members community groups and ofand two city-council canfer a clear voice on behalf of didates including 2020 members’ shared interests. graduate Vanessa Fuentes The plan further provides as Apartment PAC – Austin supports who recently won a seat on the Austin that the AAA pivot from a reactive apthis nonpartisan, non-profit organizaCity Council representing District 2. proach to a more strategic and proaction in the effort to reach the goals set The ATXelerator is accepting applitive approach to government affairs and forth in the strategic plan. The ATXelcations for its 2022 class and we enpublic policy discussions in order to excourage any AAA member interested pand the organization’s impact, enhance erator was founded in 2017 to recruit business leaders and others from all in moving Austin forward with busiits brand, and better position the rental areas of Austin to participate in an acness-minded policies to join the class. housing sector for long-term success. celerated leadership-type program cur- For more information, please visit To be sure, the AAA has worked riculum on civic leadership and Austin www.atxelerator.org/application proactively and collaboratively with city government. The program comallied real estate organizations in the Austin area on a wide range of land-use bines classroom education with experi- Report on Mold Regulations for Apartments Set for Release ential learning, matches class members planning and policy issues. The AAA In late April the Austin City Council adopted a resolution directing the City Read about AAA’s current advocacy issues at www.austinaptassoc.com/news/advocacy-in-action Manager to report on health and safety

BEING PROACTIVE FOR LONG-TERM SUCCESS

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issues related to mold and rental housing. This issue surfaced after apartment residents complained to Council that their concerns about advanced microbial growth on the walls and ceilings emerging from the winter storm water damage were being ignored by apartment owners and managers. The resolution states that the City Manager is to survey local governments regulations, best practices for processing mold complaints and code enforcement practices regarding mold. The report will also include an information regarding if other jurisdictions require relocation assistance during mold remediation and recommendations on how best to enforce mod regulations and the resources needed for the enforcement. The Council has asked that the report be issued by mid-August. For AAA members, there are a number of educational resources available to address mold claims and remediation. The National Apartment Association (NAA) offers a Mold “Toolkit” that contains a compilation of industry best practices and related resources from government agencies and private contributors to help manage mold issues at your property. The Texas Apartment Association’s (TAA) Mold Information and Prevention Addendum” is a useful contract addendum for educating residents about reporting any water intrusions or the appearance of advanced microbial growth. The addendum also advises residents on how to clean certain mold, as compared to needing to contact the owner for remediation. Additionally, the TAA’s REDBOOK and REDBOOK Online offers articles and highlights the state statutes that identifies the duties and requirements of mold remediators. In May the AAA offered a webinar on the topic of mold and mold remediation actions and that webinar can be found for replay at www.austinaptassoc.com/webinars If you have any questions or need addition information about the city’s mold resolution or the appearance of advanced microbial growth at your property contact paul@austinaptassoc.com.

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New MEMBERS AAA welcomes these new members who joined the association between April 1, 2021 and May 31, 2021. When deciding where to make your next purchase for your property, please consider an AAA supplier member.

N E W IN DUST RY M EM BER S Barkley Houses LLC 29 units

Monroe Group, Ltd. 1 units

Ben Garza Investments 6 units

Norton Properties 1 units

Bian Properties 5 units

Roberts Resorts and Roberts Communities 350 units

Chaiken Properties 2 units Eugene Burger Management Corp 14 units KML, Inc. 149 units

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Seldin Company 56 units

AVE by Korman Communities 226 units American Campus Communities 1244 units Carlson Rental Properties 3 units Empire Communities 0 units

TGP Property Management 251 units

Gors Properties 6 units

Webb Rentals 2 units

Inkuee V LLC 48 units

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Na Kimo Properties 7 units Overton Properties 1 units Rainey Property Management 476 units Springfield Villas, LP 32 units


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N E W SU PPL IER M EM BER S AppFolio Graham Davis 50 Castilian Drive Goleta, CA 93117 (866) 648-1536 info@appfolio.com

Waste Logic, LLC Jake Sanders PO Box 1883 Leander, TX 78646 (512) 222-6957 j.sanders@wastelogicllc.com

Hello Doorstep Heath Hallada 15511 Hwy 71 West, Suite 110-123 Bee Cave, TX 78738 (512) 271-7001 sales@hello-doorstep.com

2 Morrow Waste Management McKenzie Morrow 305 Bridgeford Drive Austin, TX 78745 (541) 965-2073 mckenzie@2mwm.net

JOBS-AMST Alyssa Wise 7777 Parnell Street Houston, TX 77021 (630) 220-2244 awise@jobs-amst.com Pliteq Inc. Travis Mayor 7203 Harmony Shoals Bend Austin, TX 78744 (512) 394-8108 info@pliteq.com Texas True Cody Proctor 5541 McNeil Drive Unit D Austin, TX 78729 (512) 656-6615 elevate@txtrueroofing.com

Blackhill Restoration Julie Carter 208 East Adelanta Place Round Rock, TX 78681 (512) 568-1449 jkc809@gmail.com CenturyLink Michael Chung 4002 SW Brunswick Street Port Saint Lucie, FL 34953 (561) 631-6311 michael.j.chung@centurylink. com

CoverAll Pests Daren DeRosia 139 Cypresswood Drive Suite 3 Spring, TX 77388 (512) 717-3158 darend@coverallpests.com, info@coverallpests.com

Iron Fish Construction, LLC Jessica Parks 3330 N Washington Blvd Suite 200 Arlington, VA 22201 (714) 614-8895 jparks@ironfishconstruction. com

ECO Valet Trash Beto Jimenez 5010 S Congress Avenue Austin, TX 78745 (800) 326-1826 ecovalettrash@gmail.com

JFerg Pros Prim Naegele 11513 US 62 Unit A Wolfforth, TX 79382 (806) 771-3374 pnaegele@jfergpros.com

Ferguson Facilities Supply Maika Esacove 13500 Immanuel Road Pflugerville, TX 78660 (888) 334-0004 maika.esacove@ferguson. com Hentana Construction LLC Samantha Harris 11222 Disco San Antonio, TX 78216 (210) 520-0066 sharris@ hentanaconstruction.com

Vertx Facade Maintenance Parveen Newman 5555 North Lamar Blvd Suite J117 Austin, TX 78751 (512) 915-4829 info@ver-tx.com Xeriscapes by Austin, LLC Zenobia Dorman PO Box 94 Manor, TX 78653 (512) 796-5226 zenobiadorman@yahoo.com

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Committee

CHAT

Toni Rackley

PRODUCTS & SERVICES COUNCIL (PSC) Toni Rackley with Flooring Warehouse Rene Flores, CAS with Platinum Pool and Spa Rene Flores

THIS MONTH, WE FEATURE THE PRODUCTS & SERVICES COUNCIL (PSC) The Products and Services Council (PSC) of the Austin Apartment Association is the selected group of vendor representatives chosen by Council Leadership each year charged with the responsibility to chair the event committees responsible for selling sponsorships, recruiting attendance at events, and staffing/hosting the actual special events held each year by the Association. The PSC bears the responsibility to represent the interests of the Products and Services Membership as a whole, and the Chair serves as a Vice President on the AAA Executive Committee.

