ABODE October 2019 by HAA Publishing

cover oct for print.qxp_Layout 1 9/18/19 8:48 AM Page 1

THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE

www.haaonline.org

ABODE October 2019

Local Elections Matter

Vote to support your industry and the community during the November Elections

Proposed Amendments Voters consider 10 changes to the Texas Constitution.

We See You at the Bowling Tournament, NEXT Casino Night and much more!

corelogic IFC.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 2:51 PM Page 1

sentriforce pg 1.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 2:52 PM Page 1

brandt pg 2.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 2:52 PM Page 1

Table oct pg 3 version 2.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:19 PM Page 1

CONTENTS October 2019

ON THE COVER

FEATURES & PHOTOS

16 On the Scene – Photos from the It’s the Law Luncheon.

Local Elections Matter – Vote to support your industry and the community during the November elections. Find out the HAAPAC endorsements, information on the candidates and much more. Cover Tool Image © Christopher Liao | Dreamstime.com

32 On the Scene – Photos from the HAA Bowling Tournament. 40 HAAPAC Endorsements – See the candidates endorsed by HAA’s Political Action Committee. 42 Thanks, PAC Contributors – A big thank you to these contributing individual members. 44 On the Scene – Photos from the HAA Political Action Committee Luncheon. 46 Houston-Area Elections – Learn all you need to know before heading to the polls. 54 Changes in Congress – Many Houston congressional districts are up for grabs next year. 56 Build It and They will Come – Here are five strategies for building a strong resident referral program. 58 Affordable Marketing – Marketing for an affordable community.. 60 On Site with ABODE – Take a closer look at three of the Honors Awards winning properties. 64 On the Scene – Photos from the NEXT Night in Monte Carlo.

COLUMNS & MONTHLY UPDATES 7 President’s Corner – More on the November election. 8 Patron of the Month – Meet and support FSI Construction. 9 Legislative Update – Voters consider 10 changes to the Texas Constitution. 11 It’s The Law – Texas eliminates straight-ticket voting. 14 Resident Relations – A resident gets her application deposit back. 19 Upcoming Education – Find out what education courses the Houston Apartment Foundation is offering in October and November. 20 Calendar – HAA’s schedule of events for the coming months. 26 NAA Update – Short-term rentals and their legal considerations. 28 On the Road with HAA – See photos from Pearland, Rosenberg and The Woodlands outreach events. 66 Go-Getters – Celebrate Membership! 67 Welcome Mat – Find out about the newest HAA members. 68 The Ambassador ONE Society – Learn more about HAA’s supplier network! 70 Portfolio Changes and In the News – Property updates and 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.

www.haaonline.org

October 2019

ABODE

Officers pg 4.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 2:54 PM Page 1

OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP CLAY HICKS President-Elect

TINA CAVACO Vice President at Large

STARLA TURNBO President

IAN DOUGLAS Vice President at Large

STEPHANIE GRAVES Vice President at Large JOHN BORIACK Secretary/Treasurer

CHRISTY RODRIGUEZ Vice President at Large

HOWARD BOOKSTAFF General Counsel

JEFF HALL Executive VP BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michelle Pawelek Immediate Past President Swapnil Agarwal Mack Armstrong Jeff Blevins Jill Bounds Kyle Brown Joseph Bryson Terri Clifton Michelle Croasmun Grant Crowell Derek DeVries Scott Douglas John Fedorko Gina Erwin Israel Garza Diane Gilbert Ira Gross Alison Hall Bryan Head Melissa Herrera Deborah Holcombe Jacob Kunath Barby Lake Laura Lestus David Lindley Robert Lopes Sonia Lopez Kristin McLaughlin Carlos Neto Dean O’Kelley Michelle Pahl Jenifer Paneral Mark Park Velissa Parmer Jackie Rhone Kelly Scott Kurt Seidel Roman Stephens Debbie Sulzer Dana Tucker Shelley Watson Quintina Willis Tracie Yoder

DIRECTORS EMERITUS Josh Allen Gary Blumberg Ken Bohan Kathy Clem Jack Dinerstein Jenard Gross Darlene Guidry 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 Tamara Foster Billy Griffin, CAS Monica Gracia Debbie Kelm Cesar Lima Mary Lawler Patrick Magnuson Betsy Marshall Bruce McClenny Nikki Sekunda Penny Sprang Laura Van Dyck Tony Whitaker GENERAL COUNSEL EMERITUS Joe Bax HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Claude Arnold Kenn Brown Tina Cavaco 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 PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL OFFICERS Jacob Kunath, CAS, President Century A/C Supply Laura Lestus, CAS, Vice President The Liberty Group David Lindley, CAS, Secretary FSI Construction Derek DeVries, CAS, Treasurer Camp Construction Services Grant Crowell, CAS, Immediate Past President The Urban Foresters MEMBERS Marivel Bownds, CAS, Valet Living Dixie Caldwell-Greer, CAS, The Liberty Group Shaun Callaway, CAS, Earthworks Peggy Charles, CASE, Fidus Construction Services Sean Cunningham, CAS, Flooring Warehouse Deborah DeRouen, CAS, Designs By Holmes

Dan James, CAS, Redevelopment Services Debra Knight, CAS, Valet Living Stephanie Krop, CASE, Poolsure Liz Levins, CAS, Rasa Floors Candis Mohr, CAS, AAA Plumbers Tracey Moore, CAS, Flooring Warehouse Doug Oehl, CAS. Flooring Warehouse Joseph Rodriguez, CAS, The Urban Foresters Blaise Spitaleri, CAS, Gemstar Construction Mat Tilley, CAS, WeDoTrash PATRON MEMBERS 1961 CSC ServiceWorks 1986 Craven Carpet 1994 AAA Plumbers Presto Maintenance Supply 1996 Houston Planned Energy Systems 1997 RentPath 1999 FSI Construction Inc. 2003 Cotton Commercial USA Inc. Dixie Carpet Installations 2009 Camp Construction Services 2013 Interior Logic Group Property Services 2018 Apartments.com

SPONSOR MEMBERS 1968 Century A/C Supply Hoover Slovacek LLP Reliant 1973 Brady Chapman Holland & Assoc CORT Furniture 1974 Mueller Water Conditioning 1976 Great American Business Products 1977 Webb Pest Control 1978 Houston Metro Electrical Corp The Liberty Group 1981 AmRent Marvin F Poer & Company 1983 Sherwin Williams Company 1984 RENCON 1985 Gemstar Construction Development Inc 1986 ApartmentData.com 1988 W Partnership 1992 Alexander-Rose Associates Saint Clair & Sons Inc 1998 AAA Staffing Ltd CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions 2000 Moveforfree.com Inc Pura Flo Corporation 2001 Apartment Life Inc 2002 American Fire Systems Southwest Painting Contractors Inc 2003 Sign-Ups & Banners 2005 Swain & Baldwin Insurance & Risk Management United Protective Services 2006 Bell’s Laundries CAD Restoration Services DoodyCalls Lopez Carpet Care & Painting Masonry Solutions Inc Roto-Rooter Services Co TXU Energy Multifamily Services Valet Living 2008 CRE Business Solutions LLC Flavor Finish Resurfacing HARCO Insurance Services Texas Turf Management 2009 Contractors Inc Moen Inc Redevelopment Services Storm Maintenance & Monitoring 2010 ALN Apartment Data Inc BAC Products Belfor Property Restoration Certified Termite and Pest Control FTK Construction Services 2011 Fantastic Floors Infinite Energy Inc Parking Management Company/PMC Towing 2012 ABC Supply Co Inc Accent Sign & Awning Co BGE/Brown & Gay Engineers Cantrell McCulloch Inc EnviroSmart Multifamily Pest Solutions Go-Staff, Inc Maldonado Nursery & Landscaping Inc Nationwide Eviction Texas Concrete Professional Company 2013 ACTIV Answer by Audio Images Arbor Contract Carpet Inc ASAP Steamers Carpet Cleaning Comcast Gambit Construction Outdoor Elements Pool Works LLC Tidal Renovations LLC 2014 Adventure Playground Systems Inc Chadwell Supply Classic Same Day Blinds Jonah Digital Agency MX2 Commercial Paving Pathfinder Insurance Group Ram Jack Foundation Solutions Texas Apartment Pool Services WCA Waste Corporation Zillow Group 2015 America Outdoor Furniture

ASAP Personnel Inc BSI Cameras Onsite DeNyse Companies Division-9 Inc Gateman Inc Greater Houston Pool Management Holder's Pest Solutions Infinity Power Partners Kathy Andrews Interiors Notifii LLC Pace Mechanical Services The Allshouse Group LLC The Lane Law Firm Wilsonart 2016 Action Window Coverings Allied Fire Protection LP Bath Fitter Cinch – Cabinet Refacing Kits Citi Fence & Concrete E-Systems Pest Management Inc Ecolo Environmental Inc Embark Services Fidus Construction Services Fun Abounds Green City Security LLC Guardian Chimney Sweep Halo Doors Inc JLL Johnstone Supply KONE Leah McVeigh Design and Consulting Liquid Waste Solutions Paul Davis Restoration North Houston RAM Construction Sparkle Wash Pressure Washing Texas Southwest Floors Inc The Home Depot WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems WellKept Whitmans Contracting and Roofing 2017 ACT Security Group All About Doody Pet Solutions LLC All American Mailboxes of Houston Inc Allegion APTexx Inc BioTechs Crime & Trauma Scene Cleaning Buddy's Roofing & Construction Co Cano Electric Inc Classic Towing Continental Adjusters Inc Creative Surface Cypress Landscaping & Irrigation, Inc D&C Painting Designs by Holmes Disaster Restore 365 Fast Forward Services LLC Frost Insurance Agency Gage Multifamily Services General Recon, LLC Lithotech Printed Products/Forms Center McMahan's Flooring Inc MPS Direct Norman Construction NorthMarq Capital On Site Towing LLC Pack-It Movers Paul Ryan Windows SEAL Security Solutions LLC Secure Insurance Swiff-Train Company Symmons Industries Texas Engineered Roofing & General Contracting USA Patrol Division Vima Decor Willbanks & Associates Inc 2018 12 Stones Roofing A Homestead Specialist LLC AAdvantage Laundry Systems AirAide LLC Allura Apartment Lines Archcon Arizona Tile Astros Carpet & Painting Inc Bee Man Dan Benefits 4 Rent Brannan Designs LLC Architecture & Interior Design C&D Towing LLC Capital Sign Associates CashFlow Pros LLC Centex Construction CenturyLink CG Sorelle Group LLC Construction ECO Services Featherston Sign Partners Finish Factory Inc Green Garbology Greenseen Guardian Gutters H&R Operator Services Inc Higginbotham HMS LLC Jet Wrecker Service Kastle Systems Ledge Lounger Lockmer Collins Roofing LLC DBA Roof Repair Squad Matrix Construction Services

Merricks Company MirrorMate Frames O'Conor, Mason & Bone PC OnDemand Cabinet Solutions Penco Access Control PERQ LLC Phoenix Roofing & Construction Inc Platinum Enterprises LLC Power Design Inc Preventive Pest Control Quatro Tax LLC Red Nova Energy Rent Debt Automated Collections RG Miller Engineers Saifee Signs & Graphics Signal 88 Security Smart Shield Security Spray and Play Surface Designers Remodeling Inc Swadley Roof Systems LLC Tanza Granite Inc Texas Steam - Laars Heating Systems Tropical Roofing Products Vistex Graphics LLC Wholewood Cabinets Wildlife Removal Experts Windstorm Restoration Wonder Wall Wraps Inc WS National Construction Services LLC 2019 3 Men Movers AAA Texas Absolute Construction LLC Action Towing, Inc ACUTRAQ Background Screening, Inc Advance LED Solution Al Hicks & Associates / Allstate AmCap Insurance Anchor Roofing Inc Andrews Myers PC Atom4 Security Camera & Electronics August & Suttles Contractors Beekman Company LLC Beyond Contractors LLC Builders Direct Depot Classic Touch Painting CLS Technology Inc Consolidated Communications Cougar USA CSI LED & Hardware D.A.M. Remodeling Group Dal-Tile Corporation DNM Contracting Inc Door Clearance Center Enforce Security Services Epic Air Conditioning Green Faubourg Lawn & Landscaping LLC Harding & Carbone Inc Heritage Construction Co Hive Technology Howitzer Building Engineers Hurtado Roofing & Construction IGD Plumbing LLC In Service Security LLC Insta Relo (An Apartment Mover) Interior Logic Group Property Services J and B Carpet Services Kerely Towing Solutions King's Granite and Marble Ledtech Lexington Group International LP Building Solutions: Louisiana-Pacific Corporation LSR Multifamily Max Digital Printing McKenzie Drake Corporate Housing Morris Contracting NSJ Painting & Flooring Odor-DeFence/BugDeFence One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating Opiniion PHR A/C & Heating Pool Knights Prime Texas Metal Roofs Prime Texas Surveys LLC Property Services Quick Roofing Rainey Richardson Interiors, Reliable Roofing Signal 88 Security of The Woodlands & East Houston Slime Busters Inc Strata Roofing and Construction LLC Streamline Construction Houston LLC Surface Experts League City Target Restoration Services Texas Management Group Three Amigos Texas LLC Total Renovation Services Turnage & Associates Window World Winhill Advisors Woodlands Water Restoration YottaReal

