APARTMENT NEWS
MAY/ JUNE 2019
The official publication of the Arizona Multihousing Association
The Stars Come Out
27th AMA/Cox Tribute Awards celebrate the apartment industry’s best, brightest
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Highlighting our successes in the first half of 2019
818 N. 1st St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 phone: 602-296-6200 fax: 602-296-6178 2019 AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair, John Carlson Secretary, Scott Hines, Mark-Taylor Residential PEM Real Estate Group Vice Chair, Kim Pacheco Imm. Past Chair, Nicole Wray Scotia Group Management Greystar Real Estate Partners Treasurer, Reid Butler AMC Exec., Adam Greco Butler Housing Company Burns Pest Elimination
Can you believe we already are nearing the midpoint of 2019? It seems like just yesterday that we were ringing in the new year. So much has happened, and all of it so far has been positive.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elizabeth Beaulieu Omar Mireles Quarterpenny Management HSL Asset Management Krisanne Beckstead April Morris Picerne Real Estate Group Cox Communications Lauren Borgeson Melanie Morrison Mark-Taylor Residential MEB Management Services Lesley Brice Gloria Munoz MC Residential Maricopa County Housing Sue Campbell Lisa Osborn-Warne Redi Carpet Priderock Capital Partners Scott Clark Kevin Ransil Law Offices of Scott M. Clark JLB Partners/JLB Residential Linda Coburn Rich Renta NexMetro Development Weidner Crystal DeHoag John Rials Bella Investment Group Western Wealth Capital Anna DiSabato Lisa Rosenfeld Dunlap & Magee HSL Asset Management Kohl Eisenhour Mark Schilling Avenue 5 Residential MEB Management Services Natalie Evans Tina Schreiber Apartments.com Alliance Residential Company Kimberly Fitch Stacey Searl Nicolosi & Fitch, Inc. Weidner Tim Furnas Christine Shipley Valley Wide Security Dunlap & Magee Shelly Griggs Michelle Sinclair Baron MC Residential Robert Hicks Justin Steltenpohl Alliance Residential Company P.B. Bell Companies Stacey Hogue Greg Stobart Greystar Real Estate Partners MG Properties Susan Knowles Carmen Suggs J.R. McDade ConAm Matt Koglmeier David Vanek Koglmeier Law Group Greystar Real Estate Partners David Kotin Luis Verger Kay-Kay Realty Shelton-Cook Real Estate Services, Inc. Jim Kowalski Kowalski Construction Debbie Willis P.B. Bell Companies Sharon Kuhlman Shelton Residential Mark Zinman Williams, Zinman & Parham, PC Dustin Lacey Mark-Taylor Residential
Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished so far in 2019. NAA Advocate 2019 In March, more than 700 members of the National Apartment John Carlson AMA Board Chair Association converged on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., to participate in NAA’s largest advocate conference. NAA’s expansion in to the world of federal lobbying has opened many possibilities in its mission to represent, protect and grow the apartment industry. NAA members, including several delegates from Arizona, visited the offices of all 535 members of Congress. Advocate 2019 provided the platform for constituents to speak directly to those making the decisions that affect our industry, with an emphasis on preventing policymakers from making uninformed decisions. The collective Advocate 2019 strategy was to focus on three policy priorities: the role federal infrastructure legislation could play in reducing barriers to apartment construction, shoring up and protecting the National Flood Insurance Program, and making smart reforms to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program to help incentivize more private sector participation in the program. As we look ahead to 2020 and beyond, we will need to continue to build relationships with policymakers and continue to educate them on key issues affecting our industry. I hope more of us consider engaging locally and nationally. —continued on page 5 Apartment News | May/June 2019
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TABLE OF CONTENTS MAY/JUNE 2019
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2019 AMA/Cox Tribute Awards
12 12 Apartmentalize 2019
14 14 Legislative Update
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25 AMA Patron Profile
19 With Community in Mind
26 Education & Events Calendar
21 21 Multifamily Ties
28 Camden North End Comes to Rescue, Weathers the Storm
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29 Legally Speaking
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31 Work-Life Balancing Act 4
34 34 What’s Up Down In Tucson azmultihousing.org
— Momentum, from page 3 2019 AMA Tribute Awards One of the core areas of focus, or “big rocks” as referred to by your Board of Directors in 2019, has been the Tribute Awards. For those of you familiar with our annual celebration of excellence, several enhancements were introduced for this year’s event.
unnoticed. Thank you. More than 270,000 Units in Membership Finally, I ask all of you in membership to continue being supportive and engaged in 2019. At last count we recently surpassed the 270,000-unit mark. The momentum in membership continues to build and I would like to personally thank everyone who continues to participate in growing our membership.
Initial enhancements included a shift to being more objective through the introduction of testing modules, objective third-party secret shops for community nominations, and the introduction of non-biased, third-party industry experts or “celebrity judges” for the round of finalists. Ultimately, we wanted to ensure we identified the most qualified winners in each category.
Through common attributes including energized leadership, shared vision, and a collective commitment to continuously improve the organization, I’m excited about what we will accomplish together.
I wanted to extend my personal gratitude to all of the judges who spent their time interviewing candidates in the first round of judging. Your willingness to sacrifice precious time out of your work week for the greater good of the industry didn’t go
– John Carlson, AMA Board Chair, Mark-Taylor Residential
All the great work we do Congratulations to all of our 2019 AMA/Cox Communications Tribute Awards winners. In its 27th year, this star-studded event boasted a record number of nominations.
These are examples of all the good we do at AMA for our members and constituents. It’s one thing to say you’re an advocate for your industry. It’s another to have a staff, volunteers, and policy experts that make it all come together
It was great to see so many of our industry friends and partners at this year’s event. It was truly an outstanding evening honoring the best in the industry. Your AMA was well represented at Advocate 2019, a gathering of more than 700 members of the National Apartment Association in Washington, D.C., in March. Coming up this summer in Denver is Apartmentalize 2019, another NAA-sponsored event.
Also in this issue of Apartment News, meet Mary and Matt Rogers of Shelton Residential. This mother-son duo brings a unique Baby Boomer-Millennial dynamic to firm.
This event features more than 10,000 attendees, 500 suppliers and more than 85 breakout sessions and events. Look for a preview of Apartmentalize 2019 on Page 12.
We also provide a glimpse of what goes into putting on one of AMA’s most successful programs, Project S.A.F.E. Have a great summer.
The 2019 Arizona Legislature was still in session at the time of publication. This year, we focused on three priority bills. One bill has been signed into law while the two other priority bills await final action by the Legislature.
– Courtney LeVinus, President & CEO, Arizona Multihousing Association
The bill that passed, HB2445, addresses what has become an ongoing issue. Local jurisdictions have increased their residential rent tax rates but have failed to provide timely notice to property owners of the new rate. Apartment News | May/June 2019
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TRIBUTE AWARDS
Tribute Award Photos by Rad Exposure Photography
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27th annual AMA gala honors more than 650 nominees More than 1,500 attendees gathered at the Phoenix Convention Center South Building to celebrate the best and brightest of the multifamily industry in Arizona at the 2019 Annual AMA/Cox Communications Tribute Awards. With last year’s winners on the stage, percussion entertainment band BOOM! drummed up the tempo for the evening. A highlight of the awards was a video compilation of the finalists talking about what the Tribute Awards mean to them. Heartfelt responses included:
“It’s a huge honor.” “It’s a big deal.” “It’s an achievement towards the next level of my career.” “It’s appreciation for what I do each and every day.” “Confidence.” The Tribute Awards Committee, under the leadership of John Carlson with Mark-Taylor Residential and Kim Pacheco with Scotia Group, worked tirelessly to prepare for the evening.
onight, we celebrate you. This T evening is about recognizing the true leaders in our industry. These are the people who make our communities some of the greatest places to live in Arizona.”
