ABODE November 2021 by HAA Publishing

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ABODE THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

HIRING AND HR • EXPO AND GOLF PHOTOS

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

www.haaonline.org

November 2021

ABODE • NOVEMBER 2021 • VOLUME 44, ISSUE 11

… and so is everybody else. Learn the right strategies for hiring, training and establishing wellness in the workplace.

www.haaonline.org

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CONTENTS November 2021

ON THE COVER

FEATURES & PHOTOS

Now Hiring –

28 On the Scene – Photos from the 2021 HAA Education Conference and Expo.

Staffing shortages are continuing to cause headaches in the apartment industry. In order to remedy this issue, employers must find new ways to attract and keep employees.

36 One the Scene – Photos from the NEXT professional development breakfast “Master Class” featuring a panel of past HAA and PSC presidents.

We hope you find the articles in this issue helpful for hiring, onboarding and retention.

38 Short Staffed – How to hire and retain talent during a labor shortage.

Also in this issue are photos from the 2021 HAA Education Conference and Expo and the Bill Dinerstein Memorial Golf Tournament.

44 In the Era of The Great Resignation – Employers must create a positive onboarding experience for new hires.

Cover Image by Andrii Yalanskyi, iStock by Getty Images

48 Why Empathy Matters in the Workplace – When burnout is driving people to leave their jobs, employers may consider creating an empathatic culture.

52 Prioritizing Wellness in Nonnegotiable – Here’s why.

COLUMNS & MONTHLY UPDATES 7 President’s Corner – This month, HAA President John Boriack interviews Ken Bohan on how he built The Liberty Group. 8 Patron of the Month – Meet and support Dixie Carpet Installations. 9 Legislative Update – A review of the many ways Houston regulates apartments. 11 It’s The Law – The state of Texas now requires apartments to provide a flood disclosure notice. 14 Resident Relations – A resident receives a refund on his security deposit because management failed to provide proof. 20 Calendar – HAA’s schedule of events for the next coming months.

54 On the Scene – Photos from the 2021 Bill Dinerstein Memorial Golf Tournament.

26 NAA Update – An overview of NAA’s advocacy of the federal eviction moratorium.

58 Be The One – Learn how to get the most of your membership from HAA Product Service Council members. This month, they talk about the Ambassador ONE Society.

60 Welcome Mat – Meet the newest HAA members.

72 On Site with ABODE – Take a look at another HAA-member property.

62 Go-Getters – Photos from the Go-Getters Happy Hour in September. Congratulations to the top recruiter Tina Cavaco with Centra Partners and the top team “Team Woody.” 66 The Ambassador ONE Society – The Ambassadors are working together to create a strong network of supplier partners. Congratulations to the “ONE of the Month” Ashley Wiggin with Infinity Power Partners. 70 Portfolio Changes and In the News – Industry news clips from our members. 74 Index of Advertisers – See the supplier members who support this publication. 75 MarketLine – The latest area market numbers. 76 BackPage – News from around the community.

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

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OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL OFFICERS CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ President-Elect JOHN BORIACK President

SCOTT DOUGLAS Vice President at Large

DAVID LINDLEY, CAS President FSI Construction

GINA ERWIN Vice President at Large

DEREK DEVRIES, CAS Vice President, Camp Construction Services

SHELLEY WATSON Vice President at Large

CANDIS MOHR, CAS Secretary, AAA Plumbers

TRACIE YODER Vice President at Large

JOSEPH RODRIGUEZ, CAS Treasurer, The Urban Foresters

CLAY HICKS Immediate Past President

LAURA LESTUS, CAS Immediate Past President, The Liberty Group

STEPHANIE GRAVES Secretary/Treasurer

HOWARD BOOKSTAFF General Counsel

CASEY WATTS MORGAN CEO

BOARD OF DIRECTORS John Boriack President Clay Hicks Immediate Past President Mack Armstrong Julie Batche Jeff Blevins, CAS Jill Bounds, CAM Michelle Bridges, CAS Kyle Brown Joseph Bryson, CAM, IROP Tina Cavaco Terri Clifton Michelle Croasmun Derek DeVries, CAS Ian Douglas Scott Douglas, CAM, CAPS Gina Erwin Tamara Foster Israel Garza, CAS Diane Gilbert Monica Gracia Stephanie Graves, CAM, CAPS Manu Gupta Bryan Head, CAM Melissa Herrera Deborah Holcombe Crystal Jackson, CAM, CAPS Tyler Johnson Debbie Kelm Jacob Kunath, CAS Barby Lake Laura Lestus, CAS David Lindley, CAS Sonia Lopez, CAM, CAPS Betsy Marshall, CAM, CAPS Kristin McLaughlin, CASE Candis Mohr, CAS Carlos Neto Dean O’Kelley, CAS Jenifer Paneral Mark Park, CAS Velissa Parmer Michelle Pawelek Loyal Proffitt Jackie Rhone Christy Rodriguez Kelly Scott Kurt Seidel Corri Smith Kelley Suess Debbie Sulzer

Ryan Terrell Starla Turnbo Richard Wall, CAM, CAPS Shelley Watson Quintina Willis, CAM Tracie Yoder, CAPS 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 Mike Koch Dick LaMarche Tim Myers P David Onanian 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 Billy Griffin, CAS Amanda Kelly, CAS Cesar Lima Mary Lawler Bruce McClenny Angelee Kumar Parikh Penny Sprang Theri Tinelli Ruha Vohra, NALP, CAM Tony Whitaker GENERAL COUNSEL EMERITUS Joe Bax

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 1994 Camp Construction Services 1997 Apartments.com 1999 FSI Construction Inc. 2006 Lowe’s Pro Supply

PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL MEMBERS Amanda Kelly, CAS, Angie Aversa, CAM, Brandt Electrical A/C CAPS, CAS, & Heating Services The Liberty Group Debra Knight, CAS, Chris Bell, CAS, Comm-Fit Cotton Commercial Stephanie Krop, Marivel Bownds, CASE, Poolsure CAS, Valet Living Liz Levins, CAS, Dixie Caldwell, Rasa Floors Apartments.com Tracey Moore, CAS, Shaun Callaway, CAS, Flooring Warehouse Earthworks Karen Nelsen, CAS Neal Conant, CAS, ALN Apartment Gemstar Data Construction Matthew Nunn, CAS, Development Capital Construction Sean Cunningham, Doug Oehl, CAS. CAS, Flooring Flooring Warehouse Warehouse Nikki Sekunda, CAS, Deborah DeRouen, The Liberty Group CAS, OneApp Blaise Spitaleri, CAS, Guarantee Gemstar Juana Estrada, CAS, Construction First OnSite Development Giovanna Gone, CAS, Mat Tilley, CAS, Century A/C Supply WeDoTrash Jimmie Hotz, CASE, Amber Whitaker, CAS Chadwell Supply FSI Construction Dan James, CAS, Redevelopment Services

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NOVEMBER 2021 I VOLUME 44, ISSUE 11 CEO and Publisher CASEY WATTS MORGAN cmorgan@haaonline.org EDITORIAL AND DESIGN STAFF Director of Publications and Design DEBORAH NIX dnix@haaonline.org Managing Editor MORGAN TAYLOR mtaylor@haaonline.org ADVERTISING Vice President of Membership and Marketing AMANDA SHERBONDY, CAE asherbondy@haaonline.org CONTRIBUTING STAFF Vice President and General Manager SUSAN HINKLEY, CAE shinkley@haaonline.org Vice President of Professional Development EMILY HILTON, CPP, CAE. ehilton@haaonline.org Vice President of Public Affairs ANDY TEAS, CAE. ateas@haaonline.org Chief Financial Officer TREY WIMBERLY, CPA. twimberly@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 Assistant Vice President – Outreach LAUREN TURNER, CAE, CMP lturner@haaonline.org Public Affairs Coordinator MADISON POLSTON mpolston@haaonline.org Membership and Marketing Manager KAYLON NEWCOMB knewcomb@haaonline.org Member Services Coordinator CINDY DE LA RIVA cdelariva@haaonline.org Webmaster and IT Specialist WILL ALFARO walfaro@haaonline.org PRINTER TGI PRINTED www.tgiprinted.com

HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES COMMITTEE CHAIR STAFF ADVISOR Executive John Boriack Casey Morgan Nominating Clay Hicks Casey Morgan Fair Housing Mack Armstrong Casey Morgan Ethics Michelle Pawelek Casey Morgan Finance Gary Blumberg Casey Morgan ByLaws Kyle Brown Casey Morgan Past Presidents Council Kathy Clem Casey Morgan Multifamily Fire Safety Alliance Elizabeth Castro-Gray Andy Teas Developers Todd Triggs Andy Teas Legislative Christy Rodriguez Andy Teas Political Action Stacy Hunt Andy Teas Century Club Joseph Rodriguez Andy Teas Golf Mark Park Andy Teas Strategic Outreach Stephanie Graves Lauren Turner Leadership Development Alison Hall Susan Hinkley Community Outreach Jackie Aguirre Susan Hinkley Product Service Council David Lindley Susan Hinkley Expo Exhibitor Derek DeVries Amanda Sherbondy Membership Melissa Friend Amanda Sherbondy Doug Oehl Ambassador ONE Society Ryan Weis Amanda Sherbondy Marivel Bownds Independent Owners Connection Ramon Nunez Amanda Sherbondy Education Advisory Council Betsy Marshall Emily Hilton Monica Gracia Career & Community Development Penny Sprang Emily Hilton Resident Relations A Beverly Norris Matti Luna Resident Relations B Kevin Hartman Matti Luna Resident Relations Appeals Darlene Guidry Matti Luna HAF Fundraiser Mark Park Lauren Ragin Debbie Andreozzi NEXT Ruha Vohra Lauren Ragin Amanda Kelley Property Awards Susan Dear Tina DeFiore

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, NOVEMBER 2021, VOLUME 44, ISSUE 11 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 © 2021 by HAA. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABODE, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041.

www.haaonline.org

November 2021

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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.

100% Tree & Lawn Care LLC 3BeeGuys Bee Removal A + Infinity Blue Outdoors LLC AAA Staffing Ltd AAdvantage Laundry Systems ACM Contractors of Texas ACT Security Group Action Window Coverings Inc ACTIV Answer by Audio Images Adobe Floors Inc Adventure Playground Systems Inc Affinity Hot Water Technoogy Inc Alexander-Rose Associates Inc All About Doody Pet Solutions LLC All American Mailboxes of Houston Inc Allegion The Allshouse Group LLC ALN Apartment Data Inc America Outdoor Furniture American Fire Systems Inc AmRent Andrews Myers PC Apartment Lines ApartmentData.com APEX Lighting Store AppFolio Arbor Contract Carpet Inc arc electric + lighting Archcon ASAP Personnel Inc ASAP Steamers Carpet Cleaning Atom4 Security Camera AZPartsmaster Belfor Property Restoration Bell’s Laundries Benefits 4 Rent BenefitU Bentley, Bratcher & Associates - PC Bettencourt Tax Advisors LLC BGE Inc/aka Brown & Gay Engineers Inc Big Star Development LLC Bio-One Houston South BioTechs Crime & Trauma Scene Cleaning Blue Heron Technologies LLC BluSky Restoration Contractors Brady Chapman Holland & Assoc Brannan Designs LLC Architecture & Interior Design BrightView Landscape LLC BSI Building Professionals of Texas CAD Restoration Services LLC Cano Electric Inc Cantrell McCulloch Inc Carradine Valet CashFlow Pros LLC Centex Construction CFI Group Chadwell Supply Cinch – Cabinet Refacing Kits Citi Fence & Concrete Classic Same Day Blinds Classic Touch Painting Comcast Commercial Fire Protection

Contractors Inc ControlByNet Cloud and Managed Video Surveillance Solutions CORT Furniture CRE Business Solutions LLC The Crawfish Men Catering Creative Blinds Crowned Eagle Construction CSI LED & Hardware Cypress Landscaping & Irrigation Inc D&G Quality Roofing Inc DeNyse Companies Designs by Holmes Diamond Services LLC DNM Contracting Inc DoodyCalls Door Clearance Center Ecolo Environmental Inc Embark Services Emersyn Electrical Services LLC EnviroSmart Multifamily Pest Solutions Epic Air Conditioning EPICHTX Construction Fantastic Floors FAST Security, LLC Featherston Sign Partners Fedora Intertech Fiat Construction LLC Fidus Construction Services Finish Factory Inc Finishes Insurance Agency Flavor Finish Resurfacing Flexirocks Front Row Signs Frontier Waste Solutions fun abounds Furniture Refinishing Services Gambit Construction Garan Commercial Construction Inc Gateman Inc Giordano Construction Inc Go-Staff Inc Graphic Stylus Promotional Products Great American Business Products Green City Security LLC Green Garbology Guardian Gutters Halo Doors Inc HARCO Insurance Services Hard Works Valet Trash & Recycling Hays Recruiting Higginbotham Hillco Building Service Hive Technology HK Morris Group LLC The Home Team Roofing & A/C Hoover Slovacek LLP Hut Services LLC IGD Plumbing LLC Industrial Disposal Supply Infinity Power Partners Innovated Homes LLC Johnstone Supply Jonah Digital Agency