Mast pg 5.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 2:55 PM Page 1

ABODE

OCTOBER 2019 I VOLUME 42, ISSUE 10 Executive Vice President and Publisher JEFF HALL, CAE jhall@haaonline.org EDITORIAL AND DESIGN STAFF Director of Publications and Design DEBORAH NIX dnix@haaonline.org Writer/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 Vice President of Finance NANCY LI LO, CPA nlo@haaonline.org Director of Information Technology ART EIDMAN aeidman@haaonline.org Director of Resident Relations MATILDE LUNA mluna@haaonline.org Director of Events and Meetings LAUREN WOLFSON, CMP lwolfson@haaonline.org Director of Rental Credit Reporting TINA DEFIORE tdefiore@haaonline.org Director of Outreach LAUREN TURNER, CMP lturner@haaonline.org Public Affairs Specialist ALPA PATEL apatel@haaonline.org Education and Meetings Coordinator KAREN MITCHELL kmitchell@haaonline.org Membership and Marketing Manager KAYLON NEWCOMB knewcomb@haaonline.org Membership Engagement Assist. MONSERRAT BUFFINGTON mbuffington@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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .STARLA TURNBO . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Program & Budget . . . . . . . . . . . .CLAY HICKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Nominating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MICHELLE PAWELEK . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Ethics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BETH VAN WINKLE . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOHN BORIACK . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Fair Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MICHELLE PAWELEK . . . . . . .JEFF HALL By-Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KYLE BROWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Past Presidents Council . . . . . . .ALISON HALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JEFF HALL Strategic Outreach . . . . . . . . . . . .JOHN BORIACK . . . . . . . . . . . . .LAUREN TURNER Legislative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CLAY HICKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY TEAS HAA Political Action Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .STACY HUNT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY TEAS Multifamily Fire Safety Alliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOHN FEDORKO . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY TEAS Developers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .TODD TRIGGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ANDY TEAS Century Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DEREK DEVRIES . . . . . . . . . . . .ALPA PATEL PAC Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DAVID JONES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ALPA PATEL Media Relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NORMA ALVEAR . . . . . . . . . . . .ALPA PATEL Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KIM SMALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ALPA PATEL Leadership Development . . . . .JACKIE RHONE . . . . . . . . . . . . .SUSAN HINKLEY Product Service Council . . . . . . .JACOB KUNATH . . . . . . . . . . . .SUSAN HINKLEY Community Outreach . . . . . . . .TRACIE YODER . . . . . . . . . . . . . .SUSAN HINKLEY Resident Relations Appeals . . .DARLENE GUIDRY . . . . . . . . . .MATILDE LUNA Resident Relations A . . . . . . . . . .ELAINE LEEPER . . . . . . . . . . . . .MATILDE LUNA Resident Relations B . . . . . . . . . .KATHY MOTIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MATILDE LUNA Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CRYSTAL JACKSON . . . . . . . .AMANDA SHERBONDY Ambassador ONE Society . . . .MARIVEL BOWNDS/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RYAN WEIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AMANDA SHERBONDY 2019 Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LAURA LESTUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .AMANDA SHERBONDY Education Advisory Council . . .STEPHANIE GRAVES . . . . . . .EMILY HILTON Career/Community Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .KELLY SUESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .EMILY HILTON NEXT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PATRICK MAGNUSON/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .NIKKI SEKUNDA . . . . . . . . . . . .EMILY HILTON ACES Task Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DIANE GILBERT . . . . . . . . . . . . .EMILY HILTON HAF Fundraiser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MICHELLE BRIDGES/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .DAN JAMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LAUREN WOLFSON HAA Street Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BRANDON THOMAS . . . . . . . .LAUREN WOLFSON Property Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . .RICHARD WALL/ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PENNY SPRANG . . . . . . . . . . . .TINA DEFIORE IT Task Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JOE BRYSON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ART EIDMAN 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, OCTOBER 2019 VOLUME 42 ISSUE 10 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 Â© 2019 by HAA. Periodicals Postage Paid at Houston, Texas. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABODE, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041.

www.haaonline.org

October 2019

ABODE

chili pg 6.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 7:29 AM Page 1

Mark your calendars for Chili Fest 2019! Join us as we bring the heat at the 29th Annual HAF Chili Fest There will be teams serving up their best chili and all kinds of activities and games for kids and adults: • Rock Wall • Video Game Trucks • Inflatable Obstacle Courses and moonwalks for all ages • Velcro Wall • 30 ft Mega Slide • Bungee Trampoline • Face Painting • Balloon Artists • Petting Zoo • Camel Rides and more! Interested in entering the Chili Cook-oﬀ Contest? Contact events@haaonline.org for details on how you can get cooking!

CHILI FEST 2019 Saturday, October 26 Noon to 5 p.m.

Humble Civic Center 8233 Will Clayton Pkwy., Humble, TX 77338 Take Hwy. 59 North toward Kingwood, exit Will Clayton Pkwy. and turn right. Turn left on South Houston Avenue and the Humble Civic Center Arena is on the right.

Wristbands: Adult - $8 prepaid; $10 on site Child (5-12) - $4 prepaid, $6 on site Kids 4 and under - Free!

www.haaonline.org/chilifest

sors! n o p s r u o o t u Thankyo onsor Over 21 Wristband Sp Habanero Sponsors Contractors Inc HD Supply Ideal Towing Locating Smart City Apartment

rvices Matrix Construction Se

Jalapeno Sponsors CKR Management Century A/C Supply Contractors Inc erty Solutions CoreLogic Rental Prop CORT Furniture rvices Fidus Construction Se FSI Construction Guardian Construction ation rpor Pavement Services Co Solutions n tio da Ram Jack Foun ces Redevelopment Servi Services ol Po t en tm Texas Apar The Liberty Group WeDoTrash Little Chilis Sponsors Best Plumbing Executive Search Hire Priority Staﬃng &

Trophy Sponsor Guardian Construction sors Chili-tizer Station Spon s LP ion lut So Advanced Waste Services Texas Apartment Pool

pres pg 7.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:00 PM Page 1

Letter from the President

By STARLA TURNBO, 2019 HAA President

THE NOVEMBER HOUSTON BALLOT IS CROWDED WITH CANDIDATES. The Houston Chronicle reported that more than 125 candidates turned in paperwork to run for city office. Every incumbent will have at least one opponent. Mayor Sylvester Turner, who is running for a second four-year term, faces 12 other candidates. Bill King, Turner’s 2015 runoff opponent, lawyer and business owner Tony Buzbee, Councilman Dwight Boykins and former Councilwoman Sue Lovell are among Turner’s list of challengers. All eight incumbent council members seeking re-election face opponents, and several council races drew large entrants with candidates looking to replace outgoing council members seeking other offices whose term limits have expired. City Controller Chris Brown drew a last-minute challenge from former Harris County treasurer Orlando Sanchez. In this issue of ABODE, the Houston Apartment Association’s Public Affairs team, Andy Teas and Alpa Patel, wrote all you need to know on the local elections, starting on Page 48. Early voting begins Oct. 21 and Election Day is Nov. 5. Texas’ big congressional races are set for 2020, after the party primaries are over, in a general election where voters will choose which party controls the Texas House. The deadline for candidates is December. The HAA Public Affairs departments offers a brief rundown on who has already filed for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives, starting on Page 56. HAA and its members are dedicated to providing quality rental housing to Houstonians. One essential way property owners can provide quality housing is by focusing on public safety. Houstonbased organizations such as Crime Stoppers of Houston are also dedicated to maintaining safety within Houston neighborhoods, which is why I’ve been an advocate of their services during my presidency of HAA. Read the article on Page 58 to learn how Crime Stoppers of Houston can help you maintain safety on-site. Thank you to the HAAPAC Steering Committee, all who helped screen candidates and who voted on those we selected to endorse by attending the HAAPAC luncheons in August and September. The best way to get involved in HAA is by finding what you’re passionate about within the association. If you’re passionate about politics, start attending the HAAPAC luncheons. If you’re passionate about marketing, look into the HAA Street Team or the Media Relations Committee. If you’re looking for networking opportunities, look into the Ambassador ONE Society or the Go-Getters Club. You can turn to Page 20 for the events calendar. You can also visit www.haaonline.org/getinvolved to learn more about our different committees.

www.haaonline.org

October 2019

ABODE

Patron pg 8 fsi.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:00 PM Page 1

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

Apartments.com

HAA Member since 1978

HAA Member since 1997

Cotton Commercial USA Inc.

Interior Logic Group Property Services

HAA Member since 1982

Presto Maintenance Supply HAA Member since 1983

CSC ServiceWorks HAA Member since 1961

Craven Carpet HAA Member since 1986

Camp Construction Services HAA Member since 1994

October Patron of the Month

ABODE

October 2019

HAA Member since 1985

AAA Plumbers HAA Member since 1984

FSI Construction Inc. HAA Member since 1999

Dixie Carpet Installations HAA Member since 1987

RentPath HAA Member since 1979

www.haaonline.org

leg update pg 9, 72,73.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:10 PM Page 1

Legislative Update

By CLAY HICKS, HAA Legislative Chair, with ANDY TEAS, CAE, Vice President of Public Affairs

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS Voters consider 10 changes to the Texas Constitution.

NEXT MONTH, ALL Texas voters will have the chance to decide the fate of 10 proposed changes to our state constitution. Because Houston will also be voting in a high-profile race for mayor, city controller and 16 council seats, Houstonians will likely turn out in larger numbers, playing a greater role than the rest of the state on these proposed constitutional amendments. Texas adopted its first state constitution in 1845, when it first joined the Union, changing from an independent nation to one of the United States. As with most other state constitutions written before the Civil War, Texas’ constitution was modeled after the U.S. Constitution: a short, vague list of general guiding principles for state government. Texas adopted several more constitutions just before, during and after the Civil War. After being re-admitted to the United States, Texas found itself governed by a 1869 constitution that created a powerful state government with most judges and executive officials appointed by the governor. Many Texans considered the constitution of 1869 to be a document imposed on Texas by the federal government and set out to replace it with a new one. In the fall of 1875, 83 Texans gathered in Austin to draft the constitution that is still in effect today. The delegates included Republicans, Democrats and several African Americans. The largest group of votes among the delegates belonged to the Texas Patrons of Husbandry, better known as the Grange. The Grangers’ vision of a weak central state government, with direct election of most judges and executive officials by the people to brief terms of office, became the focus of the new constitution. Distrustful of big business interests, the Grangers also placed severe restrictions on banks and railroads in the new constitution, some of which remain in the document today. Texans adopted our current constitution on Feb. 15, 1876, by a vote of 136,606 to 56,652. The Texas Constitution contains a Bill of Rights that, in some respects, grants greater inwww.haaonline.org

dividual liberty to citizens than the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution. The Texas Constitution also provides that a two-thirds vote of the legislature and a majority vote of the people may amend it. Over the years, legislators have used the Texas Constitution for “super-legislation,” making the document less a blueprint for government than a collection of statutes that are hard to repeal. Since its adoption in 1876, the Texas Legislature has proposed 680 amendments to voters, who have approved 498 of them. Several attempts to enact a new Texas Constitution, most recently in 1972, have not been successful. Without a new constitutional convention, the job of revising and updating our state’s principal governing document falls squarely on the voters. This year, the Texas Legislature has voted to recommend 10 specific changes for your consideration. Proposition 1 – “The constitutional amendment permitting a person to hold more than one office as a municipal judge at the same time.” – The Texas Constitution generally prohibits people from holding more than one government office at the same time – a commonsense provision intended to prevent people from trying to be paid for multiple government jobs simultaneously. Some small cities, however, don’t have attorneys who are willing to serve as a municipal judge, which makes it hard for these cities to deal with issues like ordinance violations and building code matters. Proponents believe allowing one person to serve as a municipal judge for several nearby small cities would help. This is already allowed for appointed municipal judges. This amendment would extend the exception to judges in cities where the municipal judge is elected. Proposition 2 – “The constitutional amendment providing for the issuance of additional general obligation bonds by the Texas Water Development Board in an amount not to exceed $200 million to provide financial assistance for the development of certain projects

in economically distressed areas.” – The Texas Constitution generally prohibits the state and local governments from borrowing money without specific approval from voters. The Texas Legislature created the Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP) in 1989. The EDAP provides financial assistance for the development of water supply and sewer service projects in economically distressed areas. Voters authorized bond money when it was created in 1989, and again in 2007, which has been used to provide over $1 billion in grants and loans. This amendment would create another $200 million in bonding authority. Proposition 3 – “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation of a portion of the appraised value of certain property damaged by a disaster.” – The Texas Constitution generally requires that taxation be “equal and uniform,” but allows for certain exceptions, such as those for the elderly and for disabled veterans. Proposition 3 would provide for a temporary exemption from ad valorem taxation by a political subdivision of a portion of the appraised value of property located in an area declared by the governor to be a disaster area. Supporters of this amendment argue that providing a temporary tax exemption for property damaged by a disaster is a cheaper, simpler and more easily administrable method of providing property tax relief to those suffering the aftereffects of a disaster than the current method of reappraisal. Proposition 4 – “The constitutional amendment prohibiting the imposition of an individual income tax, including a tax on an individual's share of partnership and unincorporated association income.” – Texas is one of only seven states with no state income tax – a policy choice many feel has contributed to the state’s exceptional economic growth. While there are no serious plans on the horizon to impose such a tax, legislative conservatives see the possibility of a less conservative legislature in / See Legislative Update, Page 72

October 2019

ABODE

cotton ad pg 10.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:11 PM Page 1

law pg 11,12.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:14 PM Page 1

It’s the Law

By HOWARD BOOKSTAFF, Hoover Slovacek LLP , HAA General Counsel

TEXAS ELIMINATES STRAIGHT-TICKET VOTING Are you ready?