Along with recognizing industry leaders, the Tribute Awards also recognized some of Arizona’s best properties. This year’s winners: Affordable Community of the Year, Valor on 8th, Gorman & Company; Renovated Community of the Year, Scottsdale 59, Baron Property Services; Developers Award for Best Community Design (Garden), Hampton East, Shelton Residential; and Developers Award for Best Community Design (Mid/Low Rise), The Curve at Melrose, P.B. Bell Companies.
– Courtney LeVinus AMA President and CEO
Master of ceremony for the evening was long-time Valley television personality Rick DeBruhl.
Awards were also handed out for most-viewed finalist videos. The AMA’s YouTube channel garnered more than 30,000 views. Leading the way was Alana Taylor of Greystar Real Estate Services with 3,025 views. Winning the Membership Drive Facebook Challenge were the Dirt Devil Dominators. Apartment News | May/June 2019
A total of 655 nominations from 34 member companies participated. Volunteers donated hundreds of hours of their time to help judge. It truly was the highlight of the year for the AMA. 7
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2019 TRIBUTE AWARD WINNERS In Appreciation
Cox Communications
Title Sponsorship for 27 Years
Industry Partner – Tucson
Amber Stevens
Apartment Guide
Industry Partner – Statewide
Chris Worrell
GPM Landscape
Volunteer of the Year – Tucson
Elizabeth Beaulieu
Quarterpenny Management
Volunteer of the Year – Statewide
Rodney Wilson
Greystar Real Estate Partners
Affordable Community of the Year
Valor on 8th
Gorman & Company, LLC
Renovated Community of the Year
Scottsdale 59
Baron Property Services, LLC
Developers Award for Best Community Design (Garden)
Hampton East
Shelton Residential
Developers Award for Best Community Design (Mid/Low Rise)
The Curve at Melrose
P.B. Bell Companies
Housekeeper
Reanie Roseberry
Scotia Group Management
Leasing Consultant
Jeana Turano
Baron Property Services, LLC
Assistant Manager
Bethany Flores
Weidner Apartment Homes
Service Technician
Isaac Sanchez
Alliance Residential Company, LLC
Service Supervisor 1-199 Units
Ryan Nutima
Baron Property Services, LLC
Service Supervisor 200+ Units
Richard Ryan
Greystar Real Estate Partners
Service Supervisor OTV
David Fierro
Scotia Group Management, LLC
Community Manager 1-199 Units
Kelsey Fortenberry
Shelton Residential
Community Manager 200+ Units
Ciera Moraga
Mark-Taylor Residential
Community Manager Outside the Valley
Shalom Curtis
HSL Asset Management
Best Team & Community prior 2000
Camden San Marcos
Camden Property Trust
Best Team & Community 2000 – 2010
San Lagos
Mark-Taylor Residential
Best Team & Community 2011-2018
Broadstone Waterfront
Alliance Residential Company, LLC
Best Team & Community Outside the Valley
Legacy at Dove Mountain
Shelton Residential
Regional Service Supervisor
Rodney Wilson
Greystar Real Estate Partners, LLC
Property Supervisor
Ashley Tran
Mark-Taylor Residential
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Efficient HVAC. Comfortable residents. Get both before summer. Up to 50% of energy costs come from HVAC systems. To save money, keep residents comfortable and avoid headaches later, work with an APS Qualified Contractor. From installation to regular maintenance, these professionals can ensure your HVAC system is running as efficiently as possible. With summer almost here, now’s a great time to take advantage of our $180 rebate for switching out old inefficient units.
For a list of APS Qualified Contractors who can offer our HVAC rebate, visit aps.com/multifamily or call (855) 733-1117.
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IMAGE COURTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK
The apartment industry’s premier event comes to Denver this summer With more than 10,000 attendees and more than 500 cutting-edge suppliers and more than 85 breakout sessions and events, Apartmentalize 2019 is the ultimate career-boosting opportunity for rental housing professionals. This year’s annual event, sponsored by the National Apartment Association, comes to the Denver Convention Center June 26-28. The Friday General Session speaker will be Laila Ali, world-class athlete, fitness and wellness expert, TV host, cooking enthusiast, and author. She is the founder of the Laila Ali Lifestyle Brand, a mother of two, a four-time undefeated boxing world champion, and the daughter of the late global icon and humanitarian, Muhammad Ali. –Continued on next page Apartment News | May/June 2019
Friday General Session Speaker, Laila Ali
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APARTMENTALIZE 2019 Event highlights NAA Exposition Hall: The exposition hall will be open Thursday, June 27, and Friday, June 28. It will feature products and services new to the industry. rban Adventure: The NAA will convert the Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC) into an U Urban Adventure on Thursday, June 27. Experience the adrenaline and energy of Colorado’s outdoor playground in four themed sections: Elevated Adrenaline, Bikes & Brews, Street Art Revival, and Out of Bounds. >> Excellence Awards Luncheon, June 26.
>> Opening General Session, June 27.
>> Maintenance Mania National Championship, June 28.
Daily highlights > > Wednesday, June 26: Region meetings, Supplier Success Course (ticketed event), NOI-Enhancing Nuggets; Leadership Lyceum (ticketed event); and Maintenance Training Jeopardy. Industry, technology and executive trend events include Reputation Management and Other Rental Housing Myths; Breaking Through the Barriers: Making Multi-Touch Attribution a Reality; Does (Market) Size Really Matter; and Mindbugs: The Ordinary Origins of Implicit Bias (human resources)
Gen Z: End of the Alphabet & Beginning a New Era (industry trends), Creating a High-Powered Multifamily Housing Team: Combining Communication, Coaching and Culture (leadership), Building Resilience with Tools, Trends & Energy Strategies (executive), and Closing the Gap between Construction and Operations (maintenance). NAHMA Presents features Key Federal Legislative Regulatory Issues Impacting Affordable Housing. >> Friday, June 28: Discussions include Litigation Avoidance and Management Strategies for IROs (independent rental owners), All-Stars Present: Fresh, Bold & Brilliant Strategies Across the USA (industry trends), Mining Data and Analytics from Online Prospects to Grow Your Business (research), What the Maintenance Team Wishes the Office Knew About Maintenance (maintenance), Futurecasting: Where is Technology Taking Rental Housing Next? (technology), and Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves: Overcoming Leadership Barriers and Bias (leadership).
