ABODE August 2023 by HAA Publishing

ABODE

August 2023

HONORS AWARDS

The HAA 2023 Honors Awards recognizes individual multifamily professionals and properties for their commitment to their communities and the apartment industry. See the annual event and meet some of this year’s winners.

THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE www.haaonline.org

August 2023

ON THE COVER

Honors Awards –

In this month’s ABODE, we recognize the nominees for the 2023 HAA Honors Awards and introduce the management and corporate office recipients.

FEATURES & PHOTOS

16 On the Scene – Photos from the HAA Legal Seminar.

28 On the Scene – Photos from the HAA Sponsorship Auction.

32 On the Scene – Photos from the HAA Honors Awards.

40 Honors Awards Nominees and Winners – A list of all the honorees for the 2023 Honors Awards.

42 Meet the Honorees – Meet the best of the best in apartment management for the 2023 Honors Awards.

51 On Site with ABODE – Take a closer look at the first of the 2023 Honors Awards winning properties.

52 On the Scene – Photos from the HAA PAC Luncheon.

54 On the Scene – Photos from the Brazoria County State of the Submarket.

68 On the Scene – Photos from the ACES Luncheon.

COLUMNS & MONTHLY UPDATES

7 President’s Corner – It’s time to honor and recognize our own!

8 Patron of the Month – Meet and support Gemstar Construction Development.

9 Legislative Update – The legislature passes the largest property tax cut in Texas history.

11 It’s The Law – HUD publishes final rule reviving Discriminatory Effect Rule.

14 Resident Relations – Learn more about a recent case mediated by the HAA Resident Relations Committee.

20 Calendar – HAA’s schedule of events for the coming months.

26 NAA Update – News from the National Apartment Association.

56 Welcome Mat – Find out about the newest HAA members.

58 Go-Getters – Want a LV tote? Recruit for HAA.

62 The Ambassador ONE Society –The Ambassadors make connections.

66 Portfolio Changes and In the News – Property updates and industry news clips from our members.

70 Index of Advertisers – See the supplier members who support this publication.

71 MarketLine – The latest area market numbers.

72 BackPage – News from around the community.

We welcome your comments. Email us at comm@haaonline.org

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 3

Cover photos © Mark Hiebert, Hiebert Photography

OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP

LOYAL PROFFITT

Vice President at Large

East

RYAN TERRELL

Vice President at Large

West

QUINTINA WILLIS

Vice President at Large

North

TRACIE YODER Vice President at Large

South

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mack Armstrong

Julie Batche

Kristen Becker

John Boriack

Jill Bounds

Kyle Brown

Tina Cavaco

Terri Clifton

Michelle Croasmun

Deborah DeRouen

Derek DeVries

Scott Douglas

Gina Erwin

Tamara Foster

Melissa Friend

Diane Gilbert

Monica Gracia

Stephanie Graves

Elizabeth Castro Gray

Manu Gupta

Clay Hicks

Deborah Holcombe

Karen Hefner

Debbie Kelm

Crystal Jackson

Jacob Kunath

Barby Lake

David Lindley

Betsy Marshall

Joe Melton

Kristin McLaughlin

Candis Mohr

Katy Myrick

Carlos Neto

Jenifer Paneral

Angelee Kumar Parikh

Mark Park

Velissa Parmer

Michelle Pawelek

Loyal Proffitt

Christy Rodriguez

Joseph Rodriguez

Kelly Scott

Ingrid Schultz

Corri Smith

Penny Sprang

Kelley Suess

Debbie Sulzer

Blaise Spitaleri

Ryan Terrell

Starla Turnbo

Richard Wall

Shelley Watson

Richard Whatcott

Quintina Willis

Tracie Yoder

DIRECTORS EMERITUS

Josh Allen

Ken Bohan

Gary Blumberg

Kathy Clem

Jack Dinerstein

Jenard Gross

Darlene Guidry

Alison Hall

David Hargrove

Larry Hill

Stacy Hunt

Hap Hunnicutt

David Jones

Mel Kieke

Mike Koch

Dick LaMarche

Cesar Lima

Tim Myers

P David Onanian

Jackie Rhone

John Ridgway

Kim Small

Eileen Subinsky

Steve Sweet

Kirk Tate

Suan Tinsley

H J Tollett, Jr.

Pat Tollett

Vic Vacek, Jr.

Beth Van Winkle

Jerry Winograd

ADVISORY DIRECTORS

Susan Alvarado

Jeff Blevins

Michelle Bridges

Israel Garza

Billy Griffin

Valerie Lacy

Stacy Lastovica

Mary Lawler

Laura Lestus

Bruce McClenny

Monica Morales

Dean O’Kelley

Tony Whitaker

GENERAL COUNSEL EMERITUS

Joe Bax

CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ Immediate Past President

HONORARY

LIFE MEMBERS

Claude Arnold

Kenn Brown

Tina Cavaco

Terri Clifton

Kevin Fenn

Diane Gilbert

Anita Harrison

Dwayne Henson

Mike Koch

Merry Mount

Monette Reynolds

Sherry Stevenson

Kirk Tate

Suan Tinsley

Sonny Unverzagt

Del Walmsley

Nancé Wells

H.P. Paul Young

Jeanne Marie

Zublin Dicks

PATRON MEMBERS

1961 CSC ServiceWorks

1968

Century A/C Supply

1978

Houston Planned Energy Systems

1982

Cotton Commercial USA Inc.

1984

AAA Plumbers

1985

Gemstar Construction Development

1986

Craven Carpet

1987

Dixie Carpet Installations

1993

Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search

1994

Camp Construction Services

1997

Apartments.com

1999

FSI Construction Inc.

PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL OFFICERS

CANDIS MOHR, CAS President AAA Plumbers

JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ, CAS Vice President Greenlogic Lighting & Electric

DEBORAH DEROUEN, CAS Secretary

BLAISE SPITALERI, CAS Treasurer

Gemstar Construction Development

DEREK DEVRIES, CAS Immediate Past President

EPICHTX Construction

PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL MEMBERS

Susan Alvarado, CAS Century A/C Supply

Chris Bell, CAS, Greenlogic Lighting & Electric

Marivel Bownds, CAS, Valet Living

Tammy Broadway, CAS American Fire Systems

Shaun Callaway, CAS, Earthworks

Neal Conant, CAS, Gemstar Construction Development

Sean Cunningham, CAS, Flooring Warehouse

Deborah Derouen, CAS

Derek DeVries, CAS, EPICHTX Construction

Marcelino “Tito"

Estrada, CAS One Source Realty Advisors

Giovanna Gone, CAS, Century A/C Supply

Dan James, CAS, Redevelopment Services

Amanda Kelly, CAS, Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services

Debra Knight, CAS, Comm-Fit

Stephanie Krop, CASe, Poolsure

Liz Levins, CAS, Gemstar Construction Development

Jim Martensen, CAS EPICHTX Construction

Candis Mohr, CAS, AAA Plumbers

Tracey Moore, CAS, Flooring Warehouse

Karen Nelsen, CAS ALN Apartment

Data

Matthew Nunn, CAS, Capital Construction

Doug Oehl, CAS, Flooring Warehouse

Arely Pena, CAS

The Liberty Group

Nikki Sekunda, CAS, The Liberty Group

Joseph Rodriguez, CAS, Greenlogic Lighting & Electric

Blaise Spitaleri, CAS, Gemstar

Construction Development

Amber Whitaker, CAS FSI Construction

STEPHANIE GRAVES President SHELLEY WATSON Secretary/Treasurer GINA ERWIN President-Elect

–

HOWARD BOOKSTAFF General Counsel CASEY WATTS MORGAN CEO

–

AUGUST 2023 I VOLUME 46, ISSUE 8

Chief Executive Officer and Publisher

CASEY WATTS MORGAN, MPP cmorgan@haaonline.org

EDITORIAL AND DESIGN STAFF

Director of Publications and Design DEBORAH NIX dnix@haaonline.org

Communications Manager MADISON O’BAR mobar@haaonline.org

ADVERTISING

Vice President of Membership and Marketing

AMANDA SHERBONDY, CAE asherbondy@haaonline.org

CONTRIBUTING STAFF

Chief Operating Officer SUSAN HINKLEY, CAE shinkley@haaonline.org

Vice President of Government Affairs BRADLEY PEPPER bpepper@haaonline.org

Chief Financial Officer TREY WIMBERLY, CPA twimberly@haaonline.org

Vice President of Education and Outreach LAUREN TURNER, CAE, CMP lturner@haaonline.org

Director of Resident Relations MATILDE LUNA mluna@haaonline.org

Director of Events and Meetings LAUREN RAGIN, CMP lragin@haaonline.org

Director of Rental Credit Reporting TINA DEFIORE tdefiore@haaonline.org

Membership and Marketing Manager KAYLON NEWCOMB knewcomb@haaonline.org

Education & Outreach Manager CINDY DE LA RIVA cdelariva@haaonline.org

Director of IT WILL ALFARO walfaro@haaonline.org

PRINTER TGI PRINTED www.tgiprinted.com

HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES

COMMITTEE CHAIR

Executive Stephanie Graves

Nominating

Fair Housing

Ethics

Christy Rodriguez

Mack Armstrong

Michelle Pawelek

Finance Gary Blumberg

ByLaws

Past Presidents Council

Multifamily Fire

Safety Alliance

Legislative

Political Action

Kyle Brown

Kathy Clem

Elizabeth Castro-Gray

Gina Erwin

Stacy Hunt

Golf Starla Turnbo

Century Club

Strategic Outreach

Education Advisory

Leadership Development

Community Outreach

Product Service Council

Expo Exhibitor

Membership

Ambassador ONE Society

Independent Owners

Connection

Resident Relations A

Resident Relations B

Resident Relations Appeals

HAF Fundraiser

Property Awards

Blaise Spitaleri

Shelley Watson

Betsy Marshall

Lindsay Torres-Smith

Kyle Brown

Joe Melton

Candis Mohr

Joey Rodriguez

Monica Gracia

Matt Nunn

Liz Levins

Blaise Spitaleri

Elizabeth Castro-Gray

Diane Totten

Jana Gragg

Darlene Guidry

Stephanie Krop

Brandon Coleman

Monica Morales

Susan Alvarado

Norma Alvear

Diane Gilbert

STAFF ADVISOR

Casey Morgan

Bradley Pepper

Lauren Turner

Susan Hinkley

Amanda Sherbondy

Matti Luna

Lauren Ragin

Tina DeFiore

Do you need to find a product or service for your property on the go?

The Buyer’s Guide is online!

Simply search for a member by name or category to find the most up-to-date HAA supplier member listings. You can contact the companies directly or use our “Request for Information” tool. It's quick and easy!

HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MISSION AND VISION: HAA is the leading advocate, resource and community partner for quality rental housing providers in the Houston and surrounding area. HAA develops leadership in the multifamily industry by engaging broadly diverse membership, embracing effective technology and advocating for a geographically inclusive association. ABODE IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION serving the multihousing industry in Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton counties.

ABODE, AUGUST 2023, VOLUME 46, ISSUE 8

ABODE (USPS 024-962) is published monthly by the Houston Multi Housing Corporation. Publishing, editorial and advertising offices are located at 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041. Telephone 713-595-0300. The $50 annual ABODE subscription rate is included in all member dues and additional subscriptions are available. The annual subscription rate is $50 for members, $65 for non-members. Advertising rates are available upon request. Contributed material does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Houston Apartment Association. Copyright © 2023 by HAA.

Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABODE, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041.

www.haabuyersguide.com ABODE

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 5

SPONSOR MEMBERS

These companies have generously supported the Houston Apartment Association with their sponsor membership

Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business.

1st United Construction LLC

3BeeGuys Bee Removal

A&A Fence & Iron

A.B.M. Commercial & Residential (DBA 1-800-Plumber+Air of Northwest Houston)