ON NOV. 6, 2018, we went to the polls. In many places, this was a lot of work! The Harris County ballot requires you to pick a United States senator, United States representative, the governor, the lieutenant governor, the attorney general, the comptroller of public accounts, the commissioner of the general land office, the commissioner of agriculture, the railroad commissioner, three U.S. Supreme Court justices, the presiding judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals, two other judges for the Court of Criminal Appeals, a member of the state Board of Education, a state senator, a state representative, 10 judges for the Court of Appeals, 36 district judges, the county judge, 15 judges for the County Criminal Court-at-Law, four judges for the County Probate Court-at-Law, four Judges for the County Civil Court-at-Law, the district clerk, the county clerk, the county treasurer, three county school trustees, two county commissioners and a justice of the peace. Additionally, in some locations, you voted on multiple propositions. Although there were a number of candidates on the ballot, you could have avoided making all these decisions. You could have punched one button that would have allowed you to automatically casted votes for all candidates of one party. The Texas Election Code defines a straightparty vote as a vote by a single mark, punch or other action by the voter for all the nominees of one political party and no other candidates. Several sections of the election code provide for straight-party voting in Texas elections, at least until elections conducted on or after Sept. 1, 2020. On June 1, 2017, the governor signed House Bill 25, which was passed in the 2017 legislative session. HB 25 eliminates straightwww.haaonline.org

party voting and repeals sevOn June 1, 2017, the governor signed House Bill 25, eral sections of the election code that references straightwhich was passed in the 2017 legislative session. party voting. The new law HB 25 eliminates straight-party voting and repeals takes effect Sept. 1, 2020. several sections of the election code that references Whether you are a Democrat straight-party voting. The new law takes effect or a Republican, eliminating Sept. 1, 2020. straight-party voting was a controversial topic. The House Research Organization’s bill analysis, provided with the bill on the Texas voters who casted a vote in the governor’s race Legislative Online website, gives insight into did not cast a vote for their proposition. the pros and cons that were considered by the legislature. Let’s take a look at what supporters Those who opposed the bill said: and opponents had to say about HB 25. HB 25 would eliminate straight-party voting, which many Texas voters use. Party laThose who supported the bill said: bels are an immediate set of boundaries that By eliminating straight-party voting, HB 25 voters use to make their ballot decisions. If a would encourage voters to more carefully voter wants to vote for all the candidates of a consider the candidates running in elections. single party, that voter should be allowed to While Texas voters have researched candido so easily. Eliminating the one-punch opdates at the top of the ballot, they may not tion does not eliminate straight-party voting, have made as much effort to research downit just makes it more cumbersome. ballot candidates, which results in a system HB 25 could also make Texas vulnerable to that poorly vets elected officials for offices lawsuits. In 2016, Michigan enacted a bill that most directly affect the lives of conthat eliminated straight-party voting, but it stituents. In some cases, one-punch voting was blocked by a federal district court, with also causes voters to miss out on casting higher courts, up to the U.S. Supreme Court, votes in non-partisan races or propositions. that declined to hear the state’s case. The deTexas has been one of the few states that cision to block the law was based on evistill allows one-punch, straight-party voting. dence that showed high correlations between Data from several states that have eliminated the size of the black voter population within one-punch voting shows that its elimination a district and the use of straight-party voting not only reduces ballot roll-off but it increases in that district. Those districts also historivoter turnout. For example, Texas (who had cally have faced some of the longest wait straight-party voting) and Georgia (who did times to vote in Michigan, which meant that not) held state-wide ballot propositions for eliminating straight-party voting would imtransportation funding in 2014. In Texas, pact black voters to a greater degree. 17.3% of voters who casted votes in the goverOpponents also state that it is important to nor’s race did not cast a vote for the proposialso consider the effect that eliminating tion. Universally, in Georgia only 2.6% of straight-party voting would have on the October 2019

ABODE

law pg 11,12.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:14 PM Page 2

would disproportionally suffer increased wait times because black voters straight-party vote at vastly higher rates than whit people. The court stated that the plaintiffs showed that the elimination of straightparty voting would disproportionally cause black voters to: (i) take more time than white voters in completing ballots; or (ii) abandon their ballots at a higher rate than white voters out of frustration. It may be important to note that while similar suits could be filed in Texas, there are certain distinctions between Texas elections and Michigan elections that may make a difference. Except for a limited number of qualified residents, all Michigan voters must visit the polls on Election Day. Michigan does not permit early voting nor no-reason absentee voting. Consequently, there are more opportunities for Texas voters to avoid long lines on Election Day and take the appropriate amount of time while filling out the ballot. No matter your party affiliation, if you straight-party voted before, you will have your work cut out for you as of Sept. 1, 2020! You will need to be prepared to make decisions on each of the candidates. If you want to vote based on a candidate’s party, you can continue to do so, but you will have to make that decision with respect to each individual candidate. The first state-wide election that will not have straight-party voting will be the Presidential Election in November 2020. Good luck!

No matter your party affiliation, if you straight-party voted before, you will have your work cut out for you as of Sept. 1, 2020! You will need to be prepared to make decisions on each of the candidates. If you want to vote based on a candidate’s party, you can continue to do so, but you will have to make that decision with respect to each individual candidate.

state’s larger cities and counties. Harris County consistently has one of the longest ballots in the country. Ending one-punch voting could extend the time it takes a voter to cast a ballot, which could lengthen the wait time for voters in line at each polling place. It’s interesting to note the bill’s analysis referred to the 2016 case in Michigan. In August of 2018, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, issued its amended opinion and order that granted the request to enjoin the state from eliminating straight-party voting. The court determined that the elimination of straight-party voting in that case impermissibly infringed on the black population’s right to vote, illustrated a discriminatory intent or purpose on the part of the Michigan Legislature and disparately impacted black voters’ opportunity to participate in the political process in conjunction with lingering effects of social and historical discrimination. The court cautioned in its opinion that its holdings were specific to that litigation only and that it was based on the election laws and voting patterns of demographics in Michigan, as they existed at that time. The court concluded that black people

ABODE

October 2019

Editor’s Note: In last month’s It’s the Law column, the first sentence under the section “When can a late charge be assessed?” should have read, “The owner may not charge a late fee unless any portion of the resident’s rent has remained unpaid two full days after the rent was originally due.”

Want to see current and previous issues of ABODE online and “it’s the Law? Go to http://issuu.com/haa_abode.

www.haaonline.org

Afford Quality Electric pg 13.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:15 PM Page 1

Resident Relations from the RESIDENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE

HEY, MANAGEMENT A resident gets her application deposit back.

AN APPLICANT FILED a complaint

with HAA to receive a refund on her application fee and application deposit. The resident stated in her complaint that she applied to rent an apartment. The resident was charged a $50 non-refundable application fee and a $49 application deposit. In the application agreement, it is noted that the application deposit may or may not be refundable. In her complaint, the resident said she never heard back from management after applying to rent an apartment home at this community and paying the total $99 for the application fee and application deposit. After several attempts, the applicant was finally able to make contact with the apartment

The HAA Resident Relations Committees provide community. She was an impartial review of resident complaints using told her application was approved. At this point, the documentation provided by both the resident the resident did not wish and management. to rent at this apartment community. Management responded to the Houston refundable, and, because management did Apartment Association stating that the total not fill out the bottom of the application form of $99, for the application and administration where it discloses approval or non-approval, fee, was non-refundable. This response was the application deposit automatically becomes forwarded to the applicant. Enclosed were refundable. Management is to refund the apcopies of the application form and final acplicant the $49 application deposit. count statement. The committee ruled in favor of the appliIf you are a manager with a resident cant. The application form clearly states the relations issue, call HAA at 713-595-0300 $49 application deposit may or may not be 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!”

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

golf dinerstein 2019 pg 15.qxp_Dinerstein golf pg 6 9/12/19 3:19 PM Page 1

Bill DinersteinMemorial T o u r n a m e n t

Tuesday, October 8, Riverbend Country Club, 1214 Dulles Ave., Sugar Land, Tx 77478

Benefiting the Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee

Join us for the 40th annual HAA Golf Tournament. Prizes for: Closest To Pin • Longest Drive • Tournament prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, net scores. Check-in opens at 7 a.m. with a breakfast buffet. Shotgun start at 9 a.m. with award reception to follow. Two owner/management and two suppliers per team. NEW! Pinot & Putting Contest 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. One golf ball may be purchased for $20 per player. The player will have a chance to putt their ball to win a bottle of wine on the Riverbend Putting Green. Registration fee includes golf fees, breakfast, beverages during play and reception. *Please note this event is open to sponsors and players only, no spectators. In the event of rain, your contribution will go to the HAA Political Action Committee. Contributions are not tax-deductible as charitable contributions under the Internal Revenue Code. Paid for by HAA Political Action Committee, Stacy Hunt, Treasurer.

Payment must be made by personal credit card Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover or personal check payable to HAA PAC. Payment must accompany registration. HAA is prohibited from accepting corporate contributions for PAC events. If a team does not consist of two owner/management and two suppliers, they will be disqualified from team awards. Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________ Company________________________________________________________________ Phone (____________)_________________________ MC____ Visa____ AmEx____ Discv_______ Credit Card #________________________________________________________________________ CC Security Code____________ Expiration Date__________ Name on Card______________________________________________________________ Number of players (two owner/management, two supplier) paid for___________ @ $180 each by September 20/$200 after September 20 = $_________ Add “Pinot & Putting Contest” for $20 x _______ (how many balls) = _____________ (total amount paid). Owner/Management Name____________________________________________Company_______________________________ Handicap___________ Owner/Management Name____________________________________________Company_______________________________ Handicap___________ Supplier Name________________________________________________Company___________________________________ Handicap___________ Supplier Name________________________________________________Company___________________________________ Handicap___________ Mail completed form and payment to: HAA PAC, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041. Credit card registrations may be emailed to golf@haaonline.org; payment must accompany registration.

law lunch pg 16.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:20 PM Page 1

On the Scene with HAA It’s the Law Luncheon Friday, August 9 at the HAF Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center Sponsored by 1 Cotton Commercial USA HAA General Counsel Howard Bookstaff presented an “It’s the Law” luncheon covering new laws impacting late fees for apartment owners and property management professionals.

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

ann bus meet pg 17.qxp_Layout 1 9/16/19 2:28 PM Page 1

HAA Annual Business Meeting

Thursday, November 21 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Hilton Post Oak 2001 Post Oak Blvd., Houston, TX 77056

Table of 10: Early bird rate: $650: Standard rate: $850 Individual seat: Early bird rate: $65; Standard rate: $85 The deadline to receive the early bird rate is November 7

Reception and Seated Dinner Requests for refunds must be received in writing by end of business day on November 14, and will be subject to a $50 cancellation fee. No refunds will be granted after November 14 or for no shows. No refunds will be given for individual tickets, but tickets are fully transferrable. For reservations and information, contact 713-595-0323, email events@haaonline.org or online at www.haaonline.org.

Join us as we elect our leadership for 2020 and celebrate the achievements of 2019 Nomination and Election of 2020 Officers and Board of Directors Recognition of 2019 Committee Members Recognition of 2019 NAA Credential Holders Recognition of 2019 Go-Getter Achievements Presentation of 2019 Appreciation Awards

Sponsored by Gemstar Construction Development Inc. and Texscape Services

church pg 18.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:22 PM Page 1

Educ pg 19,24.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:29 PM Page 1

Upcoming Education

From the HAA EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

OCTOBER

by 12:30 p.m. in the event the morning course finishes early.

It’s the Law Luncheon Friday, October 4 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program fee: $35 Sponsored by Matrix Construction Services Join HAA's General Counsel, Howard Bookstaff, for lunch and a legal discussion in a casual environment allowing for questions and answers.

Industry Math Wednesday, October 9 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $99 A new curriculum authored by NAA, this half-day workshop is an excellent opportunity to sharpen your mathematical skills.

NALP 1: Bringing in New Residents – Be Prepared Tuesday, October 8 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $385; $500.50 per nonmember Sponsored by Camp Construction Services This course focuses on the skills needed to deliver exceptional leasing support. From personal organization and time management, to teamwork and technology, the top leasing professional can apply these talents to a successful outcome. NALP 2: Marketing and Maintaining Your Community Tuesday, October 8 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Program fee: $385; $500.50 per nonmember Sponsored by Camp Construction Services Explore the importance of image, reputation and brand for wellmaintained communities. The course covers a detailed list of what keeps a community in peak showable condition, along with the importance of a robust and varied marketing approach for maximum exposure. If you are taking this as a standalone course, please arrive to our facility

SCHEDULE AND FEES

Avenues: Maintenance Session 2 – “Mold and Mildew” with Don Willard Thursday, October 10 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $50 Sponsored by Chadwell Supply See Page 22 for details. HAA NEXT: Professional Development Breakfast Friday, October 11 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Program fee: $10 Sponsored by Smart City Apartment Locating Topic: TBA CAMT HVAC Maintenance & Repair (two days) Tuesday, October 15 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Program fee: $795 per member; $165 as a stand-alone seminar Sponsored by Johnstone Supply This course teaches students how various heating and air conditioning systems work, as well as how to maintain and repair these systems. Topics include: Air Conditioning Safety; Key Air Conditioning Tools; Refrigerants and Special Properties; Air Conditioning System; Simple Fixes; Refrigeration Cycle Repairs; Electrical System Repairs; Air Distribution System Repairs; Unit Replacement; and SEER 13

are subject to change without prior notification. Notice of cancellation is required two days in advance to receive a refund, less a $25 administrative fee. Seats are guaranteed on a first-come, first-served basis when payment and registration are received in advance of the program. Unless otherwise indicated, courses are held in either the Camden and Michael Stevens Interests Room or the Direct Energy and Liberty Personnel & Executive Search Room at the Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd. on the second floor of the HAA Office www.haaonline.org

NALP 3: Why Your Competition Matters Tuesday, October 15 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $385 per member Sponsored by Camp Construction Services A loyal and satisfied resident is at the heart of this course. The leasing professional is a critical component in inspiring and maintaining loyalty, but they must also understand the role of competitors and their offerings. This knowledge must be complete, accurate and timely. NALP 4: Relevant Laws and How to Apply Them Tuesday, October 15 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Program fee: $385 per member Sponsored by Camp Construction Services This course teaches a full spectrum of Fair Housing and ADA compliance for both prospective and current residents. In addition, the course covers law applying to prospect screening, application verification, the lease and lease addenda.

EDUCATION OUTREACH: Katy Legal Seminar: Katy Wednesday, October 16 8:30 a.m. to noon Location: Country Inn and Suites, 252 Market Place Drive Katy. Texas 77494 Program fee: $65 if prepaid; $80 onsite Sponsored by Perfect Surface and The Liberty Group Join HAA’s Legal Counsel Howard Bookstaff and your fellow HAA members for our Outreach Legal Seminar. The seminar will fulfill the NAA CEC requirement of Fair Housing training required of all CAM, CAPS, NALP and CAMT credentials and is worth three

CEC credits. Topics include: Fair housing update: The good the bad and the ridiculous; Everything you wanted to know about assistance animals but were afraid to ask; Evictions: Trials and tribulations; A legislative update; and a policy and procedure primer. Avenues: Supplier Circle 3 – “Closing the Sales Circle” with Dr. Debbie Phillips Wednesday, October 16 9:00 a.m. to noon Program fee: $50 See Page 22 for details. CAMT Appliances Maintenance & Repair (two days) Thursday, October 17 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Program fee: $795 per member; $165 as a stand-alone seminar Sponsored by Chadwell Supply This course teaches students how to install, diagnose and repair the key appliances that they will encounter on the job. See Page 23 for details. NALP 5: The Sales Process and Building Relationships Monday, October 22 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $385 per member Sponsored by Camp Construction Services Learn the foundations of relationship selling and the importance of problem solving for both the prospective and current resident. Learn essential duties such as listening and responding specifically to the customer, handling objections and meaningful ways to close the sale.