PSC IS LED BY:

Toni Rackley with Flooring Warehouse Rene Flores, CAS with Platinum Pool and Spa Tell us about where you work and how long you’ve been there? TR: I work for Flooring Warehouse as the Marketing Manager for Central Texas, Austin and Houston. I am also the Business Development Manager for Central Texas and Austin. I have worked for this amazing company and family for nine years. Stephanie Naylor and I chaired the Community Outreach committee together and that is when I knew that I had to work for her and Flooring Warehouse. RF: I am the Owner and Project Manager at Platinum Pool and Spa LLC. I founded this company about two years ago after having been in the pool industry for 13 years.

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What do you love most about your job? TR: I love my work family at both Flooring Warehouse and AAA. RF: My favorite thing about my job is that no two days or tasks are the same. Every day takes me to completely different parts of Central Texas to address unique challenges specific to each community we serve. WHEN and HOW did you get involved with the association? TR: I became involved with the apartment association when I was working as a leasing consultant for IMT under Robbie Robinson. I really wanted to be involved in this association, so I started with The Doc and Gayle Young Food Drive. Sarah Thompson then tapped me on the shoulder and asked me to chair The Community Outreach Committee and I have been hooked ever since. RF: I became involved with the apartment

association while working as a sales representative in 2014. My very first experience was attending a Community Outreach Committee meeting at the old AAA office. What do you like most about AAA? TR: I love that everyone at AAA is so accepting. We are just one big family. There are so many people in this association that have helped me grow personally as a person and has helped me grow professionally at Flooring Warehouse. I try every day to give back and pay it forward to other new members trying to make their way within the Association. RF: My FAVORITE thing about AAA has always been meeting and working with other dedicated and knowledgeable professionals; whether within AAA committees or on site at apartment communities. What do you like most about being a committee chair? TR: I love the ability lead a committee in the direction that our members are working towards and seeing all of their visions come to life!! RF: The most rewarding aspect of being a committee chair to me is watching things come to fruition. To see an


event be successful, well attended, and fun for all the participants after so much brainstorming, planning, and leg work by everyone involved is always a rewarding experience. What was your first job? TR: I have always been an entrepreneur and started at an early age of 7 making name necklaces outside of my parents First Monday Booth in Canton, TX. My first official job was at a pool hall and restaurant as a cocktail waitress while attending. RF: My first job was at a local nursery selling Christmas trees during my sophomore year of high school.

Which movie or TV character are you most like? TR: I really relate to Rachel from Friends or Shelby from Steel Magnolias. They always give so much back to their family and friends, and I can relate to that. RF: I’ve been told I remind people of the actor Benicio Del Toro. What is your favorite Drink? TR: Skinny, Spicy, Mexican Martini. I love all wines too. RF: Whiskey on the rocks with a twist of lemon. Where were you born? TR: I was born in Tyler, TX RF: I was born in San Antonio, TX

What inspires you? TR: People that go out of their way to do good things with nothing in return. Those people are my inspiration! My mother is one of those people and inspires me every day. She is such a giving person to everyone around her. RF: I am inspired by seeing intelligent and driven individuals be creative and successful in their fields of expertise.

What is your favorite family tradition? TR: Christmas Eve is my favorite. We have so many Christmas traditions, but my favorite is eating my Grandmother’s famous spaghetti and meatballs with my family and passing that on to my husband and son. RF: Our Easter weekend family camping trip is my favorite tradition.

Who are your role models and mentors? TR: Stephanie Naylor is my role model and mentor. She has helped me grow so much as a person and has helped me be the best AAA member I can be. RF: Clint Eastwood is my role model but I consider everyone around me to be a mentor.

What is your favorite Austin restaurant? TR: Dirty Martin’s Hamburgers, always takes me back to my UT college days; so many memories! RF: So many great places to choose from, but if I had to pick one, my favorite Austin restaurant would be Enoteca/ Vespaio Italian on South Congress.

What is your leadership style? TR: I really see myself as leading by example or at least I hope I do. I love to run side by side with our members and really push everyone to be the best version of themselves that they can be. RF: I’ve always been a hands-on type of person, and I believe this is also my leadership style. I feel that I’m much more productive and successful “in the field” as opposed to “at the desk”. I try to lead by example and encouragement rather than through instruction or words.

What is your favorite AAA Event? TR: I love The Doc and Gayle Young Food Drive Delivery day because we all come together for one common goal — to feed the less fortunate. It is a great day to remember the meaning of Thanksgiving and to realize how blessed we all are to have each other. RF: Hands down, Vegas Night is my favorite AAA event.

What do you do in your free time? TR: In my free time I enjoy being with friends and family. We love to go RVing, being on the water, and playing on our new land with my baby goats. RF: In my free time I enjoy being in nature with the family, mountain biking as much as possible, and eating great food!

What would people be surprised to know about me? TR: I think people would be surprised to know that I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my acting and singing career and ended up living there for over eight years. I dabbled in commercials and Soap Operas. I have so many crazy stories. RF: Most people don’t know that I’m a Certified Rescue Scuba Diver (PADI).

What professional accomplishment are you most proud of? TR: I am very proud to have been selected to be on the board for AAA and serve as the PSC chair-elect. RF: I am most proud to have started my own company. If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title would be? TR: Waiting until the last minute, but it works for her! RF: This book would be called, “Why not? How hard could it be?” What are your favorite industry websites, books, or other resources? TR: I love social media and would totally recommend being a part of the AAA Facebook page and the Next Gen page because there is always helpful information and it’s a great way to keep up with all events. My favorite leadership book is “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie RF: In addition to the comprehensive and ever-evolving AAA website and the always entertaining Windows magazine, my favorite AAA resource would have to be the one and only Dana Bolz, CMP - Director of Meetings and Events. Dana will always give it to me straight!