Kathy Andrews Interiors Keylo Painting & Construction King’s Granite and Marble KONE LandscapesUSA Leah McVeigh Design and Consulting The Liberty Group Lights Out Production Company Lincoln Jacob Construction Lithotech Printed Products/ Forms Center LJL DESIGN, LLC Local Roofing and Restoration Lopez Carpet Care & Painting LP Building Solutions: LouisianaPacific Corporation LSR Multifamily LVL Up Remodeling Macyas Remodeling LLC Maldonado Nursery & Landscaping Inc Marathon Solutions Group LLC Masonry Solutions Inc Matrix Construction Services McMahan's Flooring Inc MPS Direct Mueller Water Conditioning Inc MX2 Commercial Paving Nations Roof Houston LLC Nationwide Eviction Nettles & Co Property Tax Consulting Norman Roofing and Construction Notifii LLC O’Connor & AssociatesCommercial Property Tax Division O'Conor Mason & Bone PC On Duty Tree and Landscape Outdoor Elements P.A.I. Restoration Pace Mechanical Services LLC Parking Management Company/ PMC Towing Paul Davis Restoration North Houston PCS Creative Surface LLC Perma-Pier Foundation Repair of Texas The Phoenix Staffing Pool Knights Precision Hydro Pros Precision Safe Sidewalks LLC Priority Protection & Investigations Inc Pro Turf Landscaping Professional Resurface LLC Pura Flo Corporation Quick Roofing RAM Construction Ram Jack Foundation Solutions Redevelopment Services Redstone Payment Solutions Reliable Roofing of Texas Inc Reliant Remedy Roofing Inc RENCON Rent Debt Automated Collections RentSense LLC

Residential Waste Service LLC Restoration 1 of Central Houston REVS (Refuel Electric Vehicle Solutions) RezClean Houston RG Miller Engineers RLB Construction Ltd dba RoofTec Roosevelt General Contracting Roto-Rooter Services Co SafeRent Solutions Saifee Signs & Graphics Saint Clair & Sons Inc Scoop Troop HTX SEAL Security Solutions LLC Secure Insurance Sherwin Williams Company Sign-Ups & Banners Signal 88 Security Skyline Highrise Services SOS-ASAP Softwashing South Central Electric LLC Southern Shingles Steward Trash Valet Service Storm Maintenance & Monitoring Stormwater Professionals Group Strata Roofing and Construction LLC Structural Concrete Systems LLC Swain & Baldwin Insurance & Risk Management Texas Apartment Pool Services Texas Concrete Professional Company Texas Engineered Roofing & General Contracting Texas Landscape Group LLC Texas Management Group LLC Texas Southwest Floors Inc Texas Waste Management Solutions LLC Texas Window Cleaning Co Inc Text Services LLC The Lane Law Firm Three Amigos Texas LLC Tidal Renovations LLC Top Brass Services Group Tpo Pros Roofing & Restoration Triangle DJ Contractors Two Brothers Foundation Repair United Protective Services Urban Design Constructors LLC USA Patrol Division Valet Living VBM Waste LLC VERO Vima Decor WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems Watermark Restoration and Construction Wayfinder Tax Relief LLC Webb Pest Control Westco Grounds Maintenance LLC Whitmans Contracting and Roofing Willbanks & Associates Inc Winhill Advisors World Cinema Inc WRLD PRO Vending LLC

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Letter from the President

By JOHN BORIACK, 2021 HAA President

LEARN FROM THE LEADERS Advice from the Houston Apartment Association’s rich legacy of past presidents.

KEN BOHAN IS an iconic entrepreneur within the Houston Apartment Association. In 1977, he started The Liberty Group (Liberty) as an executive search firm serving the Houston multifamily and commercial real estate markets. Since then, Ken has led Liberty to expand each time the demand commanded growth, throughout tough transitions when innovative technology changed the way we do business and every time adversity challenged the business. Today, Liberty is a national staffing leader serving the real estate, finance/accounting and information technology industries in 28 markets, placing executives and personnel in 48 of the 50 states. Liberty even has its own screening service, Liberty Screening Services, to perform pre-employment screening, drug testing, background checks and more. Over the decades, Ken has also been an incredible volunteer leader to HAA, the Texas Apartment Association and even the National Apartment Association. In 1988, Ken served as president of the HAA Product Service Council. He remained a committed leader to HAA, serving on many committees. He is most proud of his recent volunteer role as a member of the 2020 HAA COVID-19 Task Force. In 2012, he was honored as the fourth supplier member in 52 years to receive the HAA Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2020, NAA awarded Ken with the National Supplier Council Achievement Award of Excellence. And, in 2021, Ken proudly accepted TAA’s Mike Clark Supplier Company of the Year award. I list these accolades only to display his leadership and commitment to the apartment industry. It takes a great deal of risk taking, determination and passion to build a business that lasts for 44 years. And on top of that, to be as involved in HAA, TAA and NAA as he has been. In this interview, Ken reveals what he learned in building, expanding and maintaining a nationally respected company over the course of nearly four and a half decades.

John Boriack: What are some things you wish you knew when you started your career? Ken Bohan: I founded The Liberty Group in 1977, and business began on January 2, 1978. For the first five plus years the business grew, and I had no sense that there was a potential downside. In 1985, the U.S. Congress changed the tax codes that provided tax advantages for many of my local and national clients, which had syndicated properties. Having no sense of what was to come, it was about www.haaonline.org

The most important life skill is the ability to listen and to take what you hear to heart. If given the opportunity, our clients and candidates will share their needs and give us the opportunity to address them. In addition, one has to be improvisational, to be able to think on one’s feet, to be able to react quickly and, lastly, tenacity, the ability to stay the course. I have found it will all be all right in the end. If it’s not all right, it isn’t the end.

that same time I began a significant expansion by computerizing the firm, doubling the office space and taking on, for the first time in the company’s history, a great deal of debt. The Liberty Group survived that experience, but what I learned is that we are in a service business, which needs to have significant cash reserves. I failed to learn, “What goes up will come down!” There will be cycles. Because we survived that cycle, Liberty has subsequently weathered all other cycles successfully (i.e., the recession of 1988). The lesson learned was to make sure that you have enough operating reserves to weather any financial storm. John: What skill(s) do you believe is the most important to perfect for someone who does what you do? Ken: The most important life skill is the ability to listen and to take what you hear to heart. If given the opportunity, our clients and candidates will share their needs and give us the opportunity to address them. In addition, one has to be improvisational, to be able to think on one’s feet, to be able to react quickly and, lastly, tenacity, the ability to stay the course. I have found it will all be all right in the end. If it’s not all right, it isn’t the end. John: What is the hardest leadership lesson that keeps being presented to you that you either have to learn or relearn? Ken: The hardest leadership lesson I learned was to establish realistic goals for those you manage or supervise, to effectively communicate those goals and, maybe more importantly, set minimum standards to hold those individuals accountable. The 80/20 rule applies here. I tended to spend 80% of my time with the / See President, Page 65

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

Houston Planned Energy Systems

HAA Member since 1997

Cotton Commercial USA Inc.

Gemstar Construction Development Inc.

HAA Member since 1982

Lowe’s Pro Supply

HAA Member since 1985

CSC ServiceWorks

HAA Member since 1984

HAA Member since 2006

HAA Member since 1961

Craven Carpet

HAA Member since 1986

Camp Construction Services

HAA Member since 1994

November Patron of the Month

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November 2021

Apartments.com

HAA Member since 1978

AAA Plumbers

FSI Construction Inc.

HAA Member since 1999

Dixie Carpet Installations

HAA Member since 1987

Century A/C Supply

HAA Member since 1968

www.haaonline.org

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Legislative Update

By CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ, HAA Legislative Chair, with ANDY TEAS, CAE, Vice President of Public Affairs

APARTMENT REGULATION IN HOUSTON Cities have a variety of tools to deal with problem properties.

NOBODY HATES SLUM apartments more than the owners and managers of legitimate, well-run apartment communities. If you have ever managed a property next door to one of these, you know what I mean. Problem properties drive down your rents, scare away prospective residents and send your existing residents looking for better neighborhoods when it’s time to renew. Elected officials shouldn’t be but are sometimes surprised to learn that most of the laws and ordinances to regulate the apartment industry have been created with extensive input and support from the Houston Apartment Association and its members. During the City of Houston’s recent budget hearings, Council Member Leticia Plummer offered an amendment to create new regulations for apartments – many of which are already in place. At committee hearings last month, it became apparent that many council members are not aware of the extensive toolkit the city has, and uses, to make sure apartment properties are safe and secure. A quick review seems in order. Habitability Houston was the first large city in Texas to adopt a true multi-disciplined apartment inspection program. Under former Mayor Bill White, with input from HAA, the city created a program combining structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing inspections into one program with inspectors cross-trained in all four areas. Apartment properties are required to register (free of charge), and each of the 4,315 properties in Houston are inspected roughly every other year. Inspectors also investigate complaints, usually within 24 hours of a 311 call. Occupancy Every apartment building in Houston is required to have a valid certificate of occupancy (CO), and properties built before the mid-1980s www.haaonline.org

have been required to have an updated inspection to ensure compliance with new (at that time) life safety standards. All Houston inspectors, even the swimming pool inspectors, are trained to check for valid COs. Properties that change ownership are required to obtain new certificates in the current owner’s name, although a new occupancy inspection is not generally required simply for an ownership or name change. An occupancy inspection is an extensive look at the property’s structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. Fire Inspection The Houston Fire Department has two separate but related functions to keep citizens safe from fire: suppression and prevention. Suppression is the exciting part you see on television – heroic fire fighters climbing ladders with hoses and running into burning buildings to save lives. The less exciting but equally important part is fire prevention – inspecting every type of building from chemical plants to elementary schools for compliance with the fire code. The HFD has a multifamily team that inspects apartments. You know the inspectors in the white shirts crawling into your attics to check the draft stops for holes? That’s them. Their checklist is similar to the habitability inspector’s checklist but they are focused on fire safety issues, such as fire walls, fire and smoke alarms, hose connections, improper chemical storage. (Be sure your team stores pool chemicals correctly – especially pool shock). If you have a controlled access property, the inspectors will also want to see an approved set of gate plans to make sure the gate is designed to allow their trucks to get in when they need to. Swimming Pools The Houston Health Department has a section devoted entirely to swimming pool inspection, and the lion’s share of the swimming pools they inspect are in apartment communities and ho-

tels. Inspectors are looking at water quality, but they also make sure enclosure fences and gates meet state law, that required signs and lifesaving equipment are in place and electrical systems around pools (pumps and lighting) are protected by GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupters). An annual operating permit is required. Police – Part 1 The Houston Police Department has “Differential Response Team” officers assigned to every substation. DRT Officers are trained in code compliance issues, and can enforce all of Houston’s construction and maintenance codes, with a particular focus on properties that present serious problems to the community. Police – Part 2 Houston was the first city in the nation to create anything like the Multifamily Crime Ordinance. Former Mayor Bill White created this ordinance based on the idea that while apartment properties cannot control or prevent crime from occurring, they can take certain steps to reduce the likelihood of excessive amounts of crime. This was a tough negotiation for HAA. Crime happens everywhere. Shifting the blame from the criminal to the owner of the property where the crime occurred doesn’t help anyone except plaintiff’s lawyers. Ultimately, though, the city crafted an ordinance that measures crime at apartment properties on two separate scales (UCR Part 1 and UCR Part 2). Properties with consistently excessive amounts of crimes on both scales become “remedial action eligible,” meaning they have to pay a fee, meet with police crime prevention specialists and come up with a plan that might include better lighting, better resident screening or any of a number of other tools to address the problem(s) unique to that property. After the first round of interventions following / See Legislative, Page 73 November 2021

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It’s the Law

By HOWARD BOOKSTAFF, Hoover Slovacek LLP , HAA General Counsel

STATE NOW REQUIRES FLOOD DISCLOSURE NOTICE What is required, what is considered flooding and your legal rights and responsibilities.

WHETHER YOU CALL yourself Katrina, Harvey, Ida or Nicholas or whether you are a tropical depression, tropical storm or hurricane, you could have had, and probably have had, a substantial impact in the Gulf Coast area. In Houston, nobody is surprised when flooding occurs after a strong rainfall. The Texas Legislature has not been blinded to the impact that flooding has had on life in Texas. A number of bills have been filed over the past couple of sessions suggesting that landlords should tell tenants if the property where the tenant is leasing has flooded. Most of these bills have failed, but one last session successfully passed. The bill is House Bill 531 and takes effect January 1, 2022. The new law adds Section 92.0135 to the Texas Property Code and applies to all residential rental properties in Texas. Let’s take a look at what you will be required to do. What is required to be disclosed? There are two disclosures required under the new law: 1. A landlord is required to provide to a tenant a written notice substantially equivalent to the following: (Landlord) ( ) is or ( ) is not aware that the dwelling you are renting is located in a 100-year floodplain. If neither box is checked, you should assume the dwelling is in a 100year floodplain. Even if the dwelling is not in a 100-year floodplain, the dwelling may still be susceptible to flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maintains a flood map on its Internet website that is searchable by address, at no cost, to determine if a dwelling is located in a flood hazard area. Most tenant insurance policies do not cover damages or loss incurred in a flood. You should seek insurance coverage that would cover losses caused by a flood. www.haaonline.org

Note: A landlord is not required to disclose on the notice that the landlord is aware that a dwelling is located in a 100-year floodplain if the elevation of the dwelling is raised above the 100-year floodplain flood levels in accordance with federal regulations.