A1 Appliance Plug

AAA Staffing Ltd

AAdvantage Laundry Systems

ABC Supply

ACM Contractors of Texas

ACT Security Group

Action Window Coverings Inc

Adobe Floors Inc

Adventure Playground Systems Inc

Advocate Construction Inc

Alcaraz Lawn Care

Alexander-Rose Associates Inc

All American Mailboxes of Houston Inc

All Dry Service

ALN Apartment Data

Alpha Patrol Officer

Ambassador Services LLC

America Outdoor Furniture

American Fire Protection Group

American Fire Systems Inc

American Platinum Builders

AmRent

Andrews Myers PC

Apartment Lines

Apex Multifamily

AppFolio

Arborworks TX

ASAP Personnel Inc

Assurance Electric LLC

Asurety Dryer Vent & Fireplace

Inspections

Atlantis Exterior Cleaning

Atom4 Security Camera

AZP Multifamily

B&G Construction

Belfor Property Restoration

Bell's Laundries

Bettencourt Tax Advisors LLC

BGE Inc/aka Brown & Gay Engineers Inc

Bio-One Houston South

BioTechs Crime & Trauma

Scene Cleaning

Blue Heron Technologies LLC

Blue Marlin Maintenance & Services

BluSky Restoration Contractors

Brady Chapman Holland & Assoc

Brandt Adjusting Service LLC

Brokerology Properties

Brown & Brown Lone Star Insurance Agency Inc

BSI

C3 Building Solutions

Cano Electric Inc

Capital Disaster Solutions

Capital Security Solutions

Centex Construction

Century Fire Protection Houston

CEP Construction Services LLC

Certified Apartment Staffing

CFI Group

Chadwell Supply

Chicago Title Commercial Division

Citi Fence & Concrete

City Pups

City Wide Facility Solutions -

Houston West

Classic Same Day Blinds

Clean & Green Solutions

CNM Project Management LLC

CoAdvantage

Code Red Security Systems PLLC

Cody's Wrecker Service

Comfort Systems USA

(South Central) Inc

Comiskey Capital Insurance Agency Inc

Commercial Fire Protection Community Roofing Texas Contractors Inc

Contratista Direct

Core 24/7 Restoration & Construction

Core By KHI Restoration

Core Multifamily Fabrication

CRE Business Solutions LLC

Cromatik LLC

Crowned Eagle Construction

CSC Serviceworks

CWC Renovation Inc

Cypress Landscaping & Irrigation Inc

D&G Quality Roofing Inc

D&M Roofing

DeNyse Companies Designs by Holmes

DNM Contracting Inc

DoodyCalls

Double Oak Erosion

Dryer Vent Wizard of Humble

Embark Services

Emersyn Electrical Services LLC

Encore Services TX, LLC

EnviroSmart Multifamily

Pest Solutions

Epic Air Conditioning

EPICHTX Construction

ESI Fire & Security Inc

Exo Edge

Ezlo Innovation

Fantastic Floors

FASTSIGNS Missouri City

Featherston Sign Partners

FFH Inc DBA Liberty Builders

Fiat Construction LLC

Fidus Construction Services

Finish Factory Inc

Fire Reconstruction Inc

Flavor Finish Resurfacing

Fortified General Contractors

Foxen

Frontier Waste Solutions

fun abounds

Gambit Construction

Gateman Inc

Get It Done Cleaning Service LLC

Gifford Roofing

Giordano Construction Inc

Go-Staff Inc

Graphic Stylus Promotional Products

Great American Business Products

Green City Security LLC

Green Garbology

Greenlogic Lighting & Electric

Grindstone General Contracting

GT Security Solutions

Guardian Gutters

Gulf Storm Roofing and Construction

Gulf-Tex Roofing & Services

Hamilton-Steele Outdoor Accents

Hartland Roofing & Construction

Hell N High Water Construction

Higginbotham

Hive Technology

Homeland Protective Services Inc

Hoover Slovacek LLP

HQ Contracting

Hut Services LLC

Infinity Power Partners

Infinity Roofing & Restoration

Innovative Roofing Company Inc

Insgroup

Iris MF LLC

J.P. Morin Company LLC

JAK Environmental LLC

Jenkins Restorations

Johnstone Supply

Jonah Digital Agency

Kathy Andrews Interiors

Keylo Painting & Construction

KONE

Leah McVeigh Design and Consulting

Ledge Lounger

Lee & Barrier Builders LLC

LGC Builders LLC

Liftmaster Lights Out Production Company

Lincoln Jacob Construction

Lithotech Printed Products/ Forms Center

Long Point Roofing

Lopez Carpet Care & Painting

LSR Multifamily

LVL Up Remodeling

Maldonado Nursery & Landscaping Inc

Mandalay Construction LLC

Marchand Lighting

Masonry Solutions Inc

Matrix Construction Services

McMahan's Flooring Inc

Merk Electric Co

Monge Contracting Group

MPS Direct

MRI Software

Mueller Water Conditioning Inc

MVI Construction

MX2 Commercial Paving

National Renovations LLC -

DBA Repipe Specialists Inc

NEI General Contracting

Nelson Painting and Construction

Norman Roofing and Construction

NorthMarq Capital

On Duty Tree and Landscape

On Site Towing LLC

OnCall Patrol LLC

DBA Parking Pass.Com

Outdoor Elements

Over the Top Roofing and Remodeling

Pace Mechanical Services LLC

Pack It Movers

Parking Management Company/

PMC Towing

Pasadena Insurance Agency Inc

Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Houston

PCS Creative Surface LLC

Power Services of Texas

Precision Safe Sidewalks LLC

Pro Kleen Exterior Services

Pro-Tex Contracting Group

Professional Resurface LLC

Property Guardians

Protos Security

Pura Flo Corporation

PuroClean

Quatro Tax LLC

Qwikkit

RAM Construction

Ram Jack Foundation Solutions

Real Floors Inc

Redevelopment Services

Reliable Roofing of Texas Inc

RENCON

Rent Debt Automated Collection Services Inc

Rent.

Resia Construction LLC

Resident IQ

Restoration 1 of Central Houston

Revelation Windows & Doors

REVS (Refuel Electric Vehicle Solutions)

Roadrunner Restoration Company LLC

Roosevelt General Contracting

Roto-Rooter Services Co

Rotolo Consultants Inc (RCI)

RTC Restoration & Glass Inc

SafeRent Solutions

Saifee Signs & Graphics

Saint Clair & Sons Inc

Santos Contracting LLC

Scoop Troop HTX

SEAL Security Solutions LLC

Secure Insurance

Sergeant Fifty-Five Insurance

ServiceMaster Recovery Management

SERVPRO of Cypress

Sherwin Williams

Shipman Fire Protection

Sign-Ups & Banners

Signal of Houston

Smart City Locating

Snappt

South Central Electric LLC

Southern Exposure

Landscaping LLC

Spectrum Brands

State Patrol Services LLC

Steward Trash Valet Service

Stormwater Professionals Group

Strata Roofing and Construction LLC

Strategic Electrical Solutions

Strategic Protection Solutions

Structural Concrete Systems LLC

Sunny Pressure Washing LLC

Surface Experts

Sutton AC Contractors LLC

Swain & Baldwin Insurance & Risk Management

Texas Apartment Pool Services

Texas Concrete Professional Company

Texas Engineered Roofing & General Contracting

Texas Southwest Floors Inc

Texas Window Cleaning Co Inc

The Ambrose Group

The Apartments Concierge

The Dick Law Firm

The Legends Group LLC

The Liberty Group

The Phoenix Staffing

Threshold Agency LLC

TradeCon Industries

Two Brothers Foundation Repair

United Protective Services

Urban Design Constructors

Urban Value Corner Store

USA Heroes Coalition dba USA

Real Estate Professionals

(USAREP)

USA Patrol Division

Valet Living

VBM Waste LLC

Vima Decor

WASH Multifamily

Laundry Systems

Watermark Restoration and Construction

Webb Pest Control

Whitmans Contracting and Roofing

World Cinema Inc

XXL Construction Inc

Letter from the President

By STEPHANIE GRAVES, CAPS, CAM, IROP, 2023 HAA President

CONGRATULATIONS ARE DUE TO SOME OF THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION’S FINEST – OUR HAA HONORS AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS!

In line with our record breaking year, this year we had THE MOST nominations EVER!!! On June 29, we held the 2023 Honors event to announce the winners of this year’s prestigious awards. It was a night of celebrating and recognizing the multifamily industry's top professionals and properties, as well as recent NAA credential holders. I, and the more than 1,000 HAA members in attendance, got together as the 2023 winners were announced and congratulated for their hard work and dedication to our industry!

As the president of this amazing association, it was so much fun to host the awards beside Immediate Past President Christy Rodriguez. Seeing the shock and then joy on the winner’s faces was a priceless moment that I got to share with my HAA family. This night is always a special one every year because being in this profession means that a lot of our hard work is done behind the scenes. Day in and day out, these nominees have been working towards making this industry the best it can be. Countless hours are spent in the leasing office, walking properties, fixing A/Cs, corralling a team – the list could go on and on – and during the Honors Awards that hard work is showcased and recognized. We see you!!! So, congratulations to every single HAA member that was nominated and to those that took home a trophy, and to all the property award winners and nominees. We have the best in the business! I am so proud of all of you! See starting on Page 32 to look for yourself in photos from the event and see Page 40 to see the nomination list for this year’s awards.

Kick It in Gear for our Maintenance Professionals!

Speaking of getting to see my HAA family, Maintenance Appreciation night is right around the corner on Wednesday September 20! This association is lucky to have so many dynamic maintenance professionals, so we are celebrating them with a night off work to watch the Houston Dynamos play the Whitecaps! Registration for this event includes access to the pre-game happy hour and one seat to the game in our reserved HAA section starting at 7:30 p.m. We even have a cash giveaway for $500! Who doesn’t like free money? I know I will be there repping orange with my amazing crew and I want to see you there too! This event is open to management, maintenance professionals and sponsors only. Don’t miss out people, this is a fun one. You can flip to Page 19 for details and how to register.

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 7

These companies have generously supported the Houston Apartment Association with their patron membership. Please give them careful consideration, whenever possible, in your business.

August Patron of the Month

Houston Planned Energy Systems

HAA Member since 1978

Cotton Commercial USA Inc.

HAA Member since 1982

Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search

HAA Member since 1993

CSC ServiceWorks

HAA Member since 1961

Craven Carpet

HAA Member since 1986

Camp Construction Services

HAA Member since 1994

Apartments.com

HAA Member since 1997

Gemstar Construction Development Inc.

HAA Member since 1985

AAA Plumbers

HAA Member since 1984

FSI Construction Inc.

HAA Member since 1999

Dixie Carpet Installations

HAA Member since 1987

Century A/C Supply

HAA Member since 1968

August 2023 www.haaonline.org

ABODE

TAX RELIEF

Legislature passes the largest property tax cut in Texas history.

IT TOOK 140 days of the regular legislative session and two special sessions, but the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate finally agreed to a compromise that will bring $18 billion in property tax relief to Texas property owners.

Although it was not without contention and disagreement, the Governor, Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House were able to fulfill campaign promises by using more than half of a record $33 billion budget surplus for property tax cuts.

After failing to pass a property tax relief package during the regular session, Governor Greg Abbott called an immediate special session that began on the same day the regular session ended.

The Texas House gaveled in on May 30 to start the first special session. Within hours, they had passed bills to reduce school property taxes. The House then adjourned Sine Die for the remainder of the special session. That decision essentially left the Senate with a choice to either take the deal that the House passed or wait out the 30 days and have the Governor call another special session.

The latter happened and the Governor called a second special session that began on June 27. Only the Governor has the authority to both call a special session and determine the topics that will be taken up during that session.

This time he deemed that only bills pertaining to reducing property taxes would be considered. Specifically, only:

• Legislation to cut property-tax rates solely by reducing the school district maximum compressed tax rate in order to provide lasting property-tax relief for Texas taxpayers and

• Legislation to put Texas on a pathway to eliminating school district maintenance and operations property taxes.

On July 10, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker

of the House Dade Phelan announced a deal had been brokered that would deliver the largest property tax cut in Texas history.

While the biggest piece of the package was increasing the school tax homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000, it also included several novel new concepts, including a new appraisal cap of 20% for non-homestead properties that are appraised at less than $5 million, as well as adding elected positions to Central Appraisal Districts (CAD).

Highlights of the compromise include:

• Homestead Exemption - An increase in the state-mandated school tax homestead exemption from $40,000 to $100,000.

• Rate Compression - A 10.7¢ (per $100 in property value) reduction in the school tax rate for all properties. The State will backfill those dollars to the school districts.

• Appraisal Cap - A three-year pilot program for a new 20% cap on annual appraisal increases of non-homestead real properties valued below $5 million. This will cover years 2024, 2025 and 2026, at which time the legislature can decide to extend/amend it when they convene in 2027.

• Appraisal District Boards - In counties over 75,000 in population, adding three elected members to appraisal districts boards of directors.

• Franchise Tax Exemption – Will double the franchise tax small business exemption from $1.23 million to $2.47 million.

Several of these items are constitutionally required to receive voter approval before being enacted. There will be a constitutional amendment on the ballot this November to approve these provisions.

On July 14, the House and Senate passed the three-bill package, sending it to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. They then adjourned Sine Die (end of session), allowing lawmakers to go home for good after being in session for six and a half months.

Texas Supreme Court Emergency Order Expires

After over three years of COVID related Emergency Orders relating to eviction proceedings and rules of civil procedure, the Texas Supreme Court did not renew those orders and allowed them to expire on July 1.

One of the directives required a judge to allow legal aid in the courtroom. The order stated that the judge must allow, if available, representatives from legal aid organizations or voluntary legal services to represent and advise tenants in eviction cases.

Now, a judge is no longer required to allow legal aid access to tenants. However, a judge is also not prevented from allowing legal aid to be present in their court. The Harris County Commissioners Court has already authorized funding for this type of representation to eligible tenants for the next two years, so be prepared to see tenants lawyers in the courts moving forward.

A second directive involved rental assistance and the requirement to abate a case for 60 days if a tenant had applied for rental assistance. Now, a judge is no longer required to abate a case for 60 days because there has been an application for rental assistance. This would not prevent a landlord and tenant from agreeing to continue a case if they were waiting on rental assistance, however.

The expiration of the Texas Supreme Court Emergency Orders does not affect the 30-day notice to vacate requirement under the CARES Act. The 30-day notice to vacate under the CARES Act is still in effect.

Although many judges are not enforcing the 30-day notice to vacate requirement of the CARES Act, it is important that you follow the law. If you fail to comply with the 30-day requirement and the rules apply to your property, you may be in violation of the HUD rules or the FHFA rules.

Legislative

Update By GINA ERWIN, HAA Legislative Chair, with BRADLEY PEPPER, Vice President of Government Affairs

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 9

AND THAT’S FINAL

HUD publishes final rule reviving Discriminatory Effects Rule.

HUD’S SECRETARY Marsha L. Fudge announced on March 17, that the discriminatory effect’s doctrine (which includes disparate impact and perpetuation of segregation) is a tool for addressing policies that necessarily cause systemic inequality in housing, regardless of whether they were adopted with discriminatory intent. The discriminatory effects rule has long been used to challenge policies that unnecessarily exclude people from housing opportunities including, among other things, criminal records policy. Accordingly, having a workable discriminatory effect standard is vital for the Biden-Harris Administration to accomplish its goal of creating a housing market that is free from both intentional discrimination, and policies and practices that have unjustified discriminatory effects.

On March 31, HUD published a final rule in the Federal Register, which became effective May 1, formally reinstating its 2013 Discriminatory Effects Rule. Although the final rule was previously adopted as a proposed rule and has been in effect, it’s important to note that this is now HUD’s final rule regarding discriminatory effects.

Background.

1. Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, as amended, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or financing of dwellings and in other housing-related activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, familial status or national origin.

2. In 2013, HUD published a rule which formalized HUD’s long-held recognition of discriminatory effects liability under the Act and formalized a burden-shifting test for determining whether a given practice has an unjustified discriminatory effect.

3. In 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed that the Act provides for discriminatory effects liability in a case styled Texas Department of

Housing and Community Affairs v. Inclusive Communities Project.

4. In 2020, HUD published a final rule titled “HUD’s Implementation of the Fair Housing Act’s Disparate Impact Standard,” which among other things, removed the definition of discriminatory effects (in HUD’s opinion), added demanding pleading elements that made it far more difficult to initiate a case, altered the burden-shifting framework, created new defenses, and limited available remedies in disparate impact claims.