/ See Education, Page 24

Building. Seating is limited. You must pre-register. For more information and to register, go online at www.haaonline.org. Notice to Attendees: All pre-registered no-shows will be billed. For admittance into HAA/HAF events, payments will be required at the door if not received prior to the event. Start times listed above include a 30-minute registration period. Notice of cancellation is required two days prior to the event for a refund, less a $15 administrative fee. October 2019

ABODE

calendar pg 20,21.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:30 PM Page 1

OCTOBER S M T 1 6 7 8 13 14 15 20 21 22 27 28 29

Calendar HAA Education, Events and Meetings SCHEDULE

W 2 9 16 23 30

T 3 10 17 24 31

F 4 11 18 25

S 5 12 19 26

NOVEMBER S M T W T 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 26 27 28

F 1 8 15 22 29

S 2 9 16 23 30

OCTOBER 2

New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, October 2 3 p.m. Craft Republic 11470 Westheimer, 77042 All new supplier members welcome. Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

Industry Math Wednesday, October 9 8:30 a.m. to noon

NALP 4: Relevant Laws and How to Apply Them Tuesday, October 15 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by Camp Construction Services

NALP 5: The Sales Process and Building Relationships Monday, October 22 8:30 a.m. to noon Sponsored by Camp Construction Services

15-16

NALP 6: Effectively Meeting the Needs of Current Residents Monday, October 22 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by Camp Construction Services

Ambassador ONE Society Meeting Wednesday, October 2 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Craft Republic 11470 Westheimer, 77042 Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

4 It’s the Law Luncheon Friday, October 4 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sponsored by Matrix Construction Services

8 Bill Dinerstein Memorial Golf Tournament Tuesday, October 8 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Riverbend Country Club 1214 Dulles Ave., Sugar Land, 77478 See Page 15 for a list of sponsors and more details. NALP 1: Bringing in New Residents – Be Prepared Tuesday, October 8 8:30 a.m. to noon Sponsored by Camp Construction Service NALP 2: Marketing and Maintaining Your Community Tuesday, October 8 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sponsored by Camp Construction Service

Resident Relations Committee A Wednesday, October 9 2 p.m.

10 Avenues: Maintenance Session 2 – “Mold and Mildew” with Don Willard Thursday, October 10 8:30 a.m. to noon See Page 22 for details. Sponsored by Chadwell Supply Onsite-Goes-Offsite: Fort Bend Thursday, October 10 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Location: TBA Due to limited seating, this meeting is open to onsite personnel only. Calling all Fort Bend and surrounding-area onsite personnel, come meet your fellow industry peers by joining us for a little networking and fun. Your first drink is on us! Please contact the HAA Outreach department at outreach@haaonline.org if you have any questions. Sponsored by Earthworks

11 HAA NEXT: Professional Development Breakfast Friday, October 11 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sponsored by Smart City Apartment Locating

15 NALP 3: Why Your Competition Matters Tuesday, October 15 8:30 a.m. to noon Sponsored by Camp Construction Services

CAMT HVAC Maintenance & Repair (two days) Tuesday, October 15 and Wednesday, October 16 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Johnstone Supply

16 Avenues: Supplier Circle 3 – “Closing the Sales Circle” with Dr. Debbie Phillips Wednesday, October 16 9:00 a.m. to noon Legal Seminar: Katy Wednesday, October 16 8:30 a.m. to noon Country Inn & Suites – Katy 25218 Market Place Drive, Katy, TX 77494 Sponsored by Perfect Surface and The Liberty Group

17 Onsite-Goes-Offsite: Pasadena Thursday, October 17 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Location: TBA Due to limited seating, this meeting is open to onsite personnel only. Calling all Pasadena and surrounding-area onsite personnel, come meet your fellow industry peers by joining us for a little networking and fun. Your first drink is on us! Please contact the HAA Outreach department at outreach@haaonline.org if you have any questions. Sponsored by The Urban Foresters

17-18 CAMT Appliances Maintenance & Repair (two days) Thursday, October 17 and Friday, October 18 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. See Page 23 for details. Sponsored by Chadwell Supply

24 Avenues: Leadership Session 3 – “No One Likes a Bully” with Megan Orser Thursday, October 24 9:00 a.m. to noon Sponsored by The Liberty Group

26 Chili Fest Saturday, October 26 Noon to 5 p.m. Humble Civic Center 8233 Will Clayton Parkway, Humble, 77338 Mark your calendars for the 2019 Chili Fest for a fun-filled day of chili, activities and games for all ages! See Pages 6 and 36 for the list of sponsors and more details.

29 NALP Market Survey Presentation & Exam Tuesday, October 29 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sponsored by Camp Construction Services

31 IROP (three days) Thursday, October 31; Friday, November 1; and Saturday, November 2 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by Cotton Commercial USA and Guardian Construction

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

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

calendar pg 20,21.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:30 PM Page 2

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

NOVEMBER 2

11-15

IROP (continued from October) Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by Cotton Commercial USA and Guardian Construction

Extreme CAM (five days) Monday, November 11 through Friday, November 15 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by AAA Plumbers, ALN Apartment Data, ApartmentData.com, Arbor Contract Carpet, CORT Furniture, HD Supply, Matrix Construction Services, Presto Maintenance Supply, Smart City Apartment Locating, The Lane Law Firm

Holiday Luncheon: Brazoria County Friday, November 15 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Join HAA in Brazoria County for our annual justice of the peace and constable appreciation holiday luncheon. Please contact outreach@haaonline.org for more information.

Blue Star Program Thursday, November 21 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tracey Gee Community Center 3599 Westcenter Drive., 77042 The Blue Star Certification Program is a joint effort by the Houston Police Department and the Houston Apartment Association. 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. Register online at www.houstontx.gov/police/multi_fa mily. Please direct questions to officer Donna Clark at donna.clark@houstonpolice.org. Sponsored by Johnstone Supply and The Lane Law Firm

5 Leasing 101 (day and a half) Tuesday, November 5 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

6 New Supplier Member Orientation Wednesday, November 6 3 p.m. Craft Republic 11470 Westheimer, 77042 All new supplier members welcome. Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details. Ambassador ONE Society Meeting Wednesday, November 6 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Craft Republic 11470 Westheimer, 77042 Contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org for details.

7 Holiday Luncheon: Montgomery County Thursday, November 7 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Churrascos: The Woodlands 21 Waterway Ave., The Woodlands, 77380 Join HAA in Montgomery County for our annual justice of the peace and constable appreciation holiday luncheon. Please contact outreach@haaonline.org for more information.

www.haaonline.org

Extreme CAS (five days) Monday, November 11 through Friday, November 15 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

12 The Woodlands Township Lunch & Learn Tuesday, November 12 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program fee: FREE Location: TBA Please contact outreach@haaonline.org for more information.

13 Northwest Lunch & Learn Wednesday, November 13 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program fee: FREE A new program educating apartment professionals on fraudulent applications, led by CoreLogic’s Randy Patton. Please note this program is only open to apartment personnel. To attend, you must RSVP. Resident Relations Committee B Wednesday, November 13 2 p.m.

14 NAA Political Action Committee Wine Tasting Thursday, November 14 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Latitude Med Center Apartments 1850 Old Main St., 77030, on the 35th floor. Please contact Alpa at apatel@haaonline.org for more information.

18 HAAPAC Luncheon Monday, November 18 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Program fee: $30 per HAAPAC member; $40 per non-HAAPAC member Contact Alpa at apatel@haaonline.org for registration and details. Sponsored by CORT Furniture

19 Fair Housing Seminar Tuesday, November 19 8:30 a.m. to noon Sponsored by Camp Construction Services and Century A/C Supply

20 Avenues: Maintenance Session 3 – “How Long Does it Really Take?” with Mark Cukro Wednesday, November 20 9:00 a.m. to noon Sponsored by Chadwell Supply Onsite-Goes-Offsite: Webster Thursday, November 20 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Due to limited seating, this meeting is open to onsite personnel only. "Networking means the act of exchanging information with people who can help you professionally, " author Michele Jennae said. Calling all Lake Jackson and surroundingarea onsite personnel, come meet your fellow industry peers by joining us for a little networking and fun. Your first drink is on us! Please contact the HAA Outreach department at outreach@haaonline.org if you have any questions. Sponsored by Gemstar Construction Development

Board Meeting Thursday, November 21 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sponsored by Earthworks Annual Business Meeting Thursday, November 21 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Location: TBA Sponsored by Gemstar Construction Development and Texscape Services

28-29 Thanksgiving Holiday Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29 The HAA office will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

October 2019

ABODE

avenues pg 22.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:31 PM Page 1

Maintenance

BLVD

Avenues: Maintenance Blvd - 2 October 10 Mold and Mildew With Don Willard • What is mold and what is mildew • What’s the chain of command when it comes to mold and mildew • Evaluating the intrusive mold, extent of the effect area • Strategies for dealing with mold situations • Personal protection, the inspection procedures • How to abate mold, remediation. • Mold testing and chemicals used for treatment • Problem solving during abatement • Acceptable structure, floors, drywall water content • Abatement areas. Clean rooms, clean-up procedures • Post inspection and paperwork

Supplier

CIR

Avenues: Supplier Circle - 3 October 16 “Closing” the Sales Circle With Dr. Debbie Phillips Selling is process! In this seminar, you’ll learn the five critical steps in the sales process in addition to building a pipeline of leads through effective relationship building. Build long-term relationships, not short-term sales!

Sponsored by

Follow a road that fits you career journey with Avenues. The Avenues series of seminars feature some of the best nationally-acclaimed speakers in the industry with learning sessions for every level of multifamily professional. There are five Avenues to choose from, Main Street, Maintenance Boulevard, Leadership Lane, Marketing Place and Supplier Circle. Follow just one path or pick and choose from all of the 15 great sessions.

Don’t miss the next three sessions:

Leadership

Avenues : Leadership Lane - 3 October 24 No one Likes a Bully With Megan Orser Workplace bullying isolates good employees, destroys company culture and costs you time and money. Interact with experts who will discuss the legal exposure as well as the tolls workplace bullying can take on an organization. Having a clear understanding of how workplace bullying starts and takes place is a good first step in combating this challenge. But it’s only the beginning. Hear this and more ways to end workplace bullying.

Need just one semina r?

Individual sessions ar per person, a real stea e priced at only $50 l for quality education ! Annual Property Subscriptions are available with unlimited attendance for all on-site property staff to all sessions at discounted prices: • Only $199 per year per property for properties with fewer than 200 units • Only $399 per year per property for properties with 200 to 350 units. • Only $450 per year per property for properties with more than 350 units. If you need a single workshop, individual sessions are priced at only $50 per person, a real steal for quality education. Enroll today. Contact the HAA Education Department at education@haaonline.org or register online at www.haaonline.org.

camt pg 23.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:31 PM Page 1

Spend a few days with HAA building your future! Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician Program’s objective is to further the technical, business and personal development skills of today’s multifamily maintenance technician, resulting in improved on-the-job performance and a heightened awareness of customer service and responsibility. Course Schedule: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Total Program Cost: $825 Tuition can be paid per module: $165 per module for five modules.

CAMT Course Required Modules: Technical Courses: The five technical courses take place in the classroom with an instructor presenting core concepts and procedures, as well as leading course participants through reinforcing learning activities. These activities will range from discussions to solving “what if” scenarios to hands-on activities. After each course, learners will go online to go through practice scenarios for that course. These scenarios let learners play the role of a maintenance technician in a realistic and safe environment. They will make decisions to prioritize, diagnose and repair problems, just as they would on the job.

Interior and Exterior Maintenance and Repair Tuesday, September 10 Electrical Maintenance and Repair Wednesday, September 11 Plumbing Maintenance and Repair Thursday and Friday, September 12-13 Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Maintenance and Repair Tuesday and Wednesday, October 15-16 Appliances Maintenance and Repair Thursday and Friday, October 17-18 Comprehensive Exam TBA

Programs sponsored by AAA Plumbers Chadwell Supply Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search Johnstone Supply

October 2019

ABODE

Educ pg 19,24.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:29 PM Page 2

Education, continued from Page 19

NALP 6: Effectively Meeting the Needs of Current Residents Monday, October 22 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Program fee: $385 per member Sponsored by Camp Construction Services Once the prospective resident moves in, the leasing professional's relationship and responsibilities continue. Learn the importance of handling maintenance and resident issues while continuing to be a positive brand for the community. Lease renewals and a focus on the allimportant sense of community are pivotal skills for success. Avenues: Leadership Session 3 – “No One Likes a Bully” with Megan Orser Thursday, October 24 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $50 Sponsored by The Liberty Group Workplace bullying isolates good employees, destroys company culture and costs you time and money. Interact with experts who will discuss the legal exposure as well as the toll workplace bullying can take on an organization. Having a clear understanding of how workplace bullying starts and takes place is a good first step in combating this challenge, but it’s only the beginning. Hear this and more ways to end workplace bullying. NALP Market Survey Presentation & Exam Tuesday, October 29 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Program fee: $385 per member Sponsored by Camp Construction Services A required component for attaining the NALP credential, students take a comprehensive online exam and present their market survey findings to the class in a semi-formal presentation. Candidates must turn in a completed market survey project, which requires demonstration of professional written and verbal

ABODE

October 2019

communication skills in English and the submission of accurately completed paperwork prior to having access to the exam. IROP (three days) Thursday, October 31; Friday, November 1; and Saturday, November 2 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Program Fee: $425 per member Sponsored by Cotton Commercial USA and Guardian Construction A three-day course authored by NAA specially designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary for new independent owner/managers of rental properties with typically 200 units or less. Topics covered include: Employees; Preparing the Propert; Rent; Marketing; Handling Objections; Applications; Screening; Rental Agreements and Lease Forms; Moving In; The End of the Lease Term; When Resident Problems Arise; Evictions; Resident Retention; Maintaining Property Value; Maintenance; Code of Enforcement; Financial Management; Taxes; Protecting The Investment; and Section 8 Programs. Notice of cancellation is required two days prior to the event for a refund, less any administrative fees. For classes held at the HAF Education Center, registrations may be transferred from one class to the next within same year.

