March/April Apartment News 2021

MARCH/ APRIL 2021 The official publication of the Arizona Multihousing Association

All in this together

AMA leaders share how they weathered the COVID-19 storm page 5

Board Chair letter The good we do in our communities

Legislative Update Old wounds and new priorities

Legally Speaking HUD extends fairhousing protections

page 3

page 10

page 16

Apartment News | March/April 2021

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azmultihousing.org

New AMA platform to recognize our ‘housing heroes’

818 N. 1st St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 phone: 602-296-6200 fax: 602-296-6178 web: azmultihousing.org

It’s always positive news when we hear about the number of AMA members that give back to their apartment communities as well as to their geographic communities.

For years, AMA members have opened

2021 AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gloria Munoz Maricopa County Housing

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair, Reid Butler Butler Housing Company

Lisa Osborn-Warne Priderock Capital Partners

their hearts – and their wallets – in

Vice Chair, Scott Hines PEM Real Estate Group

unselfish philanthropy.

Treasurer, Linda Coburn NexMetro Development

To fully recognize these good deeds,

Secretary, Tina Schreiber Greystar Real Estate Partners

AMA is proud to introduce its new

Imm. Past Chair, Kim Pacheco Scotia Group Management

Housing Heroes Hub, an online plat-

AMC Exec., Sue Campbell Redi Carpet

form which showcases the positive impact our industry is making on surrounding neighborhoods and the

Reid Butler AMA Board Chair

Mark Schilling MEB Management Services

Crystal Sevilla Weidner Apartment Homes

Michelle Sinclair Evergeen Devco, Inc.

Lesley Brice MC Residential

Dallin Tippets Rainforest Plumbing & Air

Dahnn Brown Camden Property Trust

Kris Tomlinson Cushman & Wakefield

Luz Bruscini MEB Management Services

David Vanek Greystar Real Estate Partners

John Carlson Mark-Taylor Residential

Luis Verger Shelton Residential

safety training for their residents and neighbors.

Crystal DeHoag Bella Investment Group

Christopher Walker Law Offices of Scott Clark

The Hub will feature statistics illustrating the positive impacts our

Anna DiSabato Dunlap & Magee

Wendy Weiske Gorman & Company

Kohl Eisenhour Avenue 5 Residential

Debbie Willis P.B. Bell Companies

Natalie Evans CoStar/Apartments.com

Nicole Wray Greystar Real Estate Partners

Kimberly Fitch Nicolosi & Fitch, Inc.

Rhonda Wooder Stratton Restoration

submit your companies own charitable efforts.

Adam Greco Burns Pest Elimination

Chris Worrell GPM Landscape, Inc.

More information is available on Page 13.

Kristin Heiple Baron Property Services

Mark Zinman Zona Law Group

Speaking of Move For Hunger, we’re proud to announce that Arrive

Robert Hicks Greystar Real Estate Partners

fight hunger through Move For Hunger food drives. And this past fall and winter, more than 800 blankets were collected for UMOM. AMA member properties also work to reduce second-hand smoke and its negative health impacts and numerous communities provide

members are making in their communities, a running list of the philanthropic campaigns our members support, testimonials from those benefiting from member initiatives, resources for getting more involved in helping your communities, as well as a place for you to

Ocotillo in Chandler was named winner of the first Community of

Kyle Simplot Accounting & Operations Manager kyles@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6203 Melissa Lanouette Events & Education Manager mlanouette@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6205 Lisa Garcia Membership & Operations Coordinator lgarcia@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6207 Amanda Perkumas Tucson Area Executive Assistant aperkumas@azmultihousing.org Phone: 520-323-0643 Jonathan Baldenegro Events & Education Coordinator jbaldenegro@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6209 Christina Desaubin Communications & Marketing Manager cdesaubin@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6204 Jenica Hickey Member Relations Coordinator jhickey@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6214

Stacey Hogue Greystar Real Estate Partners

the Year Award with Move For Hunger. The team at Arrive Ocotillo

Michelle Howland Blue Steel Security Services

collected more than 200 meals and has supported the Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank through its efforts to fight hunger.

David Kotin Kay-Kay Realty

Congratulations – and a heart-felt thanks from the AMA Board – to all

Sharon Kuhlman Shelton Residential

our members who give back. Well done.

Dustin Lacey Mark-Taylor Residential

– Reid Butler, AMA Board Chair, Butler Housing Company

Pam McCarthy Fairfield Residential Omar Mireles HSL Asset Management April Morris Cox Communications

Apartment News | March/April 2021

Erika McDowell Finance Director emcdowell@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6210

Christine Shipley Dunlap & Magee

Greg Stobart MG Properties

Speak. Numerous rental properties have helped reduce waste and

Lauren Romero Tucson Area Association Executive lromero@azmultihousing.org Phone: 520-323-0643

Stacey Searl Weidner Apartment Homes

Krisanne Beckstead Picerne Real Estate Group

organizations such as UMOM New Day Centers, SARRC and Autism

Sarah Fluke Deputy Director sfluke@azmultihosusing.org Phone: 602-296-6212

Lisa Rosenfeld HSL Asset Management

Justin Steltenpohl P.B. Bell Companies

AMA members already have raised more than $1 million in support of

Courtney Gilstrap LeVinus President and CEO clevinus@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6200

John Rials Western Wealth Capital

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elizabeth Beaulieu Quarterpenny Management

world at large.