5. Prior to the effective date of the 2020 rule, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction in a case styled Massachusetts Fair House Center, et al v. HUD, staying HUD’s implementation and enforcement of the 2020 rule. Consequently, the 2020 rule never took effect, and the 2013 rule remained in effect.

6. On June 25, 2021, after considering the 2020 rule, HUD published a proposed rule reinstating the 2013 rule.

7. After considering the public comments HUD received, HUD in this final rule officially reinstates the 2013 rule.

In September 2021, in the “It’s the Law” ABODE article, we outlined HUD’s proposed discriminatory effects rule and the various burdens of proof in discriminatory effects cases. Since the rule now has become a final rule, let’s look again at what you can expect if you are claimed to have a policy or practice that has a discriminatory effect.

What is the final rule?

• Discriminatory Effect. A practice has a discriminatory effect where it actually or predictably results in a disparate impact on a group of persons or creates, increases, reinforces or perpetuates segregated housing patterns because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

• Legally Sufficient Justification. A legally

sufficient justification exists where the challenged practice:

(i) is necessary to achieve one or more substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interests; and

(ii) those interests could not be served by another practice that has a less discriminatory effect.

A legally sufficient justification must be supported by evidence and may not be hypothetical or speculative.

• Burdens of Proof in Discriminatory Effects Cases.

Step One: The complaining party has the burden of proving that a challenge practice caused or predictably will cause a discriminatory effect.

Step Two: Once the complaining party satisfies its initial burden, the housing provider will have the burden of proving the challenged practice is necessary to achieve one or more substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interests of the housing provider.

Step Three: If the housing provider satisfies its burden of proof (as identified in “Step Two”), the complaining party may still prevail upon proving that the substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interests supporting the challenged practice could be served by another practice that has a less discriminatory effect.

• Discriminatory Effects versus Intent. A demonstration that a practice is supported by a legally sufficient justification may not be used as a defense against a claim of intentional discrimination.

Review Your Policies.

All policies should be reviewed to determine whether any could actually or predictably result in a disparate impact on a group of persons in a protected class. Examples of policies that may be subject to disparate impact discrimination claims include criminal history screening policies and age restrictive policies.

• Criminal History Screening. On April 4,

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 11

It’s the Law By HOWARD BOOKSTAFF, Hoover Slovacek LLP , HAA General Counsel

2016, HUD published a guidance on the application of the Act’s standards to the use of criminal records by housing providers. In the guidance, HUD stated that African Americans and Hispanics are arrested, convicted and incarcerated at rates disproportionate to their share of the general population. HUD further stated that while having a criminal record is not a protected characteristic under the Act, criminal history-based restrictions on housing opportunities violate the Act if, without justification, their burden falls more often on renters or other housing market participants of once race or national origin over another.

On June 10, 2022, HUD published a memorandum to highlight the importance of applying principles of HUD’s 2016 guidance on the application of the Fair Housing Act’s standards to the use of criminal record by housing providers.

• Age restrictive rules. Age restrictive rules could be deemed discriminatory to the extent that they adversely impact persons that have familial status protected class. Rules restricting age may come up in connection with policies relating to swimming pools, fitness centers and other common areas, such as business centers.

Keep in mind that this does not mean that these policies are discriminatory. It only means

that they could be scrutinized under a disparate impact analysis.

Determine Your Legally Sufficient Justification.

Once you determine which of your policies may actually or predictably result in a disparate impact on persons in a protected class, you should articulate your substantial, legitimate, nondiscriminatory interest in having that policy.

• Criminal history screening. You may have a number of legally sufficient justifications for not allowing persons convicted of a felony to reside at your property. You may feel that persons convicted of crimes may cause problems at your property and not be good residents. You may have reason to believe that persons convicted of crimes are more likely to cause damage and threaten the safety of others who live and work at the property.

• Age restrictive rules. Your legally sufficient justification for age restrictive swimming pool and fitness center rules may be related to the safety of the children and to prevent injuries. Age restricted rules for the business center may be related to controlling the conduct of persons in the business center and how they treat the business center equipment.

Can your legally sufficient justification be served by a policy that has a less discriminatory effect?

• Criminal history screening. With respect to your criminal history criteria, could your interest be served by a less discriminatory policy? In other words, would your interest still be served by allowing occupancy to persons convicted of certain crimes (such as misdemeanors) but not other crimes (such as felonies)? Would your interest still be served if you determined eligibility based on when the crime occurred?

HUD suggests having a screening policy that considers both the types of crimes and when the crimes occurred.

Although the identification of a less discriminatory policy will depend on the particulars of the criminal history or policy practice being challenged, HUD also suggests that an individualized assessment of relevant mitigation information beyond that contained in an individual’s criminal records is likely to have a less discriminatory effect than categorical exclusions that do not take such additional information into account. HUD suggests that relevant individualized evidence might include: (i) the facts or circumstances surrounding the criminal / See Law, Page 65

12 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

CHECKS AND BALANCES

A resident files a complaint to dispute excessive move out charges.

RESIDENT FILED

a complaint with the Houston Apartment Association to dispute excessive charges from a property upon move out. The resident claimed that the carpet repair, painting and reletting fee charges should be considered natural wear and tear after renting the apartment for more than eight years. The resident requested the charges of over $7,000 be removed, along with the rent suit filing fee that was added to her total owed.

HAA reached out to the apartment property and passed along the information and that response was forwarded to the resident. Enclosed in the property’s response were copies of the move-in condition form, move out statement, lease and resident ledger. The property stated that the floor repair and painting were due to the resident smoking in her apartment

unit, making the repairs necessary. Also in the resident’s lease documents, a reletting fee was noted for move out without a 30-day notice.

The case was heard during a Resident Relations Committee meeting. The committee decided in favor of management with revisions.

The committee removed the rent suit filing fees of $211 and $170 and the amenity fee of $129 due to a lack of documentation to support those charges. The committee also removed the carpet replacement charge and the replacement wood floors charge of $1,857 as the charges were excessive because the resident resided at the property for eight years. The committee also reduced the paint charge of $1,650 to $1,475. After the revisions were made, and with the other charges justified, the resident owed the property $4,658.23.

The HAA Resident Relations Committees provide an impartial review of resident complaints using the documentation provided by both the resident and management. When the committee finds in favor of the resident, we appreciate a direct response from the property to the resident within two weeks and a copy of the payment sent to HAA for our records. When the committee finds in favor of the resident, management may file an appeal. When the committee finds in favor of the property owner, the decision is final.

If you are a manager with a resident relations issue, call HAA at 713-595-0300 for direct assistance. Renters can be referred to HAA to speak to a trained consultant, fluent in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can also be directed online to www.haaonline.org/renters.

Resident Relations from the RESIDENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE

14 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

On the Scene with HAF EDUCATION

HAA Legal Seminar

Sponsored by PooPrints and Cinema Anywhere

Thursday, June 29 at the HAF Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center

HAA General Counsel Howard Bookstaff was our game show host for the “I’ll Take Evictions for $500” Legal Seminar. Apartment personnel sharpened their knowledge on the legal rights and responsibilities of rental housing providers during this fun and competitive educational program.

1 16 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 17

HAA Next Summer social: A Sip of Summer Wine Night Thursday, August 24 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $30 per person Location TBA Registration includes heavy appetizers and your first drink. Visit www.haaonline.org/next for details. Sponsored by Alpha Restoration Foundation Specialists Gemstar Construction & Development

Pre-Game Happy Hour

5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Pitch 25- 2120 Walker St. (across from Shell Energy Stadium)

Wednesday, September 20

Houston Dynamo vs. Whitecaps Game

7:30 p.m.

Shell Energy Stadium, 2200 Texas Ave., Houston, TX 77003

$65/person

Sponsored by Camp Construction Services Ferguson Facilities Supply Johnstone Supply

The Liberty Group Lincoln Jacob Construction Massey Services

Celebrate our Dynamic Maintenance professionals with the Dynamo Maintenance Appreciation NIGHT

Treat your teams to a night out with the Houston Dynamo as they take on the Whitecaps.

Registration includes access to the Pre-Game Happy Hour, with complimentary heavy appetizers and your first drink, and one reserved seat to the Dynamo vs Whitecaps game in our HAA section.

CASH GIVEAWAYS: All maintenance professional attendees will be entered into two drawings for $500! Winners will be announced at the pre-game happy hour. *Must be present to win

Please note: This event is open to management, maintenance professionals and sponsors only. Visit www.haaonline.org/events for details and to register.

AUGUST

Supplier Success

Tuesday, August 1 9 a.m. to Noon

New Supplier Orientation

Wednesday, August 2

10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Via Zoom

All new supplier members or representatives can attend this online orientation. Learn how to get involved and take advantage of member benefits.

Ambassador ONE Society

Wednesday, August 2

3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Kirby Ice House Memorial 1015 Gessner Road

Supplier partners can join this committee for HAA Ambassadors to find out how to promote HAA Events, contact properties to survey them on benefits, and network with other supplier partners. Supplier members only.

Legal Lowdown

Thursday, August 3 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Via Zoom

See www.haaonline.org/events for details.

SEPTEMBER

HAA Offices Closed

Monday, September 4 Closed in observance of Labor Day

New Supplier Orientation

Wednesday, September 6 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Via Zoom

All new supplier members or representatives can attend this online orientation. Learn how to get involved and take advantage of member benefits.

Ambassador ONE Society

Wednesday, September 6 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Kirby Ice House Memorial 1015 Gessner Road

6-7

CAMT: Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician

Wednesday, September 6 and Thursday, September 7 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

See www.haaonline.org for details.

Sponsored by AAA Plumbers, Century A/C Supply, Foundation Specialists, and Houston Colors Painting & Resurfacing

UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED, all events meet at our Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., second floor, in either the Direct Energy and Liberty Personnel & Executive Search or the Camden and Michael Stevens Interests Room. Meetings located at the HAA Offices, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., first floor, will be held in the Redi Carpet and Winograd Families/Judwin Properties Conference Room. See www.haaonline.org/events for an interactive calendar.

Calendar HAA Education, Events and Meetings SCHEDULE 20 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

AUGUST S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 SEPTEMBER S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Please note that dates and times are subject to change. Check the calendars at www.haaonline.org/events for the most up-to-date information.

Supplier Education Program

Thursday, September 7

An informative session specifically for multifamily supplers. See https://www.haaonline.org/ supplierprogram for details.

Sponsored by the Product Service Council

Legal Lowdown

Thursday, September 7

3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Via Zoom

See www.haaonline.org/events for details.

25-27

IROP: Independent Rental Owners Course

Monday, September 25 through Wednesday, September 27 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Education specifically for Independent Rental Owners, see www.haaonline.org/events for details.

Sponsored by Gambit Construction and Guardian Construction

28

HAA Leadershipn Lyceum

Thursday, September 28 12:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed Education Session Contact Susan at shinkley@haaonline.org for details.

rent?

Rental Credit Reporting (RCR) was established in 1977 to solve screening problems the Houston Apartment Association founders felt plagued the local apartment industry. RCR has unsurpassed data on resident rental histories in the Houston region. The Houston Apartment Association and SafeRent are partnered to expand RCR and include numerous searches in one bundled report with immediate and unlimited inquiry access.

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 21

To learn more and subscribe, call RCR at 713-595-0300, email rcr@haaonline.org or visit www.haaonline.org. pay their

Need just one seminar? Individual sessions are priced atonly$60per person,arealstealforqualityeducation! The Avenues series of seminars feature some of the best nationally-acclaimed speakers in the industry with learning sessions for every level of multifamily professional. Look for the class schedule at www.haaonline.org for details. Contact the HAA Education Department at education@haaonline.org or register online at www.haaonline.org. Main ST Maintenance BLVD Marketing PL Leadership LN Annual Property Subscriptions are available with unlimited attendance for all on-site property staff to attend all sessions at a discounted price. • Fewer than 200 units: $199/year • 200-350 units: $399/year • More than 350 units: $499/year Three (3) CEC credits awarded per session. Avenues: Main Street - 3 November 15 Apathy To Empathy: 4 Methods to Cure Fatigue & Bring the Compassion Back with Amy Kosnikowski Dilisio Avenues: Maintenance Blvd - 2 October 4 Trends in Maintenance - Personnel, Service, Technology and Tools with Mark Cukro, Plus One Inc.Service Team Training Avenues: Maintenance Blvd - 3 October 19 As the Apartment Turns- Preventing Soap Opera Drama in your Apartment Turn Program with Chris King-Dye, Full House Marketing Avenues: Leadership Lane - 3 September 20 Next Level Leadership with Debbie Phillips Avenues: Marketing Place - 2 August 30 Video, Video, Video: The best ways to use video for marketing, leasing, and communication with Lisa Trosien, ApartmentExpert.com Avenues: Marketing Place - 3 October 11 Say YES to the Address with Leah Brewer, Full House Training Avenues: Technology Row - 3 August 16 Microsoft Training (Teams, Outlook, and Office) with Julie Hartman, B2G Victory New Technology Track! Plus updated content featuring the top industry speakers Technology ROW Follow a road that fits your career journey with Avenues. Sponsored by Main ST Maintenance BLVD Leadership LN Marketing PL Technology ROW

Do you really know your applicant?

Comprehensive applicant screening tools available today can uncover financial and criminal background information. Proper screening can also reveal identity fraud issues, including stolen and fabricated identities, which may result in costly problems. Comprehensive screening using Rental Credit Reporting can also tell you who hasn’t paid rent, who has broken leases and who has received their deposit refund.

RCR provides Houston’s apartment industry with the most effective rental credit reporting tool available. RCR was established in 1977 to solve screening problems HAA founders felt plagued the local apartment industry. RCR has unsurpassed data on resident rental histories in the Houston region and gives your leasing staff immediate access to information about which prospects have fulfilled their leases and who have been residents in good standing.

The Houston Apartment Association’s Rental Credit Reporting and SafeRent Solutions have partnered to offer numerous searches in one bundled report with immediate and unlimited inquiry access.