A number of bills have been filed over the past couple of sessions suggesting that landlords should tell tenants if the property where the tenant is leasing has flooded. Most of these bills have failed, but one last session successfully passed. The bill is House Bill 531 and takes effect January 1, 2022.

2. If a landlord knows that flooding has damaged any portion of a dwelling at least once during the five-year period immediately preceding the effective date of the lease, the landlord shall provide a written notice to a tenant that is substantially equivalent to the following: (Landlord) ( ) is or ( ) is not aware that the dwelling you are renting has flooded at least once within the last five years. What is considered “flooding?” “Flooding” is defined as a general or temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of a dwelling caused by: (A) the overflow of inland or tidal waters; (B) the unusual rapid accumulation of runoff or surface waters from any established water source such as a river, stream, or drainage ditch; or (C) excessive rainfall. Can the notice be included as part of a lease? No. The notice required by the new law must be included in a separate written document. When is the notice required to be given? The notice required by the new law must be given to the tenant at or before execution of the lease.

What is the penalty for noncompliance? If a landlord violates the new law and a tenant suffers a substantial loss or damage to the tenant’s personal property as a result of flooding, the tenant may terminate the lease by giving a written notice of termination to the landlord not later than the 30th day after the date the loss or damage occurred. For the purposes of this requirement, a tenant suffers a substantial loss or damage to personal property if the total cost of repairs to or replacement of the personal property is 50% or more of the personal property’s market value on the date the flooding occurred. Termination of the lease is effective when the tenant surrenders possession of the dwelling. Not later than the 30th day after the effective date of the termination of a lease, the landlord is required to refund to the tenant all rent and other amounts paid in advance under the lease for any period after the effective date of the termination of the lease. If the tenant terminates the lease under the new law, does the tenant get out of paying any delinquencies as of the termination date? No. The law does not affect a tenant’s liability for delinquent, unpaid rent or other sums owed to the landlord before the date the lease was terminated by the tenant. November 2021

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Can a landlord terminate a lease because of flooding? Yes. A landlord’s right to terminate the lease is pursuant to statute and the lease. Section 92.054(b) of the Texas Property Code provides that if after a casualty loss the rental premises are as a practical matter totally unusable for residential purposes and if the casualty loss is not caused by the negligence or fault of the tenant, a member of the tenant’s family, or a guest or invitee of the tenant, either the landlord or the tenant may terminate the lease by giving written notice to the other party any time before repairs are completed. If the lease is terminated, the tenant is entitled only to a pro-rata refund of rent from the date the tenant moves out and to a refund of any security deposit otherwise required by law. The Texas Apartment Association lease also contains provisions allowing the landlord to terminate the lease in the event of substantial damages to the premises. Section 26.5 of the current version of the TAA lease provides that if the owner believes that fire or catastrophic damages are substantial or if performance of needed repairs poses a danger to the tenant,

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the landlord may terminate the lease by giving the tenant at least seven days written notice. The TAA lease is currently in the process of being modified, however, it should contain a similar provision allowing the landlord to terminate the lease if damages to the dwelling or building are significant or performance of needed repairs poses a danger to the tenant. When should we be prepared to give the required disclosure notice? House Bill 531 states that the new law applies to a lease agreement entered into or renewed on or after January 1, 2022. Consequently, if you sign a lease on or after January 1, 2022, the flood disclosure notice should be given at or before the execution of the lease. If you have a lease that is renewing on a month-to-month basis, the flood disclosure notice should be given at or before the first renewal that occurs on or after January 1, 2022.

Want to read more legal news from Howard? Want to see current and previous issues of ABODE online? Go to http://issuu.com/haa_abode.

Flooding can occur at any time in apartment communities in Houston and the surrounding areas. Hopefully this article helps you understand your new obligations with respect to providing a flood disclosure notice.

www.haaonline.org

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Resident Relations from the RESIDENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE

PROVIDE DOCUMENTATION A resident receives a refund on his security deposit because management failed to provide proof.

A RESIDENT FILED a complaint with

the Houston Apartment Association to dispute charges and to receive a refund on his security deposit. In his complaint, the resident specifically requested management compensate him $7,000 in damages caused by a roach infestation. Management responded to HAA and that response was forwarded to the applicant. Enclosed in management’s response were copies of the lease, application, resident’s notice of intent to move out, move-in condition form and pictures. Also included in management’s response was a pest termination service request form detailing each pest extermination visit and the

condition of the apartThe HAA Resident Relations Committees provide ment at each visit. an impartial review of resident complaints using Each time this unit the documentation provided by both the resident received pest extermination, notes were and management. included about the unsanitary state of the apartment. No other apartment unit included notes similar to this. rule in favor of the resident. The committee ruled in favor of the resManagement is to drop all charges and ident. Even though the property proved it refund the resident his full security deposit routinely exterminated the unit, management of $399. failed to provide HAA with a final account statement, a resident ledger or any invoices to If you are a manager with a resident support the charges. relations issue, call HAA at 713-595-0300 Because of this, the committee is left to for direct assistance. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I 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. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I 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. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

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The Honors are back November 11!

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It’s been a tough two years. Come celebrate the best in the multifamily industry with HAA. We will be honoring the best in the industry, plus recognition of the 2021 HAA Leadership, NAA Credential holders and 2020 HAA Lyceum graduates.

2021 Honors Awards THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11 6 P.M. TO 9 P.M. HILTON AMERICAS-HOUSTON 1600 LAMAR ST., HOUSTON, TEXAS 77010 $120/person Don’t miss the Early Bird Discount: Save $20 – Only $100 if payment is received by October 22 Tables of 10 may be reserved by company name when paid in full. Requests for refunds must be received in writing by the end of business day on November 4 and will be subject to a $50 cancellation fee. No refunds will be granted after November 4 or for no shows. No refunds will be given for individual tickets, but tickets are fully transferable.

For reservations and information, contact events@haaonline.org or register online at www.haaonline.org/honors.

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Jingle Bell R ock Karaoke Night

Ho Ho Hold

that microp hone!

Come sing your heart out for the holiday season with the HAA NEXTers!

Bring out your best holiday attire for the costume contest and don't miss out on a chance to win $100! All attendees will be entered into three drawings for tickets to the 2022 HAA Installation Gala on January 28 at Marriott Marquis! Must be present to win.

Thursday, De cember 2

Spotlight Ka ra 6 p.m. to 9 p.moke Galleria, 5901 Westheimer Road . $20/person Register

y Sponsored b truction s Gemstar Con lements E and Outdoor

at www.haao nline.org

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NOVEMBER S M T W 1 2 3 7 8 9 10 14 15 16 17 21 22 23 24 28 29 30

Calendar HAA Education, Events and Meetings SCHEDULE

T 4 11 18 25

F 5 12 19 26

S 6 13 20 27

DECEMBER S M T W 1 5 6 7 8 12 13 14 15 19 20 21 22 26 27 28 29

T 2 9 16 23 30

F 3 10 17 24 31

S 4 11 18 25

NOVEMBER 3

New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, November 3 10 a.m. Via Zoom All new supplier members are welcome. Contact members@haaonline.org for link. Ambassador ONE Society Happy Hour Wednesday, November 3 3:30 to 5 p.m. Kirby Ice House Memorial City 1015 Gessner Road Ambassadors only. Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

Certified Apartment Manager Exam Monday, November 8 Noon to 4 p.m.

9-12

Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician Courses: Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Maintenance Repai; and Appliance Maintenance and Repair Tuesday, November 9 through Friday, November 12 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services and American Fire Systems

Certified Apartment Manager Course: Risk Management Module Wednesday, November 3 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Outdoor Elements

Resident Relations Committee A Meeting Wednesday, November 10 Via Zoom 2 p.m.

Certified Apartment Manager Course: Human Resources Module Thursday, November 4 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Core Landscape Group Montgomery County Justice of the Peace and Constable Appreciation Luncheon Thursday, November 4 Contact outreach@haaonline.org for more information. Legal Lowdown Thursday, November 4 3 p.m. See Page 23 for more information. Sponsored by Perma-Pier

Blood Drive Friday, November 5 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Chili Fest Committee Meeting Friday, November 5 4 p.m. A final, wrap-up meeting for the Chili Fest Committee.

16-17

Leasing 101 (two days) Tuesday, November 16 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

25-26

Offices Closed Thursday, November 25 through Friday, November 26 The HAA office is closed in observance of Thanksgiving.

PAC Steering Committee Meeting Tuesday, November 16 12 p.m. Contact mpolston@haaonline.org for details

Avenues: Maintenance 3 “Intermediate HVAC” with Mark Cukro Wednesday, November 17 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. See Page 22 for details. Sponsored by AAA Plumbers NEXT Young Professionals Committee Meeting Wednesday, November 17 5 p.m. Moonshine Deck 3304 Milam Street, 77006

Blue Star Program – Virtual Thursday, November 11 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Blue Star Certification Program is a joint effort by the Houston Police Department and HAA. Created for rental properties of all sizes, the program's goal is to help law enforcement officials and the multifamily housing industry work together to effectively reduce criminal activity in rental properties. Please direct questions to officer Leoroy Ferguson at Leoroy.Ferguson @houstonpolice.org.

Featured Event: Honors Awards Thursday, November 11 6 p.m. Hilton Americas-Houston 1600 Lamar Street, 77010 Join us as we honor and celebrate the multifamily industry's finest professionals and properties, as well as recent NAA credential holders. See Pages 16 and 17 for more information and to view a list of sponsors.

IROC Breakfast Friday, November 19 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sponsored by Fetch Package

Certified Apartment Manager Exam Thursday, November 18 Noon to 4 p.m. Legislative Meeting Thursday, November 18 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

HAA Board of Directors Meeting Thursday, November 18 4 p.m. Sponsored by Recycle NOW

Brazoria County Justice of the Peace and Constable Appreciation Luncheon Friday, November 19 Contact outreach@haaonline.org for more information.

Don’t miss the final Go-Getter Meeting for 2021 on December 9 4 p.m. at Cottonwood 3422 N Shepherd Drive, 77018 Join the club and learn how you can recruit for HAA. Be the top recruiter for each quarter and win $500 cash! Plus, for each new member you recruit, you’ll earn a chance to win gift cards ranging from $25 to $250! JOIN A TEAM and build relationships with likeminded members. Get involved with Go-Getters and make lasting industry connections. See Page 62 for more details.

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 for an interactive calendar. 20

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

For the most up-to-date information, see the calendar on the HAA website:

www.haaonline.org

DECEMBER 1-3

Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician Course Wednesday, December 1 through Friday, December 3 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

ACES Luncheon Friday, December 3 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Brennan’s 3300 Smith St., 77006 The Apartment Community Executives and Supervisors will return to their annual holiday luncheon with a festive lunch at one of Houston’s iconic restuarants and pop-up shopping. Sponsored by Lowe’s Pro Supply and Texas Southwest Floors

Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor Course: Asset Evaluations and Preservation Thursday, December 9 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. See Page 24 for more information. Sponsored by Contractors Inc.

HAAPAC Year-end Wrap Up with Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Tuesday, December 14 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Join us as we review 2021 for the HAA PAC and look ahead to highly anticipated elections in 2022. Snacks, iced tea and lemonade will be served.For more information contact mpolston@haaonline.org.

1 New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, December 1 10 a.m. Via Zoom All new supplier members are welcome. Contact members@haaonline.org for the link to join.

2 Fort Bend Justice of the Peace and Constable Appreciation Luncheon Thursday, December 2 11:30 a.m. Contact outreach@haaonline.org for more information. Legal Lowdown Thursday, December 2 3 p.m. HAA’s monthly legal series is brought to you virtually with HAA’s General Counsel Howard Bookstaff. Sponsored by BluSky Restoration HAA NEXT Jingle Bell Rock Karaoke Night Thursday, December 2 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Spotlight Karoake Galleria 5901 Westheimer Road Bring out your best holiday attire for our costume contest. Best dressed will win $100. Additionally, all attendees will be entered into three drawings for tickets to the 2022 HAA Installation Gala Visit www.haaonline.org/next for more information or see Page 19. Sponsored by Gemstar Construction and Outdoor Elements

www.haaonline.org

6 Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor Course: Client Services and Stakeholder Relations Monday, December 6 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All in one week, you can become CAPS certified. Classroom attendance requires at least four of the five scheduled days. Lunch is provided. See Page 24 for more information. Sponsored by Best Plumbing

7 Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor Course: Investment Management Tuesday, December 7 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All in one week, you can become CAPS certified. Classroom attendance requires at least four of the five scheduled days. Lunch is provided. See Page 24 for more information. Sponsored by Dixie Carpet Installations

8 Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor Course: Improving Occupancy Wednesday, December 8 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. All in one week, you can become CAPS certified. Classroom attendance requires at least four of the five scheduled days. Lunch is provided. See Page 24 for more information. Sponsored by Hoffer Furniture Rental and Sales

Go-Getter Holiday Happy Hour Thursday, December 9 4 p.m. Cottonwood 3422 N Shepherd Drive, 77018 New and prospective members are welcome to attend this holiday happy hour. Learn more by visiting www.haaonline.org/gogetters. See Page 62 to learn more. Sponsored by AAA Plumbers and American Fire Systems

10 Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor Course: Talent Management and Leadership and Contemporary Issues in Multifamily Housing Friday, December 10 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. See Page 24 for more information. Sponsored by Earthworks Harris County Justice of the Peace and Constable Appreciation Luncheon Friday, December 10 Contact govaffairs@haaonline.org for more information.