NOVEMBER IROP (continued from October) Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by Cotton Commercial USA and Guardian Construction Leasing 101 (day and a half) Tuesday, November 5 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Program fee: $75 prior to Nov. 6; $85 after Nov. 6 An in-depth introduction to the apartment industry for new leasing professionals, as well as

those individuals looking to learn more about the industry as a career. This day and a half program also includes TAA lease paperwork curriculum. Topics covered include greeting and qualifying the customer; executing the lease contract; overcoming objections and closing techniques; an overview of Fair Housing and more. Students who complete the course will receive a certificate, as well as a listing of placement agencies and management companies that are members of HAA. If you are not working for a member company of HAA, download the registration form www.haaonline.org. Extreme CAM (five days) Monday, November 11 through Friday, November 15 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Program fee: $1,150 Sponsored by AAA Plumbers, ALN Apartment Data, ApartmentData.com, Arbor Contract Carpet, CORT Furniture, HD Supply, Matrix Construction Services, Presto Maintenance Supply, Smart City Apartment Locating, The Lane Law Firm A super charged and accelerated six-day format, Extreme CAM is designed for experienced managers who wish to attain the CAM credential in a shorter duration with less time away from the property. Scheduled for Monday, Nov. 11 through Friday, Nov. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Due to shipping constraints, registrations received within one week of the course cannot be guaranteed course materials at the time of class. Extreme CAS (five days) Monday, November 11 through Friday, November 15 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Program fee: $695 Extreme CAS candidates attend four of the CAM modules beginning on Monday, Nov. 11 thru Friday, Nov. 15. Fair Housing Seminar Tuesday, November 19 8:30 a.m. to noon Program fee: $89

Sponsored by Camp Construction Services and Century A/C Supply Avenues: Maintenance Session 3 – “How Long Does it Really Take?” with Mark Cukro Wednesday, November 20 9:00 a.m. to noon Program fee: $50 Sponsored by Chadwell Supply This session was designed specifically for the multifamily industry, plus you'll learn new tips and proven ways to be more productive. This unforgettable session will cover organizing priorities, tasks and how long it should really take to complete the top 25 tasks done onsite, such as HVAC repairs, HVAC replacement, water heater replacement and how to address all of those service requests and emails that flood your inbox every day. Whether you are in the office or in the maintenance department, you will take away some effective ways to manage time more efficiently and have a great time.

Looking for Supplier Education? It’s part of Avenues and only $50 per person! Avenues: Supplier Circle - 3 October 16 “Closing” the Sales Circle With Dr. Debbie Phillips Selling is process! In this seminar, you’ll learn the five critical steps in the sales process in addition to building a pipeline of leads through effective relationship building. Build longterm relationships, not shortterm sales! Register online at www.haaonline.org.

www.haaonline.org

fsi pg 25.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:30 PM Page 1

naa update pg 26, 27.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:32 PM Page 1

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

SHORT-TERM RENTALS Short-term rentals and their legal considerations.

MAKING THE DECISION to enter the short-term rental marketplace and/or allow residents to use their apartment homes for short-term rentals is a big deal. Some property owners may believe that participating in this kind of marketplace is risky and creates more challenges than opportunities. Whether reserving units for short-term rentals or allowing residents to participate in short-term rental programs, property owners can mitigate risks by taking these legal and regulatory issues into consideration. 1. Remember that some municipalities may prohibit short-term rentals in their entirety. – Property owners can be subject to hefty fines if caught participating in shortterm rentals. Reviewing local zoning and administrative codes is a great start. If unsure, contact the local government to determine whether (and how) they enforce short-term rentals. 2. Property owners (and/or their residents) may be required to obtain additional licenses and permits (and provide proof of such) before listing a property on a shortterm rental platform. – • Hotel licenses • Local and/or state business licenses • Permit requirements • You may be required to register your property and maintain official records with the local government. You may be asked to provide data on the frequency of rentals, guest identification and the like. 3. Insurance is always a big factor. – Property owners should call their insurance provider to determine if there are any additional requirements needed for short-term rental hosts. Questions to consider: Do you have the proper liability and property protections? Does your resident have the proper insurance coverage? Property owners may also want to research whether short-term rental companies offer any insurance guarantees. 4. Think about who will be responsible for screening participating guests; think about

ABODE

October 2019

whether outsourcing guest screening is a possibility. – If a property owner is reserving apartment homes for renters, the responsibility for screening lies with the property owner. However, if a property owner is allowing a resident to rent out their unit, who will be responsible for screening participating guests? Create a checklist of ideal guest criteria and guest qualifications that all residents need to abide by when selecting short-term guests. 5. Taxes! – Property owners need to be aware of these tax categories: • Lodging taxes and tax registration • Hotel occupancy taxes • Transient occupancy tax • Rental unit business taxes If a property owner determines that entering the short-term rental marketplace is not for them — or maybe it is prohibited in their jurisdiction — there are ways property owners can protect themselves from unlawful short-term rentals. Property owners should ensure all lease agreements with residents specifically indicate that short-term rentals are prohibited. Property owners also can make the breach of that covenant a material breach of the lease agreement and a cause for eviction (consult local counsel to make sure that it is legal in states where only just-cause evictions are permissible). Additionally, property owners can add a clause to lease agreements that hold the resident responsible for any damages, losses or fines that are incurred as a result of the resident’s lease violation. Short-Term Rental Opinions Are ShiftingShort-Term Rental Opinions Are Shifting The report compares the apartment industry sentiment from 2016 to 2019. Here are the results of one such question: Would you be MORE or LESS willing to live in a community that allowed short-term rentals for a day/week (such as Airbnb)? Get the Latest Short-Term Rentals Re-

search from NAA at https://www.jturnerresearch.com/short-term-rentals?hs_preview=aEaYjWAQ-10745972972. J Turner Research, in association with NAA, conducted an exclusive study on residents and rental housing companies’ attitudes toward short-term rentals. The study was presented at NAA’s 2019 Apartmentalize. The study is based on polling of 12,000 apartment residents and conversations with many apartment owners and managers. – Ayiesha Beverly Camden Eliminates Weight Limit for Pets Camden has been trending toward having no weight limit for pets at most of its suburban communities for a few years, particularly in high-density markets. “Our experience with larger breeds is that behaviorally they pose no significant issues (besides the obvious) and we provide convenient pet waste stations,” Tom Sloan, Senior Vice President, Operations, Camden. “In many (most) cases, a 70-pound Labrador is a terrific apartment dweller.” Previously, Camden set its weight limit at 60 pounds. Sloan says just less than half of Camden’s residents pay pet rent, that most of those are dog owners and no residents have complained about oversized pets at Camden communities. “We have experienced a marginal increase in dogs since introducing the policy,” Sloan says. “We track specific customer comments on social media and through resident move-out surveys and we have not experienced negative sentiment based on the size of dogs.” This weight-limit policy is mentioned on the communities’ websites. Sloan says he’s seen an increasing number of competitors follow a similar approach to pet policy. Camden charges $300 to $500 in up-front fees for pets and pet rent of $25 to $50 per pet monthly through the lease term. Instituting this policy did not result in a resident fee increase. Sloan says Camden will continue to monitor www.haaonline.org

naa update pg 26, 27.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:32 PM Page 2

the policy through customer sentiment, occupancy percentages and income. Lessons Learned When Going Paperless Even if a company can effectively sell investors, suppliers and associates on running a paperless community, challenges can pop up. Here’s how some experienced operators have dealt with four common issues. If you’re converting from paper to electronic administration, make sure you cover the following bases: Know the Rules of Data Storage – Before eliminating paper at its communities, Village Green had to bring in its attorneys to explain the rules of data storage, including how long the company needed to keep documents. Afterward, the firm had to decide what it should keep and what it could purge. “We needed to determine how long we were going to store [data] and what the process was going to be,” says Diane Batayeh, Village Green’s CEO. “We had to do that homework first, and then we began the conversion.” Look Beyond the Hassle – For Tina West, CPM, COO for Capstone Real Estate Services, and Melissa L. Smith, Chief Administrative Officer for Fogelman Management Group, the biggest pain point in going paperless was getting paper-lease files scanned, uploaded and tagged into the system at individual communities. “The initial heavy lifting of the setup can be daunting, and scanning the files takes a lot [of work] up front,” West says. “But once you’re through that phase, you’ll reap the benefits of efficiency and a seamless process.” Make Scanning Fun – Scanning documents is a mundane task. You could pay temporary workers to do it, but sometimes they take more time and are less accurate than regular employees. If you want to use onsite staff, Smith suggests trying to make the activity fun. “We told each site to [have some employees] dress down and come in [just] to scan files,” Smith says. “We don’t pull them into leasing or whatever other thing’s going on in the office. We tell them to pretend like they’re on vacation.” Destroy the Files Afterward – Once Fogelman’s staffers finished scanning documents, Smith quickly learned another valuable lesson. They still refused to give up the paper if it was around. “Once you get those files scanned, you need to destroy them,” she says. “Then, folks [can’t] go back and forth between the online file and the paper file once the conversion is made.” – Les Shaver

www.haaonline.org

October 2019

ABODE

outreach pg 28,29,30.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:34 PM Page 1

On the Road with HAA

Pearland Region Meeting Tuesday, August 13 at The Villas at Shadow Creek Sponsored by 1 Advanced Waste Solutions Pearland-area managers had the opportunity to learn more about air conditioning from HAA Product Service Council President Jacob Kunath. He gave tips and tricks for onsite staff and answered their questions. A big thank you to The Villas at Shadow Creek for allowing us to use their space for our event.

HAA IS REACHING OUT to better serve our members by bringing targeted networking and educational events to different parts of our 12-county service area. Contact Director of Outreach Lauren Turner at lturner@haaonline.org to sign up for these FREE, management-only events where you can learn about issues affecting your area and network with your fellow managers. Want to host an event? We are looking for member properties to host a Region Meeting. Contact lturner@haaonline.org. 28

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

outreach pg 28,29,30.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:34 PM Page 2

Rosenberg Education Outreach Wednesday, August 28 Sponsored by 1 Texas Apartment Pool Services and 2 The Liberty Group HAA Education Outreach was back on the road, this time stopping in Rosenberg. Apartment personnel had the opportunity to hear from speaker Megan Orser on “SMARTketing.”

www.haaonline.org

October 2019

ABODE

outreach pg 28,29,30.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:34 PM Page 3

On the Road with HAA

Onsite Goes Offsite – The Woodlands Thursday, August 29 Sponsored by 1 Johnstone Supply HAA visits The Woodlands for some happy hour fun! Local area managers got to mix and mingle over some drinks, appetizers and festive piñatas from our sponsor Johnstone Supply. Thank you to everyone who attended. See you next time!

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

aaa pg 31.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:35 PM Page 1

bowling pg 32,33,34,35.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:36 PM Page 1

On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography HAA “Bowl Improvement” Bowling Tournament Friday, August 16 at Copperfield Bowl Sponsored by 1 Crestmark Construction Services and 2 Gemstar Construction Development With two construction company as sponsors, it was “tool time” for this year’s tournament. 3. Best Team Costume – The Better Mooners 4., 5. Best Male and Female Costumes - Michael Knight and Terri Clifton, Better World Properties 6. 2019 Champs – Outdoor Elements 7. Second Place Team – Willbanks & Associates Inc. 8. Third Place Team – Maldonado Nursery & Landscaping 9. Male MVP – Greg Taylor, Willbanks & Associates 10. Female MVP – Damona Richards, Greystar

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

bowling pg 32,33,34,35.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:37 PM Page 2

www.haaonline.org

October 2019

ABODE

bowling pg 32,33,34,35.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:37 PM Page 3

On the Scene Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography HAA “Bowl Improvement” Bowling Tournament

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

bowling pg 32,33,34,35.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:38 PM Page 4

www.haaonline.org

October 2019

ABODE

chili pg 36,37.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:39 PM Page 1

! I L I H C T A E

Interested in entering the Chili Cook-oﬀ Contest? Contact events@haaonline.org for details on how you can get cooking!

chili pg 36,37.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 7:30 AM Page 2

to u o y k Than ! s r o s n our spo Habanero Sponsors Contractors Inc HD Supply Ideal Towing Smart City Apartment Locating Jalapeno Sponsors CKR Management Century A/C Supply Contractors Inc CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions CORT Furniture Fidus Construction Services FSI Construction Guardian Construction Pavement Services Corporation Ram Jack Foundation Solutions Redevelopment Services Texas Apartment Pool Services The Liberty Group WeDoTrash Little Chilis Sponsors Best Plumbing Hire Priority StaďŹ&#x192;ng & Executive Search

CHILI FEST 2019 Saturday, October 26 Noon to 5 p.m.

Over 21 Wristband Sponsor Matrix Construction Services

Humble Civic Center

Trophy Sponsor Guardian Construction

Take Hwy. 59 North toward Kingwood, exit Will Clayton Pkwy. and turn right. Turn left on South Houston Avenue and the Humble Civic Center Arena is on the right.

Chili-tizer Station Sponsors Advanced Waste Solutions LP Texas Apartment Pool Services

8233 Will Clayton Pkwy., Humble, TX 77338

Wristbands: Adult - $8 prepaid; $10 on site Child (5-12) - $4 prepaid, $6 on site Kids 4 and under - Free!

www.haaonline.org/chilifest

a•bode

abode ad pg 38.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:40 PM Page 1

(a • bod ) /

1) a home; a residence, permanent or temporary; a dwelling place;

2) the magazine for Houston’s multifamily industry.

me o h e h t is ABODE on t of Hous ily m multifa news! y industr

ABODE magazine is the multifamily industry’s resource for what’s happening in the Houston-area apartment market. Every month, our members-only publication highlights industry news and trends, plus photos of YOU, our members, from HAA events! ABODE is your resource for industry-specific legal and legislative news as well. Share your promotions and new hires in our “In The News” column, or the latest development in your area of expertise by writing an article. And get your name out there by advertising. Look for ABODE in the mail the first week of each month, or read online at issuu.com/haa_abode. Contact the Communications Department at comm@haaonline.org for details and contact Amanda at asherbondy@haaonline.org to advertise. ABODE is your HAA!

pac wine pg 39.qxp_Ad Index pg 74 9/12/19 3:40 PM Page 1

tHursdAy, NovemBer 14, 5:30 P.m.

e n i W g

LAtitude med CeNter 1850 oLd mAiN st, HoustoN, tX 77030 Wine and Dine with HAA Past Presidents for an evening of wine and networking. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample each host’s favorite wine during the evening, vote for their favorite wine and a host winner will be crowned. Appetizers, soft drinks and water will also be served. Please join us!