To subscribe or to learn more, call RCR at 713-595-0300, email rcr@haaonline.org or visit www.haaonline.org.

a service of in partnership with

NintenBOWL SUPER

Don’t miss your chance for instant player action to reach your highest score yet for the 2023 HAA Bowling Tournament!

Hit replay and demo mode with lunch and libations.

Unlock your creativity for the team and individual bowling and costume contest awards!

Restart your game and play on!

12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Registration and practice – 12:30 p.m. Tournament begins at 1 p.m.

Spectators – $50/person

Team Registration (5 players) – SOLD OUT!

Early Bird Pricing - Register before July 14 to receive up to 20% off!

Maximum of two teams per company.

Price includes 3 games, shoes and buffet. Register online at www.haaonline.org/events

Awards sponsored by American Fire Systems

Lunch sponsored by Chadwell Supply and Massey Services

Friday, August 4

Copperfield Bowl 15615 Glen Chase Drive

Property management supervisors and executives:

Don’t miss this free networking opportunity that supports our industry.

Join HAA and our chairs, Deborah Holcombe, Capstone Real Estate Services, and Richard Wall, Westdale Asset Management, for the 17th annual HAA Business Exchange, a great opportunity to learn about the latest industry products and services in a controlled environment and give back to your industry. Find supplier partners that can help with your needs with CapEx Projects, renovations, staffing, pest control, technology and more!

Thursday, August 10

HCC West Houston Institute, 2811 Hayes Road, 77082 8 a.m. – Registration

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Exchange

See more at: www.haaonline.org/businessexchange or contact Susan Hinkley at shinkley@haaonline.org or 713-595-0313 for more information.

www.haaonline.org/businessexchange

Owners/Property Management:

The Business Exchange is a forum where property management leaders are seated at tables while supplier representatives move around the room, selecting the individuals they wish to visit. Each visit has a five minute limit. Supplier companies pay for this opportunity and your attendance makes this possible.

This event raises money for the Houston Apartment Foundation Scholarship Fund. The HAF Scholarship Fund provides monetary assistance to students who are pursuing their credentials. By simply attending, (you pay nothing) you are helping us grow talented people to work in the industry. To take part in this great fundraising event, contact HAA’s Susan Hinkley at shinkley@haaonline.org

Suppliers:

You will have access to a number of property management leaders from owner executives to maintenance supervisors. The first two participants from your company pay $400 each with an option for a third participant at $425.

Sponsored by Advocate Construction, Gambit Construction, Massey Services and Texas Apartment Pool Services

NAA’S ANNUAL MENTAL HEALTH SURVEY RESULTS

Study goals included identifying mental and emotional health trends and continuing to raise awareness.

July 10, 2023 | Updated July 10, 2023 –

“Mental health is the workplace crisis of our time.” This statement from a notable C-suite executive appearing in a recent Wall Street Journal article has become the vision and mission of the National Apartment Association’s (NAA) Mental Health Subcommittee. Since 2021, the Subcommittee has worked with researchers at Swift Bunny to develop and conduct NAA’s groundbreaking Mental and Emotional Health Survey to uncover the state of employee mental health within the rental housing industry. Three consecutive years of data are now yielding trends.

Survey findings from 2023, sponsored by MRI Software, were cautionary. After a slight rise in overall mental health awareness stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, all 12 survey questions yielded lower scores than in 2022. Employees expressed feeling more stressed across a range of scenarios and less emotionally well. They found their mental and emotional health to be increasingly interfering with their productivity at work and their personal lives at home. Employees felt less certain that their well-being is a priority at their organization, that their organization offers resources to support their mental and emotional health and that their organization’s culture encourages a reasonable balance between work and personal life. As a result, 28% stated they were unlikely to remain with their

employer for the next 12 months.

Most concerning was that 40% of respondents reporting having to take time off in the last year due to not feeling emotionally well enough to do their jobs—12% took one week or longer. One respondent explained, “We have dealt with resident harassment, almost stalking, and still allowed residents to renew even with evidence of real issues. We have had multiple suicides on property and no emotional or mental help for employees. Our employees do not always feel safe in the community—residents know where we live.” Absenteeism and “presenteeism” due to mental health challenges are a bottom-line issue that all organizations need to address in today’s workplaces.

A white paper on these survey findings is posted for downloading on NAA’s website. Subcommittee Chair Kendra Butterfield, Swift Bunny President Jen Piccotti and Tramaine EL-Amin, Vice President at the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, presented these survey findings at this year’s Apartmentalize in Atlanta. They also offered actions and resources organizations could pursue to address mental health issues among their employees.

Among these resources was Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), a skills-based course that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health or substance use challenges. More than

3 million people have been trained in MHFA. NAA recently sponsored 12 of its members to become certified to teach MHFA to others. They are presently scheduling MHFA training sessions for NAA Affiliates and others. Interested organizations may submit inquiries on NAA’s website, www.naahq.org.

Methodology

Participating employers from NAA membership were given a survey questionnaire to distribute to their employees, where responses were accumulated and tabulated outside of their organization. This methodology helped assure complete anonymity for respondents while prompting otherwise hardto-reach onsite staff to respond. Of the 8,451 total respondents, more than two-thirds have been property management and maintenance personnel. Employers that received a minimum of 10 responses could request reports comparing their organization’s results against NAA’s national benchmarks.

Additional mental health resources can be found at naahq.org/mental-health-resources.

James Campbell is NAA’s Senior Manager, I ndustry Operations.

For more from the National Apartment Association, visit www.naahq.org.

The Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee is the PAC of the Houston Apartment Association, a non-profit trade association representing the area apartment industry. Without political capital, our industry would not be as successful in representing you or your clients’ interests, and thus, your financial well-being.

The HAA PAC participates in local and state political campaigns, helping candidates who support the apartment industry and its supplier businesses. You can participate in the HAA PAC on several levels.

For more on HAA PAC, visit www.haaonline.org/haapac

Industry Update from the NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION 26 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org Your Vote Matters

“The Brand Isn’t Something You Earn, It’s Something You Bid On” Sponsorship Auction

Thursday, June 30 at the HAF Education Center

Yellowstone was the theme as suppliers saddled up for HAA’s June Sponsorship Auction. Thanks to our sponsors, a record $291,350 was raised for HAA’s education, events and meetings.

A big thanks to our auctioneers John “Dutton” Boriak and Christy “Beth Dutton” Rodriguez!

Thank you to our generous supplier sponsors:

Camp Construction Services

Massey Services

Gambit Construction

Century Air Conditioning Supply

Crestmark Construction Services

Chadwell Supply

American Fire Systems

AAA Plumbers

Best Plumbing

Lowe's Pro Supply

Texas Apartment Pool Services

ATI Restoration

Reliant

EPICHTX Construction

XXL Construction

Gemstar Construction & Development

Matrix Construction

Texscape Services

Texas Southwest Floors

Cotton Commercial USA

Guardian Construction

Redevelopment Services

Lincoln Jacob Construction

Jenkins Restoration

Ferguson Facilities Supply

Precision Appliance Leasing

Arborworks

The Liberty Group

Core Landscape Group

Advocate Construction

Alpha Restoration

Fidus Construction

Ideal Towing

Houston Colors Painting & Resurfacing

Poolsure

Sentriforce

Behr Paint

IKO Sales

J National Contractors

Impact Floors

Foundation Specialists

Paul Davis Restoration of Greater Houston

Church Foundation Repair

Earthworks

ALN Apartment Data

Flooring Warehouse

Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search

Dixie Carpet Installations

Johnstone Supply

Blue Team Restoration

Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services

A & A Fire and Security Solutions LLC

Adobe Floors Inc

BlueSky Restoration

Encore Services

FSI Construction

Watermark Construction

Liberty Builders

On the Scene

Photos by HAA STAFF

28 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 29

On the Scene Photos by HAA STAFF 30 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

Sponsorship Auction

On the Scene Photos by HIEBERT PHOTOGRAPHY

2023 Honors Awards

Thursday, June 16 at the Hilton Americas Property Awards Sponsored by AAA Plumbers and American Fire Systems. Individual Awards Sponsored by FSI Construction and The Liberty Group. Reception sponsored by Camp Construction Services and Century A/C Supply

More than 1,000 attendees honored the best of 2023 in multifamily. Want to see more? All the photos from the event are available on the HAA website at www.haaonline.org. Scroll down the homepage and click the “Photos by Partners”

right side.

2 3 4 5 6 7 9

link on

8 1 16 11 12 13 32 ABODE August 2023 10 14 15

1. Leasing Professional of the Year Jackie Salazar 2. Maintenance Technician of the Year Victor Ramos 3. Owner/Management Executive of the Year Christy Rodriguez 4. On-Site Manager of the Year, 1-199 Units, Elvia Bustos 5. On-Site Manager of the Year, 200-299 Units, Tracy Sosa 6. On-Site Manager of the Year, 300-399 Units, Necole Steward 7. Maintenance Supervisor of the Year, Single Property, Jaime Alvarado 8. Maintenance Supervisor of the Year, Multiple Properties, Asmir Medrano 9. Corporate Support Professional of the Year Kathleen Coddon 10. Onsite Maintenance Support of the Year Maria Posada

11 12 13

19 14 www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 33 15 16 17 18

11. Property Awards Sponsor AAA Plumbers 12. Property Awards Sponsor American Fire Systems 13. Individual Awards Sponsor FSI Construction 14. Individual Award Sponsor The Liberty Group 15. Reception Sponsor Camp Construction Services. 16. Reception Sponsor Century A/C Supply 17. Mid Rise Built 2016-2022 – Reverie at River Hollow 18. Affordable-PFC – The Richmond at Uptown 19. Built 2000-2015 Garden – The Bellagio

9 10 11 34 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org On the Scene Photos by HIEBERT PHOTOGRAPHY 1 2 3 4 5 7 6 8

2016-2022 High

1990-1999

2828

1980-1989

– Avenue J 18.

2016-2022 Garden – Savannah Oaks in Spring 19. Less

100 Units – Forest Oaks 20.

20002015 Mid Rise –

Belle

River

21. 100-150 Units – Gables Upper

1. Rising Star Supplier of the Year Xochitl Flores 2. Go-Getter of the Year Ryan Weis 3. Marketing/Training Director of the Year Nikki Chambers 4. Portfolio Supervisor of the Year Kathy Motis 5. Independent Owner of the Year Karen Zuckero 6. Supplier of the Year Marivel Bownds. 7. Assistant Manager of the Year Jennifer Guillen 8. Senior Living/Tax Credit – The Huntington Richmond 9. On-Site Manager of the Year, 400 Units or More, Irene Balderas 10. New Development – Park on Napoli 11. Built Rise The Hanover Montrose 12 Built

–

Royal Oaks 13. Built – The Edge at Clear Lake 14. Built Before 1980 – The Reserve at Bellfort 15. Built

2000-2015

High Rise

–

Hanover Southhampton 16. Senior Living – Plantation at Quail Valley

17. Tax Credit/Affordable

Built

than

Built

The

Meade at

Oaks

Kirby

12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 35

1 2023 Honors Awards 36 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org On the Scene Photos by HIEBERT PHOTOGRAPHY 2 3

5 6 7

For more photos visit www.haaonline.org

1.- 7. National Apartment Association credential graduates

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 37

38 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

Scene Photos by HIEBERT PHOTOGRAPHY

2023 Honors Awards

On the

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 39

Leasing Professional

Jackie Salazar

Abbey Residential

Patrick Abdulkareem

Hanover Company

Jennifer Alfaro

Venterra Realty

Cristy Alvarado

Q10 Property Advisors

Luis Andrade

Venterra Realty

Josie Baugh

Summit Property Managment

Chasidy Brewer

Q10 Property Advisors

Bea Mariz Carlson

Gables Residential

Trey Day Hanover Company

Andrew Einarsson

Allied Orion Group

Jordan Figueroa

Martin Fein Interests Ltd.

Heather Flores

Asset Living

Steven Fritsch

Hanover Company

Vilma Garcia

Mosaic Residential

Abigail Goebel

Asset Living

Beau Henderson

BH Management

Jessica Kilgore

Venterra Realty

Stephanie Kuo Hanover Company

Terrell Lattimer

Venterra Realty

Alexis Martinez

Willowick Residential

Sophia Mazzola

Martin Fein Interests Ltd.

Tyler Millette

Willowick Residential

Nour Qomaq

Greystar

Lawrence Rachal

Gables Residential

Monica Sales

Q10 Property Advisors

Albert Sanchez

Q10 Property Advisors

Brandy Schroeder

Asset Living

Teresa Stewart

BH Management

Rose Walker

Roscoe Property Management

Alicia Walker

Willowick Residential

Brandye Walters

Stonemark Management

Cheyenne Williams

Hanover Company

Trixy Woods

Mosaic Residential

2023 Honors Individual Nominees

Each individual’s company is listed as submitted at time of nomination. Winner listed first in bold.

On-Site Assistant Manager

Jennifer Guillen

Venterra Realty

Luis Barrera

Greystar

David Brown

BH Management

Christi Brown

Venterra Realty

Ashley Cantu

Greystar

Marta Garcia

Greystar

Alison Gason

Cushman & Wakefield

Esmeralda Guerra

Aria Realty

Emily Hernandez

Summit Property Management

Cinthia Lopez

Westdale Asset Management

James Lozano Barvin

Kimberly McAda

Asset Living

Nury Mendoza

RPM Living

Parus Mirani

Allied Orion Group

Sonia Molina

Westdale Asset Management

Leslie Monge

Asset Living

Carina Ana Ochoa

Mosaic Residential

Blaine Patagoc Morgan Group

Omar Rahman

Martin Fein Interests Ltd.