14 Avenues: Leadership 3 – “Play to Your Team’s Strengths: Adapt Your Leadership Style to Bring Out the Best in All” with Amy Kosnikowski Dilisio Tuesday, December 14 8:30 a.m. to noon Today, leaders are challenged to manage multi-generations with varying perspectives and a range of experience levels. Each employee is as unique as their fingerprint, so should the manner in which they are engaged and motivated. When leaders adapt their style, it will increase productivity, engagement and overall happiness at work. See Page 22 for more information. Sponsored by Texas Southwest Floors

15 Certified Apartment Manager Exam Wednesday, December 15 11:30 a.m. Expert Exchange: Topic TBD Wednesday, December 15 Noon to 12:30 p.m. HAA’s Micro Webinar series is made available to you via Zoom and YouTube (subscribe to HAATV). Every third Wednesday of each month.

16 Fair Housing Seminar Thursday, December 16 8:30 a.m. Led by HAA’s General Counsel, Howard Bookstaff, learn about the latest in fair housing law. See Page 23 for more details. Sponsored by Steward Trash Valet Service

23-24, 30-31 Offices Closed Thursday, December 23 through Friday, December 24 and Thursday, December 30 through Friday, December 31 The HAA office is closed in observance of the Christmas and New Years holidays.

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Sponsored by: Best Plumbing

Contractors Inc. Earthworks Inc.

Dixie Carpet Installations Inc.

Hoffer Furniture Rental & Sales

For a more detailed synopsis of individual course content, please visit the education page of our website at www.haaonline.org. For more information on the CAPS credential, contact the HAA Education Department at 713-595-0319, email education@haaonline.org or see online at www.haaonline.org. www.haaonline.org

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Industry Update from the NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION and the NATIONAL MULTIHOUSING COUNCIL

NAA ADVOCACY CASE STUDY: EVICTION MORATORIUM The challenge: Overcoming the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Federal Eviction Moratorium.

IN FALL 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) imposed a nationwide eviction moratorium, an unprecedented federal reach into what is normally the purview of state and local landlord-tenant law. The CDC’s moratorium has had and is still having devastating impacts on the rental housing industry. The National Apartment Association’s (NAA) members struggled to deal with the financial hardships stemming from the moratorium while at the same time continuing to provide quality housing for their residents and helping them with payment plans and locating rental assistance. NAA had to act on several fronts to blunt the impact of the moratorium for both its members and for the residents who would inevitably incur thousands of dollars in debt. Like the battles over rent control in the past few years, it was evident that many members of Congress still held faulty assumptions about how the industry works and its depth. The assumption: That apartment owners can provide housing for free for months on end. NAA’s government affairs team has pursued several strategies—lobbying, media relations and legal action—to overturn the moratorium and limit its effects. However, NAA remained challenged to communicate quickly and comprehensively the first-hand stories of how its members had been affected by the moratorium.

NAA members needed to be empowered to act on behalf of the apartment industry. The two aspects of NAA grassroots advocacy that were to be focused on were direct communications sent to Congress in the latter half of 2020 and then meeting with Members of Congress— both virtually and in-person, as conditions allowed—to put pressure on both the Trump and Biden Administrations to end the moratorium while also ensuring that no legislation would be passed that would extend the federal order.

dustry’s voice was heard in Washington, D.C. While it took Congress nine months to respond to the pandemic’s impact on rental housing with financial assistance, the first of two rental assistance packages passed at the end of 2020 and was followed by another in March, providing nearly $47 billion in total rental assistance thus far.

Solution: Summer into Winter 2020 Direct Communications to Congress

While the Biden Administration’s initial focus in early 2021 was on a stimulus package that included the second tranche of rental assistance, implementing and delivering both sets of assistance has been a significant challenge. As delivery of the aid lagged, Congress attempted to pass last-minute legislation right before the August Congressional recess, as the Supreme Court had previously indicated that the CDC had exceeded its authority. Thanks to NAA members calling their Members of Congress telling them to oppose this piece of legislation, the bill did not garner sufficient support to be brought to the House floor for a vote.

Members of Congress need to hear from constituents to understand how they feel on important issues and how policy developments are impacting those constituents. NAA had roughly 20,000 advocates send nearly 75,000 communications to Congress regarding the federal eviction moratorium and emergency rental assistance to help rental housing residents pay their rent. These communications included emails, phone calls and tweets aimed at bringing an end to the federal moratorium. These advocates utilized NAA advocacy tools to communicate directly with Congress and ensure that the in-

Solution: Winter 2021 into Spring/ Summer 2021 - At Home Meetings

Knowing that Congress may try to pass another version of this legislation after the Congressional recess ended in September, the NAA / See NAA Update , Page 42

Did you know you have access to more member benefits than just the lease contracts and forms? If you’re receiving this magazine, your company has joined and made your company and YOU part of the largest local apartment association in the nation! Every employee of your team is a member of HAA and also a member of the TAA and NAA. Check us out online at www.haaonline.org. This is YOUR HAA! 26

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography HAA 2021 Education Conference & Expo Wednesday, September 22 at NRG Center HAA members and exhibitors were back in person for HAA’s annual conference and expo. Attendees enjoyed a double-header of education with David Rendall and networking with their peers.

Thank you to our generous Sponsors: Lanyards: Lowe’s Pro Supply Grand Entrance: McMahan’s Flooring Expo Showcase: Contractors Inc Crestmark Construction Services Keynote Breakfast: Camp Construction Services Contractors Inc Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search Networking Luncheon: Outdoor Elements Bars: Matrix Construction Services McMahan’s Flooring Expo Mobile Device Charging Station: Green Mountain Energy TXU Energy Expo Aisle Signs: AZPartsmaster Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Contractors Inc HD Supply Ideal Towing Matrix Construction Services Texas Apartment Pool Services TXU Energy Expo Hand Sanitizer Stations: First Onsite Restoration Secure Insurance Booth Winners: Best in Show 1st Place Single 2nd Place Single 3rd Place Single 1st Place Multiple 2nd Place Multiple 3rd Place Multiple

Ameritex Movers Graphic Stylus Home Team Roofing Designs by Holmes Redi Carpet Sales of Houston Texscape Services DoodyCalls

“Scan to Win” Prize Winners: Karla de Jesus - $1,000 Lisa Bradley - $1,000 Mariela Matute - $500 Victor Torres - $500

For more photos, visit the photo galleries at www.haaonline.org.

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography HAA 2021 Education Conference & Expo

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography HAA 2021 Education Conference & Expo

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography HAA 2021 Education Conference & Expo

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On the Scene with the HAA NEXT NEXT Professional Breakfast Friday, October 8 at the HAF Education Center Sponsored by AZPartsmaster and Core Landscape Group The HAA young professionals group held an informative breakfast session featuring a panel of HAA and HAA Product Service Council Past Presidents. These top industry leaders shared advice and lessons learned in their careers. Thanks to our moderator John Boriack, Veritas Equity Management, and panelists Stephanie Graves, Q10 Properties; Clay Hicks, The Dinerstein Companies; Jeff Blevins, Camp Construction Services; Theresa Lamar, AZPartsmaster; and Mark Park, AAA Plumbers.

MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF HAA LEADERSHIP. This niche group within HAA is dedicated to the networking and professional development needs of HAA’s young professionals. Network with your peers and grow your career together among the next generation of HAA leadership! To Learn how to become involved with NEXT, see online at www.haaonline.org/next. 36

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How to hire and retain talent during a labor shortage. By

he apartment industry isn’t excluded from the long list of industries impacted by what seems to be a staffing shortage. It’s a struggle to find quality employees right now. On top of that, people are leaving companies left and right, oftentimes without notice. Texas A&M University professor Anthony Klotz said it first. He called the current climate “the great resignation” and it has been repeated all over social media. Employees recognize we are in a job seeker’s market and they are using it to their advantage. The COO of Hire Priority, Robert Cote, has 20 years of experience in staffing. Since the pandemic started, he has gathered interesting data around the big questions: Why are people leaving without notice? Why can’t we hire quality people right now? And of course, how can we find the right candidates who will stick around? Cote was the guest speaker for HAA’s July 2021 Expert Exchange: A Mirco Webinar Series. The topic was on this very subject, and I’m here to share with you what he brought to the table. First off, it’s important to add some perspective to this topic. Throughout his career, Cote has experienced a few economic downturns. He said nothing compares to the job market we are in right now. Cote believes that during previous economic downturns, people were overall grateful to keep their jobs. There was a sense of pride and enthusiasm in people who were able to reenter the workforce and contribute to a greater purpose after being laid off or displaced. They were committed to recovery. Today, that is not the experience, in Cote’s opinion. Why is this the case? There seems to be a different type of emotional trauma in this economic downturn that is different than anything we have experienced before, Cote explained. Other economic upheavals were caused by specific, finite events. The current economic downturn was caused by an ongoing atmosphere, Cote said.

www.haaonline.org

MORGAN TAYLOR, HAA Staff

There seems to be a different type of emotional trauma in this economic downturn that is different than anything we have experienced before, Cote explained. Other economic upheavals were caused by specific, finite events. The current economic downturn was caused by an ongoing atmosphere … Another point he brings up is how, essentially overnight, employers were forced to decide how to proceed. Some people were furloughed or laid off, either immediately or sometime later. Others, who were labeled “essential,” had to continue to come to work during what felt like a scary time. Then, there were those who able to work from the safety of their homes. The apartment industry was divided in this regard. Many corporate workers were required to work from home while onsite teams were required to work onsite. According to Cote’s data, the employees who have had to enforce mask mandates and social distancing policies have been more likely to leave organizations. Overtime, these types of interactions have created a heightened tension. In short, the customerfacing positions have had the highest turnover. Entry level service positions, such as porters, are also experiencing high turnover rates. This article explores two parts: hiring and retaining. First, let’s learn what Cote suggested about attracting employees.

Hiring According to Cote, sign-on bonuses aren’t working in the ways this tactic has in the past. People are no longer driven by money only, Cote said. While employers must remain competitive with salaries and signon bonuses, people today need emotional currency in addition to monetary currency. If you’re looking for differentiation where you can attract and retain at a higher rate, you

are going to have to add to the money side of recruiting. Employers must dig deep into the why of each role because job seekers today are more driven by their meaning and purpose to the company and its customers. Cote suggests preparing the “what and why” for job seekers in the format of an elevator speech. It should only take you a few minutes to explain to job candidates how their role will bring value to the company. Here are some strategies in recruiting top talent provided by Cote: • Cast a Wide Net: Don’t be rigid in experience and education. Look for transferable skills. Unfortunately for these industries, hospitality and retail are two industries that are losing workers at a high rate. People with backgrounds in either of these industries make for a great foundation for a career in the apartment industry. • The Check In: This strategy is great to use during the interview process. Actually, it should start the interview process. Check in with the candidate you are interviewing by asking them: How the pandemic has been for you? What has your experience been? And, finally, how has the pandemic shaped what you want in your career? These questions will open the dialogue to create a clear and enthusiastic connection between what they want and what you can offer them. It clarifies what they were doing before the pandemic and what they want as a result of the pandemic. November 2021

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Retaining employees today means showing your employees how their work, who they are as contributing members to the organization, is meaningful to either the product or service you offer or the residents you serve. Explain to your employees how their work can either have a positive or harmful impact on the organization.

• Be Clear About How to Win Within the Role: In addition to checking in with your candidates, Cote recommends explaining what excelling would look like within this role. This is a great strategy to ensure you are hiring the right candidate. Other than the skills required to do the job, be clear with them about the challenges they may face within their role, what it looks like to overcome those challenges and what the result of being successful in that role looks like. You can then show your candidate how their success impacts the company locally and even nationally. • Staggering Hours: With onsite teams, providing flexible hours or flexible schedules can be really challenging when properties require onsite work. This is why Cote recommends staggering hours. Talk to your team members about what hours they would prefer and go from there. You may have an employee who prefers to a 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. work schedule, while another may want a 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. schedule. Allowing for this type of flexibility would work well in the apartment industry. If you have enough manpower, Cote also suggests a 9/80 work schedule or something similar that would result in employees working 80 hours every two weeks, while also getting an extra day off. As long as you’re offering some type of flexibility, that could be a huge relief to employees.

Retention It’s important to focus on your retention strategies, too, because hiring is only half the battle in today’s climate. Before we get into strategies, let’s investigate the “why” behind employees leaving organizations without notice.