Who:

Limited to the first 35 supplier members. spots will not be secured until HAA receives a registration form and payment from the registrant(s). How Much: $275 per ticket (2 attendees per company only, unless registrant is on PAC Fundraising Committee)

n i t s Ta

Benefitting the National Apartment Association Political Action Committee YES! I want to attend the NAAPAC Wine Tasting Event! i pledge to contribute to NAAPAC $275 x __________ attendees (maximum 2) = $_________________ _____________________________________/_____________________________________ Name occupation _____________________________________/_____________________________________ Name occupation Address:________________________________________________________________________ Note: Political contributions to NAAPAC are not tax deductible for federal tax purposes. No Corporate Contributions, please. o designate my contribution to the following NAA Aﬃliate's Fund our Future Goal Aﬃliate Name: Houston Apartment Association

o my personal check made payable to NAAPAC is enclosed.

o Please charge my: • visa • masterCard • American express

LAtitude med CeNter 1850 oLd mAiN st, HoustoN, tX 77030

Name on Card:_____________________________________________________________________ Card Number:_____________________________________________________________________ exp. date:________________ sec. Code:________________ signature:_______________________________________________________________________ date:________________________________ Please return forms to apatel@haaonline.org. For additional questions, please contact Alpa at 713-595-0302. Federal law requires political committees to report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 in a calendar year. Contributions to the NAAPAC are for political purposes. All contributions are voluntary. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. Guidelines are merely suggestions and you may contribute more or less than the guidelines suggest. NAAPAC will not favor or disadvantage anyone by reason of the amount contributed or the decision whether to contribute.

endorsements pg 40,41.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:46 PM Page 1

HAAPAC Endorsements Houstonians will head to the polls on Nov. 5 to decide who will represent us in our city government. The Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee supports the candidates below. Early voting will begin on Monday, Oct. 21. Make an effort to get your employees and associates to join you. Visit www.harrisvotes.org for a sample ballots, polling locations and more election information. Be sure to consider these candidates when you vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Mayor: q Sylvester Turner

Controller: q Chris Brown

Houston City Council At Large Positons: Turner

Brown

q At-Large 1: Mike Knox q At-Large 2: David W. Robinson q At-Large 3: Michael Kubosh q At-Large 4: Nick Hellyar

Knox

Robinson

Kubosh

q At-Large 5: Sallie Alcorn

Houston City Council Districts: q District A: Amy Peck Hellyar

Alcorn

Peck

q District B: Renee Jefferson Smith q District C: The HAAPAC will take another look at this race before the December runoff q District D: The HAAPAC will take another look at this race before the December runoff q District E: Dave Martin

Smith

Martin

Travis

q District F: The HAAPAC will take another look at this race before the December runoff q District G: Greg Travis q District H: Karla Cisneros q District I: Robert Gallegos

Cisneros

Gallegos

Castex-Tatum

q District J: The HAAPAC will take another look at this race before the December runoff q District K: Martha Castex-Tatum

Aldine Independent School District: q Position 1: Steve Moore

Moore

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

endorsements pg 40,41.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 4:11 PM Page 2

H A A PA C R E G I S T R AT I O N F O R M

Take a seat at the table to support your business and our industry

The Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee is the PAC of the Houston Apartment Association, a non-profit trade association representing the area apartment industry. Without political capital, our industry would not be as successful in representing you or your clients’ interests, and thus, your financial well-being. The HAAPAC participates in local and state political campaigns, helping candidates who support the apartment industry and its supplier businesses. You can participate in the HAAPAC on several levels: Non-Voting Century Club Members • $100 • Attend all regular HAAPAC functions at member pricing, • but has no voting privileges. • Members are recognized in the October issue of • ABODE magazine. Century Club Members • $125 • Benefits listed above, and • Group voting rights, though their Century Club Representative.

The HAAPAC is our industry’s voice in government. We need your participation and dollars to keep that voice strong.

Trustees • $500 • Benefits listed above, and • An individual vote on HAA PAC decisions. • Invitations to special events and meetings with legislators, • including elected officials receptions.

Past Advocacy Wins • Saved you $5.5 million in mandatory carbon monoxide alarm retrofitting requirements • Blocked annual signed fire self-inspection requirements • Protected properties from being forced into participating in Section 8 program • Ensure new City of Houston code contained revisions sought by HAA members

Steering Committee • $1,500 • Receives all of the above, and • One vote for every $500 contributed. • Sets the agenda for the HAAPAC. • Acts as the PAC Board of Directors. • Invitations to Steering Committee Meetings held three to • four times per year.

Elections Affecting Multifamily • Presidential Elections • Congressional Seats • Texas Legislature Races • Harris County Justice of the Peace & Constables • Other County Officials and Surrounding City Elections

And don’t forget to add FAST TRACK!

Guarantee your place at the table and save time too. You will automatically be pre-registered and paid for a minimum of eight luncheons, with your badge waiting for you at the door.

To join the HAAPAC, make your non-corporate check payable to HAAPAC. By law, we cannot accept corporate checks. Funds are not tax-deductible.

I am a: _____Owner Member

_____Non-Voting Century Club $100

_____Supplier Member

and YES! I want to invest in the HAAPAC as (check one):

_____Voting Century Club $125

_____Trustee $500

_____Steering Committee $1,500

Name: _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________________________________

Home Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please note relationships with any elected officials: _______________________________________________________________________________________ If paying by credit card (please circle):

AMEX

Visa

Discover

MasterCard

Number:__________________________________________ Expires:________ CSC:____Name on card:______________________________________________ I was referred by _____________________________________________________________________

_______ Sign me up for FAST TRACK! For an additional $150, be prepaid for all of this year’s lunches with a savings of more than $80! You must also join the PAC at a minimum of $100 to participate in Fast Track. The $150 Fast Track payment can be made with corporate funds. Paid for by HAAPAC, Stacy Hunt, Treasurer.

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

Return form to apatel@haaonline.org, fax to 281-582-1520 or mail your payment to: HAAPAC, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041. For more information contact HAAPAC at 713-595--0302 or apatel@haaonline.org.

PAC list info pg 42,43.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:47 PM Page 1

Thanks, PAC Contributors The HAAPAC is the Political Action Committee of the Houston Apartment Association, a nonprofit trade association representing the Houston apartment industry. Without political capital, our industry could not be as successful in representing your interests. Thanks to these contributing individual members:

Steering Committee Members – $1,500+ HAAPAC Treasurer Stacy Hunt, Greystar .$20,010.12 Grant Almquist, Texas Apartment Pool Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Mack Armstrong, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Joseph Batdorf Jr., J Turner Research . . . . .$1,500.00 Liz Berglund, CAS, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Jeff Blevins, CAS, Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Kenneth J. Bohan, The Liberty Group . . . . .$1,500.00 Howard Bookstaff, Hoover Slovacek LLP . .$1,500.00 John Boriack, CAM, IROP, Veritas Equity Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Michelle Bridges, CAS, Century A/C Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Kyle Brown, Highmark Residential LLC . . .$1,500.00 Joe Bryson, CAM, CAPS, IROP, Stellar Equity Management LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 KC Carmody, Pathfinder Insurance Group $1,500.00 Terri Clifton, Better World Properties, LLC Sumar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Arrie Colca, CASE, Craven Carpet Inc. . . . . .$1,500.00 Grant Crowell, CAS, The Urban Foresters .$1,500.00 Brian Cweren, The Cweren Law Firm . . . . .$1,500.00 Brandt Dillon, Texscape Services . . . . . . . . . .$1,850.00 Scott Douglas, CAM, CAPS, Creative Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 John W. Fedorko, C & F Interests Inc. . . . . . .$1,500.00 Sharon Fortmeyer-Selan, CAM, Kalitera Assets LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Kevin Goodnight, Redi Carpet Sales of Houston Ltd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$1,500.00 Clark Gregg, NALP, CAPS, Fidus Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Billy Griffin, Camp Construction Services .$1,500.00 Ira M. Gross, CAPS, Integrity Asset Management LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Darlene Guidry, Hettig Management Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Rick Guttman, Dakota Enterprises . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Clay Hicks, The Dinerstein Companies/ TDC Management Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 David Hodge, Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Dan James, CAS, Redevelopment Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 David Jones, Southhampton Management Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$1,500.00 Cesar Lima, AAA Plumbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 David Lindley, CAS, FSI Construction . . . . . .$1,500.00 Robert Lopes, NALP,CAM,CAPS,CAMT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., Relik Realty LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Ross Love, Scott Equipment Inc. . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Will McGinnis, CAS, Infinity Power Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Steve Moore, VSC Management LLC . . . . . .$1,500.00 Carlos Neto, Grove Texas Capital LLC . . . . . .$1,500.00 David Onanian, PAS Online Marketplace .$1,500.00

ABODE

October 2019

Jenifer Paneral, DayRise Residential . . . . . .$1,500.00 Mark Park, CAS, AAA Plumbers . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Michelle Pawelek, CAPS, Greystar . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Ayo Phillips, Perfect Surface LLC . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Mindy Price, J Turner Research . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 John Ridgway, CPM, Celtic Realty Advisors LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Christy Rodriguez, CAPS, Judwin Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Glen Ruffner, Falls Apartment Group . . . . .$5,068.00 Kyle Smith, Guardian Construction . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Blaise Spitaleri, CAS, Gemstar Construction Development Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,625.00 Derek Steele, Outdoor Elements . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Debbie Sulzer, CAPS, Francis Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Scott Tenney, Claye Properties Inc. . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Mat Tilley, CAS, WeDoTrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Suan Tinsley, DayRise Residential . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Patrick J. Tollett, Oak Leaf Mgmt. Co. . . . . .$2,500.00 Starla Turnbo, SMI Realty Management . .$1,500.00 Victor E. Vacek Jr., Central Management Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$1,827.00 Christy Wheeler, Richfield Real Estate Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,533.00 Tony Whitaker, FSI Construction . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Nichole Williams, CAS, Smart Apartment Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00 Jerold Winograd, Judwin Properties . . . . . .$1,620.00 Anthony Wonderly, Olympus Property . . .$1,500.00 Alan Young, CAS, Dixie Carpet Installations Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500.00

Trustees – $500+ Joshua Allen Sr., J Allen Management Co. Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..$500.00 Gary Blumberg, Brite Real Estate Investors $500.00 John P. Boerschig, Wolverine Property Management LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,000.00 Stephanie Bryson, CAPS, CAM, IROP, Stellar Equity Management LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Elizabeth Castro Gray, CAM, CAPS,NALP, IROP, Lamppost Capital Management . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Tina Cavaco, Centra Partners Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .$898.00 Chris Church, Church Foundation Repair . .$500.00 Stephanie Clark, Dominium Management Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Brenda Crawford, Oro Capital Advisors . . . .$500.00 Kory Davis, Maintenance Supply Headquarters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Garrett Graham, Bettencourt Tax Advisors LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Stephanie Graves, CAM,CAPS, IROP, Q10 Property Advisors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Debbie Kelm, Highmark Residential LLC . .$500.00 Michael Knight, Better World Properties, LLC Sumar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00

Jacob Kunath, CAS, Century A/C Supply . . .$500.00 Dick LaMarche, Creative Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Laura Lestus, CAS, The Liberty Group . . . . . . .$500.00 Sonia Lopez, CAM, CAPS, Southhampton Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Bruce McClenny, ApartmentData.com . . . .$500.00 Kristin McLaughlin, CASE, Mohawk Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Karen Nelsen, CAM, ALN Apartment Data Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Kirsten Nielsen, Nielsen Real Estate LLC . . .$500.00 Dean O'Kelley, CAS, The Liberty Group . . . . .$500.00 Kurt Seidel, Lincoln Property Company . . . .$500.00 Kim Small, CAPS, Wood Residential Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Kelley Suess, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Betsy Valdes, CAPS, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Rui Vaz, Imperion Investments Management LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500.00 Christy Yonge, Brown & Yonge LLC . . . . . . . . . .$712.00

Voting Century Club Members – $125+ Jaqueline Aguirre, CAM, Veritas Equity Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Bilal Alizai, RG Miller Engineers . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Rema Awwad, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Rod Bean, Maintenance Supply Headquarters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Becky Belanger, The Barry Company LLC . .$256.00 Josie Bowen, CAPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., Integrity Asset Management LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Marivel Bownds, CAS, Valet Living . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Debbie Brueckner, CAS, Dixie Carpet Installations Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Dixie Caldwell-Greer, CAS, The Liberty Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Shaun Callaway, CAS, Earthworks Inc. . . . . . .$125.00 Peggy Charles, CASE, Fidus Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Shannon Coppin, Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Sean Cunningham, CAS, Flooring Warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Mark DaRonch, Linebacker Equity Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Jennifer D. Dawson . . . . . .Dawson Family Properties $125.00 Donald Dawson, Dawson Family Properties $125.00 Jennifer Devine, CAS, Valet Living . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Derek DeVries, CAS, Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Johnny Dimicelli, Window World . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Bryan Dunlap, Texas Southwest Floors Inc. .$125.00 Kristen Fox, ApartmentData.com . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Melissa Friend, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Tammie Garcia, CAM, CAPS, Greystar . . . . . . .$125.00

www.haaonline.org

PAC list info pg 42,43.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:47 PM Page 2

Israel Garza, III, CAS, Maintenance Supply Headquarters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Saida Gonzalez, Rasa Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Garrett P. Graham, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Braden Griffith, Higginbotham . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Ronnie Harris, BGE/Brown & Gay Engineers Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Melissa Herrera, Pinnacle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Neely Herridge, Secure Insurance . . . . . . . . . .$200.00 Richard Hester, CAM, Southhampton Management Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Christopher J. Hilton, National Credit Systems Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Cody Hodge, CAS, Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Pete Hosbach, Horisons Roof & Exterior Solutions LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Jimmie Hotz, CASE, HD Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Lanayae Hunter, CAPS, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Darlene Hunter, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Shannon Huskey, CAM, Southhampton Management Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Amanda Kelly, Corinthian Roofing . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Chas Keyser, Southhampton Management Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Gary Kiker, Dixie Carpet Installations Inc. . . . .$125.00 Debra Knight, CAS, Valet Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Juanice Kolbo, GHKT LP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$168.00 Liz Levins, CAS, Rasa Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Vi Lewis, CAM, CAPS, Lurin Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Evelyn Li, 830 Victoria Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$286.00 Marc Littell, Littell Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$166.00 Brityn Maddox, Veritas Equity Management $125.00 Patrick Magnuson, CAM, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 James Martensen, CAS, Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 LaWanda McAuley, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Denise McInturff, CAPS, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Luanne McNulty, ZRS Management LLC . . .$330.00 Sherrie Michalak, Atlantic Housing Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Candis Mohr, CAS, AAA Plumbers . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Debra Moore, ApartmentData.com . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Tracey Moore, CAS, Flooring Warehouse . . . .$125.00