AMA STAFF

3

AMA CONTRACTORS CAPITOL CONSULTING GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Courtney LeVinus Government Affairs Consultant courtney@azcapitolconsulting.com Phone: 602-712-1121 Jake Hinman Government Affairs Consultant jake@azcapitolconsulting.com Phone: 602-712-1121 Bastien Andruet Municipal Lobbyist bastien@azcapitolconsulting.com Phone: 602-712-1121

PUBLIC RELATIONS/ COMMUNICATIONS MadridMedia Peter Madrid Owner, MadridMedia ptmadrid1975@gmail.com Phone: 480-495-3762 Leibowitz Solo David Leibowitz Owner, Leibowitz Solo david@leibowitzsolo.com GRAPHIC DESIGN James Dempsey Design james@jdempsey.com Phone: 602-510-5508

azmultihousing.org

Sharing, caring when it comes to our members

DEC. 2020 & JAN. 2021 NEW AMA MEMBERS

Sharing and caring are two very prominent themes you will find in this issue of Apartment News magazine.

The AMA would like to welcome all new members from December 2020 and January 2021. We are excited to work alongside you and to continue to make our association and industry the best.

For our cover story, “All in this together,” the AMA Communications Committee convened (virtually, of course) a leadership roundtable to discuss how their respective member company is weathering and adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic.

and residents alike are feeling the

• Whitestar Management, Inc.

• Systems Management Group (a Division of the Hiller Companies)

effects. Our panel shares insight

• D and E properties

• LeaseLock

with a view from “the top.” Thank

• Coastal Ridge Real Estate - 1

• BenMar Properties, LLC

• Mack Property Management LP

• Busento Holdings, LLC

• V on Broadway

• Chodock Properties

• Tides at East Glendale

December

No one is immune from the financial fallout of the virus. Rental owners

you to those who took the time to participate.

On the legislative and legal fronts, this edition brings you up to date on

Courtney LeVinus AMA President & CEO

• Luke Capital

Legally Speaking column, we write about HUD extending fair-housing

• Buckeye Villa

• PM Residential Management LLC

protections. Our Legislative Update explains where our bills stand.

• Morningside Villa

• Ellis Properties

• Tempe Villa

• Venue Projects

• Tides on 61st

• Aya Scottsdale

• Smith Road

• Christopher Todd Communities at Estrella Commons

issues that affect our industry. In the

I would also like to share news about Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) that is available throughout Arizona for owners and residents.

To highlight a few:

January

The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) has $280 million

• High Street Residential (a wholly owned subsidiary of Trammell Crow Company)

in ERA (des.az.gov/ERAP); the City of Phoenix plans to distribute $51 million (call 602-534-AIDE); and the City of Mesa’s COVID ERA program is currently accepting applications at mesaaz.gov/government/ mesa-cares.

• Consolidated Smart Systems

Finally, we’re excited to announce the new AMA Housing Heroes Hub. Reid Butler talks about our new philanthropy platform in his Letter

• Centex Construction

from the Board Chair.

• Caretaker Landscape and Tree Management

Now that’s great news to share.

• Move For Hunger • Chadwell Supply • Integrity Capital, LLC

– Courtney LeVinus, President & CEO, Arizona Multihousing Association

• Christopher Todd Communities at Happy Valley • S29 Apartments • PM Tierra Vida Tucson LLC • Park Central Luxury Townhomes • Roadrunner on McDowell • Holly Gardens

• Treadstone Protection Agency

ON THE COVER A gem in the West Valley multifamily community was in the spotlight as the February AMC event took a virtual tour of Grayson Place. Located at 1499 N. 159th Ave., Grayson Place is situated in one of Goodyear’s most sought-after locations in the West Valley. The P.B. Bell property opened its doors in February.

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All in this together AMA leaders share how they tackled COVID-19 issues during some of the apartment industry’s darkest days

By Peter Madrid

2020 will go down in history as the year the business world was devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the world’s economy was disrupted. Locally, it hit like a summer monsoon dust storm, consuming almost everything in its way.

–Continued on next page

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The AMA Communications Committee

NW: I never considered myself to be a cre-

brought together (virtually, of course) four

ative person, but the pandemic changed that

industry leaders from AMA member firms.

for me and my colleagues. We acquired our

Each shared how their respective compa-

largest, local competitor. We acquired an ad-

ny met the challenges of the pandemic, for

ditional 16,000-plus units and 50 properties.

both their employees and residents. They also

I had to get creative. None of us have a play-

shared what they learned about themselves

book to manage through an international pan-

and their leadership style.

demic. I learned then I can be quite creative,

The leadership roundtable comprised John Carlson, Mark-Taylor; Debbie Willis, P.B. Bell; Brian Swanton, Gorman & Company; and Nicole Wray, Greystar.

Q: What is the most important thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?

JC: Looking back, I’ve experienced a wide spectrum of perspectives. More often than not I’ve found many individuals to look at the pandemic from a vantage point of fear and trepidation. Personally, I think of the pandemic through the lens of famous quote “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” Meaning, I’ve embraced the pandemic and see it as an opportunity to reshape the future personally, professionally and as a society. Perhaps I’m a bit of an eternal optimist, but the acceleration of technology, how we you use it, and how

along with our entire team. We remained nimble and took it one day at a time. We didn’t take anything for granted.