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Why Are People Walking Out? When the pandemic hit, employees across all industries were emotionally impacted by layoffs. They were either part of the layoff or they watched their coworkers experience it, completely upending job security. Retaining employees today means showing your employees how their work, who they are as contributing members to the organization, is meaningful to either the product or service you offer or the residents you serve. Explain to your employees how their work can either have a positive or harmful impact on the organization. Remember the Burger King sign that went viral when all its employees walked out? This is the result of employees who don’t feel meaningfully connected to a company, Cote said. When you can show how each person who works for you has a meaningful purpose to the organization, your retention will be much more effective. Then, if they do leave, it will be in the traditional way where notice is provided. • Create Meaningful Connections: For retention purposes, it is important to apply the purpose-driven elevator pitch to your current employees. Remind your current employees how impactful their work is to the company and your clients. The apartment industry is a unique industry in the way that every role positively impacts an entire community of people. Remind your employees of their role in contributing to something bigger than them. • Be Fair: As for sign-on bonuses, keep in mind that your current employees didn’t get to benefit from this hiring strategy, which could cause them to feel undervalued ultimately leave your organization. “So, remember, as you’re bringing in people through the front door, you’re losing people out the back door if you’re not careful,” Cote put it. Make sure you are giving your current employees the same benefits and treatment as your new employees.

• Check In with Current Employees: In that same regard, make sure you are checking in with your current employees like Cote suggested employers do during the hiring process. This is an opportunity to create an emotional connection with your employees. Remember that while we are collectively experiencing pandemic-specific challenges, each individual has their own story and their own set of challenges. Checking in with each individual within your company can allow people to heal from any sort of trauma by sharing their stories. Hiring and retention strategies may look different for different properties or companies. You may know what will work best and what won’t, but don’t be afraid to experiment with strategies. When experimenting with retention strategies, be open with your teams. Tell them what is going on and why. If they understand these new changes are fluid in order to best serve them, they will understand. The goal right now is to create an environment for employees where they feel heard, respected and valued, Cote said. If you can accomplish that within your organization, your chances of hiring and keeping employees will increase.

While this article was written by the editor of ABODE, Morgan Taylor, it was written using the data and insight provided by Hire Priority’s COO Robert Cote. If you want more information on hiring and retention strategies, please email Robert at rcote@hirepriority.com.

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NAA Update, continued from Page 27 At Home Program would be of the utmost importance to educate Members of Congress on the impact of the moratorium, the inefficiency of the emergency rental assistance distribution programs and the impact that another extension of the moratorium would have on the apartment industry. NAA-affiliated apartment associations and members answered the call and made meeting with their Members of Congress a priority during the Congressional recess and made their voices heard on the topic. The NAA At Home Program consisted of nearly 60 meetings with different Members of Congress and their staff to discuss the eviction moratorium and emergency rental assistance. Over 170 NAA members and affiliated apartment association staff attended these meetings

during August and September to educate their lawmakers. Impact: The End of the CDC’s Federal Eviction Moratorium The actions taken by NAA’s membership, affiliated apartment associations and the Government Affairs team during the course of the pandemic made direct impacts on the federal eviction moratorium coming to an end. The activity aimed at Congress led to a lack of support for any form of legislative extension, and with the Supreme Court’s most recent decision to rule the CDC’s federal eviction moratorium unconstitutional, there is no path forward for an extension of the moratorium in any form at the federal level. Another positive impact was made by NAA members through educating their Members of Congress on the issues surrounding emergency

rental assistance programs across the country. The narrative of Congress made a dramatic shift to fixing the emergency rental assistance programs and making it easier for funds to be distributed to apartment owners to keep residents in their homes. Thanks to NAA’s membership and affiliated apartment associations, the rental housing industry was able to defeat the federal eviction moratorium and put Congress on track to solve issues surrounding the distribution of emergency rental assistance. The apartment industry came together and showed the power that their collective voices can have on even the most high-profile of federal policies. Austin O’Boyle is NAA’s Manager, Grassroots Engagement, reachable at aoboyle@naahq.org. Jim Wilson is NAA's Director, Political Affairs, reachable at jwilson@naahq.org.

Get the lowdown, virtually! Don’t miss the final two sessions for 2021: November 4 and December 2 Watch your email and visit www.haaonline.org for the latest topics.

2021 is another bumpy ride, with many legal implications for the multifamily industry. Stay up to date and in the know via this monthly series. Join Howard Bookstaff virtually for an update on all things legal, from eviction procedures to local, state and federal law changes.

Program fee: $45 per person

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In the Era of the

Great Resignation 44

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We need to create a positive onboarding experience. It’s important that employers engage new hires right away for a lasting employee.

MOLLIE WITT, Venterra Realty

hot topic in the world of any business right now is the “Great Resignation.” If this term is new to you, it refers to the large number of employees who have been resigning from their jobs in 2021.There are many reasons team members are leaving, but more importantly, this phenomenon has left many businesses in our industry, and beyond, with open positions. Once open positions are filled with the right candidates, we want to make sure their experience starts out on the right foot. Onboarding a new employee is arguably the most important time in an employee’s life cycle. It can also be the most overlooked opportunity to really create a meaningful experience. When we get this right, there are so many benefits both for the employee and the team. When we rock out at onboarding, we have lower turnover, higher career effectiveness, lowered stress and more cohesive teams. So, in order to start that engagement as s oon as possible, here are some tips and tricks to really wow your employee during their onboarding.

“Perk-Up” their first day! The period between the offer and their first day can be quite stressful. Their other company may want your new hire to stay, they could have other offers coming in and we want them to choose us. A quick email with a $5 Starbucks card to “perk” up their morning could help to keep them engaged from the time they accept the offer to their first day. This is a great way to have them experience your company’s vibe before they even report for the first day. Starbucks gift cards can be sent via email or text – and will surely make your new candidate smile!

Start onboarding before day one! Scott Wardell from Smart Recruiters understands the importance of beginning onboarding before the employee actually starts. “This one sounds like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many companies wait until the last minute – or the day of – to start onboarding a new hire. The fact is, the sooner you begin, the more up to speed your new employee will be before they start. It’s important to consider your employer branding – if you’re giving new hires the silent treatment between the offer letter and their first day, you’re already sending them the wrong message. Personal touches like an email that walks them through their first day, a welcome pack with a personal note or card or even a phone call from a manager, can help ease anxieties.”

Let the new employee know the team is excited for them to join! Send a quick email with a photo of the team waving and welcoming the new employee. Something like, “Hey! Just wanted to let you know how excited we are that you are joining our team. We all wanted to send a smile to say that we can’t wait to see you next week when you officially join our team!” Communication throughout the recruiting and onboarding process is extremely important. Your new employee’s life is about to change and remaining in communication can really help with that transition and calm any nerves. While we are communicating with them before their first day, this is a great time to provide the dress code standards and employee handbook so that they can read a

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When we rock out at onboarding, we have lower turnover, higher career effectiveness, lowered stress and more cohesive teams. So, in order to start that engagement as soon as possible, here are some tips and tricks to really wow your employee during their onboarding.

little more about your company and know what the expectations are before even getting here. Winning on Day One! Celebrating your new team member on their first day can be a great ice breaker. Think back to your first day with your company. You were probably nervous. I know I was! Help ease the tension by celebrating them from their first moments. Show them that you make time to celebrate your employees. Balloons, smiles and a little gift go a long way. Just imagine the relief your new team member will feel when everyone welcomes them and walks them to their new decorated office. Personally, I’ve partnered with a manager who had a great sense of humor and really went above and beyond in breaking the firstday-tensions. She once took some of the talking points from an interview with a candidate and made a homecoming mum. When we welcomed the new employee to her new work home, she was moved to tears! She wore her mum all day. Not only did this create a memory for the employee, it also alerted anyone who came into the office that it was her first day. Residents could even welcome her, as well. Any surprise we can arrange to show and share the celebration of this milestone moment goes a long way in the employee experience. This exact scenario may not November 2021

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We want to make sure that your new employee understands exactly what is expected. Take the opportunity during this time to set future meetings to discuss the employee's growth and development. Spending time with your team member at the onset of their employment will not only begin to build the foundation of trust, it will also allow you to work with your team member directly and maintain open communication throughout the learning process.

work with every office or every personality, but really getting to know the candidate and thinking outside of the box will go a long way. Keep the celebration going after work! Your new employee is probably going to go home and celebrate their new job with their loved ones. How great would it be if you treated them and their family out to dinner when they got home? We can ask them what restaurants they like during the interview, and then pick up a gift card to their favorite place to them on their first day. This easy gesture will really go far and shows the employee that we not only care about them as an employee, but we care about them as a person and those they love! Set expectations and goals early! Wardell speaks of the importance of setting those expectations early. “Uncertainty about job expectations and performance goals is a new hire’s worst enemy, which is why steps like establishing a relationship between new employees and direct managers are crucial to a new employee’s success. According to LinkedIn’s survey, understanding performance goals was the second most important aspect of onboarding. Setting goals and communicating them at the outset allows new hires to evaluate their own progress during their first few months. A formal performance review will

help keep new employees on target and allow for any course correction early on. “It’s also important you listen to your new hire’s understanding of the goals and expectations. Maintaining communication will encourage even the most timid of new hires to voice honest feedback about what is or isn’t working for them – and may point out problems in your organization you didn’t know were there. SHRM (The Society for Human Resource Management) reports that 38% of employees felt that when leaders dismiss their ideas without entertaining them, they tend to lack initiative. Don’t underestimate or waste a fresh perspective by discouraging open communication and feedback.” We want to make sure that your new employee understands exactly what is expected. Take the opportunity during this time to set future meetings to discuss the employee's growth and development. Spending time with your team member at the onset of their employment will not only begin to build the foundation of trust, it will also allow you to work with your team member directly and maintain open communication throughout the learning process. Double down on company culture, values and principles! According to Smart Recruiters, 81% of new hires fail due to lack of cultural fit. So, at the

onset of the employment, it is a best practice to make sure that we are including the new employee in activities that support your company culture. Do you get to wear something special on Fridays? Well, make sure they know in advance so they do not feel left out. Cultural fits definitely impact the employee experience and employee engagement. Setting them up for success in this area sooner rather than later can yield extremely positive results. Spending time focusing on onboarding as part of the employee experience can set the trajectory of your new team member’s career. This one day can mean the difference between your new team member wondering why they didn’t find you sooner or regretting that they left their last place of employment. So, spending a few moments planning how to really make this experience exceptional will go a long way in the long run. Mollie Witt, CAM, CAPS, is an employee experience manager for Venterra Realty. Mollie has been with Venterra Realty for almost 12 years, where she started onsite before working her way up as a trainer. Mollie is in the process of obtaining a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston in human resources management and personnel administration.

Want to see more stories on apartment management? Want to read current and previous issues of ABODE online? Visit Issuu.com for more HAA publications at http://issuu.com/haa_abode. 46

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Why

Empathy Matters in the Workplace

And how to create an empathic culture.

alent is at an all-time demand right now. Having a strong corporate culture that resonates through the entire company will help decrease turnover while making you more appealing to candidates in the market for a change. Candidates are interviewing you as much as you are them, and they are looking heavily at company culture, how it impacts the current staff and what it will mean to them if they choose to work for you. High morale is largely based on a sense of empathy from leaders and managers that permeates throughout the organization. For any organization to develop a strong culture, it must start at the top with the entire leadership team aligned on what it truly means.

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MATT SMITH, The Liberty Group

A workplace culture that breeds empathy will fare better at engaging staff and retaining top talent in the long haul. As we all know, retaining top talent is the goal for every organization. Evaluating your current culture and identifying areas for improvement is the first step to improving empathy, ultimately creating a more productive and thriving workplace for everyone. Here are some steps to creating a more empathetic work environment: Train your managers on best practices. In many ways, your managers set the tone for the sentiment among your employees. Training your managers on best practices, in terms of effectively and ethically managing employees, is critical to ensuring they're being

fully supported in their roles and can perform their jobs under managers who care about their on-the-job experience. Ongoing training in the form of monthly or quarterly programs will keep your managers up to date on the best management protocols, so you can continually build a culture of trust and loyalty among all members of your staff. If your managers do not buy in, this will never work. Hire individuals with emotional intelligence. At the core of the most successful workplaces is emotional intelligence, in which employees possess an ability to understand and manage the feelings of others. Making emotional intelligence a top priority during the hiring process will allow you to develop a November 2021

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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.

a service of

in partnership with

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

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High morale is largely based on a sense of empathy from leaders and managers that permeates throughout the organization. For any organization to develop a strong culture, it must start at the top with the entire leadership team aligned on what it truly means.

team of employees who authentically care about working with others and collaborate to meet shared goals. This is key to driving empathy across all your company's departments and building a reputation as an employer that cares about employees on a personal level. When hiring new candidates, make sure they know the culture you are striving for and that they are aligned with that culture. One person can have a big impact if they are not aligned with the culture you are working to develop. Value employee feedback. When you demonstrate a willingness to actively listen to employees' concerns, you'll strengthen relationships with staff and acquire insights on what types of changes should be made to improve employee satisfaction. From monthly surveys to one-on-one meetings, there are many ways in which you can gather feedback to improve your workplace culture and create a more people-centered atmosphere. This will make every person feel heard and appreciated for their thoughts, feelings and contributions. Most importantly, you must respond to the feedback and be prepared to take action. This does not mean that your staff gets everything they want, but they have to know you hear what is being said and understand the “why” on changes or shifts you make as a company. An empathic culture does not happen overnight and requires a sustained effort by every member of your leadership team. With the right management in place, you can gradually create a culture that breeds success through the actions of its people. Matthew Smith is the president/CEO for The Liberty Group, a trusted adviser to America’s foremost real estate companies for executive search and temporary staffing. The Liberty Group will help you find candidates for your positions, from corportate executives to onsite personnel. Need to find top candidates? Get in touch with The Liberty Group and grow your workforce with us. Visit The Liberty Group at www.thelibertygroup.com.