Affordable housing will be discussed at “Managing the Mindset of the Affordable Housing Resident.” Other discussions include An Idiot’s Guide to Pre-Construction Marketing: For Empty and Deep Pockets (marketing), A Long View on Short-Term Rentals (operations), and Making the Mark with Property Performance (executive). > > Thursday, June 27: Discussions include: You’re Here, There and Can’t Be Everywhere! Engaging Remote Teams (leadership), Do THIS not THAT: Relationship Sales, Networking, and Etiquette (supplier skills), The Changing Landscape of Marketing Affordable Communities (affordable housing), Rentonomics 101: Understanding Trends That Are Powering the Future of Renting (industry trends), and Technology + Marketing = A Winning Combination for Apartment Renters (technology). Apartment News | May/June 2019
The conference concludes late in the afternoon.
For more information visit the NAA Apartmentalize 2019 website here. 13
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Legislative Update
AMA bill signed into law; two more bills await final action Legislative session drags on well beyond 100-day mark By Jake Hinman
The 2019 Legislative Session continues to wind
to provide the TPT licensee who is licensed with Department of Revenue, and each individual residential rental property of a new or increased tax rate at least 60 days before the effective date.
down as we approach the 120-day mark. This year’s session has turned into a rather lengthy
Bill to fix court decision inches to the finish line The AMA is also focusing its efforts this year to fix an unfortunate Superior Court decision that could cause landlords to end their participation in Section 8 and other housing-related programs.
session due to disagreements over the state budget and several tax policy questions. This year, the AMA has focused on three priority bills. At the time of publication, one bill has been signed into law while the two other priority bills await final action by the legislature.
The court decision determined that when a landlord accepts a Housing Choice Voucher – more commonly referred to as Section 8 Vouchers – then the landlord is prohibited from evicting the resident. This ruling was based upon the court’s plain reading of the “partial payment” statute in the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ARLTA).
AMA bill to address tax notification signed into law In April, Gov. Doug Ducey signed HB2445 into law after unanimous support by the legislature. The bill, introduced by Rep. Gail Griffin (R) addresses what has become an ongoing issue wherein local jurisdictions have increased their residential rent tax rates, but failed to provide timely notice to property owners of the new rate.
The ruling implies that landlords are also prohibited from evicting tenants who assault another resident on the property, or someone who is dealing drugs on the property simply because they accepted a Section 8 Voucher. Under the ruling, a resident could literally set fire to the property and the landlord would be prohibited from evicting the resident.
Timely notice of the new rate is particularly important because landlords have a unique requirement in the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to provide 30 days written notice to a tenant, in order to adjust the amount of rent due to equal the difference caused by the new percentage amount of the tax.
Rep. Ben Toma (R) introduced HB2358 in an effort to reverse the Court’s decision. The bill amends the ARLTA to clearly exclude certain types of subsidy payments, including Section 8 payments, made by government agencies for the purposes of the state law dealing with “partial payments” of rent.
The final version of the bill will require any city or town that levies transaction privilege tax (TPT) on residential rental units, Apartment News | May/June 2019
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The bill passed with strong bipartisan support in the House of Representatives before being transferred to the Senate for consideration.
too many times. Yes, you read that correctly: the city required a landlord to evict a tenant simply because they called the police too many times.
Unfortunately, opponents to the bill muddied the water and misrepresented the facts. They even went to far as to suggest that this bill would create a scheme for landlords to collect subsidy payments from government agencies and other third parties and then pretend as though they never received those payments.
The AMA opposed the ordinance 2010, but the city ultimately adopted the ordinance anyways. A few years after the city adopted the ordinance, the city was sued, and was forced to repeal the ordinance in 2016. But it’s important to point out that from 2010-2016 the city had the ordinance in place and families likely were evicted simply because they called the police too many times.
While the argument was laughable at best, they sufficiently confused lawmakers on the bill. Fortunately, the majority of lawmakers saw past the opponent’s tactics, and we are optimistic that the bill will get across the finish line and be signed into law.
The AMA believes that ordinances like the Surprise ordinance are, simply stated, wrong, and no one should ever be evicted simply because they called the police. HB2115 will clearly prohibit cities from adopting similar ordinances in the future.
Landlord-tenant ‘preemption’ bill awaiting final approval by Senate The AMA’s third and final priority bill for the 2019 session is awaiting final action by the Arizona Senate.
Jake Hinman is the Director of Government Affairs for Capitol Consulting. He can be reached at 602-712-1121.
HB2115, introduced by Rep. Griffin will prohibit cities, towns and counties from adopting local landlord/tenant regulations. As reported in the March/April edition of Apartment News, this bill is aimed at limiting patchwork regulation in this area of the law and more specifically to avoid a landscape where landlords would have to create separate lease agreements, pursuant to local landlord-tenant codes, across the state. There has been quite a bit of hyperbole from the bill’s opponents and in the media, going so far to say that the bill will “slam the door on future efforts by cities, towns and counties to enact their own regulations to protect tenants.” While it’s true that if HB2115 were to pass the Legislature, cities, towns and counties will be prohibited from enacting local landlord-tenant regulations in the future, these statements lack a bit of context. To that point, over the years local jurisdictions have clearly shown their interest (or lack thereof) in regulating in this area as only one city has adopted a local landlord-tenant code.
On behalf of the Bella Investment Group family, we would like to say
Congratulations
to the Pine View Village team as Finalists for the AMA Tribute Award for Best Team &Community (OTV), and to all the Tribute Award finalists for this exciting accomplishment!
All other 90 cities and towns across the state currently rely exclusively on the Arizona Landlord and Tenant Act for all landlord-tenant regulations which has been in existence since 1972. While the bill “slams the door,” in realty, no one has actually walked through the door for 45 years. Exceptions are the cities of Tempe 20 years ago and Surprise a few years ago. Speaking of Surprise… In 2010, the City of Surprise adopted an ordinance that required a landlord to evict a tenant if the tenant summoned the police Apartment News | May/June 2019
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PROPERTY MANAGEMENT HB2546 / SB1249: Antidiscrimination; Employment; Housing; Public Accommodation Sponsor: Rep. Daniel Hernandez (D) / Sen. Kate Brophy McGee (R) AMA Position: Support Status: Failed Summary: The list of attributes for which a person cannot be discriminated against in employment practices, various housing-related statutes, and in places of public accommodation is expanded to include “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” (both defined). SB1033: Property Tax Statements; Mortgaged Property Sponsor: Sen. Vince Leach (R) AMA Position: Support Status: Awaiting final action Summary: The county treasurer is required to mail a statement of property taxes due on a mortgaged property to the mortgagor, instead of being required to do so on request. If a mortgagee requests a statement of taxes due on a mortgaged property, the county treasurer is allowed to send the statement in any form. Apartment News | May/June 2019
SB1248: Property Taxes; Valuation; Property Modifications
HB2357: Reconstruction Contracting; Local Tax; Exemption
Sponsor: Sen. Vince Leach (R) AMA Position: Support Status: Awaiting final action Summary: Specifies that the threshold for Rule B is when a modification to a property results in a 15 percent increase in its full cash value.
Sponsor: Rep. Ben Toma (R) AMA Position: Support Status: Failed (Provisions adopted in the Arizona Model City Tax Code) Summary: The list of items that municipalities and special taxing districts are prohibited from levying a transaction privilege or use tax on is expanded to include gross proceeds of sales or gross income derived from “reconstruction contracting” (defined), unless the “gross building area” (defined) increases by more than 25 percent in the 24 month period before the sale of the real property and the property is sold within 24 months after substantial completion.