Q: How did you manage the fear and unknown with your employees?

JC: It would be a mistake to not mention the AMA through the process and its overall guidance to really help understand how to navigate our business with the additional executive order red tape. As an organization,

John is responsible for strategy, operations,

ing into the spring of 2020. As we forged

new business development and property

ahead, we created specific operational strat-

portfolio performance for 19,000 luxury

egy for our teams which included significant

apartment units in Arizona and Nevada.

education, support and communication. We

His diverse real estate and multifamily

ensured that everyone who had a concern

background includes onsite property man-

could ask questions. This process really

agement, financial management and op-

helped minimize the fear and anxiety of our

erational oversight. John currently serves

employees throughout the pandemic.

we function in the world today has completely

DW: Our executive group had a conference call every morning at 8 to discuss what we

more changes ahead.

learned from CDC, AMA, and any other agen-

thought. While I truly love my co-workers and seeing them every day, I found that having the time to actually think and strategize was wonderful. There was no noise and no one in my door. It was quiet, and gave me some thinking time. That I really appreciated.

John Carlson President, Mark-Taylor Investment Management

we simply didn’t know what to expect head-

shifted. I will continue to be open-minded to

DW: I learned I am more introverted than I

bio:

cies and then drafted our communication around that. So much was changing. We had to make quick decisions on protocol and get it out quickly. It was OK to change and modify.

We just didn’t want to delay as our employees

as immediate-past Chairman of AMA and Chairman of AMA Government Affairs Committee. He is a member and Region 7 Delegate of the NAA and a member of the National Multihousing Council. A licensed real estate agent in Arizona, and a licensed broker in Nevada, John received a bachelor’s of science electrical engineering degree from Concordia College.

wanted direction and support. Then every Friday, our CEO (Chapin Bell) would send

team mapped out what the plan was going

an email to all the employees. Sometimes it

to be. We had a weekly leadership meeting.

BS: As CEO I enjoy socializing and network-

was motivational. Sometimes it was funny.

We were getting new information almost daily.

How to clean. How not to clean.

ing. However, the pandemic didn’t rattle me

The folks loved hearing directly from him. It

as much as I thought. One thing I learned is

kept their spirits up knowing his spirts were

that I’m resilient. All of our people are resil-

up. That meant a lot.

ient. I felt uneasy in my career when I was hired in 2008. The economy had completely crashed right after I started. It was a pretty scary time. But we got better as a company.

It made us more prepared. We took some conservative steps. It was not as harmful on the bottom line as we thought. We knew we would come out strong. We have drawn on that success during the pandemic.

Apartment News | March/April 2021

NW: Our leadership team really hunkered down. That was the key was for us, and it was

BS: I found our employees and residents

helpful we stayed lean. There were six of us

wanted to know the same thing. They wanted

in constant communication. We held regular

to know we had a plan. All our energy and

weekly operational meetings. I made prom-

focus on getting together quickly, together a

ises to our team that if had information they

plan, and aggressively communicating that

would have it, too. With more than 41,000

plan. And we have a lot of residents with

units managed in Arizona, that was great.

limited resources and limited access to in-

We discussed PPE, evictions … there was

formation, so communication was key. The

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BS: The most significant shift for us is what you don’t see. We are working with the City of Phoenix around St. Luke’s (Hospital) knocking Debbie is responsible for residential property management operations. She has been in the property management field since 1979 and with P.B. Bell since 1983. Debbie administers all functions of the Property Management Division and oversees all new business and development activities.

Debbie has served as the AMA’s State Convention and Trade Show chairperson,

bio: Debbie Willis, CAM, CPM President/Designated Broker, P.B. Bell

down 577 units of public housing to construct 1,100 units of mixed-income housing. There is a massive digital division between the haves and have nots. More people need high-speed internet capability. Kids should not have to leave their apartment to do their schoolwork.

Kids were getting laptops from school and no way to log on. Cox and other partners are building in high-speed internet in the units.

Education Committee chairperson and

NW: One thing we are concentrating on for

currently serves as the Ethics Committee

our clients post COVID is the what the amen-

chairperson. She is a member of the AMA

ity spaces will look like. We want common

Board of Directors. She participates in P.B.

area spaces that will accommodate our at-

Bell philanthropic endeavors which include

home workers with good distancing. Larger,

St. Mary’s Food Bank and UMOM.

more robust fitness centers. Things we have been focusing on for a number of years have

a lot of fear of the unknown. It was all about transparency and ‘I’ve got your back.’ It’s OK to be frustrated and fearful. There’s strength in confidence, even when you don’t have all the answers.

Q: Has COVID-19 changed your design plans for future developments?

JC: We can’t unlearn what we’ve experienced during the pandemic and I believe the rules for success have completely changed not just in multifamily but business as a whole. Going back to last April, amidst the early storm of the pandemic, we locked our leasing doors yet doubled the number of leases by historical comparisons. It forced our organization to accelerate how we would reinvent ourselves post-pandemic. It was like an epiphany and there was no turning back.

A great deal of time and resources were put into the endeavor of breaking down our actual operational model, with less focus on the actual building and amenity redesign. As we look ahead, we’ll focus a great deal on becoming

eas and more social areas outside and in the

overall been amped up. Our recommenda-

more resilient or as I like to say, “anti-fragile”

clubhouse. We are designing larger spaces

tions of what people’s habits will be like?

as an organization. If executed correctly we

for groups and some individual work stations.