Paula Restrepo

BH Management

Emma Reyes

Abbey Residential

Margarita Rodriguez

Bravo Capital Management

Rod Thompson

Abbey Residential

Angelica Uscanga

Westdale Assest Management

Aaron Velaquez

Westdale Asset Management

Obelyeiro Villamizar

Venterra Realty

Sherrell Wilson

Hazel Management

Tom Zatirka

Allied Orion Group

Erica Zuniga

Stonemark Management

On-Site Manager, 1-199 units

Elvia Bustos

Veritas Equity Management

Katrina Adams

Q10 Property Advisors

Michelle Aguilar

Abbey Residential

Andrea Arellano

Mosaic Residential

Giovanni Arias

Greystar

Glenda Arispe

Sanmore

Investements LLC

Sherry Bess

Morgan Group

Gloria Cardenas

Centra Partners

Marisol Eliosa

Blazer Real Estate Services

Juanita Herrera

Grove Texas Capital

Amelia Martinez

Linebacker Equity Management

Krystal Martinez

Cushman & Wakefield

Monica Morales

Q10 Property Advisors

Sandy Perez

Q10 Property Advisors

Wences Reyes

Lamppost Capital Management

Silvia Rodriquez

Q10 Property Advisors

Juan Sanchez

Centra Partners

Darlene Seale

Venterra Realty

Deena Smith

Arise Equity Management

Dan Toltecatl

Grove Texas Capital

Anner Vallenilla

Centra Partners

Lolita White

National CORE

Brenda Waggoner

Centra Partners

Marketing/Training Director

Nikki Chambers

Hanover Company

Nimcy Gonzalez

Veritas Equity Management

Jered Mansell

SYNC Residential

Nancy Provenzano

Centra Partners

Emily Richter-Jones

SYNC Residential

On-Site Manager, 200-299 units

Tracy Sosa

Westdale Asset Management

Linda Barham

Blazer Real Estate Services

Yofranny Batlle

Allied Orion

Elizabeth Baxter

Hanover Company

Jessica Byrd

Greystar

Mari Compean

Gables Residential

Rachel Craddock

Morgan Group

Shelley Duchow

Hines/Willowick Residential

Liz Dvorak

Asset Living

Christina Foley

Q10 Property Advisors

Vilma Garcia

Mosaic Residential

Mary Gomez

Q10 Property Advisors

Crystal Goodly

RPM Living

Brenda Grasha

Venterra Realty

Tinkla Jackson

Asset Living

Charndre Jones

SYNC Residential

Monica Maldonado

Summit Property Management

Elizabeth Martinez

Portico Property Management

Lauren McFarland

BH Management

Graciela Ortiz

Veritas Equity Management

Jennie Pleitez

Rockwood Multifamily

Liliana Ponce-Ruiz

Q10 Property Advisors

Dario Quezada

Asset Living

Vanessa Rios

RPM Living

Berenise Rodriguez

Allied Orion Group

Erika Rodriguez

Allied Orion Group

Latoya Sanders

Allied Orion Group

Trevor Stroud

Martin Fein Interests Ltd.

Jessica Tennis

Greystar

Yanet Verduzas

Westdale Asset Management

Trenton Ware

American Landmark

On-Site Manager, 300-399 units

Necole Steward

Quarterra

Julie Arredondo

Asset Living

Julie Brogdon

Francis Property Management

Teresa Cain

Abbey Residential

Blake Cardwell

Hanover Company

Katt DiBello

Abbey Residential

Crystal Egan

Hanover Company

Kelly Gaskin

Willowick Residential

Christopher Goldman

Gables Residential

Merissa Hamilton

Gables Residential

Bertha Juarez-Sauceda

SYNC Residential

Austin Korous

American Landmark

Jessica Lunsford

Venterra Realty

Teresa Maldonado

Allied Orion Group

Roxanne Martinez

Martin Fein Interests Ltd.

Breanna Odom

SYNC Residential

Lakeisha Orphey

Q10 Property Advisors

Wyatt Pace

Hanover Company

Stephanie Perdomo

SYNC Residential

Victoria Perez

Mosaic Residential

Angelica Ramirez

Summit Property Management

Sasha Trimble

Asset Living

Melinda Villalobos

Asset Living

Natalie Weldon

Greystar

Independent Rental Owner

Karen Zuckero

TAZRock Asset Management

Jeff Carlisle

Castle Investors

Alan Yu

Lumen Capital

On-Site Manager, 400 units or more

Irene Balderas

Allied Orion Group

Patricia Bidwell

Q10 Property Advisors

Dorothy Fuentes

Richfield Real Estate Corporation

Nataly Gonzalez

Parawest Management

Matthew Harms

Greystar

Tiffany Lam

Hanover Company

Patti Melendy

Asset Living

Walter Romero

Parawest Management

Maintenance Technician

Victor Ramos

Abbey Residential

Michael Fusaro

Asset Living

Luis Hernandez

Venterra Realty

Manuel Lopez

Allied Orion Group

Mauricio Lopez

Venterra Realty

Oscar Nunez

Stonemark Management

Johny Sanchez

Summit Property Management

Justo Villareal

Summit Property Management

Owner/Management Executive

Christy Rodriguez

Judwin Properties

Joe Arentz

Morgan Group

Gina Erwin

GWR Management

Stephanie Graves

Q10 Property Advisors

Diane Guthrie

Stonemark Management

Gunel Mammadzada

WGA Legacy Management

Denise Nicanor

Axiom Residential

Velissa Parmer

Mosaic Residential

Yolanda Walters

Mosaic Residential

Kendra Young

Francis Property Management

Maintenance Supervisor, Single Property

Jaime Alvarado

Venterra Realty

Ramon Aguirre

Abbey Residential

FlorenciovArcea

Veritas Equity Management

Yeferson Cabrera

Veritas Equity Management

Sherman Calhoun

Greystar

Rafael Carbajal

Lamppost Capital Management

Hugo Castillo

Willowick Residential

Jose Chicas

Summit Property Management

Sabatino Cocchia

Venterra Realty

Jaime Cruz

Redwood Residential

Francisco Escamilla

Parawest Management

Roberto Espinosa

Stonemark Management

Gabriel Flores

Madera Residential

Jose Gomez

Venterra Realty

Victor Gonzalez

Morgan Group

Eliseo Jarquin

Mosaic Residential

Richard Little

Venterra Realty

Manuel Lovo

Protea Real Estate

Jose Maciel

Parawest Management

Gil Martinez

Hanover Company

Justin McConnell

BH Management

Juan Monsivaiz

Hanover Company

Rafael Nieto

Cushman & Wakefield

Jose Nuncio

Morgan Group

Humberto Palacios

Cushman & Wakefield

Sergio Pineda

Summit Property Management

Walter Quijano

BH Management Services

Juan Ramirez

Gables Residential

Pedro Ramirez

Q10 Property Advisors

Pedro Regardia

SYNC Residential

Cristian Reyes

Asset Living

Juan Reyes

Mosaic Residential

Jesse Rivera

Greystar

Edsgardo Rocha

Cushman & Wakefield

Carlos Rodriguez

Allied Orion Group

Jose Rodriguez Dieguez

Gables Residential

Jose Romero

Willowick Residential

Marlon Salazar

Morgan Group

Rolan Sanchez

Hanover Company

Sebastian Sepeda

Greystar

Peter Shinuda

Greystar

Marvin Torres

Cushman & Wakefield

Maintenance Supervisor, Multiple Properties

Asmir Medrano

Summit Property Management

Joey Berns

American Homes

Arnold Pedregon

Parawest Management

Javier Perez

Blazer Real Estate Services

Humberto Rios

Q10 Property Advisors

Miguel Rodriguez

1836 Properties

Francisco Suarez

Martin Fein Interests Ltd.

Maintenance Support

Maria Posada

Summit Property Management

Rosa Castro

Willowick Residential

Edwin Segovia

Hanover Company

Raymond Singleton

Asset Living

Ever Soto

Venterra Realty

Go-Getter

Ryan Weis

Crestmark

Construction Services

Rising Star Supplier

Xochitl Flores

Church Services

Corporate Support

Professional

Kathleen Coddou

Mosaic Residential

Megan Alvarez

Ashford Communities

Jamie Beedles

Hanover Company

Rachel Black

Hanover Company

Julie Clay

Asset Living

Jeff Crump

Hanover Company

Emily Frost

SYNC Residential

Jennifer Gordon

American Landmark

Claudia Hernandez

Francis Property Management

Alexis Jeanjaquet

Hanover Company

Stephanie Jolly

Portico Property Management

Laura Kinard

Mosaic Residential

Christi Lindauer

Morgan Group

Candace Metz

Blazer Real Estate Services

Cassidy Rae Jones

SYNC Residential

Ryan Raser

GWR Management Company

Quincy Reynolds

Hanover Company

Janie White

Q10 Property Advisors

Supplier

Marivel Bownds

Valet Living

Susan Alvarado

Century A/C Supply

Tammy Broadway

American Fire Systems

Xochitl Flores

Church Pool Services

Giovanna Gone

Century A/C Supply

Jamey Goss

Core Landscape Group

Marcy Holmes

Designs by Holmes

Candis Mohr

AAA Plumbers

Tracey Moore

Flooring Warehouse

Arely Pena

The Liberty Group

Nikki Sekunda

The Liberty Group

Mat Tilley

WeDoTrash

Amber Whitaker

FSI Construction

Portfolio Supervisor

Kathy Motis

Greystar

Amber Adkins

Fairfield Residential

Shannon Andrews

Greystar

Karla De Jesus

Portico Property Management

Josh Fuentes

Asset Living

Tina Fuller

Blazer Real Estate Services

Gloria Haney

Morgan Group

Karen Hefner

Asset Living

Amber Hopkins

Greystar

Sandra Kainer

Allied Orion Group

Liliana Morales

Ashford Commmunities

Joe Padilla

SYNC Residential

Ruth Reyes

Morgan Group

Danasha Richard

SYNC Residential

Danielle Roberts

Waterton Residential

Grace Rocha

Q10 Property Advisors

Sonia Silva

Valiant Residential

Paola Rodriguez

Foresight Asset Management

Brooke Steidl

Greystar

Codi Stepanski

American Landmark

Lindsay Torres-Smith

Summit Property Management

Anna Towns

Asset Living

Richard Wall

Westdale Asset Management

2023 Honors Property Finalists

2828 at Royal Oaks, Asset Living

Anna Dupree Terrace, Creative Property Management

Avenue J, New Hope Housing

Brazos Crossing Apartments, Stonemark Management

Cadence Creek at Gosling, Greystar

Calais Midtown, Venterra Realty

Camden Grand Harbor, Camden Living

Canopy at Springwoods Village, Martin Fein Interests

Cantera at Towne Lake, Stonemark Management

Forest Oaks, HSC Texas Holdings/Better World Properties

Gables CityWalk, Gables Residential

Gables Upper Kirby, Gables Residential

Hanover Autry Park, The Hanover Company

Hanover Montrose, The Hanover Company

Hanover Rice Village, The Hanover Company

Hanover River Oaks, The Hanover Company

Hanover Southampton, The Hanover Company

High Point Uptown, Greystar

Jacquelyn Place, Bravo Capital

Johanna Court, Bravo Capital

Park at Woodwind Lakes, Allied Orion Group

Park on Napoli, RPM Living

ParkLane Fulshear, Judwin Properties

Pearl @ the Mix, Morgan Group

Pearl Greenway, Morgan Group

Plantation at Quail Valley, Parawest Management

Preserve at Colony Lakes, Venterra Realty

Revere Upper Kirby, Gables Residential

Reverie at River Hollow, Martin Fein Interests

Revl Med Center, Barvin Group

Riverbend, Venterra Realty

Savannah Oaks in Spring, Francis Property Management

Smart Living Heights, Allied Orion Group

SoDo on Main, Greystar

Springfield, Parawest Management

Taylor Heights, Quarterra

The Abbey at Briargrove Park, Abbey Residential

The Abbey at Northpoint, Abbey Residential

The Alara, Bar Down Investments/MLDC Management

The Bellagio, Francis Property Management

The Belle Meade at River Oaks, Grayco Partners

The Edge at Clear Lake, Summit Property Management

The Grove at Renwick, Grove Texas Capital

The Huntington Richmond, Asset Living

The Reserve at Bellfort, Lamppost Capital Management

The Richmond at Uptown, Morgan Group

Windfern Pointe, Veritas Equity Management

The Best of the Best in Onsite Management

The HAA Honors Awards recognizes members for their commitment to their communities and the apartment industry. Here is the first group of 2023 Houston Apartment Association Honors Award recipients.

42 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

Owner/Management Executive of the Year Christy Rodriguez, CAPS, Judwin Properties

Christy Rodriguez is director of multifamily for Judwin Properties and, in her own words, “a people motivator and leader, thats what I do!” Her infectious energy and cando spirit lead her team and HAA to success.

“My first job in the industry was as a parttime leasing professional. I thought, I'm in college, I need a little extra cash. Little did I know that six months later, I’d be a property manager. I grew so fast and the rest is history.”

Christy has been in the industry for 26 years. She joined Judwin Properties six months prior to the pandemic and helped the company pivot from in-person operations to online, virtual and paperless success, with adoption rates exceeding 95%. Judwin also transitioned to a new renters insurance platform with compliance consistently performing at more than 99% portfolio wide. In 2022, Judwin onboarded a new property management software, built a new lease-up development, The Argonne in Fulshear, and

struggled with the heartbreaking loss of key team members to terminal illnesses, all while Christy completed her duties as the president of HAA. Judwin is celebrating 60 years of excellence this year.

Christy is a long-time volunteer for the multifamily industry. Not only is she HAA’s immediate past president, she is a graduate of the HAA, Texas Apartment Association and National Apartment Association’s Leadership Lyceum programs.

She was 2015 Go-Getter of the Year, the 2020 HAA Presidents Award Recipient and winner of TAA’s Frank P. Finch TAA Presidents Award in 2021. Christy appointed HAA’s Adopted Charities Task Force to identify key charitable organizations to help HAA optimize efforts in the community.

Rodriguez is a CAPS credential holder and an industry speaker and panelist for local, state and national associations.

Congratulations, Christy!

Portfolio Supervisor of the Year Kathy Motis, CAPS, CAM, Greystar

Kathy Motis is regional property manager at Greystar. She currently oversees six assets: Sodo on Main South, Sodo on Main North, Lakecrest, Alexan River Oaks, Elan Med Center and Us Bayou Park.

“My first job was as a leasing professional. I was surprised, shortly thereafter, that I knew that I wanted to be in this industry because of the family that this environment creates for everybody.”

Kathy has been in the industry for 21 years and with Greystar for 17 years. She is a Rise Mentor, which is a trained mentor assigned other regional managers nationally to assist with their onboarding experience and help team members to be successful.