DEVELOPMENT HB2084: Municipal zoning; rezoning protests Sponsor: Rep. John Kavanagh (R) AMA Position: Oppose Status: Failed Summary: Specifies that if a protest is filed against a proposed amendment by the owners of 20 percent of the property by area within the zoning area or the area within 150 feet, including all rights-of-way, of the zoning area, the proposed amendment shall not become effective except by a three-fourths vote of all members of the governing body of the municipality.
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SB1437: Criminal history; required disclosure; limitations Sponsor: Sen. Martin Quezada (D) AMA Position: Oppose Status: Failed Summary: Prohibits an employer, state agency or landlord from requiring the disclosure of a criminal conviction record (record) prior to a conditional offer of employment or conditional offer of tenancy being. azmultihousing.org
2019 Reverse Trade Show a Super Success The 2019 AMA Phoenix Reverse Trade Show attracted 28 management companies on March 28 to the Phoenix Convention Center South Building. Participating regular members staffed their booths with two to four decision makers at a time. Associate members then rotated around the booths for 5- to 10-minute interviews. While all the booths were spectacular, here are the winners from this year’s event:
Best Overall Booth: Priderock
Best Use of Theme: BH Management
Honorable Mention: Shelton Residential
Photos courtesy of Noelia Doherty
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ADVERTORIAL
Q&A: Dylan Vicha
8525 EAST PINNACLE PEAK ROAD, SUITE 135 SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA 85255 info@windomsecurity.com | (480) 865-4272 windomsecurity.com
CEO, Windom Security Strategies Today Q: Judging by your business background, you’re a true entrepreneur. What did you envision when you decided to enter the security industry?
communities across town. This allows us to provide superior security services at competitive rates. We also provide rapid dispatch capabilities to respond back whenever there is a call. Using our technology, we fully monitor where all of our guards and vehicles are giving us the ability to dispatch resources efficiently and quickly.
A: Originally, I was looking for an opportunity to work with combat veterans since I spent most of the past 10 years assisting the ones that came back with traumatic injuries. A former business partner told me about his security company that was operated by some very talented former military personnel. He asked me to take a look to see if I was interested. I spent the next couple of weeks looking at the business as well as the other security companies in the valley. I traveled to California and New York to look at how other states regulated their security businesses and came back to write a plan. I pitched the idea to Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey. I told him Arizona’s public safety goals would benefit from our efforts to professionalize the security industry and allow for true partnerships with law enforcement. He agreed and introduced me to his office to get started. I met with my former business partner and told him that I was interested in being his partner again.
Q: W indom was formed from the merger of two prominent Arizona security companies, one of them a veteran-owned security guard agency. How has Windom leveraged that into a perfect combination of intelligent strategies with effective guard capabilities? A: Alexis Security Group was an agency that focused heavily on investing in finding the right people and training them with strategies that you would normally see only in a law enforcement academy. Security Strategies Today was a security consulting agency started by Arizona’s former Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Steve Cocco. It focused on intelligent strategies for securing businesses and communities. This combination gave us the ability to provide a more professional, more effective security solution for our clients.
Q: What services does Windom provide? A: Windom provides highly vested and trained armed and unarmed security guards for private individuals, communities, businesses and municipalities.
Q: W indom is not your father’s security agency. What sets you apart from other firms in the market? A: Our investment in our people. The security industry as a whole is typically seen as transient work with low pay and minimal qualifications. That is exactly the opposite of who we are. We believe in providing our employees with the pre- and ongoing training that develops their skills so much that they can get a job anywhere. However, we pay and treat them well enough that most decide to stay. Since our product is really our people, we have a full-time Talent Coordinator. She strives to find candidates who are interested in working in security as a career and not just as a job.
Q: In what specific sectors does Windom offer its effective security and implemented strategies? A: We have teams at construction sites, private schools, houses of worship and the occasional business that has received a violent threat. An area in which we really excel is with higher density communities and businesses. Our mobile patrol security can be seen in public all across the Valley, especially at multifamily communities. We have created a large footprint of security vehicles that are responsible for numerous rental
bio:
they created Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors and have since
After graduating from Arizona State University and
raised millions of dollars and built numerous mortgage-free handicap
finding success in his first few start-up businesses,
accessible homes across the nation.
Dylan Vicha became aware of some gaps in financial
Dylan later joined Alexis Security Group in Arizona. Since then he has
support and resources made available for severely
merged the company to form Windom Security Strategies Today. While
disabled combat veterans.
growing the business throughout Arizona, he is working on making a state
With his best friend and business partner, Jared Allen,
level change to the entire Arizona security guard industry.
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WITH COMMUNITY IN MIND For almost 15 years, Project S.A.F.E. has united communities, residents, and local businesses By Peter Madrid families and the surrounding community. Topics vary from bullying to ID theft to fire safety.
What do a fiesta, a circus, a luau, mimes and Star Wars characters have in common? Stop by the Whispering Pines Apartments once a year
“My favorite event came in 2016 when domestic violence was our topic,” Hernandez recalls. “We had speakers from different organizations such as A New Leaf. We all dressed up as mimes with the theme of ‘break the silence of domestic violence.’ ”
and you’ll find out. For the past 7 years, Property Manager Erika Hernandez and the staff at Whispering Pines, 2601 N. 36th St., in Phoenix, have participated in one of the AMA’s most popular programs, Project S.A.F.E. And each year, Whispering Pines tries to outdo itself. “It’s such a fun and successful program because it brings together not only the residents, but businesses around this community as well,” Hernandez says. “We have a speaker each year talking about a different theme. But the one thing that doesn’t change is the impact the event has on our community.”
Christi Moutray, Co-Chair, is in her first year on the Project S.A.F.E. Committee. As Community Manager with Waterton, Moutray says she sees on a daily basis the impact these events have. “Just as our committee members are dedicated to serving the community, the largest portion of the support and success relies on the onsite team members from each of these participating properties,” she says. “These teams put so much effort in planning their events and engaging not only their residents, but neighbors within their community.
The Project S.A.F.E. (Safety Awareness Family Education) “Best Of” season runs from March 1 through August 31 with a competition that takes place after all the events have been held. It is focused on educating residents and the philosophy of the family unit. Properties hold an event to bring their residents together to educate them on important safety issues facing them, their Apartment News | May/June 2019
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events each year and now boast more than 130. Massey says each property chooses its own safety message that pertains to the specific needs of the community. The committee has helped grow these topics from the original top four; fire safety, pool safety, identity theft and personal safety. There are now countless safety topics that have been added such as anti cyber bullying, pet safety and parking lot safety. “It’s a complete win for the neighborhood as these events teach safety topics that each and every one of us can use in everyday life. And they do it in a way to get the message across in a memorable fashion,” Moutray adds. Project S.A.F.E. has been around since 2005. Committee Co-Chair Jim Kowalski of Kowalski Construction says its mission is to empower apartment communities and their residents by providing quality education and awareness in order to create safer, more vibrant environments for the properties and neighborhoods in which they live.