Nobody has the crystal ball there, but there

will find ourselves being financially evergreen

Some touchless features Such as Automatic

will be substantial change in design plans.

regardless of economic cycles.

doors. Things we’ve never done before. We

DW: We changed some design plans, but we still have large social areas. We’re just being more mindful of individual seating ar-

Apartment News | March/April 2021

were one of the first developers to introduce tech centers inside apartment homes. We got away from them for a bit, but have brought them back in some of our floorplans.

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azmultihousing.org

Q: Understanding the impact that

move-in, living experience and move-out has

DW: Travel again and spend time with friends

COVID has had on your customers,

a “white glove” type experience. This will

and family. It will also be nice to hug people

what change, or practices has your

undoubtedly be challenging, but is something

again. To see people smiling behind those

company put in place to retain them?

we believe is vital to our future success and

masks.

JC: Our company mission is to create exceptional communities that invite, inspire and feel

brand evolution.

BS: Take my mask off. I’m still traveling

DW: As we have always done, we continue

through the pandemic, but looking forward

like home. One piece of our core strategic

to cater to what makes the customer experi-

to normalcy in travel. On top of my things to

initiatives to support our mission includes

ence easier. Never say no. Roll with the times.

do list is seeing my in-laws.

creating a 5-star resident experience. The

This includes self-guided tours and virtual

design will ensure our customer from the very

tours. They will only get more sophisticated.

first touch point, through the leasing process,

It kind of struck me that we never think of our sanitizing our common areas as we do now. We want to keep that going. Residents would like to see that. There are a lot of touch points in our communities. Living through a pandemic made us think more about germs and how people use those common areas.

NW: I’m a big hugger. And during the pandemic my company acquired hundreds of new employees. Senior leadership is touring all 160-plus assets in person, safely, to show our appreciation. I want to hug the 1,400 employees I have never met or not seen in a long time. You don’t have that ability to connect when you can’t meet people face to face.

BS: We haven’t changed too much in practice or belief. The shift for us was more on the mental health of our employees and residents.

We wanted to get a better handle on recognizing and paying attention to mental health due to a burdened economy. It was an emotional drag and people are tired of dealing with it

bio: Brian Swanton President & CEO, Gorman & Company Brian transitioned into the role of President & CEO in 2018 after serving as the Arizona Market President since 2008. Founded in 1984, Gorman is a national real estate development company specializing in affordable and workforce housing and a key player in the public housing redevelopment space. Gorman is also the largest developer of workforce and affordable housing in Arizona. Prior to joining Gorman,

and tolerating COVID. We need to continue to recognize this. It has taught us to pay attention to our people’s emotional needs not just in times of crises but all the time.

NW: Obviously, everything got turned upside down. I still remember that Friday in March when the president shut things down.

It made us rethink a lot of things. Virtual leasing. Self-guide tours. From A to Z, we had to revamp our platform to include mostly virtual leasing at least for the next year. It will be a work in progress. We have to go back to the basics. We know will see our residents less.

How do you retain that customer service?

We will focus on technology to circle back on what made us successful in the first place.

bio: Nicole Wray President & Managing Director Greystar Nicole oversees all aspects of operations for the company’s 41,000-unit portfolio, including high-rise, mid-rise and value add,

Q: What is the first thing you want

and large-scale renovation communities.

the public and nonprofit sectors in afford-

to do (that COVID has taken away

Her team specializes in operations, mar-

able housing and community revitaliza-

or made it near impossible to enjoy)

keting, renovation, and acquisition support.

tion. Brian received his bachelor degree

when this is all over?

Brian held various leadership positions in

in urban planning and Master’s degree in public administration, both from Arizona State University, where he and his wife Leah recently began an endowment for urban planning students seeking to ad-

JC: I’ve still been traveling and remained extremely active during the pandemic. I can’t wait to walk through a restaurant without a mask and sit down.

Nicole is on the AMA Board of Directors, served on the Executive Committee for 5 years, and served as Chair in 2018. Nicole joined Greystar in 2010. She regularly speaks at industry events and charitable endeavors.

dress issues of social justice.

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Apartment News | March/April 2021

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Legislative Update

Old wounds and new priorities for a COVID-focused Legislature Lawmakers resume last year’s legislative efforts while addressing the ongoing pandemic

By Jake Hinman and Bastien Andruet

With the 2021 Arizona legislative session in full swing, lawmakers have introduced an overwhelming 1,800 bills and resolutions.

Despite all else with the pandemic, affordable housing has proven to be one of the focal points of the Legislature this year, with multiple bills attempting to increase housing supply and funding.

Unfortunately, we have also seen an inordinate amount of bills aimed at the rental housing industry, including proposals to enact statewide rent control in Arizona. Fortunately, the AMA was able to ensure that all these harmful bills never progressed through the process.