MORE ABOUT PSC When do they meet? Meets regularly for events and as needed for various other functions. Who can join? PSC members are appointed annually by the PSC nominations committee. How to join? Members may contact the PSC Chair or Staff Liaison to submit your name for consideration. PSC appointments are for 1 year and follow the Association fiscal year (January 1 – December 31). Council Chair: Vice President Rene Flores of Platinum Pool and Spa Staff Liaison: Dana Bolz, Director of Meetings & Events, dana@austinaptassoc.com, direct (512) 323-2460

To find out more, contact Dana Bolz at dana@austinaptassoc.com

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AAA BLOOD DRIVE

During the months of April and May, the Community Outreach Committee partnered up with We Are Blood and 4 Communities to host mobile blood drives. They kicked it off at the Apartment Association with a goal of collecting 40 units and surpassed it by collecting a total of 46! Century Travesia, Preserve at Travis Creek, Residences at The Triangle, and South Lamar Village also participated, collecting over 90 units. This means over 300 lives were saved through their efforts!

The Austin Apartment Association conducts community outreach events and programs throughout the year. All AAA members are welcome to join in on our outreach efforts!

OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Back to School AAA volunteers each year around the back-to-school season, whether it be at the AISD Back to School Bash, or collecting donations for school supplies – it is one of our favorite times of the year! Contact the AAA team today to find out how you can get involved!

SAVE THE DATE! Food Drive 2021 Tuesday, November 23, 2021 will be our annual Doc & Gayle Young Food Drive delivery day! FUNd-raising begins before Labor Day 2021 – so stay tuned to AAA’s event calendars for ways to get involved in this special tradition.

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Compensation Survey Coming Soon. Pre-Order Today!

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A&A WRECKER & RECOVERY Tasha Mora

CAMP CONSTRUCTION Ryan Harmon, CAS

CONTRACTORS INC Joshua Nichols, CAS

GUARDIAN CONSTRUCTION Preston Sams

CENTURY HVAC DISTRIBUTING Travis Fowler, CAS

CORT Shannon Minor

HIRE PRIORITY Danielle Berryann

INTEGRITY PAVING & COATINGS Bill Holmes

Thank You 2021 Diamond SPONSORS


AUSTIN APARTMENT ASSOCIATION Assists Renters with

RENTER ROADMAP to Exit Eviction

In June, AAA released a Roadmap for Renters who are behind on their rent. The roadmap enables renters to have the information and resources to work in coordination with the landlord, obtain rental assistance, and potentially avoid the risk of eviction.

K

eeping up with all of the rules and requirements of various rental assistance programs and the eviction moratoriums can be overwhelming for property managers and residents alike. The AAA roadmap provides renters and property managers a tool to work together to apply for rental assistance that can help keep residents in their homes and keep property owners able to maintain the revenues needed for proper staffing and maintenance. Depending on a renter’s address, number of months rent is in

arrears, and the monthly rental rate, renters may face different scenarios when navigating their path to avoid eviction, following the June 1 expiry of eviction moratoria in the Austin area. The AAA Renter Roadmap helps renters better understand how current eviction orders and ordinances affect them, and how to navigate their individual scenario to take the nearest “exit” opportunity to avoid eviction. AAA encourages our members to share this roadmap with their residents. For more information and to download a printable copy, visit www.austinaptassoc.com/news/renter-roadmap

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ROADMAP FOR RENTERS BEH Use this "map" to take the nearest "exit" opportunity to avoid eviction.

DO YOU LIVE IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN?

EVICTION WARNING START HERE

TRAVIS COUNTY

Where Do You Live?

Contact your property manager immediately to negotiate a payment plan, and apply for rental assistance. Evictions may be able to proceed for nonpayment of rent, if the rent is more than $2,475 per month.

NO

IS YOUR RENT LESS THAN $2,475/MO?

NO ARE YOU 5+ MONTHS BEHIND?

YES

DO YOU LIVE IN THE CITY OF AUSTIN?

YES

YOU MAY BE PROTECTED UNTIL 45 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF APPLICATION (unless rental assistance is denied or the rental housing provider or tenant is not eligible for assistance).

WERE YOU APPROVED FOR RENT ASSISTANCE?

NO

U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Federal Eviction Moratorium Protection

YES

EXITS AHEAD: R

EVICTION WARNING

The CDC extended the federal moratorium on eviction until June 30, 2021. To claim protection from eviction, a qualified covered person must provide their landlord a completed and signed declaration form, or craft

Austin: www.au

If you owe 5+ months of rent, and all rent assistance remedies have been exhausted, you could receive a Notice to Vacate starting June 1. If you are less than 5 months behind, you could receive a notice to vacate beginning August 2nd!

Travis County: ww /health-hum State of Texas:

WAS YOUR RENTAL HOUSING PROVIDER PAID?

YES

their own form, stating they meet the elements of a “covered person.”You can download the form at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/evictiondeclare_d508.pdf

NO

YOU COULD AVOID EVICT

*Eviction may still occur for o circumstances. You will need status with your rental housin

NO

OTHER COUNTY

DO YOU LIVE IN THE CITY OF SAN MARCOS?

Ha

YES

HAVE YOU RECEIVED A 90DAY NOTICE OF PROPOSED EVICTION? & HAS IT BEEN 90 DAYS?

YES

*Eviction may still occur for other qualified circumstances. You will need to confirm your status with your rental housing provider.

WAS THE RENTAL HOUSING PROVIDER PAID?

YES

YES

NO EVICTION WARNING A Notice to Vacate may be issued for nonpayment of rent.

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NO

HAVE Y FOR RE

with the

NO

YOU COULD AVOID EVICTION*

YE

No notice to vacate may be given until the 90-day notice of proposed eviction is given and fully concludes.

WERE YOU APPROVED FOR RENT ASSISTANCE?


HIND ON RENT HAVE YOU RECEIVED A 60DAY NOTICE OF PROPOSED EVICTION? & HAS IT BEEN 60 DAYS?

YES

YES NO

NO

NOTICE TO VACATE COULD BE ISSUED AUG 2ND Contact your rental housing provider immediately to negotiate a payment plan. Apply for rent assistance.

E Y ?

YES NO

NO

HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR RENT ASSISTANCE?

No notice to vacate may be given until the 60 day notice is given and 60 days have passed.

with the City of Austin, Travis County & the State of Texas.

EVICTION WARNING

YES

HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR RENT ASSISTANCE with Travis County & the State of Texas?

Your must apply to attempt to avoid eviction. Apply Today!

HAVE YOU COORDINATED WITH YOUR RENTAL HOUSING PROVIDER ON YOUR RENTAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION?

YES

HAS IT BEEN 45 DAYS SINCE THE APPLICATION FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE WAS SUBMITTED?

ES

YES

RENT ASSISTANCE

MAKE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY

ustintexas.gov/rent

For faster processing, rental housing providers and tenants should coordinate application submissions for assistance being requested.

ww.traviscountytx.gov man-services/rent

NO

If you owe 5+ months of rent, and all rent assistance remedies have been exhausted, you could receive a Notice to Vacate starting June 1. If you are less than 5 months behind, you could receive a notice to vacate beginning August 2nd!