“It is one of the AMA’s most utilized outreach programs statewide,” Kowalski says. “It is designed to enhance the image of the apartment industry through community participation and partnerships with various members of the industry, community as well as municipal agencies.” While many events are centered around and designed to reinforce ideas about various aspects of safety, the goal of Project S.A.F.E. is to disseminate important Apartment News | May/June 2019
information to residents and to build a sense of community by helping neighbors get to know one another. “The program creates a bridge to connect the property with city leadership, local police and fire departments, and neighboring communities and vendors,” Kowalski says. “These events can lead to improved morale of the community, increased resident retention, higher safety awareness, positive publicity and an additional activity that you can advertise to entice new residents. “I feel that we are able to make a significant positive impact for our member properties and surrounding communities. This helps to promote our industry and dispel many negative myths that have been commonly associated with apartment rental communities. It is very gratifying to see the transformation that these events can have for their residents, properties and neighboring community.” Former Project S.A.F.E. Committee Cochair Leigh Massey of Hull, Holliday & Holliday PLC says what makes this program successful are all the people who put their heart and soul into it. “It starts with the AMA and the Project S.A.F.E. committee members,” Massey says. “Each member volunteers their time and talents to assist with mentoring and attending events throughout the Valley each year. We started with 40 20
“Our motto has always been that even if only one person at the event is reached with the safety message being shared, they have done their part to change a life for the better,” Massey says proudly.
Safety, awareness, creativity, and fun are hallmarks of the Project S.A.F.E. events put on each year at Whispering Pines Apartments in Phoenix.
Each year the committee hands out five “Best Of” awards given to properties who have the best Project S.A.F.E. events. The top award is the Shirley Arthur Committees Choice Award. It honors the late Shirley Arthur, who for so many years gave of herself and was such a huge advocate for safety in the communities. Whispering Pines has received the award the past several years. What’s on tap for this year’s event June 28 at Whispering Pines? “There will be a waterslide,” Hernandez says with a laugh.
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Multifamily Ties Mother-son team bridges Baby Boomer, Millennial workforce at Shelton Residential By Peter Madrid
Mary and Matt Rogers represent many things at Shelton Residential. For starters, they are mother and son. They each hold the title of Regional Portfolio Director, although Mary Rogers gets to add the title of “Senior” to her moniker. They also possess great passion for their roles at Shelton Residential; both are ardent supporters of the Arizona Multihousing Association.
–Continued on next page Apartment News | May/June 2019
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What makes this duo special is the rare opportunity for a Baby Boomer to work alongside a Millennial in an industry where constantly-changing technology is the norm. It’s the perfect collaboration of industry experience and industry innovation.
ary is a giant in our industry, M and I have learned and will continue to learn from her experiences and leadership qualities.” Conversely, I think Mary has learned some technology and innovations from me and my experiences. It’s a great example of bridging Baby Boomer and Millennial work forces.”
– Matt Rogers Regional Portfolio Director, Shelton Residential Real Estate Services
Their stories Mary Rogers possesses more than 35 years of industry experience. Prior to joining Shelton Residential in 2017, she was an asset manager at MC Residential, supervising a portfolio of 11 assets and 3,000 units throughout Arizona. She spent 8 years in a similar capacity at Laramar, supervising 14 assets with 4,000 units in Arizona and Nevada. She also served as a regional manager at Equity Residential Communities, the second largest REIT in the multifamily industry and was vice president of operations and regional manager for Colorado-based REIT Archstone-Smith Communities. Her life was turned upside down in 2016 when her husband, Ted, died of cancer. She took some time off from work, pondering what was next in her life.
ups and four community acquisitions, including the firm’s initial foray in the Tucson market. He left Mark-Taylor after four years and joined Shelton Residential. He oversees multiple assets and works with clients and onsite teams to enhance property performance. Matt and his teams have been honored, winning the 2016 title of Best Renovated Community at the AMA’s Tribute Awards. In 2015, he was named Asset Manager of the Year by the AMA. He was the youngest honoree in the award’s history.
With a master’s degree in criminology and an exemplary work ethic, Matt Rogers was ready to take on the world. At a towering 6 feet, 7 inches, he was active in sports and would eventually coach a club volleyball team to a national championship. Matt began his career with Laramar working on a 600-plus unit community. Matt then transitioned to Mark-Taylor Residential, where he led transition teams through three development/lease Apartment News | May/June 2019
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What has Matt learned from working with mom? “Since I was 16 and just starting out, my parents encouraged me to get up and go to work,” Matt says with a laugh. “Be valuable to the people around you. I washed towels, swept the gym. What I don’t know how to do, just tell me. “The biggest thing I learned from her was no matter how long you’ve been doing this, there is nothing that replaces the mindset that you work hard at your job every single day. And that the focus should always be on the people you want to represent – employees, owners and customers.”
Mother and son join forces at Shelton Residential Mary and Matt Rogers have been together at Shelton Residential for the past two years. Matt arrived first after a successful interview with owners Tom and Pam Shelton. After a little bit of friendly coercion from her son, Mary called Pam Shelton.
What has Mary learned from working with her son? “Matt is very calm and thinks things out under stress. I don’t, although I work very hard at it,” Mary says with a laugh. “Matt sees the light through the clouds. He shows respect in every aspect of his work … from meetings to those in his department. He is my child.
The next thing Matt remembers hearing the Sheltons say: “Would it be OK if your mom works here?” “You don’t know how great that was,” Matt says. “All the things that define me, all the qualities I possess, all the experiences … those are derived from my mom and dad. There was no nepotism at this point.” The moment was right, Mary says. She calls it a “fantastic blend,” an incredible comfort level knowing what two skill sets could bring to Shelton Residential.
“It’s amazing to look at him in the room on Mondays with the regional managers. You wouldn’t know he hasn’t done this for 30 years. He is very inciteful and respectful. He exudes clarity. I wish I had that at my age.”
“It’s that balance of being able to be sure with numbers and also deal with employees, customer service, vendors. Just being able to get along with the corporate team, marketing, HR, takes a person who can talk numbers but also look you in the eye and talk about personal things and learn,” Mary says.
The joys of working together Mary Rogers says it happens all the time at events where Matt also happens to be.
“Technology can be a blessing or a curse, depending on the individual”, Matt says. For Millennials in the industry, he says it’s a blessing. But he adds a caveat.
“People walk up to me, a lot of times at AMA functions, and say, ‘I knew you when you were taller than Matt.’ But you know what? A lot of my strength comes from him. He was in his 20s when his dad died. It was a hardship for the kids (Matt has a sister). It was something we didn’t plan for. That’s why it’s always a joy to see him at the office.”
“My mom has 30 plus years of experience; I don’t have that,” he says. “But I do have the opportunity to sit in front of a group and share the next thing. For instance, here are 52 weeks of leasing data. I look at those numbers on a daily basis to gauge our performance. When I look at a rent lease report, it’s not magic that it came to me.”
Matt says he feels the same way. “What do I enjoy most about working with Mary? Candidly, it’s mom. Prior to dad passing away, it was Teddy working with Mary. It was Mary; always Mary. Dad recognized the total effort mom made in our family’s life. “You can’t ask for anything more.”
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Q&A with
People during the RTC days lost everything. We have learned from that to some degree. We’re still getting the job growth and we are very affordable. Will we hit a pitfall? It’s cyclical. I don’t ever want to see what we saw 20 or 30 years ago. We need that job growth to succeed.”