Affordable housing remains AMA top priority Picking up where last session left off, the AMA is focusing its legislative efforts on creating new tools and incentives for the production of new affordable housing units. In tandem with longtime allies at the Legislature and partners in the private sector, the AMA has helped author and champion a bill establishing a state LIHTC. –Continued on next page

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State Rep. Regina Cobb (LD-5) introduced HB2562, with State Sen.

falling short. In the time of COVID, the state has experienced no

David Gowan (LD-14) introducing the Senate version, SB1327, an act

stoppage in the influx of out-of-state residents, as remote workers

to create an Arizona state LIHTC that mirror’s the federal program

seek more affordable cities than New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago

established by President Reagan in 1986.

in which to live.

The national LIHTC program has been responsible for constructing

Innovative solutions to our supply crisis, such as this state LIHTC

or renovating almost 3 million housing units nationwide, financing

program, will be Arizona’s best bet for providing housing for residents

almost 45,000 units in Arizona alone since 1987. With a foreclosure

of all socio-economic status.

rate of less than 1 percent for these properties, LIHTC financing has

Virtual court on its way to becoming permanent

been proven as an effective public-private partnership tool, creating

The AMA is also focusing its efforts to ensure that virtual court be-

jobs for builders and housing for low-income residents hurt the most

comes permanent in the state for all eviction-related cases. Sen. War-

by our state’s dangerously low stock of housing supply.

ren Petersen introduced SB1322 that will allow all parties, attorneys

As hundreds of families move into the state of Arizona on a daily basis,

and witnesses to appear remotely via videoconference or telephone.

more than 150,000 units of housing will need to be built by 2030 to

For rental owners, remote proceedings allow witnesses, including

match demand, and our current pace of development is consistently

property management staff, police officers or neighbors, to carry out their normal day-to-day functions rather than taking time to make a court appearance in person.

Bills aimed at rental housing industry fail to move Continuing their efforts from last year, state Sens. Juan Mendez (LD26) and Martin Quezada (LD-29) introduced a slew of bills targeting the multifamily housing industry. Modeled after policies enacted in Oregon and California in 2019, the bills seek to impose artificial price controls, significantly increase the number of documents and steps –Continued on next page

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a property owner or manager must take for tenant notices, and add

received by the property owner, as well as her bill SB1663, seeking

a new “source of income” protected class.

to seal any and all eviction records, including filings, pleadings, and judgments, through June 30, 2022, retroactive to March 11, 2020, both

Mendez’s SB1691, and Quezada’s SB1611, both establishing a statewide

hit their “committee chair walls” and failed to proceed to a hearing.

rent control, never even received a hearing in committee. Quezada’s SB1610, attempting to create a “source of income” protected class, as

Likewise, Engel’s other three bills aimed at the industry also failed to

well as his SB1612 attempting to pass “for cause” eviction legislation

receive committee hearings. SB1038 seeking to increase the five-day notice to a 15-day notice; SB1134, repealing a statutory prohibition

eliminating non-renewal provisions, also failed to move forward.

the AMA passed several years ago on counties and municipalities

Similarly, Sen. Mendez’s attempts to repeal the statewide prohibition

from requiring an owner, operator or tenant of a business, commer-

on inclusionary zoning, SB1657, and his attempts to further unbalance

cial building, or multifamily housing property to measure and report

the Landlord-Tenant Act by mandating 30- and 60-day rent increase

energy usage and consumption; and SB1664 repealing another AMA

notices with SB1692, never made it out of committee.

bill passed several years ago pre-empting the courts from mandating

Other bad bills aimed at the industry

that all property owners use court-created forms for all eviction actions,

Quezada also introduced two COVID-related bills – SB1607 imposing

notices, and pleadings all died this year at the Capitol.

a statewide rent freeze until 30 days after the termination of the declared state of emergency, and SB1608, mandating property owners

Jake Hinman is the Director of Government

allow at least six months for tenants who have received relief from

Affairs for Capitol Consulting.

eviction “as the result of federal law, presidential executive order or

He can be reached at 602-712-1121.

state executive order,” to pay any unpaid rent once the federal or state relief from eviction expires. While able to gain the support of fellow Bastien Andruet is a Municipal Lobbyist

Senator Mendez, the bills thankfully went nowhere.

for Capitol Consulting.

Sen. Kirsten Engel’s (LD-10) bills aimed at the industry lost momentum

He can be reached at 602-712-1121.

as well, with her SB1665 barring a landlord from evicting a tenant if any form of partial payment or “housing assistance” is accepted or

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Grayson Place:

West Valley gem

AMC event offers virtual tour of P.B. Bell property

By Michelle Howland

A West Valley multifamily gem was in the spotlight as the February AMC event took a virtual tour of Grayson Place.

Grayson Place, 1499 N. 159th Ave., is situated in one of Goodyear’s most sought-after locations in the West Valley. The P.B. Bell property is a gated community that boasts the description as “modern with

Community Amenities

industrial chic flair.”

• Professionally Managed by P.B. Bell

Senior Portfolio Director Cary Cole led the virtual tour of the Grayson

• Gated community with controlled access

Place community and a showed a short video about P.B. Bell to the

• Heated pool and spa with poolside cabanas, loungers and umbrellas

50 members in virtual attendance.

• Resident clubhouse with lounge areas, TVs, Starbucks coffee bar, upscale kitchen, billiards and more

The winner of the lunch with Cary was Brandi Reynolds with Renco Roofing.