NO

RHP

texasrentrelief.com

RENTAL HOUSING PROVIDERS HAVE PAPERWORK TOO!

Landlords must submit documents such as W-9, lease, and other required information as part of the application process.

TION*

other qualified to confirm your ng provider.

EVICTION WARNING

Apply for assistance today! A Notice to Vacate may be issued for nonpayment of rent.

COMING SOON! ays County to Launch Rental Assistance Program

YOU APPLIED ENT ASSISTANCE?

e State of Texas?

NO

YES

DIRECT PAYMENTS

MAKE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY For faster processing, rental housing providers and tenants should coordinate application submissions.

HAVE YOU COORDINATED WITH YOUR RENTAL HOUSING PROVIDER ON YOUR RENTAL ASSISTANCE APPLICATION?

CONTACT THE CITY, COUNTY OR STATE PROGRAM; THEY MAY BE ABLE TO GET YOU YOUR RENTAL ASSISTANCE DIRECTLY.

NO

YES

RHP RENTAL HOUSING PROVIDERS HAVE PAPERWORK TOO!

Landlords must submit documents such as W-9, lease, and other required information as part of the application process *This flowchart has been provided as general information which is not intended to be legal advice or supersede the orders or ordinances issued by local, state or federal government actions. The Austin Apartment Association cannot provide you with legal advice. It is informational only as of June 2, 2021 and does not replace the advice of recipients’ legal counsel.

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2021 BUSINESS

E XCHANGE MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS MADE

BUSINESS EXCHANGE DETAILS Wednesday, July 21, 2021 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

(1:30pm-2pm - Networking Reception w/ cash bar & hors d’oeuvres; meetings begin @ 2pm)

Norris Conference Center 2525 West Anderson Lane Austin, TX 78757

BENEFITING

Industry Members FIND THE PERFEC T FIT Meet One-on-One with Suppliers

Speed Networking AAA-style! Connect with 30 company representatives for 4-minutes, discuss your business needs and determine if a business relationship makes sense for your community. Join us for this no pressure opportunity to build your supplier/ partner roster.

Remember these Benefits of a Business Exchange » Your attendance is the reason for these suppliers to attend. » All it takes is four-minute, one-on-one meetings with invested supplier partners. » No crowds! This event is limited to only 30 owner/manager companies participating! » Supplier partner attendance also helps support the AAA PAC!

Free to Attend. Sign Up Today!

AustinAptAssoc.com/Events/Business-Exchange



WE LOVE OUR MEMBERS! What a wonderful evening to finally get together again! The Welcome Back Bash was a sold out event and we lucked out on the weather too! Members enjoyed Salt Lick BBQ, music, mingling and an amazing corn hole tournament that benefitted ECHO (Ending Community Homelessness Coalition).

Front Row: Daniela Delgado with Hire Priority Staffing, Ashtynn Bennett with The Steam Team, Kirsten Lollar with Middleton Construction, Tasha Mora with A&A Wrecker and Recovery, Terri Needham with PS Landscapes Back Row: Rene Flores with Platinum Pool and Spa, Jarrett Isbell with Contractors Inc., Chris Romeo with Dixie Carpet Installation, Adrian Garcia with InterSolutions Staffing

Your true partner in providing a better place to call home. On-site project management, no interruption to business, competitive and complete estimates, responsive service department.

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EXTERIOR RENOVATION

MAINTENANCE SERVICES

INTERIOR RENOVATION

DUE DILIGENCE & CONSULTING

STRUCTURAL REPAIR & RECONSTRUCTION SYSTEM UPGRADES, REPLACEMENT & REPAIR

EMERGENCY RESPONSE & MITIGATION


Gold Silver & Gold &Silver Sponsors & Gold&Silver

Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsors &

Gold Silver Sponsors Sponsors Gold

Gold Silver

Silver Gold Silver Silver Gold Gold

Pool & Spa ital Construction S-AMST pa tion pa berty Group truction ruction Hines Pool & Spa finite up Capital Construction up JOBS-AMST

Silver

Centex Construction Flooring Warehouse WeDoTrash Ferguson Facilities Supply RentPath Zumper The Liberty Group Texas True Roofing FIDUS Construction Centex Construction Flooring Warehouse WeDoTrash Centex Construction Flooring Warehouse WeDoTrash Centex Construction Ferguson Facilities Supply Flooring Warehouse WeDoTrash RentPath Zumper Centex Construction Flooring Warehouse WeDoTrash Ferguson Facilities Supply RentPath Ferguson Facilities Supply True RentPath Zumper Zumper Ferguson Facilities Supply RentPath Zumper Texas Roofing FIDUS Construction Texas True Roofing FIDUS Construction Roofing FIDUS Construction Texas True Roofing FIDUS Construction Texas True

Chairs: Dedra Bouffard with The Liberty Group, Toni Rackley with Flooring Warehouse and Carrie Laso with Rasa Floors

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ASC

s k o Bo The Austin Supervisors Council got together at Easy Tiger to exchange leadership books, while enjoying cold brews and lite bites provided by the event sponsor, The Liberty Group!

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s w e r &B


Hiring in Multifamily? Find your next team member through hire priority staffing. Request Online: hirepriority.com/job-request/ Call Now: 512.338.4473 (hire)

A portion of all proceeds this season will be donated to NOTLEY COMMUNITY PODS

Notley is a social impact organization bringing the Central Texas community together by providing a safe educational environment for our children. Because no parent should have to choose between going to work and ensuring the safety and education of their children. For more information, please visit: www.communitypods.org.


Cruise & CONNECT

We dipped ours toes back into the water by setting sail on Lady Bird Lake for afternoon of boating, sips and snacks provided by event sponsor, PS Landscapes!

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CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP WITH THE APARTMENT INDUSTRY! We’ve led the way in developing creative solutions to help increase occupancy and resident satisfaction. n

Furniture to fit any style and budget

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Model staging

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Quality new and previously leased furniture for sale in our Clearance Centers

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Benefit of CORTpoints®

Contact us to learn how other communities have benefited by asking the question, “FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED?”

Servicing Dallas, Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Corpus Christi Call 888.360.CORT to speak to a CORT representative or visit cort.com

cort.com © 2020 CORT. A Berkshire Hathaway Company.


Professional OF THE YEAR

Each year, AAA gives Professional of the Year awards in eight categories: Property Manager of the Year, Assistant Manager of the Year, Trailblazer of the Year, Leasing Professional of the Year, Maintenance Professional of the Year, Supervisor of the Year, Independent Rental Owner of the Year, and the DOC Young Supplier of the Year.