Kathy Motis, CAM, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Kishore Motwani, Kishore Motwani . . . . . . . . .$284.00 Stephanie Naylor, Flooring Warehouse . . . . .$125.00 Josh Nichols, Contractors Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Doug Oehl, CAS, Flooring Warehouse . . . . . . .$125.00 Randy Patton, CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Arely Pena, CAS, The Liberty Group . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Valerie Radla, CAS, Perfect Surface LLC . . . . .$125.00 Trey Roper, Matrix Construction Services . . .$125.00 Cynthia Saenz, Brown & Yonge LLC . . . . . . . . .$159.50 Eddie Santiago, Rasa Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 David Snelling, Olympic Pools & Spas Plus .$125.00 Amy Statler, IROP, Blue Abby Management LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Brooke Steidl, CAM, Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Codi Stepanski, CAM, Carroll Organization . .$125.00 Daniel Stevens, Texas Southwest Floors Inc. $125.00 Carlos Taboada, CPA, Carlos Taboada & Company PC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Kenneth Tann, Multi-Family Mission Ministries Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$214.00 Steve Tennison, CAM, Verve Assets LLC . . . . .$125.00 Manny Thapar, MKT Consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Sal Thomas, Tarantino Properties Inc. . . . . . . .$481.00 Jerry Turner, T4-HIM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$126.00 Sonny Unverzagt, Best Plumbing LLC . . . . . . .$125.00 Courtney Vitek, CAM, MLDC Management LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Erwin Ward, Ward Real Estate Inc. . . . . . . . . . .$231.00 Michelle Ybarra, AON Wakeforest Inc. . . . . . .$438.00 Ryan Zachry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125.00 Christina Zimmerman, CAM, CAPS, Greystar $125.00

Non-voting Century Club Members – $100+ Anita Alberger, ACTIV Answer by Audio Images . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Johnny Atkinson, ACT Security Group . . . . . .$100.00 Leyla Beltran, Arizona Tile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Ginger Bernstein, Q10 Property Advisors . . .$100.00 Rodney Burris, Norman Construction . . . . . .$100.00 David Byrnes, Advanced Concrete Designs Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Jessica Cantu, BG Staffing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00

Will Carroll, Paul Davis Restoration North Houston . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Petra Cerna, Petra Cerna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Mally Cook, Valet Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Michelle Croasmun, United Apartment Group Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Jessica Dollof, City Gate Property Group . . . .$100.00 Harold P Dunn, Rambeck Properties Ltd. . .$100.00 David Gilkeson, Westchase District . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Giovanna Gone, CAM, Earthworks Inc. . . . . . .$100.00 Moises Gonzalez, Rasa Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Bryan Head, CAM, DayRise Residential . . . . .$100.00 Patti Howden, Brook Furniture Rental Inc. .$100.00 Steve Jackson, E3 Electric Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Howard A. Lang Jr. Lang Property Co. . . . . . .$100.00 Kim Leach, AdvantaClean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Nathalie Lima, All About Doody Pet Solutions LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Chuck Littlepage, Ice Blue Advertising Inc. .$100.00 Matt Naylor, Flooring Warehouse . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Suzanna Nesbitt, Lithotech Printed Products/ Forms Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Brenda Nite, ICONstrux Design + Build . . . . .$100.00 Wang Pei, Profico Investment Inc. . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Bill Pierce, HandyTrac Key Control . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Immanuel Prasad, Sahay Management Inc. $100.00 Joseph Rodriguez, The Urban Foresters LLC$100.00 Stacy Rogers, Cowgirl Investments LLC . . . . .$124.00 Blake Subinsky, CAS, HD Supply . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 AliAsgher Sunelwala, Saifee Signs & Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00 Tyrone Tyler, Preferred Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100.00

Contributors Joaquin Andujo Jr., Roquin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$70.00 Rivka Borentstein, 10 Cooper St LP . . . . . . . . . . .$62.75 Alvin CheungGC Cheung, Fountain Spring Apartments LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$40.00 George Dawson, George Dawson . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9.00 George Lin, Captain Investment Corp . . . . . . . .$85.50 Reagan SingerRuss and Company Real Estate Investment LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$53.00

Answer the Call We need a hero, and your contribution to the Houston Apartment Association PAC can make you one. Join the HAAPAC today and see what a difference you can make as an industry advocate. You don’t have to have super-human strength to save your business from over-regulation, just the willingness to help. www.haaonline.org/haapac govaffairs@haaonline.org

www.haaonline.org

October 2019

ABODE

pac pg 44.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:48 PM Page 1

On the Scene with the HAAPAC HAAPAC Luncheon Monday, August 19 at the HAF Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center Sponsored by 1 FIDUS Construction Services The August HAA Political Action Committee Luncheon featured a City of Houston Candidate Screening for Houston City Council Districts D and F.

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE ALL ABOUT BETTER GOVERNMENT Threats from government are coming at the apartment industry at a rapid pace. The HAAPAC, the political action committee of the Houston Apartment Association, needs your help to fight bad legislation. HAA members can participate in the PAC on several levels. Committee application forms are available. To join, renew or learn how to become involved with the PAC, see online at www.haaonline.org/haapac or contact apatel@haaonline.org. 44

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

gemstar pg 45.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:48 PM Page 1

Image Â© Bearsky23 | Dreamstime.com

local elections pg 46,47,48,50,51,52.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:49 PM Page 1

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

local elections pg 46,47,48,50,51,52.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:50 PM Page 2

Houston-Area Elections

Learn all you need to know before heading to the polls on Nov. 5. By

For this article, (i) denotes an incumbent and * indicates an HAAPAC endorsement.

he City of Houston is holding general elections for mayor, controller and all 16 city council seats on Nov. 5. The ballot is busy with competitors looking to replace outgoing candidates. Many of those candidates, whose terms expired, are seeking a spot in other offices. A number of these candidates will likely face each other again in a runoff election at the end of the year. Local politics influence all of the decisions that have a direct influence on our day-today lives. Our local public servants leverage our property tax dollars to make big budgetary decisions that influence our local communities, from education reforms to public safety and more. This article briefly summarizes each candidate position and points out who the Houston Apartment Association Political Action Committee is endorsing. The mayor, controller and council members are limited to serving two terms for four years each. Mayor: With 12 candidates, the mayoral race is going to be a lively one, and we are expecting a runoff. Houston is a “strong mayor” form of government, which means the mayor is the chief executive. The mayor oversees day-to-day operations, appoints department heads and is the sole decider of what makes it on the agenda for council consideration every

www.haaonline.org

ALPA PATEL, HAA Government Affairs

week. Houston Mayor, Sylvester Turner, is seeking his last term in this election. Mayor Turner brought Republicans, Democrats, business people, labor unions and working families together to save our city from bankruptcy by fixing the looming pension crisis. He also cut city spending by at least $80 million without tax hikes or layoffs of city workers. He accomplished this before the passage of Proposition B in November 2018, which required salary increases for firefighters, totaling at least $113 million in the first year. Lastly, he successfully lobbied Congress to increase FEMA funding and related funding for Houston’s recovery from Hurricane Harvey. Those who are running for mayor are: • Sylvester Turner(i)* • Kendall Baker • Dwight Boykins • Derrick Broze • Tony Buzbee • Naoufal Houjami • Bill King • Sue Lovell • Victoria Romero • Demetria Smith • Johnny Taylor • Roy Vasquez Controller: The city controller is the second highest elected official in Houston. In Houston, the controller serves as a check and balance to the mayor and city council. This position independently oversees city funds, and does not report to the mayor of council, but only the citizens of Houston. This is not a policy-making positon. Houston City Controller Chris Brown

has led the city’s most pressing financial issues, playing an instrumental role in solving Houston’s pension crisis, addressing billions of dollars in unfunded Other PostEmployment Benefits liability and championing the city’s pursuit of adopting a structurally balanced budget every fiscal year. Brown has overseen a $5 billion budget, manages the city’s $4 billion investment portfolio, superintends its $13 billion debt portfolio and through the Controller's Office Audit Division, has generated more than $10 million in savings via increased efficiencies. As controller, Brown has also helped save city taxpayers more than $225 million through refinancing the city’s existing debt. • Chris Brown (i)* • Orlando Sanchez HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL: Houston’s 16-member city council votes weekly on issues impacting the city. Houston City Council members may be elected to one of the five citywide at-large positions, while the other 11 are elected to geographic districts of roughly the same proportion of population. At-Large 1: Councilman Mike Knox has a long history of honorable public service. Knox is a United States Air Force veteran and served over 15 years as a Houston police officer. Knox was one of two officers responsible for the creation of the Houston Police Department’s first divisional gang unit in 1988, and he helped create and served on the original board of directors for the Texas Gang Investigators Association.

October 2019

ABODE

local elections pg 46,47,48,50,51,52.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:50 PM Page 3

• Mike Knox (i)* • Larry Blackmon • Yolanda Flores • Georgia Provost • Raj Salhotra At-Large 2: David Robinson was appointed chair of the Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee of the Houston City Council in the spring of 2018. Since taking office in 2014, he has served as vice chair of the Quality of Life Committee under then-Houston Mayor Annise Parker and Mayor Turner. He has also been vice chair of the Regulation and Neighborhood Committee since 2016. Since 2014, Robinson has served on the Houston First Corporation Board as co-chair of the Joint Tourism Committee. He was appointed by Mayor Turner to represent the HoustonGalveston Area Transportation Policy Council and currently serves that eight-county regional authority as officer and second vice chair. Robinson has been an architect by trade since 1999. He started his own company as a sole practitioner with a broad, diverse portfolio that presents work completed on health care facilities, commercial businesses, individual residential projects and other related commissions. Along with his architectural practice, Robinson has been actively involved with neighborhood issues, serving eight years as an officer of the Neartown (Montrose) Association, including terms as vice president and president. • David W. Robinson (i)* • Willie R. Davis • Emily Detoto • M. "Griff" Griffin • Jim Honey At-Large 3: For the past 20 years, Councilman Michael Kubosh has been involved in the bail bond business in the City of Houston and Harris County. Kubosh led citizens against Red Light Cameras Campaign. This campaign was successful in the passing of the Charter Amendment that prohibited the use of Red Light Cameras in the City of Houston. He led the petition drive to stop the city from criminalizing the feeding of the homeless in Houston. Kubosh now serves on the Houston City Council and is a voice of

ABODE

October 2019

the people for transparency. • Michael Kubosh (i)* • Janaeya Carmouche • Jose Gonzalez • Marcel Mcclinton At-Large 4: This seat is held by Councilwoman Amanda Edwards, who is stepping down to run for U.S. Senate. • Nick Hellyar (*) • Bill Baldwin • Christel Bastida • Anthony Dolcefino • Javier Gonzalez • Tiko Hausman • James Joseph • Jennifer Laney • Ericka Mccrutcheon • Letitia Plummer • Jason Rowe The HAAPAC is endorsing Nick Hellyar, a homeowner and small business owner in Houston. Hellyar understands the challenges facing our neighborhoods – flooding, street repair, public safety, increasing density, traffic and how to get the most out of the considerable tax dollars we pay. Hellyar is a member of the Houston Association of Realtors, and he is a former vice president and board member of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus. He now owns and operates a real estate business, The Hellyar Group, focusing on buying and selling residential properties, rental placement, property management and investment. At-Large 5: This seat is held by Councilman Jack Christie, who has reached the term limit for city council. • Sallie Alcorn (*) • J. Brad Batteau • Michelle Bonton • Eric Dick • Catherine Flowers • Ralph Garcia • Marvin Mcneese Jr. • Sonia Rivera • Ashton Woods The HAAPAC is endorsing Sallie Alcorn, a mom, wife and a dedicated public servant who is running for Houston City Council to continue to serve the city she loves. Alcorn is no stranger to Houston City Hall, where she

has held positions in the city’s Housing and Community Development Department, three city council offices and in the mayor’s office working for the city’s flood czar. She has worked on a broad range of city issues including city budget and finance, flooding, infrastructure, transportation, housing and economic development. Alcorn’s work in the community includes volunteering for Bridges to Life, a restorative justice prison program, and serving on the advisory board of the San Jose Clinic. She is a past board member of the Holocaust Museum Houston as well as the Houston READ Commission. Alcorn has chaired numerous events to raise money for charitable and cultural organizations throughout Houston. Alcorn has a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Texas Austin and a master’s in public administration from the University of Houston. District A: This seat is currently held by Councilwoman Brenda Stardig, who has reached her term limit. During her time as councilwoman, she served as vice chair for the city’s Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee and is currently serving as chair of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. District A represents the northwest corner of Houston outside the 610 Loop and extends past the Beltway. Its boundaries stretch north of Interstate 10 out to State Highway 290. • Amy Peck (*) • Lesheia Ayers-Wilson • Mehdi Cherkaoui • Marina Coryat • Lois Myers • George Zoes The HAAPAC is endorsing Amy Peck. With over a decade of experience in resolving constituent issues, Peck knows what it takes to find solutions, navigate complicated governmental agencies and get results. As the chief of staff for Stardig since 2014, she has been serving the citizens of District A for some time. In her role as chief of staff, Peck has developed a unique understanding of the needs of the district. She knows where we have been and where we are going. Before working with Stardig, she worked as the district director for former Texas Senator Dan Patrick and for Texas Senator Jon Lindsay.

Continued on Page 50

www.haaonline.org

sentriforce pg 49.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:50 PM Page 1

local elections pg 46,47,48,50,51,52.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:51 PM Page 4

District B: This seat is held by Councilman Jerry Davis, who has reached the term limit and is stepping down. There are 14 candidates running for this position. • Renee Jefferson Smith (*) • Robin Anderson • Cynthia Bailey • Prince Bryant • Broderick Butler • Alvin Byrd • Huey German-Wilson • Karisma Gillam • Tarsha Jackson • Alice Kirkmon • Karen Kossie-Chernyshev • Kenneth Perkins • Alyson Quintana • Ben White Jr. The HAAPAC is endorsing Renee Jefferson Smith, who is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, wife, mother of four and a lifelong Houstonian. She grew up in the Acres Homes community and now resides in the Trinity Garden neighborhood. As an active member of several boards and committees, Smith has demonstrated a track record of service and leadership in the community. Smith is a small business owner, who has hired individuals within the community. For the past five years, she has hosted and facilitated empowerment and enrichment programs.