Mary & Matt Rogers
Matt: “Arizona has to prioritize high-speed Internet in its new assets. Residents want immediate service. They want to pay online. There might be a pause (in the cycle) in 2020, but the market will continue to be ultra-competitive as we continue to attract new residents. The biggest concern I have is wages, in terms of affordable housing. It will be a concern for everyone.”
Q: W hat changes have you seen the multifamily industry undergo the past 5-10 years? Mary: “Because of technology, the timing and the sense of urgency in the industry has changed dramatically. Everything is yesterday.”
Q: How important to you is AMA?
Matt: “Arizona and Metro Phoenix more and more are becoming multifamily hot zones. With more jobs and more people pouring into the state, the cycle will continue. But it has to be very smart development.”
Mary: “All of our communities are members. The AMA is the voice for our industry. We are in partnership with them, and that’s a great benefit.”
Q: W here do you see the state’s multifamily industry in the next 10 years?
Matt: “AMA helps me expand my industry focus. The Tribute Awards also help us honor the best in our industry. Its legislative work is crucial to our industry, not just for us as a company but for our communities as well.”
Mary: “I hope we have learned from the pitfalls of the early 80s.
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AMA Patron Profile Kowalski Construction, Inc. 2219 W. Melinda Lane, Building A, Phoenix, AZ., 85027
By Peter Madrid
Kowalski Construction, Inc. has been affiliated with the AMA for 35 years. Over that time, its Vice President and AMA board member, Jim Kowalski, has witnessed the transformation of the organization. “In the earlier years, the focus was narrower, primarily on legislative issues. Whereas today, while still of critical importance, networking, ethics and education have gained more attention,” Kowalski says. Being a member of AMA allows his company to stay in touch with relevant issues impacting the multihousing industry, politically and legally, he explains. “We are a part of the collective voice that speaks out to help ensure future success for all those who benefit from multihousing,” Kowalski says. “It provides us the opportunity to network with both regular members as well as other associate members. It provides a platform for us to implement change not only for the membership, but for the industry as a whole.”
orking with compatible W companies who share our values and beliefs benefits not only each other’s companies, but the association and industry as well. It just doesn’t get any better than that.”
Industry groups are vital to the success of any business. The Valley has many that advocate, bring awareness, and highlight the successes of their members. How has Kowalski Construction leveraged its standing in the Valley’s multifamily community through its membership in AMA? “While promoting the association, we can’t help but highlight our efforts in the association,” he says. “For those like-minded companies who see the value in that, they become our best customers because they are a great cultural fit.
–Continued on next page Apartment News | May/June 2019
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–J im Kowalski Vice President, Kowalski Construction, Inc. azmultihousing.org
Education & Events
Multifamily is one of the hottest market segments in Arizona, particularly in Metro Phoenix. Last month’s Arizona Apartment Market Analysis commissioned by AMA revealed that the apartment industry generates 22,000 jobs, $699 million in wages, and $3.8 billion in economic output each year. “We are often heard to say, ‘when our industry does well, we do well,’” Kowalski says. “When the multifamily economy is slow, it seems that we spend a lot more time providing quotes on work that doesn’t get done. When the economy comes to a screeching halt, like it did 10 years ago, then even the requests for quotes dropped off dramatically.
Phoenix Classes at the AMA Gallery, 818 N. 1st Street, Phoenix, 85004
“Back then, optimism was scarce as most companies didn’t even waste their time exploring upgrade or improvement options. We utilize our capture ratio as an early indicator to identify the confidence in the market. When our capture ratio goes up, that means companies are spending money on their projects and not just wondering what they will cost for some future budget.”
To register online you will need your username and password. If you need your username and password or are a non-member and would like to register please contact Marnie Jones at mjones@azmultihousing.org or 602-296-6209.
EDUCATION CLASSES:
The presence of Kowalski Construction, and Kowalski himself, in Arizona’s multifamily industry is well known and well respected. A frequent speaker and instructor both locally and nationally, Kowalski has worn several committee hats at AMA.
Heating and Cooling 101 Thursday, May 16, 9 a.m. to noon Come and learn tips and tricks of heating and cooling from the experts. This class will be taught by Goodmans.
How does he view his connection – and that of Kowalski Construction – with AMA?
Cost: Member $30; non-member $60. CPR & First Aid Wednesday, May 22, 9 a.m. to noon It’s important for your on-site staff to know how to recognize and handle an emergency until paramedics arrive. Those who successfully complete this course will earn a two-year CPR & First-Aid completion card and Arizona State Certification.
“I feel that I have always gotten more out of the association than what I have given,” he says. “Let me clarify that by saying I believe I give a lot. However, it seems that the more I give, the more I get back so by no means am I trying to suggest that I take more than I give. “Through this process, a strong sense of community forms, strengthening bonds that create friendships that end up feeling more like family. I belong to quite a few different associations. I can honestly say that the atmosphere in the AMA makes coming to work even more enjoyable.
Cost: Member $70; non-member $140. Staffing Issues: How to Recruit and Retain Talent Wednesday, June 5, 9 a.m. to noon Finding and retaining quality employees is a constant challenge. Learn how to weed through the applications to find quality candidates, learn how to ask the right questions in an interview and what employees are looking for to stay happy and committed to your business.
“Working with the leadership of the AMA has truly been a blessing. Having the opportunity to see the teamwork that can be achieved by companies who compete with one another on a daily basis for the common good of the association has been a most rewarding experience.”
Cost: Member $30; non-member $60. Pool & Spa 101 Thursday, June 6, 9 a.m. to noon This 3-hour Pool and Spa 101 course was designed as an overview and refresher to help you prepare for the busy pool season. The course covers safety and best practices, liability, and risk –Continued on next page
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Education & Events management, chemical testing and water balance, filtration systems, mechanical maintenance, and will provide you with a few tips and tricks. This course is NOT intended to replace the CPO course or local county training and does not provide national certification. Cost: Member $30; non-member $60. CPO Certification Course (2 days) Wednesday and Thursday, June 12 and 13, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are pleased to offer the NSPF Certified Pool Operators Course. This nationally and internationally recognized certification benefits include: Better understanding of technician’s role in pool care and management, risk reduction and understanding of local and state codes. This course is 16 hours in length and held two consecutive days. (Pool and spa operator handbook provided). Cost: Member $220; non-member $320. On-site Crisis Management Tuesday, June 18, 9 a.m. to noon Hear from a panel of legal and psychological experts to help you and your on-site teams add to your defusing “tool box.” This course will assist your team in discovering ways of coping with aggressive situations/personalities in order to maintain a positive and constructive impact on residents and customers. Cost: Member $30; non-member $60. Fair Housing Wednesday, June 19, 9 a.m. to noon For rental property owners and managers, understanding and complying with fair housing laws and the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) is more important than ever. This interactive course will Apartment News | May/June 2019
provide an overview of fair housing and ADA law and investigative procedures. This course is taught by an AMA attorney. Get your NALP, CAM, CAPS, and Real Estate CECs. Cost: Member $30; non-member $60. Maintenance Customer Service Bootcamp Thursday, June 20, 9 a.m. to noon This unique course incorporates all aspects of excellence in service and focuses on the service teams’ impact on both new and current resident satisfaction. Team members will learn to create a positive first impression, communicate and address needs, engage positively with residents and fellow team members. Cost: Member $30; non-member $60.