It Could be You! Submit Nominations Online Questions? Amy Lydic, CAE amyl@austinaptassoc.com

AUGUST 2 - SEPTEMBER 3 www.austinaptassoc.com/ 2021-professional-of-the-year-nominations


EVERYONE is Someone on

Annual trade show offers opportunities to connect. BY PSC CHAIR - RENE FLORES

I cannot TELL you how excited I am to get back to “in person events”!!! What an unprecedented and challenging year we have all had. First the Covid19 pandemic, then Snow-pocalypse, and all the other trials and tribulations related to them. It’s a miracle that we have all handled these trying times as well as we have, and I am constantly in awe of each and every one of you!

T

he AAA Trade Show is always one of my favorite events of the year. It’s a chance for all our industry professionals to come together, exchange ideas, catch up with one another, and have a great time in the process. It is with a renewed sense of appreciation and purpose that we begin returning back to normal. As myself and my Products and Services Council team brainstormed and exchanged ideas about a theme for this year’s Trade Show, we all kept coming back to how everyone needs a vacation or a getaway to get…away…from being…away??? Well, it makes sense if you think about it. So, ladies and gentlemen, we invite you to the first, the greatest, the one, the only, AAA Love Boat Trade Show! So, wear your best vacation wear, think fun in the sun, think luxury cruise, and think photo booths! Supplier members, please get to work on planning the decorating of your Trade Show booths. Owner/Management members, please pull out all the stops with your team’s cruise related vacation costumes!

As always, the Trade Show will be FREE to attend for all Owner/Management company members and we ask that you pre-register for the event as soon as you can so that we can plan accordingly for food and free beer. If you are a Supplier Member, please note you MUST have a booth to participate. If you have not purchased a booth, I highly recommend you do so today…the booths will definitely sell out! Don’t be that Supplier Member on the waiting list and missing out on all the fun. To reserve your booth, please contact Dana Bolz, Director of Meetings & Events, at dana@austinaptassoc.com. Lastly, I would like to thank all the sponsors who make the Trade Show possible. Without your support we would not be able to put on this great event! Mark your calendars for September 9th, 2021, don your best vacation cruise wear and get down to the Palmer Events Center for one of the best nights of the year! We look forward to seeing your faces!!!

Please note: suppliers must buy a booth to attend/participate.

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FIVE TRENDS

Shaping Apartment Communities in the Wake of the Coronavirus Pandemic

By R O B E R T P I N N E G A R , President and CEO of the National Apartment Association

From the wide-ranging effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the increased digitization of our world to a new generation shaped by an increasingly connected society and the reality of ongoing economic uncertainty, the ripple effects of the past year on the housing market continue to reveal themselves.

As we look ahead, here are five trends to watch — and an exploration of how these trends will shape the apartment industry for years to come:

1

A new outlook on amenities

Apartment communities are always looking for ways to adapt and respond to residents’ changing interests and needs. While shared community amenities such as fitness centers, pools and lounges are still a priority for many residents, the focus has shifted to individual apartment amenities, such as high-speed WiFi, adaptable spaces, natural light, larger kitchens, in-unit washer and dryers and personal outdoor spaces such as balconies or terraces. In line with the increased digitization of our world, new tech amenities such as package tracking and locker systems, smart thermostats and touchless devices in common areas are also becoming more popular.

2

A new approach to touring and decision-making

Virtual touring has surged over the past year, but it’s not a new phenomenon. What is new is the growing number of people conducting their entire search process without ever seeing the community or unit in-person. Previously, virtual tours may have been the first step in a search process, allowing prospects to narrow down their choices before visiting their top options in-person. Now more people are becoming comfortable with the idea of a fully virtual experience from start to finish. The increasing emphasis on virtual tours has prompted property managers to revamp their touring process and assets. In the

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past, a “virtual tour” may have consisted of a photo slide show or short video clips of only the most popular unit models. As virtual touring continues to become a more widely accepted option, we will continue to see apartment communities invest in new technology, high-quality videos and specialized training to give prospects a more complete picture of the community. More apartment communities are also upgrading other online resources and tools to supplement the touring process, such as resident portals for potential residents to complete the rental application, pay necessary fees and deposits and eventually sign the lease.

3

A new dynamic between property managers and residents

Before the pandemic, residents may not have even known their property manager’s name. A property manager was someone you contacted if you had a maintenance issue or a payment question. But over the past year, proactive communication between property managers and residents has significantly increased as apartment communities committed to providing regular guidance and updates on health protocols, amenity closures, ongoing maintenance, rental assistance programs and any necessary policy changes. Trust between the property manager and resident has never been more important. As we look ahead, the communications channels and relationships cultivated through this time may set a new precedent in which apartment communities function as true communities. This could impact resident retention and even new apartment searches, as residents elevate customer service and overall community connectedness to a higher level of priority in their search.


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4

A new perspective on location

Location, location, location is the tried-and-true rule of real estate. But, as we’ve seen throughout market history, what defines a “good” location can change depending on the times and what a particular group or individual deems valuable. For many companies, remote work is not just a reality of the pandemic — it will probably continue to be an option and benefit for employees long after the pandemic is over. The ripple effects of this lifestyle change cannot be overstated and will probably continue to play out for years to come. In the apartment industry, one of the greatest effects will probably be what defines a “good” location. While proximity to work, transportation and culture may have previously defined a “good” or high-value location, now we’re seeing a shift in which proximity to parks, green space and even family and friends are emerging as top priorities. In addition to rethinking location, this lifestyle shift is also pushing residents and apartment communities to rethink space, both in terms of size and overall use. For example, residents may look for an apartment with a larger kitchen and living area in which to cook, work and entertain. In other cases, a two-bedroom unit may be advertised as a one-bedroom unit with a “bonus room” that can be used as an office, project studio, classroom or home gym, flexible to the needs of the individual or family.

5

A new generation with its own values and preferences

Each generation has made its mark on the housing industry. Over the past several years, millennials have made headlines for their tendency to rent instead of buy — a trend that continues to shape the rental market today. Now a new generation is coming of age, driving increased demand for apartments and bringing its own set of values and preferences, not the least of which is a high standard for high-tech integrations and amenities. Like millennials before them, Gen Z is showing early signs of high favorability toward renting. This means that the current demand for apartments is only going to increase, creating steeper competition, prompting innovations and spurring new development. One of the greatest hallmarks of the apartment industry is its propensity for choice, flexibility and adaptability. As we witness a seismic shift in our society and economy, the apartment industry is racing to identify and respond to its residents’ changing lifestyles. For residents, it’s a critical time to communicate your needs to your property manager or leasing agent. In this way, housing providers and residents can come together to shape and influence the apartment market of the future.