• Business center with co-working space

About Grayson Place

• Electric vehicle charging stations

Grayson Place pet-friendly apartment homes offer mountain views

• Community dog park and pet spa

with spacious, open concept floor plans along with smart door locks,

• Pet waste stations

smart thermostats and smart lights. Grayson Place offers one-, two-

–Continued on next page

and three-bedroom apartments. The community comprises 269 units.

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• Community cinema room • 24-hour emergency maintenance • Complementary Wi-Fi in common areas for Cox customers • Courtyard with patio dining and grilling stations • 24-hour fitness center Apartment Amenities • Resident garages and covered parking • GE Stainless Steel energy-efficient appliances • Granite countertops with subway tile backsplash • Gourmet kitchen islands • Private master bedrooms with en suite bathroom • Modern pendant and LED lighting • Dual vanity sinks

• Designer ceiling fans in living areas and bedrooms

• Walk-in closets with built-in shelving and storage

• Full-sized washer and dryer

• Wood style plank flooring

• Personal patio or balcony

Introducing the Housing Heroes Hub Consider the facts.

• More than $1 million raised in support of UMOMs, SARRC and Autism Speaks.

• 38 rental properties reducing waste and fighting hunger through Move For Hunger food drives.

those benefiting from member initiatives, resources for getting more

• More than 800 blankets collected for UMOM New Day Centers families.

submit your companies own charitable efforts.

involved in helping your communities, as well as a place for you to

• More than 100 properties committed to reducing second-hand smoke and its negative health impacts.

AMA members are encouraged to visit the Housing Heroes Hub here

• 145 communities dedicated to providing safety training for their residents and neighbors.

are making in multi-housing and beyond. At the Hub you’ll find a place

What do all of these good deeds have in common? They are all being

Has your company participated in a charitable fundraiser? Collected

selflessly performed each day by members of the Arizona Multihous-

goods for those in need? Does your company have a charitable match

to glean inspiration from the positive impact their peers and colleagues where you can submit your own company’s philanthropic activities.

program for employees making personal donations to non-profits of

ing Association.

their choosing?

In an industry that is constantly battling stifling regulations and negative perceptions, these small but heroic efforts often go unnoticed.

Does your company allow for charitable time off? Has your company

AMA wants our members to know that we see all that you are doing

volunteered time at a food bank?

in support of your communities; from small to grand initiatives, they

Tell us about all of the positive initiatives your organization is doing

all deserve to be celebrated.

on the submission form found on the Housing Heroes page so we

In that spirit, AMA is proud to introduce our new Housing Heroes Hub,

can showcase your company as a shining reflection of the generosity

an online platform which showcases the positive impact our industry

found in the multi-housing industry.

is making on surrounding neighborhoods and the world at large.

You are all doing AMAzing work to help make our communities better,

On the Hub you’ll find: statistics illustrating the positive impacts

and we look forward to showcasing your efforts on the Housing Heroes

our members are making in their communities, a running list of the

Hub. AMA is proud to celebrate you, our industry’s Housing Heroes.

philanthropic campaigns our members support, testimonials from

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Bucks for Barks

By Robby Nisenfeld, Communications Manager

Arizona Humane Society

bites in communities or enhance public safety. Many breeds are also

Should I open up my rental property to individuals with pets?

often mistakenly identified. It’s best for landlords to instead consider

It’s a question many landlords debate, but one with an easy answer.

a specific dog’s behavior, not its size or breed when evaluating rental

If you want to maximize your profit, you’ll make more money offering

applicants.

pet-friendly housing.

Reducing risk

According to Best Friends Animal Society, citing a 2011 analysis in the

There are clear advantages to providing pet-friendly housing. Consider

Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, pet-friendly landlords

the following to reduce your risk and help ensure you are finding a

who place no restrictions on pet ownership currently enjoy an 11.6%

reliable pet renter.

rental premium over landlords who do not allow pets (after controlling

• Require pets to be spayed/neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations;

for waterfront rentals, vacancies, age, number of bedrooms and other factors).

• Require a refundable pet deposit to encourage renters to keep your property in good shape;

Residents with pets were found to stay significantly longer in their rentals — by an average of 23 to 46 months — than residents without

• Require pet renter’s insurance;

pets. Additionally, vacancy rates and the amount of money landlords

• Ask a few of these questions during the interview process.

spend on marketing were lower for pet-friendly housing, and pet-friendly housing units received twice as many applications.

Do you already offer pet-friendly housing?

Worried about damage? According to a 2019 study by the Michelson

If you’re a pet-friendly landlord who has residents who have been

Animal Foundation, only 9% of pets cause damage, and owners of

impacted by COVID-19, several of the Valley’s leading animal welfare

both pet- and non-pet friendly housing believe adults and children are

organizations have teamed up to create pethousinghelpaz.org, which

likely to create more costly damage than dogs or cats.

offers information and resources to pet owners who are struggling and need help.

So, I should rent to pet owners, but should I restrict certain breeds?

Many experts agree that breed-specific legislation or similar policies that restrict dog breeds based on appearance, do not reduce dog

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Legally Speaking

HUD extends fairhousing protections

By Mark Zinman, Esq.

Wait, don’t stop reading – this isn’t a legal article about COVID-19, the eviction moratorium or other restrictions on landlord’s rights. Finally, for maybe the first time in over a year, there is something else to write about.