Kathy has also served on Greystar’s Operations and Processes Team, a national committee that vets out products, software and streamlines operations.

Kathy has chaired the Camp Hope Committee for many years and served to raise more than $80,000 in funds for veterans who need mental health assistance.

Motis is heavily involved and passionate about service in HAA and TAA. She is currently a HAA Expo Committee member, chairs the Chili Cook-off Committee and a voting member of the HAA PAC. She has served on the Resident Relations Committee, is a Go-Getter and her communities participate in the HAA Food Drive and NAA’s Maintenance Mania.

She is a CAPS and CAM credential holder, a CPM candidate and a 2022 HAA Leadership Lyceum graduate.

Congratulations, Kathy!

“I am thankful for the owners and proud of the team and the people that I get to work with every single day and that I get to call my coworkers.”

– Christy Rodriguez

“I knew that I wanted to be in this industry because of the family that this environment creates for everybody.”

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 43

– Kathy Motis

Corporate Support Professional of the Year

Kathleen Coddou, CAM, CALP, Mosaic Residential

Kathleen Coddou is vice president of business services for Mosaic Residential, supporting her company and team members onboarding with new acquisitions and implementations. She has been in the apartment industry for 19 years and with Mosaic for 13 years.

Kathleen began her career as a leasing consultant and was promoted to APM, PM and director of business services before reaching her current role with Mosaic.

“I really wanted to be a leasing agent. Back in the day, I was flyering the city with my resume and walking into all these different communities trying to find a job. After my 20th property, they were looking for somebody immediately and I interviewed right away, got the job and here I am about 20 years later.”

She has played a critical role in 800 plus implementations for more than 32 properties. She handles everything from data conversions to rent relief programs to expense control to IT support, and much more. She also conducts companywide training sessions for Mosaic’s teams.

Yolanda Waters stated, “She is considered a guru in everything she does and respected by her peers as a result.”

Kathleen is an active participant in association events at the local and state levels, including education sessions with both HAA and TAA.

Kathleen is a CAM and CALP credential holder. Last year, she was named as a member of the HAA Forty Under 40 Class of 2022.

Congratulations, Kathleen!

Manager of the Year, 1 to 199 units

Elvia Bustos, CAM, CALP, CAMT, AIME, Veritas Equity Managment

Elvia Bustos is community director for Veritas Equity Management, managing Crossings at Cherry, a 124-unit property built in 1999.

Elvia has been in the multifamily industry and with Veritas for nine years. After starting her career as a cashier for a drycleaning business, Elvia joined Vertias with a strong dedication to her team and a passion for serving residents. In just three years, Elvia’s remarkable work ethic led her to promotion from leasing agent to community director.

Elvia embraced the opportunity to turn around a struggling property, which had a poor reputation and high expenses. Under her leadership. the community underwent significant improvements, including construction of private yards to enhance the feeling of home, an expansion of the playground area and a large, covered pavilion for community events. Her efforts yielded a 99.0% occupancy rate, 70% renewal ratio and a 4.3 star review rating on Google in 2022.

Her visionary approach and dedication to sustainability resulted in a remarkable 50% reduction in the property’s water bill through a successful water conservation project. This earned Crossing at Cherry NAA’s Return on Energy Excellence Award in 2019, following being awarded a HAA Honors Award for Property of the Year in 2018.

Elvia’s work has been consistently recognized with the Best of Tomball Award Program honoring the top Property Management Company in the city for the past six years.

Elvia is a CALP and CAM credential holder and earned her CAMT credential in 2023 to expand her knowledge and understanding of the maintenance side of her community. She served on HAA’s Resident Relations Committee and has volunteered with the Community Outreach Committee, Mercy House Global, ReBuild Houston and the Houston Food Bank over the past several years. She is a regular attendee of local, state and national conferences.

Congratulations, Elvia!

“I have a great company that supports me and gives me all the tools and resources to help our team members.”

44 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

– Kathleen Coddou

Assistant Manager of the Year Jennifer Guillen, Venterra Realty

Jennifeer Guillen is assistant manager of Venterra Realty’s San Palmilla, a 347-unit property built in 2016. Jennifer has been in the apartment industry and with Venterra for four years.

“I was a hairdresser by trade and I needed a professional change in my life and my career. … I cannot say anything bad about this industry at all. I have so much passion for people. I love for people to feel good, even before this industry, it was my job. Now it's dealing with them in a different aspect – in their home – not making them feel good on the outside, knowing that they’re okay in their living environment. That's rewarding for me, so I'm very happy to be a part of this.”

Jennifer’s meticulous attention to detail and genuine care for residents’ experience has consistently improved Kingley survey

move-out process scores by an average of 17.42 over the previous year.

Communication, final billing, notice submission, overall satisfaction and fairness of move-out inspections all saw significant increases. Despite exceeding budgeted targets in charging and collections, Jennifer’s commitment to excellence earned her the Better Living Manager Excellence Award every year since her promotion.

Jennifer has been an active participant in HAA events, including as a Venterra team member for the HAA Chili Fest, Bowling Tournament and the annual Food Drive.

She is a dedicated community advocate, including the Salvation Army Angel Tree, volunteering for her church’s summer camp and providing haircuts for the homeless in Victoria.

Congratulation, Jennifer!

Marketing/Training Director of the Year Nikki Chambers, CAPS, CAM, Hanover Company

Nikki Chambers is director of systems and training for the Hanover Company. She has been in the multifamily industry for 18 years, including more than five years with Hanover.

“I worked for a very small management company on Galveston Island, I was the leasing agent on a property that they leased down and then renovated the whole thing. I was responsible for leasing it up and it was so much fun. I was going to school to be an architect and fell in love with this industry and … I never looked back. … I’ve been with the biggest [management companies], I’ve been with the smallest, now I’ve been with the best and this is home for me, Hanover’s home.”

Nikki oversees all aspects of systems, training and global services for the property managment team of Hanover. This includes providiing support to all departments, including marketing, opening, financial services, quality assurance and

training/development with the oversight of all property management software systems from Entrata to SmartSheet to Microsoft Suite programs. This also includes all training support including new hire, customer service, maintenance, software and manager training programs with Hanover’s internal training platform, Hanover University.

Nikki also has oversight of the remote team of 35 people in Ahmedabad, India, to provide support to property management operations, specifically administrative burdens that don’t require someone to be personally on-site.

Nikki is a CAPS and CAM credential holder and is an alumni and ambassador for the University of Houston’s Hilton College.

She is an active HAA volunteer, active in HAA and NAA events, and was a member of the HAA Awards Nominating Committee in 2022.

Congratulations, Nikki!

–

“I cannot say anything bad about this industry at all. I have so much passion for people. I love for people to feel good, even before this industry, it was my job.”

Jennifer Guillen

“You have got to be just a touch crazy to do this job, with the best teams surrounding you. That's what I have, I have the absolute best team.”

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 45

– Nikki Chambers

Manager of the Year, 200 to 299 units

Tracy Sosa, CAM, Westdale Asset Management

Tracy Sosa is the community manager of Allusion at West University for Westdale Asset Management. The Allusion is a 231-unit property opened in 2014.

Tracy has been a member of the apartment industry for 26 years and with Westdale for one year and HAA received numerous nominations from her coworkers, HAA member suppliers and peers.

“I started out in 1998 as an assistant manager and started going to HAA classes and education conferences. I continued learning from all of my mentors along the way, working hard and following good leaders.”

Under Tracy’s guidance, total income for her property has increased 21.7% over the past 12 months, with repair and maintenance expenses 20% below budget.

She assisted the regional director with acquisitions by performing due diligence and filing audits for two apartment communities.

Tracy has a genuine care for her employees and residents. She is a mentor to new community managers, offers ongoing training for new team members within her region and assists with special projects, including team and marketing items, and annual operating and capex budget reviews. She was awarded the Westdale Diamond Award in 2022 for her leadership.

Tracy is a CAM and CALP credential holder and an active HAA member and volunteer. She is active in the Food Drive, Volleyball Tournaments, Sports Challenge, Chili Fest and was a judge for the Honor Property Awards. Congratulations, Tracy!

Manager of the Year, 300 to 399 units Necole Steward, CALP, Quarterra

Necole Steward is manager for Taylor Heights, a 363-unit community opened in 2021. She has been in the industry for 20 years, with Quarterra two years and received numerous nominations from her coworkers, former coworkers and peers.

“I started out as a part time leasing professional. I wanted to move out of my parents’, so I started going to every property asking for a position and, on the side, I was taking care of an autistic child. When I told the interviewers that, they’re like “then you probably could handle this.”

Necole is a Woman in Leadership with Quarterra, Brand Ambassador and a mentor to new employees.

Her property has had 12 employees promoted and her community’s occupancy rate averages 97.4%.

Necole volunteers with Big Sister and Little Brother, Pretty Girls With Cancer, the Houston Food Bank, The Rose, Lupus Texas Gulf Coast, and serves as a mentor to young women recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

She is a CALP credential holder, a HAA NEXT member, served as a Honors Property Award judge for five years, and volunteers for Camp Hope and the HAA Chili Fest.

Necole was a member of the 2018 Class of HAA’s Forty Under 40.

Congratulations, Necole!

“I think I've had such great leaders and mentors in my career and I owe everything to them because they taught me so much and I've taken a little bit from everyone.”

– Tracy Sosa

“I love helping people. I put my team first and care about others. I'm happy.”

46 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

– Necole Steward

Manager of the Year, 400+ units

Irene Balderas, CAM, Allied Orion Group

Irene Balderas is property manager for the 400 unit Falls at Clear Lake for Allied Orion Group, opened in 1984.

Irene has been in the multifamily industry for 28 years and with Allied Orion for five years. When she joined the company, the Falls at Clear Lake was struggling with operations and Irene was vital to team building, resident retention, income growth and major renovations for the community.

Her team consists of eight members, five of which have been working along side her since 2018. She has promoted one leasing professional to assistant manager, who will make the transition to property manager in the future.

Irene and her team has achieved the Apartment Ratings Top Rated Award for 2021 and 2022, with more than 100 positive reviews via Google, FaceBook and Apartment Ratings. Falls at Clear Lake’s Google rating is currently an exceptional 4.2.

Sandra Kainer stated that “Irene shows up each day with a can do attitude like Rosie the Riveter! Irene also finds time for herself to make it to the gym almost daily … being a property manager, single mother of four, grandmother of one. I’m impressed!”

Irene is a CAM credential holder and a COS. She is a member of the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce and is an active member of HAA.

Congratulation, Irene!

Leasing Professional of the Year Jackie Salazar, Abbey Residential

Jackie Salazar is a leasing professional for Abbey Residential and the 307 unit The Abbey at Northpoint, opened seven years ago. Jackie has been in the industry for five years and has worked for Abbey Residential for two years.

“This is a funny story. I used to work at TJ Maxx for five years as a cashier. We would always “sell the credit card, sell the credit card, sell the credit card.” One day, I had a lady that was a property manager ask if I was interested in leasing. I said, no I don't know what that is. … I'll look into it and I did. The very first place I went, I filled out an application, talked and I got in right away part time. I loved it and six months later I moved up to full time … and I have never looked back.”

When Jackie came to The Abbey at Northpoint in 2021, she completely flipped their leasing around. Thoughout 2022, Jackie toured a whopping 266 prospects, 164 of whom leased, or 62%. She was in the “90s Club” for making 90% or greater on her shops. Jackie gets high marks, with one report stating

that “Jackie was very friendly and upbeat. She was very knowledgable about the community and surrounding area conveniences. She made me feel welcomed and was eager to assist me.”

She not only “leases up a storm,” but she has been providing amazing customer service to all of the residents, vendors and prospects who come through the door.

Jackie helped to create a sense of community through social media that helps with resident retention and attracting new residents. She posts mini model walk-throughts, videos, photos from events, food truck Thursday reminders, pet of the week posts and more.

In April, Jackie won the Leasing Consultant of the Year award at the Abbey Residential Award Dinner in New Orleans and was invited to attend Abbey’s full Leadership Conference for her win.

Jackie has participated in the HAA Food Drive, All Star Sports Challenge and more. Congratulations, Jackie!

“I am beyond grateful to work for such an amazing company, but most important, to be surrounded with amazing leaders!”

– Irene Balderas

“Everybody has a story and I love it … I just love listening to the prospects when they come in and ask them what they’re looking for and I make them feel comfortable.”

48 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

– Jackie Salazar

Independent Owner of the Year Karen Zuckero, IROP, CAM TAZRock Asset Management

Karen Zuckero, TAZRock Asset Management, owns and manages properties in the Houston area, Dover Place and Villas at Braeburn, totaling 111 units. Dover Place was the winner of the 2018 HAA Honor Award Property of the Year – Less than 100 units.

Karen has been an independent owner for eight years and an active HAA member for seven years.

Karen spent the first 17 years of her career in the financial services industry as a Certified Public Accountant, working for a fortune 100 company in several roles. During that time and the following five years, she raised two very active daughters with her husband, Troy.

In 2016, Karen stepped out of her comfort zone and founded her woman-owed real estate business, TAZRock, and through the education provided by HAA, TAA, NAA and Lifestyles Unlimited, built on her formal education and work experience to take the lead for the TAZRock team.

In 2018, TAZRock purchased Dover Place, a 32-unit workforce housing community in the Hobby Areaa District of Southeast Houston. In an effort to clean up the community and provide better resident experience, Dover Place earned the HAA/HPD Blue Star Certification and have maintained the certification. Dover Place has maintained an average 92% occupancy and paid an average cash on cash return to its equity partners of greater than 13% per year over the past five years.

In 2021, TAZRock purchased Villas at Braeburn, a 79-units workforce housing community in Southwest Houston. This property came with a lot of deferred maintenance, low occupancy and almost non-existent leasing traffic. Within three months, the TAZRock team completed a complete exterior overhaul, addressed approximately 150 outstanding work orders, opened the community pool that had been shut down by the City of Houston for over a year, installed new BBQ ares, installed new pet park equipment, executed a new marketing plan and successfully increased occupancy to 95%. They proactively met with the Houston Fire Department to help identify and resolve any items necessary, including signage, site maps and numbering electric meters. They are currently working on the last step of Blue Star Certification.