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Prioritizing

wellness

is nonnegotiable 52

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Here’s why. By

aking care of you is insanely important. Since the beginning of 2020, if that wasn’t apparent to you, personally, it should be by now. Here’s the deal. In a time when taking care of ourselves, both physically and mentally, is nonnegotiable, it is irresponsible as leaders to not prioritize wellness for our teams. Empowering our teams to believe that they are important, that they are worthy of prioritizing their wellness and mental health and modeling this same behavior are all game changers in today’s professional environment. The Global Wellness Day organization defines wellness as “an active process of becoming aware of and making choices towards a healthy and fulfilling life. It is more than being free from illness, it is a dynamic process of change and growth.” The World Health Organization defines wellness as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease.” In the next few paragraphs, we’ll discuss how prioritizing wellness at work contributes to increased productivity, ways leaders can integrate ways of doing this for their teams and personal wellness takeaways for you to implement in your personal life.

Wellness at Work The amount of change we professionally have experienced in the past year is astronomical. One could make the argument that in the past 18 months, we’ve experienced enough change for a lifetime. Prioritizing your wellness at work, whether working in an office or remotely from home, has never been more important. Based on a 2020 study, more than one in four adults report symptoms of depression.1 The American Institute of Stress found that healthcare costs, accidents, absenteeism, turnover, decreased productivity and worker’s comp from highly stressed employees totals up to

CAROLINE FERGUSON, Southwest Utility Solutions

Empowering our teams to believe that they are important, that they are worthy of prioritizing their wellness and mental health and modeling this same behavior are all game changers in today’s professional environment. $300 billion for the US every year. The reality is that when people are sick, stressed out or feel isolated, their productivity will naturally decline as well. Making our teams’ mental health and wellness a priority positively impacts the entire organization. According to a study completed by Psychologist Shawn Achor, employees who are happy are 31% more productive than those who are not. He also found that salespeople who are positive have 37% better sales. So, the question becomes, how do you integrate prioritizing wellness at the office? And on a personal level, how do you prioritize this for yourself? As noted in a recent article published by Chron, here are a few ways leaders can implement effective wellness programs with low-cost resources: 1. Bring in local health professionals to talk about nutrition, stress relief and exercise with your team. 2. Give your teams access to a gym (onsite or off) or some sort of outlet that allows for and encourages physical activity. 3. Create a weekly newsletter with wellness tips, challenges and activities to engage your teams. Make this fun! Consider ways to increase participation and engagement across your team. The key with any program or system designed to improve wellness and mindset professionally is buy in. In order for any of our efforts to work, you need to create a system compelling enough for your teams to participate with. This looks different for an

onsite team, a sales team, a corporate team, a supplier team, etc. None of this should be one size fits all. Don’t create a wellness program thinking that what resonates to a property manager who is in the middle of chaos every single day will resonate with your accounting team back at their home office. Always consider the personal experiences and needs for each facet of your team. Prioritizing wellness boils down to three core things: 1. Caring about your people. 2. Making sure your people know you care about them. 3. Providing opportunities for your people to prioritize themselves. Ways to Personally Implement Wellness Not all of us are fortunate enough to be a part of an organization that prioritizes wellness. If you are a part of an organization like this, do not let that stop you from YOU making your personal mindset and wellness a priority. Here are a few ways that you can prioritize your personal wellness (1g): 1. Use your PTO as mental health days. Mental health days are just as important as sick days. While our industry is busy and chaotic, it is important even in the midst of it to slow down and listen to our bodies and minds when they tell us we need rest. 2. Pause and take a break. It is so easy to be nonstop all the time. Industry involvement, / See Wellness, Page 61

1 https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2770146

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography 2021 Bill Dinerstein Memorial Golf Tournament Monday, October 4 at Wildcat Golf Club Thank you to our many generous sponsors: AWARDS CEREMONY American Fire Systems Camp Construction Services Core Landscape Group Gemstar Construction Development Guardian Construction Valet Living BREAKFAST AAA Plumbers BluSky Restoration BAG DROP Ideal Towing PRACTICE RANGE One Source Realty Advisors PINOT & PUTTING CONTEST ALN Apartment Data Horisons Roof & Exterior Solutions BEVERAGE CARTS Ideal Towing Outdoor Elements BEVERAGE STATIONS Century A/C Supply Flooring Warehouse G&H Trash Valet PRESIDENT’S CART Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating CLOSEST TO THE PIN LSR Multifamily LONGEST DRIVE WeDoTrash HOLES AAA Plumbers ApartmentData.com Best Plumbing Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services LLC Chadwell Supply Earthworks Inc Fetch Package Fidus Construction Services First Onsite Restoration Guardian Construction Hoffer Furniture Rental & Sales Lowe’s Pro Supply Matrix Construction Services Redevelopment Services Saferent Solutions TXU Energy 19TH HOLE RECEPTION Century A/C Supply HD Supply

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Congratulations to the tournament winners: Closest to the Pin Robert Webre, AZPartsmaster Longest Drive Peter Boyd, Watermark 1st Place Team HD Supply/Greystar 2nd Place Team Guardian Construction 2 3rd Place Team Guardian Construction 1 www.haaonline.org

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On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography Bill Dinerstein Memorial Golf Tournament

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BE THE

SUPPLIER PARTNERS SERVING TO FACILITATE GROWTH AND STRENGTHEN THE INDUSTRY. The Product Service Council is a group of active supplier members whose objectives are to promote the active involvement and participation of supplier members. For more information on the council and how you can make your membership work for you, see online at www.haaonline.org/psc or contact Susan Hinkley at shinkley@haaonline.org.

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The Houston Apartment Association’s Product Service Council is here to help supplier partners navigate the association. Learn how you can get the most out of your membership.

his month, we interview Houston Apartment Association Product Service Council members Liz Levins, CAS with Rasa Floors and Tracey Moore, CAS with Flooring Warehouse about the Ambassador ONE Society, a group of HAA-member supplier partners who act as representatives of HAA to promote the organization. The Ambassador ONE Society is a great group within HAA for supplier partners. The “ONE” in Ambassador ONE Society is an acronym for Organized Network Exchange. As an HAA ambassador, you’re tasked with contacting new and current HAA members on behalf of the association to promote events, member benefits and services. Being an HAA ambassador allows supplier partners to organically build relationships as well as develop and share leads with their network of supplier partners. Why is the Ambassador ONE Society a great HAA group for supplier partners join? Liz Levins: I believe the Ambassador One Society is a great HAA group for suppliers to join, not only for the opportunities to grow your network both professionally and personally with other supplier partners just like you. The opportunities set forth by the HAA staff and team members of the Ambassador ONE Society help you gain a referral system and exposure in the industry, just by being involved. It is a wonderful group of people who will have your bacl. I highly encourage you to join us for a meeting to experience this amazing group. Ask us questions. We love helping. Tracey Moore: Ambassadors is where I met my first friends, mentors and people who had the same goals as me who could also help me navigate HAA when I got lost. This is a huge but extremely small group, and we work together to help each other within HAA and within business even if we are competitors. Every property works with different supplier partners. Someone in this group might have a good relationship with someone I want to get in with.

me that supplier partners were the key to my relationships with onsite teams and management professionals. Now, we are competitors, but I still love her and value her opinion and guidance. The Ambassador ONE Society often collects items to donate to various charitable organizations. Of all the charitable organizations and causes the Ambassador ONE Society has contributed to, which one has meant the most to you? Liz: All of them, but the 911 Bears project is the one that means the most to me. Tracey: Contributing to other organizations is such an amazing part of what this group does. Donations are our way to give back directly to a cause, without the politics or competition of who gave what. It’s straight up a team effort, whether it is for Camp Hope, donating bears for police, school supplies, refugees – if they need us, we will be there. I love that we take on different organizations so that we can spread the love.

Levins

Moore

As a volunteer leader within HAA, what advice do you have for new HAA supplier members who want to get involved? Liz: Jump in. Don’t be shy. It shouldn’t be stressful. Get involved. You joined for a reason. You will get out of this what you put into it. HAA has a vast amount of tools to help you grow professionally and personally if you choose to utilize them. Most importantly, have fun. Tracey: HAA provides its members with a platform that allows you to standout, but they will not do it for you. If you are involved, you will see rewards. Keep in mind, it’s a sport. You can’t play one game, win and think you’ve made it to the playoffs. You have to be ready to play in a few games that you might lose, tie or win in this industry. No matter what, don’t give up. Be seen, keep going and meet people. It takes time to win friends and customers.

What have you gained from being part of the Ambassador ONE Society? Liz: Being part of the Ambassador ONE Society has personally helped me navigate my way through HAA, by being just that, an Ambassador. Never knowing what a cold call may bring me, being an Ambassador has empowered me. With the knowledge I have of the mulifamily industry, I have confidence in myself and the encounter I’m about to share with the person on the other line. On multilple occasions, I have been able to provide onsite teams and management executives with supplier assistance and provide them with leads from my involvement with Ambassadors. It’s such a win that to me, to be able to assist someone. And hopefully, they will be able to remember me and my business for that. Tracey: I gained so much, I’m not sure where to start. Mentors like Kristin McLaughlin, who I meet through Ambassadors when were team “HAAPPY Campers,” taught www.haaonline.org

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Welcome Mat

Introducing HAA’s NEW MEMBERS

OWNERS

Elm Street Assets Janice Grass 20603 Cascading Brook Court Cypress, TX 77433 832-814-2210 Elm Street Assets - Properties

Jagdamba Inc Danny Patel 10830 Main Street Houston, TX 77025 713-504-2748 Penn Capital Management Percy Nikora 1200 Intrepid Ave. #400 Philadelphia, PA 19112 484-293-1212 Westwood Park Apartments Referred by Tina Cavaco Pine Village Brianne Marinucci 1717 W. 34th St. #600 #261 Houston, TX 77018 832-910-9747 Pine Village Apartments Radiance Living Aaron Pitre 945 McKinney St. #19600 Houston, TX 77002 832-476-2953 Solano Apartments Cranbrook Forest Verandas at Bear Creek REM LIVING Jen Uken 1401 Timberlake Circle Richardson, TX 75080 515-321-5921 Westbury Reserve Rose Valley Properties Joshua Kasali 7818 Calhoun Road Houston, TX 77033 281-702-2753 Rose Valley Properties - Properties

SAI Property Management Suresh Chachlani 7101 Bellerive Drive Houston, TX 77036 832-668-5265 Siena Villa Apartments La Bella Vista Northgate Apartments Oaks On Bissonnet Dove Creek Apartments Sands Point Cove Eden Gardens

Goodman Manufacturing Patrick Brothers 1336 Altavilla Lane League City, TX 77573 832-797-7705 A/C Supplies & Parts Referred by Matthew Nunn, CAS LandscapesUSA Heath Deen 11849 Rim Rock Trail Austin, TX 78737 512-350-5761 Landscape Contractors

Yida International Trading Allison Tompson 9107 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, TX 77036 832-317-6315 Bellaire View Apartments I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I 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. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

SUPPLIERS

ADT Multifamily Noel Arvizu 12852 Steadman Farms Drive Keller, TX 76244 817-776-0301 SMART Technology Beyond General Construction Patricia Garcia 1008 Shaver St. Pasadena, TX 77506 713-920-1777 General Contractors, Turnkey-Complete Clutter Ninjas Steve Borne 22219 Ebbets Field Drive Spring, TX 77389 936-262-1999 Demolition Services, Trash Hauling Referred by Richard Wall, CAM, CAPS I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I 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. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

Creative Blinds Jed Mandel 8572 Katy Kwy #108 Houston, TX 77024 713-984-1122 Awnings & Canopies, Blinds, Drapery & Curtain Cleaners, Mini Blinds, Shutters, Vertical Blinds, Window Shades

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

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RLB Constrution/RoofTec Charles Brogdon 11143 Spring Cypress Tomball, TX 77377 281-807-9993 Roofing Contractors, Roofing Consultants

Front Row Signs Patti Snyder 19308 Morton Road #109 Katy, TX 77449 832-222-9385 Banners; Flags & Pennants, Signs Referred by Tina Cavaco

Precision Safe Sidewalks Dave Lardner P.O. Box 5632 Austin, TX 78763 512-369-2558 Concrete Repair, Maintenance - Property Liability Specialists

Sanda Valet Trash Company Abdul Turay 31230 Albany Brook Lane Hockley, TX 77447 936-303-2454 Trash Service - Valet Referred by Shaunda Bolden TX Elite Roofing Services Carolina Civallero 13315 Veterans Memorial Drive Unit #A-112 Houston, TX 77014 832-446-6723 Roofing Contractors, General Contractors Vega Plumbing Solutions Paul Vega 505 Temperance Lane Deer Park, TX 77536 832-780-0159 Plumbing Contractors, Plumbing Drain/Sewer Cleaning Referred by Dan James, CAS Wiley Bear Ventures/360 Painting of West Houston Bo Hughes 2224 Bolsover Houston, TX 77005 713-553-5640 Paint, Painting Contractors I wasn’t expecting it at all. I was surprised that they nominated me!” he said, laughing. “ I’ve been with this business for 15 years. I never expect anything. For me, if I get my job done or get it right, I’m satisfied with that. I 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. I didn’t know that someone was watching!”