ROBERT PINNEGAR is president and CEO of the National Apartment Association.

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Contributions to the Political Action Committee

HELPS KEEP OUR VOICE STRONG The Austin Apartment Association’s established general-purpose political action committee (PAC) brings AA a stronger voice in the local and state political process. A general-purpose PAC is devoted to a point of view not a political party, and the AAA PAC’s point of view is that a free enterprise housing market works best when private property rights are honored and rental property owners can operate without burdensome taxes, regulations and fees. Since the beginning of 2021, AAA members have added to our PAC fund by making an individual contribution or by playing in the Spring Top Golf event. Listed below are the member to date ACT Security Group Apartmentdata.com Avenue 5 Residential Belco Equities, Inc BG Multifamily Camp Construction Capstone Real Estate Services, Inc Churchill Forge Properties CREA Management

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that have made individual contributions to Apartment PAC Austin. These members know that contributions to the PAC is an investment in the future of the apartment industry and that their contributions help keep the apartment industry thriving in the Austin area and beyond. To learn more about the PAC and give back to the industry by making an investment go www.austinaptassoc.com/pac. All contributors to the PAC at the $99 level get special investor benefits.

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Single class fees are typically $80 per attendee. Subscribers who enroll in the NAAAEI Designation Program will receive a 10% discount. The program is based on a calendar year and will be prorated for the year based on the sign up date.

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Education

OPPORTUNITIES YOUR CHANCE TO GROW AND LEARN Visit austinaptassoc.com/events/education for more class info and to register. Questions? Contact AAA, Director of Education Amy Lydic, CAE at (512) 323-0990. EDUCATION TRACK LEGEND:

Goal Setting AUGUST 19 Course good for Education Tracks:

8:30 a.m. – Noon Presented by: Cindi Reed, Apartmentdata.com AAA – 8620 Burnet Rd., #475

Court Process, Petitions & Paperwork: Legal Seminar for Rental Housing Providers

$80 per AAA member$70 early bird rate! FREE for ACE subscribers CECs: 3 Know your gap areas and find opportunities for improvement.

JULY 28

Assistants Wear All the Hats: Managing Up and Down

Course good for Education Tracks:

AUGUST 26

8:30 a.m. – Noon Presented by Bill Warrant, Warren Law Firm Norris Conference Center 2525 W Anderson Lane, Suite 365 $80 per AAA Member Free for ACE Subscribers CECs: 3 Overview of the Legal Process whereby a rental housing provider may regain possession and recover losses in a rental unit.

Excel 101 & 102 AUGUST 17 Course good for Education Tracks:

Course good for Education Tracks:

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Presented by: Colleen Grahn, CAPS, Lantower Residential; Stephanie Naylor, CAS, NAAEI Faculty, Flooring Warehouse AAA – 8620 Burnet Rd., #475 $80 per AAA member$70 early bird rate! FREE for ACE subscribers CECs: 3 Learn lots of tools from industry veterans on how to be the best at your current role and position yourself for future success.

Difficult Conversations

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Presented by Julie Irvin Hartman AAA – 8620 Burnet Rd., #475

SEPTEMBER 22

$80 per AAA member$70 early bird rate! FREE for ACE subscribers CECs: 3 Maximize your skills with Excel.

Presented by: Krista Washbourne AAA – 8620 Burnet Rd., #475

Course good for Education Tracks:

$80 per AAA member$70 early bird rate! FREE for ACE subscribers CECs: 3 You’ve been looking for a way to make more money and move ahead in your career--but what are the right (and wrong) conversations to be having at work to get there? How can you

Q U E S T I O N S ? Contact AAA at amyl@austinaptassoc.com or (512) 323-0990.

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New in 2021! Multifamily Insiders introduce Webinar Wednesday Keynote! These specially indicated sessions are available to your entire onsite staff for one low price of $99.99 (plus a discount if you use the AAA Discount code “16AAA”). Look for the keynote logo and register today!

JULY 14

AUGUST 18

SEPTEMBER 15

Engaging Teams in a Virtual World

Mastering Maintenance: Top 5 Areas of Maintenance Time Management Improvement

A Disengaged Employee Costs What? Connecting the Dots between Employee Success and Your Financial Performance.

AUGUST 25

SEPTEMBER 22

Financial Boot Camp – Empowering On-Site Teams to Drive Revenue and Profitability Through Financial Knowledge

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JULY 21

Skyrocket Your Leases & Sales with Emotional Intelligence AUGUST 11

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maximize your chances of being an amazing team player and getting promoted, even in a sometimes not-so-perfect management situation, financial downturn, or hard to get along with co-workers or bosses?

Budgeting & Crisis Management SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 Course good for Education Tracks:

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Presented by Christy Sanchez, Magic Make Readies AAA – 8620 Burnet Rd., #475

Assistants Manager Best Practices: Delinquency & Collections SEPTEMBER 30 Course good for Education Tracks:

8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Presented by: Gina Frazza-Stowers, Roscoe Property Management AAA – 8620 Burnet Rd., #475 $80 per AAA member$70 early bird rate! FREE for ACE subscribers CECs: 3

$80 per AAA member$70 early bird rate! FREE for ACE subscribers CECs: 3 The importance of budgeting and being prepared for crises.

Be sure to check out the Education Calendar (link to: https://www.austinaptassoc.com/events/education) for the most up-to-date schedule of education.

2021 / SUMMER /

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LAW IN ORDER

The Warren Report EMERGING CLARITY ABOUT THE EMERGENCY CONTACT By William S. Warren, Warren Law Firm

H

“The ideal emergency contact is able to talk to medical professionals about medical history, allergies, chronic conditions, and current medications.”

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ave you ever found yourself in the midst of an emergency? In all likelihood, your answer is “yes.” Perhaps the emergency you faced easily fit a common definition of “emergency”, which is an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for prompt or immediate action to avoid disaster. In the context of renting residential property, a rather unique concept emerges. Specifically, the landlord will often ask a prospective resident, in the application process, to identify an emergency contact. On page 2 of the TAA rental application, there is a box entitled “emergency contact.” In that box, the applicant is asked to provide the name, address, telephone number and email address of the person who will be the emergency contact. There is also a question about what relationship the emergency contact has with the applicant.