When it comes to fair-housing laws, the federal government has said that “sex” now includes sexual orientation and gender identity. While we have taught for years that a property owner or manager should never discriminate against a resident or prospective resident based upon their sexual orientation or gender identity, this policy has now been formally adopted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

HUD has also stated that it will look back over the past year and immediately start prosecuting cases on this basis.

Many people are not aware that sexual orientation and gender identity are not explicitly covered by the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). It lists seven protected classes: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status and disability.

The FHA does not explicitly include sexual orientation or gender identity.

It has been debated and argued for years whether such classes fall under sex, or whether sex only applies to whether someone is male and female.

“Sex” was added as a protected class in 1975, right after important cases regarding women’s rights. Therefore, many people have argued that as of 1974, sex only referred to gender and that if sexual orientation is to be covered, it should be done so explicitly.

–Continued on next page

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It’s important to note that Arizona mirrors the seven protected class

HUD will even look at potential cases that have come before it in

listed on the federal level, and thus Arizona has not previously ex-

the past year. Explaining its decision, HUD wrote:

plicitly covered sexual orientation or gender identity.

“At the core of this Department’s housing mission is an endeavor to

Certain large cities in Arizona, such as Phoenix, are allowed to have

ensure that all people peacefully enjoy a place they call home, where

additional protected classes and have included such classes as being

they are safe and can thrive, free from discrimination and fear. Yet,

protected. All other cities must only follow the protected classes

this ideal remains unrealized for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,

as directed by the state.

and queer identifying persons, who have been denied the constitutional promise of equal protection under the law throughout most

So how did we get to this new position? In an employment lawsuit

of American history.”

in 2020 (Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga.), the U.S. Supreme Court said that employees are covered from discrimination based upon

We firmly believe that no AMA member would discriminate based

sexual orientation and gender identity.

upon sexual orientation or gender identity, and most companies have likely had an express policy against this behavior for years. This

The remaining question was whether that ruling only applied to

decision by HUD merely reflects the policies we have been teaching

employment, or other areas of the law. On January 20, as one of his

for years and which our clients have been practicing.

first executive orders, President Joe Biden ordered that all agencies across the federal government must review existing regulations and policies and revise them to expand “sex” to include sexual

Mark B. Zinman is an attorney with Zona Law

orientation and gender identity.

Group. He is a past and present board

The Executive Order didn’t explicitly cover such groups, but rather

member with the AMA. He may be reached

directed the different federal agencies to do so.

at 480-994-4732.

On February 11, HUD was the first federal agency to act in accordance to President Biden’s Executive Order and announce that the Fair Housing Act bars discrimination based on gender identification and sexual orientation and will enforce the law to combat such biases.

AMA members earn 2% cash Back* Home Depot is dedicated to helping Arizona Multihousing Association members save time and money. Join our Pro Xtra free loyalty program for the opportunity to earn up to a 2% annual rebate and receive exclusive offers like 20% off paints, stains and primers.

Use agreement code HDNAA-AZ to start saving more today.

Contact Sarah Fluke at 602-296-6212 if you have questions or would like to enroll in the Pro Xtra program. *Accounts must be registered/enrolled at homedepot.com/c/Pro_Xtra to receive rebate credit of up to 2%. Minimum rebate period spend of $25,000 on in-store or homedepot.com purchases required to receive a rebate. Please call 1-866-333-3551 or visit naahq.org for further details. Pro Xtra Paint Rewards is a sub-program of the Pro Xtra Program. Pro Xtra Paint Rewards qualifying ourchases will be tracked during the program period and include select The Home Depot Paint department in-store purchases an online purchases from the The Home Depot website, see homedepot.com/c/

Apartment News | March/April 2021

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Apartment News | March/April 2021

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AMA Patron Profile Burns Pest Elimination 2002 N Forbes Suite 180, Tucson, AZ 85745

By Peter Madrid

When Burns Pest Elimination opened its Tucson office in 1996, it wasted no time in becoming a member of the Arizona Multihousing Association.

Account Executive Matt Taylor said the vast opportunities AMA offers its members “immensely aided our growth as a company and also allowed us to share our professional knowledge/education with current and potential customers.

“Everything from assisting on committees, the many choices of events throughout any given year and the ability to build trusting relationships with individuals and partnerships between our businesses,” Taylor said.

Building those trusting relationships was even more important in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic devasted the economy.

“Not unlike most service companies, it was and still is a true test of our resiliency and the ability to act quickly if any of our employees, their family members and our clients became sick or even had a scare of contracting the virus,” Taylor said. “It has caused us to be

Matt Taylor Account Executive (520) 954-3667 mtaylor@burnspestelimination.com

on our toes with contingency plans on a daily basis not knowing what information we would be receiving each and every morning.

To turn this around and look at it from how it will benefit us, it will make us much more efficient and agile once the pandemic is over.”

How has the Tucson office weathered the storm?

“Being that we are a pest control operator, we were already inad-

Having a true partnership with the industry, our clients, our vendor partners and the staff at the AMA has supported our growth each and every year.”

– Matt Taylor

vertently prepared given the need for using personal protective equipment on every service we provide,” Taylor said. “We just needed to expand the use of PPE from the moment we step out of our vehicles to ensure the safety of our customers, employees and family members.”

Industry groups are vital to the success of any business. How has Burns leveraged its standing in the Arizona multifamily community through its AMA membership?