Karen is a CAM and IROP credential holder and a 2022 TAA Bob Ross Independent Owner of the Year finalist.

She is a regular participant in the Hobby Area PIP and the HPD Southeast Community Back to School Drive. She is a partner with Echo and St. Vincent De Paul for resident assistance. She is a Lifestyles Unlimited Certified Lead Investor.

She regularly participates in, supports and mentors an informal North Houston/ Montgomery County group of women who are aspiring multifamily owners. Congratulations, Karen!

“I think you have to be able to adapt and overcome. Things are constantly changing and they don’t always go according to plan. You have to be able to to analyze and adapt to the fast-paced, changing environment of multifamily asset management.” –

50 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org Don’t miss next month’s ABODE with more from our 2023 Honors Award recipient Suppliers and Maintenance Professionals. Visit www.haaonline.org for more photos from the 2023 Honors Awards event. Visit HAA on social media: The HAATV Channel on YouTube, the Houston Apartment Association pages on FaceBook and LinkedIn, and @HAAOnline on Instagram.

Karen Zuckero

FOREST OAKS

The 2023 HAA Honors Awards recipient for property of less than 100 units.

Property: Forest Oaks Apartments

Owner/Management: HSC Texas Holdings/Better World

Location: 3600 W T C Jester Blvd

Units: 56

Built:1968

Web: www. forestoakshouston.com

Interesting features: When pulling into Forest Oaks Apartments residents are welcomed by lively balloons, beautiful landscaping features, and a new monument sign at the entrance of the property. After a recent management change the property has done a 180. Now the property has a comfortable feel with ample of walking and sitting spaces, like the new park benches and patio furniture. During the summer you can catch residents lying by the pool and simply enjoying the peaceful quiet. For pet-lovers Forest Oaks Apartments have added dog stations by the dog park, keeping the outdoors lively yet clean. In the evenings, LED string lights now adorn the perimeter of the property, bringing the property to life and showing that it is cared for. The property has replaced all broken stairwell lights and alleyway lights, and installed bright energy-saving LED lights which shine everywhere at night. These new bright lights help residents feel safer and help the surveillance cameras capture activity at night. Inside the remodeled units you can find new granite countertops, tiled bathrooms, energy-saving LED lighting fixtures, stainless-steel appliances, Smart Nest thermostats and new A/C units. Many of these improvements exceeded requirements and standards because Forest Oaks Apartments values residents’ experience and quality of life while living on the property. Staff has created a nurturing environment for residents at Forest Oaks Apartments by getting to know the residents and responding attentively to their needs, including visiting them in the hospital, attending memorial services and handing out gift baskets to parents on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Residents love their home at Forest Oaks Apartments because of the sense of community that has been built. Prior to changing management, Forest Oaks had no social media presence except for Google Maps. Now Forest Oaks Apartments has Facebook and TikTok accounts. To further build community, Forest Oaks Apartments host events almost every month serving food and treats, and playing games and drawings for prizes, including gift cards. Some most memorable events include a summertime pool party with a chef who cooked residents filet mignon and sirloin steaks and a fun “Halloween Bash” sponsored by AT&T.

Forest Oak Apartment’s work hard to make residents feel valued. This is reflected in the Google reviews for the property. Prior to the takeover of the property in March 2021, Google reviews averaged 2.8 stars, after takeover, reviews averaged 4.8 stars. Residents appreciate the changes that we have brought to Forest Oaks and are proud to call it their home. Congratulations!

On Site with ABODE Photos provided by Better World

wasn’t expecting it at all. was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. never expect anything. For me, if get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. didn’t know that someone was watching!” wasn’t expecting it at all. was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. never expect anything. For me, if get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was a good experience, though, feeling that way. didn’t know that someone was watching!” wasn’t expecting it at all. was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. never expect anything. For me, if get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. don’t need recognition. As long as my resident and my management and the owner are happy, I’m happy. It was good experience, though, feeling that way. didn’t know that someone was watching!”

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 51

On the Scene with the HAA PAC

HAA PAC Luncheon

Tuesday, June 20 at the HAF Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center

WE’RE ALL ABOUT BETTER GOVERNMENT

Threats from government are coming at the apartment industry at a rapid pace. The HAA PAC, the political action committee of the Houston Apartment Association, needs your help to fight bad legislation. HAA members can participate in the PAC on several levels. Committee application forms are available. To join, renew or learn how to become involved with the PAC, see online at www.haaonline.org/haapac or contact govaffairs@haaonline.org.

52 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 53

Brazoria County State of the Submarket

Wednesday, June 14

Sponsored by ALN Apartment Data and Century A/C Supply

Another great lineup of local area leaders presented timely information to Brazoria County area HAA members. Thanks to moderator Tracie Yodor and our speakers Judge Matt Sebesta, Nichole Williams and Matt Buchanan for their insights on recent economic trends, rental rates and new construction developments for the county.

On the Scene Photos

54 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

by HAA STAFF

OWNERS

Blue Roc Premier D/B/A Blue Stone Premier and BR Premier Properties

Jocelyn Sepulveda

12221 Fleming Drive

Houston, TX 77013

(813) 252-3149

The Park at Aviano Park at Sorrento

The Park at Vittoria Park at Monza

The Park at Bellagio

Capital Plus Group

William Mayes

2601 Cartwright Road #D180 Missouri City, TX 77459

(713) 539-5775

Chris Funk

1942 Norcrest Drive

Houston, TX 77055 (281) 312-9425

Grace Management Inc

Eileen Flanagan

2310 Riverway Drive

Conroe, TX 77304

(936) 703-5333

The Lakes at Woodhaven

J.H.W. Enterprises Property Management Inc

Jaymes McCloud

16516 El Camino Real #417

Houston, TX 77062-5723

Argo Point Apartments

Sapphire Management/ Cove Capital Investments

Jessica Fernandez

223 Rainbow San Antonio, TX 78209

(210) 891-8056

Sapphire Management/Cove Capital Investments - Properties

South Tri Management LLC

Lori Phillips

18 E 41st St New York, NY 10017

(615) 977-5051

Element Apartments

The Michaels Organization

Jennifer Griffin

3085 Texas Hwy 123

San Marcos, TX 78666

1(871) 921-2100 x3

Havenwood Place

The Park at Clear Creek

Lake Jackson Manor

TPI Asset Management LLC

Priscilla Orta

5218 Spruce St

Bellaire, TX 77401

713-534-7368

Town Square Apartments

Brazosview Terrace Apartments

Allum at South Post Oak

SUPPLIERS

Andrena

Courtney Laubach 1644 S 3rd St

Columbus, OH 43207 (410) 459-6788

Internet Service Provider,

Telecommunications Services

Referred by Jessica Mullins

Barnard Donegan Insurance

John Skipworth 314 N Camp

Seguin, TX 78156 (830) 303-8300

Insurance, Insurance Consultants

Brokerology Properties

Kathy Phelan-Morales

118 Vintage Park Blvd #W700

Houston, TX 77070 (713) 256-7335

Real Estate, Apartment Leasing, Leasing Services

Referred by Valerie Lacy, CAM, CAPS

Ceramic City USA LLC

Oliver Reck

8181 Commerce Park Drive #718

Houston, TX 77036

(832) 321-3950

Counter Tops, Painting Contractors, Cabinets, Tile - Ceramic Contractors

Cody’s Wrecker Service

Corbin Culpepper PO Box 443 Bellaire, TX 77402

(713) 664-7764

Towing Service, Wrecker Service

Cromatik LLC

Alexyz Castillo

7905 Bandera Road

San Antonio, TX 78250

(210) 389-3679

General Contractors, Painting Contractors

Referred by Kelley Suess

Envirospark Energy Solutions

Jennifer Mansell

1389 Chattahoochee Ave NW

Atlanta, GA 30318

(770) 833-1062

Electric Vehicle-charging docks

Fortified General Contractors

Danny Rosato

P O Box 1353

Frisco, TX 75035

281-658-9555

General Contractors, Security Control

Equipment/Systems, Roofing Contractors

Gulf Storm Roofing and Construction

Jonah Thomas

6830 N Eldridge Pkwy #405

Houston, TX 77041

(346) 448-6710

Roofing Contractors, Drywall Contractors

Referred by Jonathan Alexander

Gulf-Tex Roofing & Services

Morghan Gilmore

5929 Bardet St #129

Pearland, TX 77584

(281) 406-8791

Roofing Contractors, Gutters & Downspouts

Lument

Tony Talamas

10000 Memorial Drive #760

Houston, TX 77024

(713) 679-1890

Financing, Banks

My Drink Bomb

Chloe Di Leo

1240 W 25th St

Houston, TX 77008

Caterers, Gift Baskets & Parcels

Referred by Jamey Goss

Proforma-Angelin Martin & Associates

Andrea Winans

11111 McCracken Circle #C

Cypress, TX 77429

(281) 304-8406

Promotional Products, Embroidery

Smart City Locating

Jeremy Romrell

2519 Fairway Park Drive #310

Houston, TX 77092

(713) 482-1323

Apartment Leasing, Locators

Stake

Becky Dorschner

1914 N 34th St #200

Seattle, WA 98103

(206) 385-4044

Financial Services, Resident Retention Services

Tax Exempt Consultants

Jeanie Owadally

1000 Heritage Center Cr #128

Round Rock, TX 78664

(832) 570-1168

Utility Consultants, TaxesConsultants & Representatives

Urban Surfaces

Rami Bountros

2380 Railroad St #101

Corona, CA 92880

Vinyl Flooring, Floor Materials

White Wing Construction Services

Lance Loftin

3338 Fitzgerald Drive

Montgomery, TX 77356

(936) 448-7729

General Contractors, Building Contractors

ALL SUPPLIER MEMBERS are listed online at www.haabuyersguide.com, searchable by product/service category or company name.

Welcome Mat Introducing HAA’s NEW MEMBERS

56 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

Get Involved Volunteer HAA

The Houston Apartment Association’s committees and clubs are some of the most productive tools we have to ensure that we remain the nation’s largest and most effective apartment association. Members of the association dedicate their time to lead and serve on the various clubs and committees.

Some general responsibilities of committee and club members include a commitment to attend all meetings and help develop marketing strategies

To serve on any of these committees and clubs, please contact the HAA office at 713-595-0300, online at www.haaonline.org or email the departments listed below.

Education education@haaonline.org

Education Advisory Council

Events and Meetings events@haaonline.org

HAF Fundraiser Committee* NEXT Young Professionals*

Government Affairs govaffairs@haaonline.org

HAA Political Action Committee* Century Club*

Fair Housing Committee Strategic Outreach Committee

Membership members@haaonline.org

Ambassador ONE Society Go-Getter Membership Recruitment Club

Expo Exhibitor Committee* Independent Owners Connection*

Community Outreach shinkley@haaonline.org

Community Outreach Committee Product Service Council*

Resident Relations resrel@haaonline.org

Resident Relations Committee*

*Note: These committees have specific requirements. Contact HAA for details.

For details, visit www.haaonline.org

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 57

WANT A LV?

Recruit for HAA, help grow your association, your network and your chances to win.

2023 Chairs:

Join our Quarterly Meetings!

Be the top recruiter for the year and you could win a genuine NEW Louis Vuitton GraceFull PM Tote!

Every new member you recruit this year earns you a chance to be entered into a drawing to win this LV bag at the Holiday Go-Getter Meeting on December 14! (Must be present to win. No purchase necessary.)

Recruit one member and get one entry. Recruit five members and get FIVE entries. It’s up to you! Contact the membership department at members@haaonline.org for more details!

Check the Go-Getters Corner for more information. Meeting dates are September 21 and December 14.

The next meeting will be held at El Tiempo Cantina, 2605 S Gessner Road off Westheimer Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetters for more information.

THE GO-GETTERS ARE THE BACKBONE of the Houston Apartment Association. By recruiting new members, the Go-Getter Club helps both new management and supplier companies and the association grow for the future. To join the club and get going on recruitment, see online at www.haaonline.org or contact Amanda and Kaylon in the Membership Department at members@haaonline.org.

The Go-Getters HAA’s MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS 58 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

Monica Gracia DayRise Residential Matthew Nunn Capital Construction

Go-Getters Happy Hour

Thursday, June 15 at El Tiempo Cantina

Sponsored by. Blue Ox Moving & Storage and EpicHTX Construction

HAA recruiters introduced new member recruits during the second Quarterly Meeting of the year and won gift cards for their efforts.

1 www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 59 1

2 2

60 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 61

OUR SUPPLIER NETWORK

The Ambassador One Society networks and does good works for the community.

Mark your calendars and join us!

Ambassador ONE Society meetings:

August 2

September 6

October 4

November 1

The meeting spot is Kirby Ice House, 1015 Gessner Road, Houston, Texas 77055.

Ambassador

THE AMBASSADOR ONE SOCIETY is an organized network exchange that helps supplier partners build their business contacts within HAA. It’s the perfect way for new suppliers to get started with the association. Group members share leads, make introductions and support HAA and its members. For details on how to join and for meeting dates, visit www.haaonline.org/ambassadors or contact Amanda in the Membership Department at 713-595-0316, or email asherbondy@haaonline.org.

The Ambassador ONE Society HAA’s WELCOMING COMMITTEE 62 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

least

Jorge Portillo Houston Colors 578 Dillon Brown Real Floors and Arbor 556 Crystal Varela Century A/C Supply 258 Josalynne Williams FFH Inc DBA Liberty Builders 208 Giovanna Gone Century A/C Supply 189 Bridget Angulo Greenlogic Lighting & Electric 166 Susan Alvarado Century A/C Supply 148 Tammy Broadway American Fire Systems, Inc. 103 Anisa Rodriguez Greenlogic Lighting & Electric 94 Xochitl Flores Church Pool Services 80 Amanda Kelly Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services 78 Kyle Turney Clozzits 56 Robert Barton Southern Ice Cream 52 Adoteh Joseph Akue Redevelopment Services 44 Michelle Smith Fire Reconstruction Inc 44 Brett Hebert Magna Pest 42 Mallory Hess Century A/C Supply 38 Krysta Chacon BG Multifamily 34 Chris Bell Greenlogic Lighting & Electric 31 Tyler Jones Jenkins Restoration 28 Tracey Leach-Moore Flooring Warehouse 24 Ashley Wiggin Infinity Power Partners 24 Ruben Perez ATI Restoration 24 Ignacio Perez Tx Elite Roofing Services LLC 20 Grace Schaper All Dry Services 16 Eddie Watral Rasa Floors 11 Jadrian Mitchell Johnstone Supply 10 Raquel Leyva Contratista Direct 10 Reuben Gor Contratista Direct 10 Ambassadors earn points by sharing leads, making introductions and visiting communities to promote HAA events and news.