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Quite possibly, the person filling out the application has not given a great deal of advance thought to who they should designate as their emergency contact. That is a big mistake. According to attorney Erin de Cespedes, writing for Nolo.com, “… an emergency contact does more than just answer the phone if something goes wrong. The ideal emergency contact is able to talk to medical professionals about medical history, allergies, chronic conditions, and current medications. In some cases, they even make medical decisions for their loved one. This can be life-saving in an emergency, so it’s important to choose someone who is willing to do the job, can answer those questions, and who also has the legal right to act on your behalf.” The foregoing is a quite logical explanation of the significance of listing an individual as one’s emergency contact who can address a medical

William S. Warren, Warren Law Firm

emergency. Rarely will a real property owner have knowledge to do so, nor should they. To require an applicant to disclose such information during the application process would invade that individual’s privacy, and needlessly provide persons in your office with information which most of us prefer to remain confidential. Perhaps if the application identified the heading as “medical emergency contact” there would be more clarity. But that is not the case. In the TAA application, there is a paragraph following the disclosure of information about the emergency contact which can be paraphrased as follows: if you die, or are seriously ill, missing, or incarcerated, the emergency contact may be allowed to enter your dwelling to remove all contents, as well as your property in the mailbox, storerooms, and common areas. This section also provides that the applicant is authorizing the rental property owner or manager to call EMS, or send for an ambulance at the resident’s expense, if the tenant becomes seriously ill or injured. An emergency contact’s job ends with the resident’s death. The previous sentence is a good rule of thumb for a property owner to follow in connection with the emergency contact.


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Yet it is rarely followed. Stated another way, many property owners and managers believe that when a resident passes away, especially a sole resident, the contents of the deceased person’s apartment can and should be turned over to the emergency contact. That could not be further from the truth. Going back to the definition of emergency, and the information an emergency contact should possess to be useful, it is easy to see where an emergency contact can be quite helpful in the event of an urgent medical situation or a dangerous dilemma facing a still living resident. Once that resident dies, however, they have faced their final emergency. There is nothing that the information held by the emergency contact can do to bring the decedent back. When your tenant was a sole resident, and that person dies, paragraph 41.3 of the TAA lease, entitled “abandonment,” addresses that scenario. It states that the rental property is considered abandoned 10 days after the death of a sole resident. Staying within the parameters of the TAA lease, paragraph 14.3 is the next lease provision which addresses the death of a sole resident who is deemed by their passing to have abandoned the leased premises. Lease paragraph 14.3 provides that the property owner, property manager, or law officers, may remove or store all property remaining in the leased premises or in common areas (including any vehicles the resident or any occupant or guest owns or uses) if the resident abandons the rental premises. The TAA lease also sets forth, in paragraph 14.6, three contractual options which the now deceased resident previously agreed to with his or

her landlord. The only contractual options are for the landlord: (1) to throw away, (2) give to a charitable organization, or (3) sell all personal property that is left in the leased premises following surrender, abandonment, or death of a sole resident. None of these three options apply to an animal. If there is an animal left in the leased premises, it may be kenneled or turned over to a local authority, Humane Society, or rescue organization. Candidly, none of the foregoing contractual options are all that appealing to most property owners or

managers. Under many circumstances, they seem cold-hearted, mean-spirited, or genuinely unfair. That appears even more to be the case when you have a family member, longtime friend, or perhaps even a business partner standing in front of you pleading for access to the deceased resident’s leased premises. Upon the passing of a sole resident, the laws of descent and distribution are triggered. In the state of Texas, these laws are set forth in the Texas Estates Code. A deceased person is often referred to as a decedent. These quite voluminous statutory

provisions address both scenarios where the decedent had a will when they died or did not have a will. Those who had a will are deemed to have died testate, while those with no will are deemed to have died intestate. There is an enormous difference between the two. When one has died testate, the deceased person’s property is to be distributed in strict accordance with the instructions in the will. A decedent may have identified traditional heirs in the will, like spouses, children, parents, siblings, and charities. Yet again, the deceased person may also have ignored all those categories of heirs and given away all his or her property in some totally unorthodox manner. Whatever the decedent put into the will, however, created the roadmap to be followed in the distribution of that person’s assets. On the other hand, when one has died intestate, the Texas Estates Code sets forth specific provisions to follow in sections 201.001 through 201.003. These are complex statutory provisions. Even an oversimplification of what happens when there is no will, however, may be helpful to gain an understanding. When there is no will, whether there is a surviving spouse is a significant fact. Also, if there is a surviving spouse, the community estate is handled differently than the separate estate. It is also a significant factor whether there were surviving children of the decedent. If there is no surviving spouse, but there are surviving children (or their descendants), the children and their descendants generally receive all the decedent’s property. If there were no children or surviving descendants of

Upon the passing of a sole resident, the laws of descent and distribution are triggered.

2021 / SUMMER /

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You may have acted negligently, and you may have breached the lease. Beware. Texas law provides for the probate of an estate when a will is involved. Texas law also provides for the administration of an estate when no will is involved. The probate is often significantly more simple and frequently less expensive than an administration would be. In both scenarios, however, there is a judge who oversees the handling of the distribution of the estate, which in turn determines who gets what. In the TAA Redbook, on page 337 of

the 2020-2021 edition, there is a document entitled Sworn Statement for Removal of Property of Resident Who is Deceased, Missing, Incarcerated or Seriously Ill. That form permits one identified as an emergency contact to, under certain circumstances, enter the leased premises and remove all belongings of the person who, for purposes of this article, has passed away. Once completed and signed, this form would be notarized and would appear to safely permit you to clear out the contents of the rental unit previously occupied by the now deceased

resident. Based upon the foregoing comments, however, it should be clear that it is a very risky proposition to give anything to the emergency contact based solely on their emergency contact classification. Stated another way, whether one has died testate or intestate, there may be a situation in which the emergency contact is a rightful heir. Perhaps the decedent wanted and therefore designated the person who is the emergency contact to get some or all the property upon his or her passing. Perhaps that person is properly related to the decedent. But the emergency contact we are talking could just as easily be excluded as an heir. Earlier in this article, there was a discussion of the type of information an emergency contact should possess to be useful in an emergency. As indicated in the title of the TAA Sworn Statement for Removal of Property, such information may be helpful when one is missing, incarcerated, or seriously ill. Use of an emergency contact in those situations makes logical sense. Such usefulness, however, is rarely present in the case of a deceased resident. While it may be tempting to use the TAA Sworn Statement for Removal of Property, it may be dangerous to do so. We live in a litigious society in which lawsuits are frequent. Remember, the owner or manager may be in breach of the lease by failing to adhere to the only three options the living resident granted the landlord in the lease for disposal of a deceased person’s property. Also remember the death of the sole resident equates to contractual abandonment under paragraph 41.3 of the TAA lease. Lease paragraph 14, therefore, will need to be followed.