–Continued on next page

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“I feel it is safe to say that the membership within the AMA is com-

our multifamily service programs tailoring our extensive services

parable to having an extended family. Most of my friends are in

based on their needs,”Taylor says. “Having a true partnership with

this industry and who better to share in mutually beneficial part-

the industry, our clients, our vendor partners and the staff at the

nerships than with your friends? Without the many opportunities

AMA has supported our growth each and every year.”

of networking events, education classes and committees, I would

Personally, what does it mean to Taylor to be a member of AMA?

never have the chance to build the relationships we currently enjoy

“From the moment I went to my first AMA event I felt welcomed

or to begin new ones,” Taylor said.

into the ‘family,’” he says. “The friendships and connections I have

Multifamily is one of the hottest property types in Arizona. And

made through meetings, networking events and charity functions is

that’s good news for his company. Taylor explains that the multi-

astounding. I’ve found the AMA to be a great resource both profes-

family industry is the largest division within Burns Pest Elimination.

sionally and on a personal level. I haven’t found a single member

“When we first became a member in the mid-90s, we were able to

that would not bend over backwards to help me out if needed.”

grow along with our clients and they also aided in the design of

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Arrive Ocotillo named Community of the Year with

By Peter Madrid

Throughout its two-year participation with the national Move For Hunger Program, Residents at Arrive Ocotillo team together with fun engagement events which give back to the community.

By participation in Shark Week food drives, Thanksgiving food drives and generous donations from residents, the Trinity Property

About the program

Consultants-owned community has been able to create an awareness

When a resident gives notice that they will be moving out, the property

campaign around food insecurity in Arizona.

managers provide them with a program letter and a food collection bag. The residents are encouraged to donate any non-perishable food

For these efforts, Arrive Ocotillo was named the winner of the first

items that they will not be taking with them.

Community of the Year Award with Move For Hunger. This member of the organizations Multi-Family Apartment Program was chosen

Once a property has collected a few bags, they contact Move For Hun-

based on the percentage of residents who donated food when they

ger, and the Multifamily Team connects them with a local transportation

moved, the number of food drives the property organized, and the

partner who will pick up the donations and deliver them to a local food bank. The program also works with its apartment communities

total amount of food they collected in 2020.

to host season food drives and other resident engagement events.

The Team at Arrive Ocotillo also participated in and led a successful Beach Bash event, raising more than $130 for Move For Hunger. It

A few favorites include February’s Spread the Love Food Drive that

provided an additional 315 meals to families struggling with food

encourages residents to donate peanut butter and jelly. Shark Week

insecurity in their area.

during August is also a fan favorite as residents donate canned tuna to those in need. Move For Hunger also coordinates resident engage-

“I am so appreciative of their time and commitment to giving back to

ment activities like virtual trivia nights and wine tastings to help raise

the local community. It’s because of communities like Arrive Ocotillo

money to fight hunger.

that we are able to make such a difference,” said Diana Leguizamon, Community Engagement Manager with Move For Hunger. “As advo-

Click here to learn more about the Multi-Family Apartment Commu-

cates of the Move For Hunger program, the team at Arrive Ocotillo

nity Program.

has been a dedicated group of passionate individuals fighting hunger.”

The award is sponsored by AMA, Move For Hunger, Chadwell Supply, CORT Furniture Rental, Kastle Systems and Assurant Insurance.

Classes. Events.

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What’s up

THANK YOU

PATRON MEMBERS! P L AT I N U M

down in Tucson

AMCF Big Hearts Tucson Virtual Fun Run

More than 75 participants were eager to Drop the 20s with us as they ran 20 miles between January 20 and February 20. Congratulations to our members who ran 3,457.41 miles during the Virtual Run Challenge. They logged their real miles on the virtual platform and at each milestone they received virtual badges and congratulations from our sponsors. Those sponsors were Ally Waste Services, Apartments. com, Avalanche Security Services, Cox Communications, HSL Asset Management, MEB Management Services, Redi Carpet, Scotia Group Management, U.S. Collections West and Zona Law Group.

Project SAFE Workshop

G O L D

The Tucson Social Responsibility Committee hosted a virtual Project S.A.F.E. workshop to kick off the 2021 Project S.A.F.E. season. Traditional information was shared, along with new ideas for hosting virtual and hybrid events. The Project S.A.F.E. season runs from March 1 to August 31 every year. Don’t wait to hold your event, register for Project S.A.F.E today.

S I LV E R

Coffee & Comradery The Tucson Networking Committee welcomed new members at a virtual get-together on February 19. New members were able to meet and mingle, ask questions and learn a little bit more about the AMA from our long-time members. We can’t wait to be able to meet all of our new members in person.

Coming up The AMA Tucson/ American Roofing & Waterproofing Golf Tournament is set to tee off April 23 at Randolph Golf Course, 602 S. Alvernon Way. The theme is “Par-Tee Like It’s 2019 – Golf with a Twist.” The event tees off at 8 a.m. …

The May Tucson Dinner Meeting is May 13 at the Embassy Suites,

For more information on how to become a patron member of AMA, please contact Sarah Fluke, sfluke@azmultihousing.org, 602-296-6212.

6555 E. Speedway Blvd. It begins at 5 p.m. Cost to attend is $59 for members ($79 after May 7) and $79 for non-members ($99 after May 7).

Apartment News | March/April 2021

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