Tucson Events AMC Meeting & Tucson Trade Show Booth Lottery Thursday, May 16, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Pima Canyon 750 W. Orange Grove, Tucson AZ 85704 AMCF Tucson Bowl-A-Thon Friday, June 14, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Fiesta Lanes Cost: Lanes: $300/each or two for $500; Sponsorships: $250 Reverse Trade Show Thursday, July 18, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tucson Convention Center Cost: Team: $225; Sponsorships starting at $300
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Education HVAC 101 Tuesday, May 7, Noon This introductory/refresher course will cover HVAC safety, lock out/tag out, troubleshooting basic HVAC issues and components, and preventive maintenance. This is not a HVAC certification course or test prep course. Cost: $30 Members/$60 Non-Members Staffing Issues – How To Recruit & Retain Talent Thursday, June 13, 9 a.m. to noon Finding and retaining quality employees is a constant challenge. Learn how to weed through the applications to find quality candidates; learn how to ask the right questions in an interview; learn how to ask “stay” questions after they are employed; and find out what employees are looking for to stay happy and committed to your business. Cost: $30 members/$60 non-members Property Management Personal Safety/ Active Shooter Response Training Thursday, June 20, 9 a.m. to noon Angry residents, denied applicants, entering apartments alone; the threats to personal safety can happen at any time. Learn to be aware of your environment; look for signs of trouble, safely interact with a prospect and safely show your property as well as develop the knowledge and skills to survive when shots are fired. Cost: $30 members/$60 non-members
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Camden North End comes to rescue, weathers the storm Successful event brings silver lining to 1st AMC of 2019 By Adam Greco
Facing a last-minute scheduling challenge for the first AMC meeting of the year, I approached Erica Reinke, Regional Manager at Camden North End, and inquired if they would be willing and able to host the first meeting with just two weeks to prepare. Without hesitation, she agreed and scheduled an appointment for me to visit the property the next day. Joining us would be Albert Manjarrez, Area Community Manager. Upon my arrival and before I even made it to the front door, the leasing team was holding it open for me and had a bottle of water and huge smiles.
In continuing the AMC tradition of helping to raise money for the Julie Hurst and Steve Peters Education Fund, the associates raised more than $200 for the fund. Winner of the lunch raffle with Erica Reinke and Dahnn Brown was Collin Gunville with Interior Logic.
Albert had a prepared folder with a site plan of the community, a listing of its amenities and ideas of where to host. On the day of the meeting, the Valley of the Sun experienced one of the worst winter storms. It included damaging winds, rain, hail and even snow. The original plan was to enjoy the Arizona winter weather, but the team at North End already had a backup plan put into place before I arrived.
At a glance Camden North End — 6800 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix Interior Amenities • Open concept floor plans • Quartz countertops with tile backsplash • Stainless steel appliances • Large islands with ample cooking space • Under-cabinet kitchen lighting • Deep sinks with pull-out faucets • Wood-style flooring throughout • 9- to 15-foot ceilings • Spacious walk-in closets • Bathtubs with tile surrounds • Double vanity sinks • Full-size washer and dryers • USB-enabled wall outlets • Private patios and balconies • Intrusion alarm with monitoring available • Direct access garages –Continued on page 30
The team rented a food truck and had it parked right in front of the main entrance with a pop-up tent to shield the approximately 70 guests from the elements and also reconfigured the original seating plan by moving large pieces of furniture in their clubhouse to accommodate the change in the weather. During the meeting, I found out that the leasing team doesn’t reserve its amazing “welcome” just for perspective residents. It’s part of the full Camden customer service plan extended to current residents, vendor partners and even their own team members. Albert shared the team’s goal of ensuring that every resident receives and enjoys the full experience and amenities of Camden North End. He also shared the plans for phase 2 of the project to include an additional 346 apartments for a final total of 787. District Manager Dahnn Brown spoke on future growth within Arizona and across the nation. At the time of the meeting, Camden acquired one new property within its portfolio. Apartment News | May/June 2019
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Legally Speaking
Unfair Impact Understanding the legal issues affecting a landlord when a tenant files bankruptcy By Mark B. Zinman, ESQ.
In the past few months, we have seen a significant rise in the number of residents filing bankruptcy (BK). Many managers are not familiar with how a resident’s filing can cause the property significant delays and cost a lot of money. A person files for bankruptcy protection to either erase their debt or to enter into a payment plan on the debt they have. The option chosen will control whether the debtor files a Chapter 7 or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy. In most cases, when residents file BK, they are filing a Chapter 7 case and they want to simply erase their debts. In a legal sense, when they file BK, they are asking the court to help them with their debts so that they can start their financial life over. Apartment News | May/June 2019
Therefore, when someone files BK, it’s as if they are in a legal bubble and creditors can’t take any action against them until the BK case is dismissed or the BK court 29
grants permission to pursue the debtor. This makes sense for credit card companies but is really unfair to landlords. –Continued on next page azmultihousing.org
Bankruptcy — Six things you need to know: 1
I f a resident files BK, the landlord can’t serve them with a 5-day or any other kind of notice, and can’t file an eviction against the resident. The landlord is prohibited from taking any action against the resident until a court order is granted.
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here are significant monetary penalties (example more T than $10,000) against a landlord that knows that a resident has filed BK, but still sends demand letters or attempts to evict the resident.
3
he landlord must appear (usually through their attorT ney) in the BK court and get a lift stay order. A lift stay order is the court order which effectively removes the legal “bubble” around the resident and permits the landlord to pursue the landlord’s rights under the lease and state law.
4
ue to the procedure in BK court, it regularly takes 6 to D 8 weeks to get a lift stay order signed, but may take longer if the resident objects and/or pays the rent. Because of this, tenants often file BK just to not pay for a month or two, and then they vacate.
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henever a resident files BK, it’s important to immediW ately note in your property management software that they are in BK and that no action can be taken against them. No notices of any kind should be sent and any legal proceedings must immediately stop.
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I f the resident continues to pay the rent and doesn’t cause problems on property, the landlord may not need to take any action. However, once the rent becomes delinquent, the landlord should immediately call their attorney to take action on behalf of the landlord.
— Weathering the storm, from page 28 Lifestyle and Fitness Amenities • 24-hour fitness center with cardio, strength training and free weight equipment • Yoga and spin studio with on-demand virtual trainer • Heated pool and spa surrounded by lounge deck and covered cabanas • Indoor/outdoor resident lounge with entertaining kitchen, billiards and BBQ area • Sky lounge, rooftop relaxation zone • Fan misters throughout outdoor amenity areas • Zen garden • Rideshare Lounge • 2 enclosed pet parks with paw spa, pet grooming area • Non-smoking community Camden Property Trust Currently it owns and manages 159 properties nationwide and more than 54,000 total units. Locally, it owns 12 properties totaling 3,686 units.
Mark B. Zinman is an attorney with Williams, Zinman & Parham, P.C. He is a past and present board member with the AMA. He may be reached at 480-994-4732.