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Wellness, continued from Page 53 onsite lease ups, building new relationships, implementing new tech, dealing with problems and handling residents, owners, and management relationships are all so consuming! I get it! As an industry partner that serves you, I see it and I’m aware of it. In our own way, supplier partners experience the chaos, too. For at least a few minutes a day, you have to put your phone on do not disturb and turn the computer off. All the way off, people. Do not just put the monitor to sleep or log out. I mean turn it off. Eliminate the temptation to interrupt your break. 3. Set boundaries clearly. No one is ever going to look down on you for saying “I need this to be a work-related matter and I need to come back to it during appropriate hours.” As a new mom, the importance of boundaries and balance have become even more evident to me. Your family will thank you for putting the phone down at the dinner table. Your emails can wait, and your mental health will also thank you, I promise. Wellness affects our productivity and our mental health. Prioritizing wellness in your company is more important than a company dodgeball tournament or taco Tuesdays. There is a pandemic of broken spirits, overworked teams and exhausted business owners occurring. Let’s do something about it. Let’s acknowledge what’s at stake and be proactive. Caroline Ferguson is the vice president for Southwest Utility Solutions. She is also the founder of Grateful & Co., an organization with the mission to spread gratitude and increase mental wellness. Here is a little about Southwest Utility Solutions: Southwest Utility Solutions exists for a very simple reason. The multifamily industry is fundamentally built and sustained by the value that owners, investors, and property management teams bring to the table. Your number one job: building the best, sustainable, and profitable community should not be plagued with industry partners that are preventing your property from being taken to the next level. We're building custom utility programs to ensure maximum utility recovery, savings and property profit for multifamily communities. Contact Caroline at cferguson@swutilitysolutions.com.

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The Go-Getters HAA’s MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS

CHEERS TO MEMBERSHIP! Join the Go-Getters so everyone knows your name and they’ll be glad you came!

2021 Chairs:

Join our Quarterly Meetings! Be the top recruiter for each quarter and win $500 cash! Plus, for each new member you recruit, you’ll earn a chance to win gift cards ranging from $25 to $250! JOIN A TEAM and build relationships with like-minded members. Get involved with Go-Getters and make lasting industry connections.

Melissa Friend Greystar

Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetters to get all the information you need.

Doug Oehl, CAS Flooring Warehouse

Don’t miss the final meeting for 2021: Thursday, December 9 4 p.m. at Cottonwood 3422 N Shepherd Drive

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. 62

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Go-Getters Happy Hour Thursday, September 30 at Cadillac Bar Sponsored by 1 ApartmentData.com and 2 Outdoor Elements The top recruiter was Tina Cavaco with three new members. The top team was Team Woody with five new members.

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President, continued from Page 7 underperformers and only 20% of my time with the over achievers. Having said that, I feel like we need to do a better job of focusing on praise and leading those who are delivering high quality results. John: What was either the best career advice you’ve ever received or the worst career advice you’ve ever received? Ken: The best business advice I received was to be highly planned and disciplined. Disciplined enough to develop a good plan and disciplined enough to transact the plan day to day, quarterly and year over year. Secondly, as an entrepreneur, to migrate from working in your business to working on your business. I began as a consultant, interviewing and placing people. In order for my practice to become a business, it became critical for me to work on the business, which goes back to a broader vision and a plan. John: Describe either a challenge, accomplishment or decision that catapulted you to your success? Ken: About 12 years ago, a competitor approached me to purchase The Liberty Group. It was clear I had three options. I could sell the business or stand pat and watch them grow such that they could offer competitive pricing and squeeze me out or I could grow The Liberty Group. As I did not want to sell or be squeezed out, I opted to grow. That was one of the best decisions I ever made. Our temporary services now serve 28 markets throughout the United States and have successfully placed executives in 48 of the 50 states. John: Do you have a morning or daily routine that you feel makes you a more productive or successful person? Ken: As I stated earlier, it’s about having a

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plan. When I plan, I work to prioritize those activities that are most critical and closest to the money (profit). I have learned that both candidates and clients alike are easiest to reach earlier in the day and tend to be more receptive to the opportunities that we might present. People often laugh when they come in my office because there is a series of prioritized file folders on my credenza that reflect the activities, whether those activities be calls, emails, texts or meetings, that I intend to conduct for the day. I also work to “touch a piece of paper once” on any given day. (Editor’s Note: The “touch it once” rule has long been a golden rule in business. The idea is that whenever you receive a task, finish it the first time you touch it.) I want to address something and move on. I believe it gives you a sense of accomplishment. Often times in a day, there is not a clear win, for example, a placement. However, the question is what did you do that day to move the company a little closer to our goals? I would like to share a bit of wisdom my father shared as I was moving into my first apartment. My dad said, “I have some bad news. People are like tumbleweeds. They roll along and then one day they wake up dead.” What he wished for me was that I figure out what I wanted in life and work each day to achieve it. He said, “When you put your knees on the floor each night to say your prayers, think of what it is you did that day to move yourself closer to what you want. Somedays you will not move the needle, it’s ok, but what are you going to do the next day to plan for and address your wants? Some more bad news, about the time you figure out what you want, it will change. So, you will need to reevaluate and adjust as you go through life.” This shared wisdom has served me well and it has proven to be the core to any success I have achieved.

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The Ambassador ONE Society HAA’s WELCOMING COMMITTEE

TEAM PLAYERS

The Ambassadors are working together to create a strong network of supplier partners.

Ambassador ONE Society members with at least 10 points, ranked by points earned: Mark your calendars and join us! Ambassador ONE Society meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month. Keep an eye out for the HAA calendar with dates for 2022. Visit www.haaonline.org for details.

Photo below: “ONE of the Month” Ashley Wiggin, Infinity Power Partners, with 12 points for September. Second place is Arely Pena, The Liberty Group with four points and Kristin McLaughlin, Dixie Carpet Installations, with three points.

460 Janell Richter-Cornelius JMI Contractors 179 Century A/C Supply Susan Alvarado 139 Century A/C Supply Giovanna Gone 109 Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Amanda Kelly 70 Platinum Copier Solutions LLC Dimas Turcios 34 ALN Apartment Data, Inc Karen Nelsen 34 BenefitU Mike Andrade 34 Zumper Xochitl Flores 31 Flooring Warehouse Tracey Leach-Moore 31 American Fire Systems, Inc. Tammy Broadway 28 Gemstar Construction Blaise Spitaleri 27 Designs by Holmes Interior Design Marcy Holmes 26 Done Deal Consign Brian Alvarado 26 Belfor Gena Bean 25 Infinity Power Partners Ashley Wiggin 25 Waste Consolidators, Inc Kevin Thomas 24 Dixie Carpet Installations Inc Tim Broxson 24 Johnstone Supply Tiffany Torres 22 Furniture Refinishing Services Austin Lawley 21 Gemstar Construction Ryan Carson 20 HD Supply Phillip Price 20 Behr Paint Company Andrew Middleton 20 McMahan's Flooring Inc Brian Clayton 20 ApartmentData.com Danyell Wilkerson 19 First Onsite Juana Estrada 18 Matrix Construction Services Lindsey Veliz 17 Alex (Marquez) Fanning Johnstone Supply 17 Redi Carpet Bo Hang 17 Done Deal Co-Sign Cesar Silva Jr 17 Redi Carpet Eddie Maher 16 One Source Realty Advisors Tito Estrada 16 Fidus Construction James Gregory 15 Earthworks, Inc Shaun Callaway 15 Hive Technology Casey Lund 15 Restoration 1 of Central Houston Grace Medley 15 Blackmon Mooring Jennifer Fisher 14 AAA Plumbers Candis Mohr 14 Century A/C Supply Crystal Varela 14 Allied Consulting & Security Services Harvey Martin 14 Dixie Carpet Installations Inc Justin Krautz 14 Contractors Inc Mario Erazo 13 Bentley, Bratcher & Associates - PC Bill Pilkington 13 Cotton Commercial Chris Bell 13 Triple Seal Insulation Marcus Wheatfall 13 Texscape Services Rachel Sedelmyer 13 BrightView Ramon Martinez 12 Pavement Services Amador Aguilar 12 Camp Construction Services Derek DeVries 12 Texas Pride Disposal Eden Thomas 12 Infinity Power Partners Will McGinnis 11 Capital Construction Matthew Nunn 11 Behr Paint Company Abraham Kaboutari 11 FSI Construction Amber Whitaker 11 The Liberty Group Arely Pena 11 Cinema Anywhere Brandon Coleman 11 Earthworks, Inc Chad McBride 11 Earthworks, Inc Daviana Cearley 11 FTK Construction Services Jammy Malone 11 Camp Construction Services Kyle Turney 11 HD Supply Pete Lopez 10 Outdoor Elements Dane Anderson 10 Metropolitan Staffing Solutions Angel Lopez 10 Karndean Diane Smith 10 Behr Paint Company Gilbert Escobedo Ambassadors earn points by sharing leads, making introductions and visiting communities to promote HAA events and news.

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. 66

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Team photos at left, from top: First place team The Bomb Squad for September. Second place was a tie for Green Machine (middle photo) and Stay Classy (bottom photo).

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Portfolio Changes The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios: • Arbor Property Management: Park at Deerbrook, 100 units at 19700 Whitaker Drive, Humble. • Asset Living: 800 Heights, 60 units at 800 Heights Blvd. • Berkshire Residential Investments: The Estates Woodland II, 416 units at 30685 FM 2978 Road, Magnolia; Grand Estates Woodland, 416 units at 30000 FM 2978 Road, Magnolia; and 412 units at 29980 FM 2978 Road, Magnolia. • Better World Properties: Encanto Apartments, 60 units at 7132 Lawndale St. • BH Management Services: Brea Luxury Apartments, 362 units at 3200 Peek Road, Katy and Hue on Greenhouse, 390 units at 2411 Greenhouse Road. • Boyd Legacy: Plaza De Magnolia, 84 units at 7310 Sherman St. • Brookeast Management: Kingstanding Apartments, 22 units at 2128 Oakdale St. • CAF Management: The Grand Hampton at Clear Lake, 347 units at 16202 El Camino Real. • Capstone Real Estate Services: Ivy Point Cypress, 136 units at 14928 Mueschke Road, Cypress and Ivy Point Klein, 132 units at 19310 TC Jester Blvd., Spring. • ClearWorth Residential: North Bend Apartments, 307 units at 14131 Cornerstone Village Drive. • Dakota Enterprises: Dakota at Bingle, 258 units at 2308 Bingle Road. • DayRise Residential: The Fordham at Silver Lake, 190 units at 2760 County Road 94, Pearland.

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• Devonshire Real Estate & Asset Management: The Heights at Post Oak Apartments, 940 units at 12500 Dunlap St. • Disrupt Management: The Estates at Cypress, 530 units at 11800 Grant Road, Cypress. • Embrey Management Services: Lenox Grand Crossing, 330 units at 23615 Western Centre Drive, Katy. • Galilee Equity Management: The Club at Stablechase, 148 units at 13504 Schroeder Road. • Greystar: Lake Jackson Landings, 96 units at 12900 Shadow Creek Parkway, Pearland. • Greystone Property Management: Lake Jackson Landings, 96 units at 294 Abner Jackson Parkway, Lake Jackson. • GWR Management: Cedars at Ellington, 200 units at 950 FM 1959 Road and Gateway at Ellington, 366 units at 15603 Gulf Freeway, Webster. • Harbor Group Management Company: Regency at First Colony, 324 units at 225 Fluor Daniel Drive, Sugar Land; Foundations at Edgewater, 292 units at 2222 Settlers Way, Sugar Land; Foundations at Lion’s Head, 277 units at 1700 Rivercrest Drive, Sugar Land; Foundations at Rivercrest, 280 units at 1700 River Crest Drive, Sugar Land; and Foundations at Austin Colony, 237 units at 1800 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land. • Madera Residential: Montrose at Buffalo Bayou, 224 units at 1320 Montrose Blvd. and Marcella Memorial Heights, 380 units at 3003 Memorial Court. • Mary Lynch: 7 units at various locations. • Oak Leaf Management: Monticello Square Apartments, 132 units at 5312 Clarewood Drive; Bellaire Woods Apartments, 91 units at 5414 Elm St; and Lake Houston Pines, 256 units at 5830 S. Lake Houston Parkway. • Olympus Property: Olympus Falcon Landing, 386 units at 3300 Falcon Landing Blvd., Katy. • ParaWest Management: The Lexington at Champions, 89 units at 5007 FM 1960 Road W. and Hardy Oaks Place, 66 units at 915 Tidwell Road #43. • Peak Property Management: Willowbrook Apartments, 32 units at 510 Billie Bess Lane, Conroe and Willowbend Apartments, 30 units at 1910 Willowbend St., Conroe. • Performance Properties: Normandy Woods Apartments, 268 units at 695 Normandy St. • Pine Village: Pine Village Apartments, 24 units at 9733 Neuens Road. • Plazawood Apartments: Plazawood Apartments, 24 units at 820 W. Alabama Houston. • Q10 Property Advisors: Commerce Park, 354 units at 15330 Ella Blvd.; The Rosemont on El Dorado, 324 units at 265 El Dorado Blvd., Webster; Montebello Gardens, 109 units at 6041 Winsome Lane; and Bella Capri, 46 units at 6030 Winsome Lane. • Radiance Living: Cranbrook Forest, 261 units at 13875 Ella Blvd., Verandas at Bear Creek, 160 units at 5455 Timber Creek Place Drive; and Solano Apartments, 262 units at 535 W. Nasa Parkway, Webster. • RangeWater Real Estate: City Vista, 404 units at 2221 W. Dallas St. • REEP Management: Archer At Willow Brook, 260 units at 7250 W. Greens Road. • REM Living: Westbury Reserve, 320 units at 12261 Fondren Road. • RPM Living: Woodway Square, 507 units at 1200 Winrock Blvd.; 15th Street Flats, 337 units at 1414 N. Shepherd Drive; and Heights Waterworks, 309 units at 515 W. 20th St. • SAI Property Management: La Bella Vista, 154 units at 3600 S. Shaver St., South; Dove Creek Apartments, 48 units at 9127 Beechnut St.; Siena Villa Apartments, 64 units at 16000 Cotillion Drive; Northgate Apartments, 194 units at 11960 Airline Drive; Oaks On Bissonnet, www.haaonline.org