ONE Society members with at

10 points, ranked by points earned:

Team photos at left, from top:

First place – You Already Know with 1,514 points

Second place – Bee HAAppy with 1,369 points

Third place – Super Suppliers with 735 points

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 63

64 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

Law, continued from Page 12 conduct; (ii) the age of the individual at the time of the conduct; (iii) evidence that the individual has maintained a good tenant history before or after the conviction or conduct; and (iv) evidence of rehabilitation efforts.

• Age restrictive rules. How about age restricted policies in the swimming pool, fitness center and other common areas, such as the business center? If you have these types of age restrictions, you should be able to articulate a legally sufficient justification for whatever age you choose.

The Texas Department of Health has revised its signage rules for swimming pools and spas. Under current Texas Department of Health Rules, each swimming pool and spa is required to have a sign which includes a statement that persons under the age of 14 must not be in the pool or spa without adult supervision. This clarifies that, from a security and health standpoint, your swimming pool rules should reflect the required language in the Texas Department of Health signage.

The same analysis should apply with respect to age restrictions in the fitness center or business center. With respect to the fitness center, your safety related concern may justify a similar age restriction. However, in the business center, an age-neutral policy that focuses on the conduct you do not want in the business center (such as vandalizing the equipment or viewing inappropriate material on computers) may be a less discriminatory alternative to avoid a potential disparate impact claim.

Keep in mind that the final rule is not new with respect to disparate impact analysis. However, since HUD is reestablishing its prior rule, there may be additional attention given to this type of discrimination complaint by fair housing agencies that monitor and investigate complaints. Consequently, it would be beneficial to examine your policies so that you can articulate your legally sufficient justification if a particular policy is ever questioned.

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 65 Want more Howard? He’s online! Go to http://issuu.com/haa_abode for past columns or watch his Legal Lowdown on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/HAATV. Advertising in ABODE magazine can grow your market reach, engage potential clients, and build the trust of your target audience. Print advertisements tell the readers more about what you do and keep you top of mind! with ABODE! GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Portfolio Changes

The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios:

Allied Orion Group: Territory at 2920, 274 units at 3880 FM 2920 Road in Spring and Smart Living Allen Genoa, 240 units at 1514 Allen Genoa.

AMC LLC: Royal Wayside, 102 units at 1010 S Wayside Drive.

Asset Living: Jarmese Apartments, 24 units at 4835 Jarmese, and Boulevard at Deer Park, 216 units at 401 W Pasadena Blvd in Deer Park.

Brownstone Residential LLC: Conroe Senior Village, 76 units at 1721 Kirk Road in Conroe.

Cornerstone Residential: Roundhill Townhomes, 134 units at 601 Cypress Station Drive.

Creative Property Management: 7637 Harwin Apartments, 64 units at 7637 Harwin Drive; Dodson Place East, 24 units at 3404 Berry Road; and Dodson Place North, 32 units at 3201 Laura Koppe Road.

Cushman & Wakefield: The Crossing at Timbergrove, 97 units at 2734 Katri Way.

Envolve Client Services Group LLC: Stonehaven, 192 units at 15301 Northwest Fwy.

Faux Testing Management Company: Faux Test Property, 200 units at various locations.

FDI Management Group LLC: Magnolia Place Seniors, 144 units at 4647 Wenda Street.

First Communities Management Inc: Kings Cove, 192 units at 4920

Magnolia Cove Drive in Kingwood.

Greystar: Reserve at Lake Jackson, 220 units at 202 FM 2004 in Lake Jackson; Lucciola Midtown, 282 units at 4001 Fannin Street; Residences

at Kingwood, 298 units at 6519 Kings River Drive in Humble; Birchway Spring Cypress, 420 units at 19101 Kuykendahl Road in Spring; and Preserve at Woodridge, 131 units at 4250 Woodridge Pkwy in Porter.

Hamilton Point Investments: Urban Oaks at Conroe, 288 units at 2086 Porter Road in Conroe.

J.H.W. Enterprises Property Management Inc: Argo Point Apartments, 60 units at 1933 Argo Road in Conroe.

Lincoln Property Company: Capri Villas at the Lake, 168 units at 425 McCaleb Road in Montgomery.

Livingo Communities LLC: Elevate at Med Center, 326 units at 7110 Ardmore Street.

Mosaic Residential Inc: White Oak Highline, 66 units at 610 Oxford Street, and Evolve Champions, 336 units at 14919 TC Jester Blvd. Oak Leaf Management Co: Jameson Capital Apartments, 23 units at 1223

W 25th Street, and 1305 Memorial Apartments, 44 units at 1305 Memorial Drive in Baytown.

ResProp Management: Briarwest, 227 units at 1950 Winrock Blvd; Milano Apartments, 330 units at 2500 Woodland Park Drive; and Standard in the Heights, 301 units at 609 Waverly Street.

RPM Living: The Park at Tivoli, 250 units at 12903 Sugar Ridge Blvd in Stafford; Park at Saronno, 316 units at 10580 Hammerly Blvd; The Park at San Marino, 384 units at 14501 Empanada Drive; The Park at Salerno, 198 units at 12801 Champion Forest Drive; Park at Pisa, 279 units at 2410 S Kirkwood Road; The Park at Amalfi, 169 units at 1000 Country Place Drive; Siena on Westheimer, 643 units at 6263 Westheimer Road; and The Palms at Cinco Ranch, 200 units at 23600 FM 1093 Road in Richmond.

66 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

Sapphire Management/Cove Capital Investments: Sapphire Management/Cove Capital Investments Properties, 50 units at various locations.

Sisters Property Management LLC: Monterrey Vista Apartments, 28 units at 4503 Werner Street. Vesta Corporation: 55Fifty At Northwest Crossing, 378 units at 5550 Bingle Road.

Wilhoit Properties Inc: Costa Vizcaya Houston LLC, 252 units at 12020 N Gessner Road, and Brazoswood Clute LP, 72 units at 255 E Brazoswood Drive in Clute.

Wood Residential: Alta Sergeant, 354 units at 650 Sgt Ed Holcomb Blvd N in Conroe.

ZRS Management LLC: Metro Midtown, 419 units at 2350 Bagby Street, and Smart Living Heights, 240 units at 3530 W 12th Street.

In the News

Rasa Floors announced it has acquired Floors First.

Congratulations to Hoffer Furniture, honored as one of the best family owned businesses in Houston by the Houston Business Journal.

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 67 Have something to report from your company or for yourself? Email us your news at comm@haaonline.org.

On the Scene with ACES

ACES Luncheon

Sponsored by Best Plumbing and Texas Apartment Pool Services

Friday, June 16 at Maggiano’s Little Italy

The ACES Manager Appreciation Luncheon featured “Growing your Executive Presence” with industry speaker Susan Weston.

IN PURSUIT OF AN EVER-INCREASING LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM, the Apartment Community Executives & Supervisors group was created to offer executive-level members a way to network and exchange information and knowledge. It offers them an opportunity for educational programs and presentations, along with greater knowledge of the political and legislative needs of the industry. ACES is intended for those on the property management side of HAA membership in an executive or leadership role. For more on ACES, see online at www.haaonline.org or contact Lauren Turner at lturner@haaonline.org.

68 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org

1 2 1 2

www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 69

HAA reserves the right to reject any advertising if its content is inappropriate or inconsistent with HAA’s standards for publication or HAA’s business interests, in HAA’s sole opinion.

Want to see current and previous issues of ABODE online? Go to http://issuu.com/haa_abode. Or view this issue on your computer, tablet or smartphone at http://issuu.com/haa_abode/docs/abode_aug2023. A/C Supplies Century A/C Supply 31 281-530-2859 www.centuryac.com Appliance - Leasing Precision Appliance Leasing 53 844-566-1212 www.precisionapplianceleasing.com Carpet Installation Dixie Carpet Installations 15 281-261-6334 www.dixiecarpet.com Texas Southwest Floors 68 800-719-4321 www.texasswfloors.com Collection Agencies Alexander-Rose Associates Inc. 67 713-644-4441 www.alexanderrose-inc.com Electric Contractors Affordable Quality Electric 13 713-695-5992 www.acuityelectric.com Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services 55 281-693-3383 www.brandtelectrical.com Fire/Water Damage Restoration PuroClean 65 281-916-2002 www.puroclean.com/pss-tx Foundation Repair Church Foundation Repair 49 713-468-8400 www.churchfoundationrepair.com General Contractors Camp Construction Services Back Cover 713-413-2267 www.campconstruction.com Cotton Commercial USA Inc. 14 877-511-2962 www.cottongds.com Crestmark Construction Services 1 713-426-6161 www.crestmarkservices.com Gemstar Construction & Development 10 281-821-1195 www.gemstarconstruction.com Guardian Construction 47 832-672-4196 www.guardianconst.com MultiFamily Services 5 713-266-9100 RENCON Inside Back Cover 713-666-3636 www.rencon.com Glass – Plate, Window, Etc. Ameristar Screen and Glass 57 713-683-6767 www.ameristarglass.com Landscape Contractors Texscape Services 60 281-846-3779 www.texscapeservices.com Laundry Equipment & Supplies Scott Equipment 57 713-686-7268 www.scott-equipment.com Movers Ameritex Movers 2 713-484-MOVE www.stressfreemove.com Paint Behr Paint 27 800-431-3000 www.homedepot/proxtra.com Personnel Agency ASAP Personnel 67 972-432-6667 www.asapdo.com Plumbing Contractors AAA Plumbers 61 713-462-4753 www.aaaplumbers.com Resident Screening Service SafeRent Solutions Inside Front Cover 888-297-8821 www.saferentsolutions.com Screens Ameristar Screen and Glass 67 713-683-6767 www.ameristarglass.com Swimming Pool Service Poolsure 12 800-858-POOL www.poolsure.com HAA Products & Services Rental Credit Reporting 23 713-595-0300 www.haaonline.org/rcr

70 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org Index of Advertisers By CATEGORY With HAA’s job board, you’ll discover a professional community that’s committed to helping you find the right candidate or your next job opportunity in the greater Houston and surrounding areas. TARGET QUALIFIED LEADS www.haaonline.org jobs@haaonline.org 713-595-0300 www.haaonline.org

MarketLine By BRUCE

, Senior Director, MRI ApartmentData from MRI Software www.haaonline.org August 2023 ABODE 71

MCCLENNY

Back Page with News from around the COMMUNITY 72 ABODE August 2023 www.haaonline.org Questions? saleshelp+haa@webscribble.com 888-995-2244 Ext 1057 Working in multiple Texas markets? Visit the TAA Career Center at www.taa.org/careers/

Houston Apartment Association 4810 Westway Park Blvd. Houston, Texas 77041

ABODE August 2023

ABODE

HONORS AWARDS

CONTENTS

ON THE COVER

FEATURES & PHOTOS

COLUMNS & MONTHLY UPDATES

OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP

SPONSOR MEMBERS

Letter from the President

CONGRATULATIONS ARE DUE TO SOME OF THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION’S FINEST – OUR HAA HONORS AWARD NOMINEES AND WINNERS!

August Patron of the Month

TAX RELIEF

Legislature passes the largest property tax cut in Texas history.

Texas Supreme Court Emergency Order Expires

AND THAT’S FINAL

HUD publishes final rule reviving Discriminatory Effects Rule.

Review Your Policies.

Determine Your Legally Sufficient Justification.

CHECKS AND BALANCES

A resident files a complaint to dispute excessive move out charges.

RESIDENT FILED

On the Scene with HAF EDUCATION

HAA Legal Seminar

Celebrate our Dynamic Maintenance professionals with the Dynamo Maintenance Appreciation NIGHT

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

25-27

28

Do you really know your applicant?

NintenBOWL SUPER

Property management supervisors and executives:

NAA’S ANNUAL MENTAL HEALTH SURVEY RESULTS

Methodology

“The Brand Isn’t Something You Earn, It’s Something You Bid On” Sponsorship Auction

On the Scene Photos by HIEBERT PHOTOGRAPHY

2023 Honors Awards

2023 Honors Individual Nominees

2023 Honors Property Finalists

The Best of the Best in Onsite Management

Owner/Management Executive of the Year Christy Rodriguez, CAPS, Judwin Properties

Portfolio Supervisor of the Year Kathy Motis, CAPS, CAM, Greystar

Corporate Support Professional of the Year

Manager of the Year, 1 to 199 units

Elvia Bustos, CAM, CALP, CAMT, AIME, Veritas Equity Managment

Assistant Manager of the Year Jennifer Guillen, Venterra Realty

Marketing/Training Director of the Year Nikki Chambers, CAPS, CAM, Hanover Company

Manager of the Year, 200 to 299 units

Tracy Sosa, CAM, Westdale Asset Management

Manager of the Year, 300 to 399 units Necole Steward, CALP, Quarterra

Manager of the Year, 400+ units

Irene Balderas, CAM, Allied Orion Group

Leasing Professional of the Year Jackie Salazar, Abbey Residential

Independent Owner of the Year Karen Zuckero, IROP, CAM TAZRock Asset Management

FOREST OAKS

The 2023 HAA Honors Awards recipient for property of less than 100 units.

On the Scene with the HAA PAC

WE’RE ALL ABOUT BETTER GOVERNMENT

Brazoria County State of the Submarket

OWNERS

SUPPLIERS

Get Involved Volunteer HAA

WANT A LV?

Join our Quarterly Meetings!

OUR SUPPLIER NETWORK

Portfolio Changes

In the News

On the Scene with ACES

Articles inside

The Best of the Best in Onsite Management

AND THAT’S FINAL

TAX RELIEF

Letter from the President