Camden sees every day as an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of its customers and neighbors. Through its volunteer program, Camden Cares, it invests in every community it serves. Camden supports those in need and gives back to those who have given so much. In 2018, more than 1,200 employees nationwide volunteered an estimated 6,500 hours.
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BALANCING ACT Properly managing the work-life battle is the best defense against burnout By Elaine Simpson President | Occupancy Solutions, LLC –Continued on next page Apartment News | May/June 2019
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Community management teams are in a unique position. It’s not your usual “9-to-5 job” and many community managers live on the same sites in which they are in charge. The phone buzzing, emails pouring in, employees with questions... all of that can begin to take its toll on even the most seasoned team leader. What you don’t want to experience is burnout. Following are a few tips for managing a work-life balance in property management: Get your priorities in check Analyzing and organizing your priorities can help save yourself a great deal of time and stress. Lay out all of the community-related tasks you must complete by the end of the day. Put them in order from most important to least important by comparison. It’s important to remember that not everything on the list must be completed within a 24- hour period. There are always some issues that can wait another day. If emergency calls from residents come in during this time, consider them the same way.
bio: Elaine Simpson is President of Occupancy Solutions, LLC. She is an operations, leasing, marketing consultant and training specialist. She has been involved in the housing industry since 1986. Starting on site as a leasing agent, she moved up, working as assistant manager, site manager, executive director and senior regional manager with communities in several states and portfolios containing more than 1,400 units.
A broken plumbing pipe is a “right now” problem, while a stopped-up drain could be a “tomorrow” problem if there aren’t enough hours in the day. Be quick after work hours If you receive an email or phone call that you must take after your designated work hours, try to act on it as quick as possible. A short answer or a concise solution is all that is needed. And unless it’s an emergency situation, a more thorough explanation can come tomorrow.
Elaine has worked for local and national industry companies. She has trained new managers across the country, assisted in creating “Best Practices” and procedure manuals, and participated in numerous task forces during national mergers, acquisitions and dispositions. She led “turnaround” teams assigned to troubled communities, successfully increasing income while decreasing expenses and allowing the property to recover economic viability.
Place trust in your team Your team is in place to work together. If you trust the talent you have chosen, you should trust them to take care of what needs to be taken care of when you are done for the day. Not only will this allow you to manage your own work-life balance, but it will work to empower your team and show them that you place your trust in their talents and skills.
With more than 30 years of experience in the multifamily industry, Elaine founded Occupancy Solutions, LLC to provide on-site operations, human resources, housing program compliance, maintenance, marketing, leasing, training, and consulting services for multifamily professionals of market rate, senior and affordable housing communities throughout the U.S.
Make plans to ‘do your own thing’ If you allow “off” time to remain free time, you are more likely to revert back to work. Schedule activities and make plans with family and friends, in the beginning at least, so you won’t be tempted to work. Later develop time just for yourself. This will keep you accountable for your off time and make you less likely to buckle and try to handle community issues while you are supposed to be relaxing.
Elaine is a licensed real estate broker in Michigan and Arizona, a Certified Senior Real Estate Specialist, a member of the National Speakers Associations, a National Apartment Association Education Institute Faculty Member, and an Accredited Resident Manager. For more information visit www.occupancysolutions.com.
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THANK YOU
PATRON MEMBERS! PLATI N UM
818 N. 1st St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 phone: 602-296-6200 fax: 602-296-6178 AMA STAFF Courtney Gilstrap LeVinus Aine Fitzgerald Coleman President and CEO Communications and Community clevinus@azmultihousing.org Outreach Administrator Phone: 602-390-1398 acoleman@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6204 Erika McDowell Director of Operations Lisa Garcia emcdowell@azmultihousing.org Accounting and Operations Phone: 602-296-6210 Administrator lgarcia@azmultihousing.org Michelle Rill Phone: 602-296-6207 Director of Membership, Events & Education Shawn Kowalski mrill@azmultihousing.org Membership Administrator Phone: 602-296-6205 skowalski@azmultihosusing.org Phone: 602-296-6202 Lauren Romero Tucson Area Association Executive Sarah Fluke lromero@azmultihousing.org Manager of Membership and Phone: 520-323-0643 Business Development Fax: 520-447-7747 sfluke@azmultihosusing.org Phone: 602-296-6212 Amanda Perkumas Assistant to Tucson Area Marnie Jones Association Executive Education and Events aperkumas@azmultihousing.org Administration Phone: 520-323-0643 mjones@azmultihosusing.org Phone: 602-296-6209 Sharon Hosfeld Manager of Community Outreach & Smoke-Free Community Coordinator shosfeld@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6214
G O LD
SI LVE R
AMA CONTRACTORS Capitol Consulting – Government Jack Horton Relations Government Affairs Consultant Courtney LeVinus jack@azcapitolconsulting.com Government Affairs Consultant Phone: 602-712-1121 clevinus@azmultihousing.org MadridMedia – Public Relations/ Phone: 602-390-1398 Communications Jake Hinman Peter Madrid Government Affairs Consultant Owner, MadridMedia jake@azcapitolconsulting.com ptmadrid1975@gmail.com Phone: 602-712-1121 Phone: 480-495-3762
For more information on how to become a patron member of AMA, please contact Sarah Fluke, sfluke@azmultihousing.org, 602-296-6212. Apartment News | May/June 2019
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What’s up down in Tucson
Project S.A.F.E. workshops Tucson communities attended the Project S.A.F.E. workshops on February 27 and 28 to work one on one with mentors to begin planning their safety events and brainstorm ideas to win the “Best Of” contests. Project S.A.F.E. season runs March 1 through August 31. Palm Canyon Apartments won an “Event in a Box” sponsored by Valley Wide Security. It includes a dunk tank, cotton candy, Eegees and tables and chairs to use at its event.
March dinner recap We recognized all Tucson area Tribute Awards nominees and finalists at the sold-out Tucson March Dinner Meeting on March 21. Attendees played a fun icebreaker game of Poker Hand Card Match to get to know each other before Apartment News | May/June 2019
dinner and then gained valuable knowledge from our guest speaker, Bry Carter of Phoenix Staffing, on how to recruit and retain employees in the current job market. Join us at the next Tucson Dinner Meeting on October 17 for the Project S.A.F.E. Best of Awards. AMCF Big Heart Family Fun Rainbow Run Our second annual Family Fun Rainbow Run was a fun (and messy) way to spend a beautiful Saturday morning. Eight sponsored color stations set up along the fun run path to toss colored powered onto 116 runners and walkers as they passed by. Participants began the run in a white sponsored T-shirt and finished covered in color. After the run, attendees enjoyed light refreshments. Donated prizes were raffled off. Thank you to all sponsors and attendees who helped raise more than $4,000 for AMCF. Join us at our next fundraising event on June 14, our first Bowl-A-Thon (formerly kick-off party and closing party) with the theme “80s Rock Star Party In The Alley.” 34
Lane registration and sponsorships start at $250; see the website for information. 2019 Tucson AMA/Ally Waste Services Golf Tournament
The Tucson Golf Tournament, presented by Ally Waste Services, was held April 12 at the Randolph Golf Club. Tucson members traveled Around the World in 18 Holes. Thank you to our sponsors and golfers who made this event a great success. azmultihousing.org
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