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356 units at 7003 Bissonnet St; Sands Point Cove, 142 units at 8600 Sandspoint Drive; and Eden Gardens, 160 units at 7101 Bellerive Dr. • Sentinel Peak/Summit Properties: Eagles Landing, 256 units at 11700 Fuqua St. • Silverstone Management: Blue Apartments, 122 units at 1711 Gessner Road. • TBD Management/Wan Bridge Group: Lakeside Conroe, 309 units at 9910 Crescent Cove Drive, Montgomery. • Topaz Asset Management: Towne West, 396 units at 14906 Westpark Drive. • United Apartment Group: Ravella at Sienna, 292 units at 5330 Sienna Parkway, Missouri City and Territory at Greenhouse, 288 units at 2500 Greenhouse Road.

In the News The Houston Apartment Association is excited to welcome Chief Financial Officer Wimberly De La Riva Trey Wimberly, CPA, and Member Services Coordinator Cindy De La Riva to the HAA team.

In Memoriam

Sims

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of William (Bill) Allen Sims, of 911 Pest Control, born on April 26, 1965. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sept. 4 at the age of 56, with his devoted wife by his side.

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

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On Site with ABODE

Photos provided by Highmark Residential

THE RETREAT AT ELDRIDGE Where Houston renters can withdraw.

Property: The Retreat at Eldridge Apartment Homes Owner/Management: Highmark Residential Location: 2323 Eldridge Parkway Units: 168 Built: 1998 Web: www.theretreathouston.com Interesting features: The Retreat at Eldridge Apartments offers spacious one and two-bedroom homes. Many apartment homes have been fully updated with brushed nickel fixtures, granite-style countertops, cherrywood cabinetry, energy-efficient appliances and more. Located in the Energy Corridor, The Retreat at Eldridge is within the Houston Independent School District, giving families access to top rated schools. The Retreat at Eldridge offers an array of amenities including a resort-style swimmming pool, an outdoor kitchen, a strength and cardio fitness center, a resident business center and other resident services that make living at this property a breeze. This property’s best amenity, though, is its location in the Energy Corridor and its close proximity to Terry Hershey Park. It is just walking distance from the apartment community, which is perfect for active residents and families. There are great restaurants in the area, too. The Retreat at Eldridge is Houston living at its best!

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Legislative, continued from Page 9 the passage of this ordinance, crime on remedial action eligible properties was reduced by more than two-thirds. FAST For properties with problems beyond the scope of what the crime ordinance can handle, Houston also has the Forfeiture Abatement and Support Team. For a property with a serious crime problem and an uncooperative owner, the FAST team, a joint operation with HPD and the City Attorney’s office, can use the common nuisance statute in state law to bring a civil lawsuit to shut the property down. While this tool has been used in extreme cases with apartment properties, it is more often used with nightclubs and massage parlors. Building Standards Commission Dangerous buildings can be brought before the Building Standards Commission, which is divided into three panels to allow them to meet frequently to deal with their heavy workload. Any type of building that fails to meet minimum standards of safety and sanitation can be cited. If serious problems are not corrected, buildings can be demolished at the owner’s expense. Miscellaneous The city also has inspectors with the Houston Solid Waste Management Department that check dumpsters, inspectors with Neighborhood Protection that check ditches, boiler inspectors, elevator inspectors, sign inspectors and a team of Houston Public Works inspectors that monitor sewer discharge to look for excessive amounts of grease that can clog city sewer lines.

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!

www.haabuyersguide.com

Bottom line: Houston has the tools and personnel in place to deal with the problem apartment property presenting a nuisance to you and other neighbors. Part of our job as an industry is to make sure that the vast and complex parts of our city government understand the options available to them, and that those options are used effectively to protect your investment and the safety of all citizens.

If you have a regulatory problem or question, call the HAA main line at 713-595-0300 and ask for Public Affairs. If a particular code requirement or issue concerns you, let us know by emailing Andy at ateas@haaonline.org.

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Index of Advertisers By CATEGORY

A/C Supplies

Insurance

Century A/C Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 281-530-2859 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.centuryac.com

Harco Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 713-681-2500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.harco-ins.com

Answering Service

Landscape Contractors

On Hold USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 800-755-4142 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.onholdusa.com

Outdoor Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 713-955-0990 . . . . . .www.outdoorelementstx.com Texscape Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 281-846-3779 . . . . . . . . . .www.texscapeservices.com

Carpet Installation Dixie Carpet Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 281-261-6334 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dixiecarpet.com

Locks & Locksmiths

Texas Southwest Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 800-719-4321 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.texasswfloors.com

CKI Wholesale Lock Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 713-462-0704 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ckilock.com

Collection Agencies

Personnel Agency

Alexander-Rose Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 713-644-4441 . . . . . . . . . . .www.alexanderrose-inc.com

ASAP Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 972-432-6667 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.asapdo.com

Electric Contractors

Plumbing Contractors

Affordable Quality Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 713-695-5992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.acuityelectric.com

AAA Plumbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 713-462-4753 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.aaaplumbers.com

Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services . . . . .2 281-693-3383 . . . . . . . . . . .www.brandtelectrical.com

Resident Screening Service SafeRent Solutions . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover 888-297-8821 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.corelogic.com

Foundation Repair Church Foundation Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 713-468-8400 . . .www.churchfoundationrepair.com

TARGET QUALIFIED LEADS 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.

www.haaonline.org jobs@haaonline.org 713-595-0300

Screens Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com

General Contractors Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . .Back Cover 713-413-2267 . . . . . . . .www.campconstruction.com Cotton Commercial USA Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 877-511-2962 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.cottongds.com FSI Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 832-767-1115 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.fsiconstruction.com Gemstar Construction & Development . . . . . . .41 281-821-1195 . . . . . .www.gemstarconstruction.com Guardian Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 832-672-4196 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.guardianconst.com MultiFamily Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 713-266-9100 RENCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover 713-666-3636 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rencon.com

Security Control Equipment/Systems SentriForce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 888-671-2202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.sentriforce.com

Security Deposit Alternatives RentSense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 833-500-5959 ext,105 . . . . . . . . . . .www.rentsense.us

Swimming Pool Service Poolsure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 800-858-POOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.poolsure.com

TPI Construction & Painting Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 713-668-7986 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.tpiinc.com

HAA Products & Services

Glass – Plate, Window, Etc.

Rental Credit Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 713-595-0300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.haaonline.org/rcr

Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com

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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.

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ABODE

November 2021

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MarketLine By BRUCE MCCLENNY, President, ApartmentData.com •

•

HOUSTON Snapshot

1050 – 91.7% $1,155/mo. $1.30/sq.ft./mo. 887 sq.ft.

Recently Opened (12 months): 86 communities 22,992 units

1000 –

– 90.0

975 – – 89.0

– 88.0

Under Construction: 48 communities 13,479 units Aug 21

Jul 21

Jun 21

May 21

Apr 21

Mar 21

Feb 21

Jan 21

Dec 20

Nov 20

Oct 20

Sep 20

Aug 20

Jul 20

Jun 20

May 20

Apr 20

Mar 20

Feb 20

Jan 20

Nov 19

Dec 19

Oct 19

Sep 19

– 87.0

Proposed Construction: 99 communities 28,652 units

History of Effective Rental Rate & Occupancy for All Units

Hottest Submarkets Over the Past Three Months

Concessions

Annualized Rank 1 2 3 4 5

Occupancy (%)

Operating Supply: 2,954 communities 696,883 units

Rental Rate (¢/sq.ft./mo.)

Past 12 Months: 10.6% rental rate growth 33,451 units absorbed

– 91.0 1025 –

•

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

•

Submarket Tomball/Spring Katy/Cinco Ranch/Waterside Richmond/Rosenberg Lake Houston/Kingwood Conroe North/Montgomery

% of Market Absorbed 26.5% 22.7% 20.3% 19.8% 21.7%

Rental Rate Growth % 5.5% 2.5% 3.6% 4.6% 2.4%

Total Units Class w/Concessions All 200,251 A 67,371 B 53,264 C 66,300 D 13,316

% of Total Units 29% 35% 25% 31% 17%

Average Special -1.9% -2.8% -1.1% -1.6% -1.1%

Citywide Effect -6.0% -7.2% -4.5% -4.9% -6.3%

One Month Free = -8.33%

THE FIRST TABLE ABOVE GIVES A SNAPSHOT of the current market conditions. The graph displays the overall occupancy and effective rental rates over the past 24 months. These statistics are derived from a continuous survey of all apartment communities in the Houston region. The effective rental rates are the calculated net of concessions and utility adjustments. The second table lists the five hottest submarkets in the Greater Houston area. There are a total of 42 submarkets, and the ranking is based on the best combination of rental rate growth and absorption over the past three months. The third table distributes and analyzes concessions (specials) by classification. Concessions generally are represented by three types of specials: move-in, months free or floor plans. The effect of these specials is captured and prorated over a lease term to arrive at a percentage reduction in market or street rents.

TEXAS

Dallas/Ft. Worth

San Antonio

Austin

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

93.1% $1,352/mo. $1.54/sq.ft./mo. 879 sq.ft.

93.1% $1,120/mo. $1.31/sq.ft./mo. 856 sq.ft.

92.7% $1,535/mo. $1.75¢/sq.ft./mo. 875 sq.ft.

Past 12 Months: 17.0% rental rate growth 41,007 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: 14.0% rental rate growth 10,807 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: 25.8% rental rate growth 21,722 units absorbed

Operating Supply: 3,328 communities 796,620 units

Operating Supply: 969 communities 208,349 units

Operating Supply: 1,104 communities 262,056 units

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ApartmentData.com has been providing apartment data and marketing products since 1986. ApartmentData.com provides real-time access for property specific information, market surveys and historic submarket data for more than 3.5 million apartment units in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina and Tennessee. For more information, contact Bruce McClenny at 800-595-8730. © 2021 ApartmentData.com November 2021

ABODE

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Back Page

with News from around the COMMUNITY

Help us “Deck the Halls” The holiday season is a time of joy and happiness for many of us. Unfortunately, there are families living in your community that may not be as blessed. “Deck the Halls” is a charity and resident recognition event dedicated to giving a family in need, some holiday spirit. “Deck the Halls” was founded by Lisa Purdy who passed away from cancer in 2016. In her memory, her friends and colleagues continue this tradition. Apartment managers, please consider nominating a family living at your community. The family selected will have their home fully decorated, including a fully decorated Christmas Tree, a wreath for the front door, a dining table decorated with all the trimmings, gifts under the tree, and a holiday dinner. Nominations are due Friday, November 29. To nominate a family or make a contribution, please contact Elaine Clayton at ElaineClayton@PurdyInteriorDesigns.com.

Join the HAA Food Drive for people and pets beginning November 1 The HAA food drive is underway. If your company or property is interested in collecting food please contact Susan at shinkley@haaonline.org. If you are an apartment community and collecting food here are a few ideas: • Identify central and highly visible areas, and designate them as your official display/food collection locations. • Decorate a display/food collection area and a box for food collection (does not need to be from the Food Bank) to draw attention to collection & to make your food drive more fun. • Place a flier at each resident's door or in your newsletter or place a flier in the mailbox area to announcing you will be collecting food during November and where to donate.

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. Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation signed and filed with the USPS by Deborah Nix, Editor. 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. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas. Copyright © 2021 by HAA.

ABODE

November 2021

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ABODE THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

HIRING AND HR • EXPO AND GOLF PHOTOS

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

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November 2021

ABODE • NOVEMBER 2021 • VOLUME 44, ISSUE 11

… and so is everybody else. Learn the right strategies for hiring, training and establishing wellness in the workplace.

ABODE November 2021

Articles inside

Why Empathy Matters in the Workplace

Short Staffed

Prioritizing wellness is nonnegotiable

In the Era of the Great Resignation

It's the Law

President’s Corner – This month