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You may face liability if you do not adhere to the lease contract or if you act contrary to various provisions of the Texas Estates Code.

the children, the decedent’s parents, and the siblings (as well as the descendants of the siblings), come into play. In some circumstances, grandparents even come into play when there is no will and neither surviving children nor their descendants. If there is a surviving spouse, either with or without surviving children of the decedent, the late individual’s personal and real property will generally be divided among the surviving spouse and children. The foregoing simplified summary of what happens when there is no will illustrates how easily the “emergency contact” could be excluded from those persons entitled to inherit all or part of the property of a resident who passes away while leasing premises from you. Raise a red flag when the emergency contact of your deceased resident appears ready, willing, and/or able to take all or part of your deceased resident’s property. Why? Because you may face liability if you do not adhere to the lease contract or if you act contrary to various provisions of the Texas Estates Code. Put that into perspective. Paragraph 14 of the TAA lease does not address giving property to an emergency contact. Your agreement with the now deceased resident allows you to simply (1) throw away property, (2) give property to charity, or (3) sell it. There was no fourth option, allowing you to give it to a friendly or sympathetic emergency contact. If you chose to do that, and a legitimate heir later appeared and asked you for the decedent’s property, you could have significant legal exposure if you have previously given any of the decedent’s property to the emergency contact.


If not given to the emergency contact, to whom should the deceased individual’s property be given? This is a question without an easy answer. To avoid the possible cold-heartedness, mean-spiritedness, or genuine unfairness which may follow strict adherence to the three contractual options (i.e., [1] throw away, [2] give to charity, or [3] sell), delay may be your best option. A reasonable amount of delay should enable the heirs of the decedent adequate time to learn of the person’s passing and contact the person’s landlord. Ideally, you will then be told whether a plan exists or will soon be formulated for legal removal of the decedent’s property from the leased premises, or whether family, close friends, or business associates could care less about the late individual’s property. Regardless of what response (if any) you receive, a reasonably short delay of action on your part will afford some opportunity for proper heirs to begin to involve the courts, utilize the provisions of the Texas Estates Code, and follow the wishes of the deceased person if they were spelled out in a will. Yet such a delay will have financial consequences to you, for it will prevent you from placing the unit affected by the resident’s death back into inventory to be rented to another. Granted, to give away, throw away, or sell someone’s property, and to do any of these quickly, could very easily deny a person who dies the chance for that person’s heirs to receive the decedent’s property. You must weigh that outcome against doing nothing or doing something you are not authorized to do. Both the lease and Texas law provide for an authorized representative of the deceased person’s estate to terminate the lease without penalty upon the giving of at least 30 day’s written notice. Stated another way, even

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though your resident may have died, in most situations that resident’s estate will still be liable to you for at least one month of rent following their passing. At least some compassion will likely be required if you want to feel as if you are “doing the right thing.” You could, accordingly, act compassionately by giving that 30-day window before utilizing the provisions of paragraph 14 of the TAA lease and clearing out the leased premises. That is a permissible option. You may control the timing. To recover unpaid rent from a decedent, a claim must be filed in the decedent’s estate, pending in a probate court. This fact presents a potential complication, for many people will die but no court will oversee their estate, whether there was a will or not. If you as landlord are owed a significant amount of rent, you could petition the court to have an administration opened, so that the assets of the deceased individual might possibly be used to pay the debt you are owed. Whether and how to do that, however, must be the subject of another article. Hopefully, the foregoing discussion has allowed you to emerge with clarity about the do’s and don’ts involving an emergency contact. Like most things in the law, each case has its own unique set of facts and circumstances.

This in turn prevents a cookie-cutter solution to every scenario involving an emergency contact. On occasion you may face one or more persons, whether designated by your former resident as an emergency contact or not, who contact you and ask for all or part of the property of a now surrendered or abandoned rental premises. What will you do? Formulate a plan before that situation arises. Know what the application, the lease and the law provide for. Recognize that a failure to adhere to the contract you had with the decedent may expose you to legal damages. You may have acted negligently, and you may have breached the lease. Avoid doing either. Even though your intent may have been to be compassionate and understanding, good intentions will be a weak defense if you are sued. Emerge with clarity you may have previously lacked. The passing of your resident was that individual’s final emergency. Avoid allowing an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that seems to call for prompt or immediate action, to create a needless emergency for you. Proceed with caution. When in doubt, get help. Call upon you own emergency contact when needed.

“Recognize that a failure to adhere to the contract you had with the decedent may expose you to legal damages.”

The year 2021 marks BILL WARREN’s 41st year of practicing law. His law practice focuses on a variety of issues and cases, the majority of which address the concerns of those active in the multi-family industry. He founded and manages Warren Law Firm. In addition, he serves as Of Counsel for the Texas Apartment Association and as Legal Counsel of the Austin Apartment Association. Bill is also a Credentialed Mediator in Texas. He writes and speaks regularly, and as author of Law In Order: The Warren Report he has had over 120 articles published. His topics cover all nature of issues pertaining to rental housing, from onsite to the boardroom to the courtroom. Bill has been Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for 30 years, and is also a Fellow of the College of the State Bar of Texas. He can be reached at Warren Law Firm, 1011 Westlake Drive, Austin, Texas 78746, (512) 347-8777, or through his firm’s website at www.WLFtexas.com.

2021 / SUMMER /

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Ready to Earn Your CREDENTIALS?

James E. Solt Memorial

Scholarship

What is YOUR success story? Apply online for a Solt Scholarship by September 30th and your 2022 CAPS, CAM, CALP or CAMT credential would be paid for. Your investment in your career begins with education!

Receiving the Solt Scholarship and earning my CAM credential has given me the confidence I need to pursue the next step in my career. The Solt Scholarship has afforded me the opportunity to become more knowledgeable, well-networked, and positioned for advancement. Thank you Austin Apartment Association!”

Camille Guimond, CAM Midtown Commons at Crestview Station Phase I

Applications Open / Applications Close September 1, 2021 / September 30, 2021

Get started here.

austinaptassoc.com/scholarships

ABOUT SOLT SCHOLARSHIP A special tradition began in 1987: the implementation of the James E. Solt Memorial Scholarship. Mr. Solt, a Past AAA President, was an exemplary role model with a particular love of the skills required for on-site management and for education. This fund was created to honor his memory and promote education in the rental housing industry. The Solt Scholarship Fund offers recognition and scholarships for worthy members and/or their employees who participate in AAA’s education programs. The scholarship is open to all AAA industry members who are interested in attaining their professional credential(s). All scholarships will fund, at a minimum, 50% of the cost of the credential course.


CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE (512) 893 - 5420

2021 / SUMMER /

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