District C: This seat is currently held by Councilwoman Ellen Cohen, who has reached her term limit and cannot run again. District C is a dynamic, neighborhood-centric community located just west of Downtown Houston. Its primary neighborhoods include Afton Oaks, Montrose, Midtown, Washington Avenue and The Greater Heights. Given the number of outstanding candidates in this race and the inevitable runoff, the HAAPAC has no endorsements as press time. • Candelario Cervantez • Felix Cisneros • Michelle Ganz • Rodney Hill • Gladys House • Abbie Kamin • Shelley Kennedy • Sean Marshall • Greg Meyers • Bob Nowak • Daphne Scarbrough • Mary Smith • Kevin Walker • Amanda Wolfe

District D: Councilman Dwight Boykins is not seeking reelection for this seat, as he is running for mayor. There are 16 candidates running for this position. District D consists of the Medical Center area, the Museum District and Sunnyside. This district is also anticipated to find itself in a runoff election. The HAAPAC will take another look at this race before the December runoff. • Anthony Allen • Carla Brailey (Nonpartisan) • Andrew Burks Jr. (Nonpartisan) • Rashad Cave (Nonpartisan) • Marlon Christian (Nonpartisan) • Jeremy Darby (Nonpartisan) (Write-in) • Carolyn Evans-Shabazz (Nonpartisan) • Dennis Griffin (Nonpartisan) • Mike Grissom • T. Hamilton • Brad Jordan • Travis Mcgee • Dontrell Montgomery • Ken Moore • Jerome Provost • Terrill Thomas

Local politics influence all of the decisions that have a direct influence on our day-to-day lives. Our local public servants leverage our property tax dollars to make big budgetary decisions that influence our local communities, from education reforms to public safety and more.

Vote November 5 50

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

local elections pg 46,47,48,50,51,52.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:51 PM Page 5

District E: This seat is held by Councilman Dave Martin, who is running for his final term. A proven business and government leader, Martin has a strong desire to ensure that conservative principles are applied in city government. First elected in November 2012, public safety, fiscal responsibility and economic development have been Martin’s daily priorities. During his second term in office, Martin served as chair of the city’s Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee and of the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Subcommittee on Debt Financing and Pensions. He was also a member of the city’s Economic Development; Ethics, Elections and Council Governance; and Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee. Martin serves as a managing director of Marsh and McLennan Companies, and previously worked for two large accounting firms, PricewaterhouseCoopers and Ernst and Young. • Dave Martin (i)* • Sam Cleveland District F: This seat is currently held by Councilman Steve Le, who will not be seeking reelection again. District F is very diverse, consisting many super neighborhoods such as Alief, Eldridge, Mid-West, Sharpstown and Westchase. It also has two major landmarks, the George Bush Park and Addicks Reservoir. The HAAPAC will take another look at this race before the Dec. 14 runoffs. • Adekunle Elegbede • Van Huynh • Anthony Nelson • G. Nguyen • Richard Nguyen • Tiffany Thomas • Jesus Zamora District G: Councilman Greg Travis, a commercial litigation attorney, was elected to Houston City Council District G on Nov. 3, 2015. Travis, a principled advocate, fiercely argues for issues and causes his constituents want, need and support. He is a conservative. Travis serves as the vice chair of the Economic Development Committee and is a member of the following committees: Budget and Fiscal Affairs; www.haaonline.org

Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure; Public Safety and Homeland Security; and Ethics, Elections and Council Governance. • Greg Travis (i)* • Tom Baker • Crystal Pletka District H: Karla Cisneros is dedicated to serving her constituents as a member of Houston City Council District H , representing historic neighborhoods to the north and to the east of Downtown Houston. In addition to chairing the City Council Economic Development Subcommittee on Education, she also is the vice chair of the Houston City Council Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee. Cisneros’ primary focus of improving educational opportunities to support a flourishing workforce is evidenced by her investment in parks, libraries, after school and summer enrichment programs and improving the quality of early childcare centers. Cisneros has also led initiatives to promote spay/neuter efforts and bring awareness to the pet overpopulation problem. She has addressed illegal dumping through an education campaign, hidden cameras and supplemental trash removal services. She has advocated and secured funding for sidewalk, street and mobility improvements that create safer environment. She has also supported opportunities for increasing public art in District H neighborhoods. • Karla Cisneros (i)* • Isabel Longoria • Cynthia Reyes-Revilla • Gaby Salcedo District I: This seat is held by Councilman Robert Gallegos, who is running for his final term. As a council member, Gallegos is a champion for all District I residents, working families, senior citizens and people with disabilities. Gallegos also supports issues of importance in regards to immigrant communities and non-discrimination protections for our most vulnerable neighbors. He’s a strong advocate for green spaces and has committed funds to support and enhance neighborhood parks. Gallegos is the chair on the Regulation and Neighborhood Affairs Committee, which October 2019

ABODE

local elections pg 46,47,48,50,51,52.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:52 PM Page 6

focuses on matters that promote strong, vibrant neighborhoods and encourage the positive development of communities. • Robert Gallegos (i)* • Richard Gonzales District J: This seat is held by Councilman Mike Laster, who is currently serving his third and final term. Laster is an attorney, specializing in real estate with the firm of Williams, Birnberg and Andersen in Houston. He also served as a senior assistant city attorney in the Real Estate Division of the Houston Attorney’s Office, where he handled many aspects of a general real estate and development practices for the city. Laster has served as the first elected councilman for the newly created District J since Jan. 2012. Additionally, he has been the chairman of the Housing and Community Development Committee since 2014. District J is a richly diverse community of over 180,000 people who speak as many as 85 different languages. Distric J covers part of Southwest Freeway between Loop 610 and the Texas 8 Beltway.

The HAAPAC will reexamine this race for the Dec. 14 runoff. • Nelvin Adriatico • Federico Cuellar II • Barry Curtis • Rafael Galvan • Andrew Patterson • Edward Pollard • Sandra Rodriguez District K: Councilwoman Martha Castex-Tatum won a special election on May 5, 2018 and was sworn in as the Houston City Council Member for District K on May 16, 2018. She currently serves on the Budget and Fiscal Affairs Committee, the Economic Development Committee, the Housing and Community Affairs Committee and the Transportation, Technology and Infrastructure Committee. As a longtime and active resident of District K, Castex-Tatum is committed to serving constituents through her passion for the community. She is an advocate for senior citizens and small busi-

ness owners. She is also dedicated to increasing beautification projects and economic development throughout the district, among other projects and initiatives. • Martha Castex-Tatum (i)* • Kim Sauke • Gerry Vander-Lyn ALDINE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – POSITION 1 Our very own HAA member, Steve Moore with Villa Serena, is running for Aldine ISD Position 1. Moore has lived in the district for seven years, as a resident in one of his own apartments. His goal as a board member is to foster cooperation with outside organizations to improve students’ performance in the same way he has fostered cooperation with the Houston Police Department to reduce crimes in his apartments. Moore wants to use his own business approach to accomplish change all within the existing budget.

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!

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

guardian construct pg 53.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:59 PM Page 1

congressional races pg 54,55.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 4:08 PM Page 1

Changes in Congress

Many Houston congressional districts are up for grabs next year. By

ANDY TEAS, CAE, HAA Vice President of Public Affairs

Why can’t Congress get anything done?

What does this mean for the Houston area?

District 2 The retirement of long-time Congressman Ted Poe created an exciting opportunity for candidates to seek this Republican-leaning seat, which was won by first-time candidate Dan Crenshaw. A young, smart, decorated veteran, Crenshaw is seen by many Republicans as a big part of the future of a political party that has been appealing less and less to younger voters. At 35 years old, with his military service, Harvard education and his signature patch covering the right eye he lost in battle in Afghanistan, Crenshaw brings a certain “cool” factor that Republicans admit is badly needed. He won his first term with a lot of crossover appeal to moderate Democrats, defeating Democratic nominee Todd Litton by a 53 – 46% margin. In 2020, look for Crenshaw to be reelected, but with a spirited challenge from fellow veteran Elisa Cardnell, who served as an AntiSubmarine Warfare Officer in the Navy.

e hear that criticism a lot, and it’s certainly valid, especially in recent years. Actually, though, the founders designed our bicameral United States Congress to be inefficient. Sacrificing efficiency for the sake of keeping any one person or group of people from becoming too powerful was the most important factor in the design of our government. The U.S. Senate has only 100 members – two from each state. Senators serve six-year terms, and were chosen by state legislatures (they’re now elected directly). Accordingly, the Senate is designed to take a long-term view on public policy. The House of Representatives has 435 members, all serving two-year terms, all constantly running for reelection from districts that may only comprise one section of a large city. House members are always focused on the “right now” – the immediate popularity of any decision. The increasing gridlock of a Republicancontrolled Senate and a Democraticcontrolled House has been frustrating to many members, prompting, at least in part, a significant number to announce that they’re not seeking reelection next year.

ABODE

October 2019

District 7 For many years, the “most Republican district in Congress” was the 7th District of Texas. The first person to serve in the district in a form that resembles the way it is currently drawn was a young businessman named George H. W. Bush, who, of course, went on to serve as vice president, then president of the United States. Following Bush was Bill Archer, who chaired the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, then John Culberson,

who represented the district for 18 years until being narrowly defeated by Lizzie Fletcher in 2018. Fletcher is doing her best to appeal to a changing district that includes the Galleria area, Memorial and Cypress-Fairbanks, but will face Republican challengers who want to prove her election was a fluke, rather than a trend. Former Bellaire Mayor Cindy Siegel and military veteran Wesley Hunt are early contenders for the Republican nomination. All the factors that combined to defeat Culberson in 2018 will, if anything, be enhanced in 2020. The 7th District is home to many educated, business-minded Republicans who are not fans of President Donald Trump, who lost to Hillary Clinton in this district by a wide margin in 2016, even as Culberson was reelected. District 8 Even as some suburban areas surrounding Houston have started to trend more Democratic, Montgomery County has become even more solidly Republican. President Trump carried Montgomery County by 74% in 2016, despite taking only 52.6% of Texas as a whole. Montgomery County is the anchor of the 8th Congressional District, where Kevin Brady, who successfully passed a game-changing tax reform bill while chairing the House Ways & Means Committee when Republicans held the House majority, will be seeking reelection to the seat he first won in 1996. No Democratic candidates have been identified yet. www.haaonline.org

Image © © Lunamarina | Dreamstime.com

congressional races pg 54,55.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 4:08 PM Page 2

District 9 Former Justice of the Peace Al Green has held the 9th Congressional District since it was first created in its current form in 2004. A longtime civil rights leader and former president of the Houston NAACP, Green is popular in his district, and has been helpful to the apartment industry on a variety of issues – especially in securing housing funding after Hurricane Katrina. Green has early opponents in Democrat Melissa Wilson-Williams and Republican Jon Menefee, but should be reelected easily. District 10 Michael McCaul represents a district that stretches from West Houston to central Austin. One of Congress’ foremost experts on national security issues, McCaul was reelected with more than 57% in 2016, but with only 51% in 2018 over challenger Mike Siegel as the district, especially the western end, began to lean more Democratic. Expect a vigorous challenge from the Democratic nominee in 2020, with candidates including Shannon Hutcheson and Pritesh Gandhi challenging Siegel for the nomination. District 14 Alvin native Randy Weber is an increasingly rare commodity in Congress – a true small businessman. An air conditioning contractor by trade, founding Weber's Air & Heat in 1981, Weber was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 2006. He was later elected to Congress after the retirement of longtime Congressman Ron Paul in 2012. www.haaonline.org

He easily overcame a challenge from Democratic nominee Adrienne Bell in 2018, carrying nearly 60% of the vote. She is planning to run for the seat again in 2020. District 18 Sheila Jackson Lee was first elected to this seat in 1995, defeating incumbent Craig Washington in the Democratic Primary for a seat specifically drawn to elect a black candidate. Even as her district’s black population decreases and affluence increases, she continues to be reelected by wide margins over challengers from both parties. Democratic challengers for 2020 so far include Marc Flores, Jerry Ford, Stevens Orozco and Bimal Patel. Republican Ava Pate, a cosmetologist, is seeking the Republican nomination. District 22 Congressman Pete Olson, who represents this Fort Bend/Brazoria County district, unexpectedly announced his intention to retire recently, creating what may be the most interesting congressional race in the Houston area. While this seat has traditionally leaned Republican, the Fort Bend portion has shifted dramatically toward Democratic candidates in the past two elections. Democratic challenger Sri Kulkarni took 46.5% of the vote in 2018, leading many Democrats to see this as a winnable seat in a presidential election year with no congressional incumbent. Kulkarni is running for the Democratic nomination again, along with candidates including Nyanza Moore and Pearland City Councilman Derrick Reed. Republican candidates include

Felicia Harris, Greg Hill, Howard Lynn Steele Jr., Keli Chevalier and Thaddeus Walz, along with Kathleen Wall, who ran as a Republican for a Harris County congressional seat in 2018. Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls is also expected to be a Republican candidate, and there may be more to come. District 29 After the retirement of longtime Congressman Gene Green in 2018, State Senator Sylvia Garcia seemed uniquely qualified to be the consensus candidate to replace him. Having previously served as a municipal judge in Houston, she was elected city controller, county commissioner and was then elected to the Texas Senate. She carried the Democratic Primary for this congressional seat with more than 63% in a six-way race, and with more than 75% in November. No candidates seem to be on the radar screen to oppose her reelection in 2020. District 36 After the always volatile Congressman Steve Stockman, Texas’ 36th Congressional District probably needed a representative like Dr. Brian Babin, a mild-mannered dentist and a consummate gentleman who was first elected in 2014. A low-key, but popular congressman, he defeated his Democratic opponent, a wellknown rock ‘n’ roll radio personality Dayna Steele, taking more than 75% of the vote. Her poor results, despite being well known and having lots of celebrity endorsements, may dissuade potential 2020 candidates.

October 2019

ABODE

ashley criterion b pg 56,57.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 7:37 AM Page 1

Image ÂŠ Ojogabonitoo | Dreamstime.com

Build It and They will Come

Here are five strategies for building a strong resident referral program.

id you know that the most common source of new leads are referrals? Or that it costs five to 25 times more money to acquire new residents than to keep existing ones happy? Loyal residents grow a multifamily property much quicker than marketing or sales and it all begins with a strong resident referral program. Additionally, a referral is 18 percent more loyal than other customers and they are four times more likely to refer more customers to your brand. Perhaps your property does not have a resident referral program yet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or maybe you do but it is not as effective as you hoped. There are simple ways to enhance your program to increase new leads and decrease turnover in the process.

ABODE

October 2019

The following are five strategies for multifamily professionals to maximize a referral program: 1. Offer an Incentive Despite how inviting your community is, residents often need an extra push to actively recruit their friends. Incentivize your residents for referrals by offering gift cards, cash or rent credits. Rewards can range from something as simple as a $100 rent reduction to offering one month free rent. 2. Gamify the Experience Several software companies offer gamification programs and apps that can not only increase your propertyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brand awareness but also encourage current residents to renew or refer their friends. These pro-

ASHLEY TYNDALL, Criterion B

grams allow renters to complete tasks and collect points which are then exchanged for gift cards. Tasks range from posting on social media, writing an online review and completing a survey, to renewing their lease or referring a friend. 3. Create a Landing Page With FAQs Once you develop a unique resident referral program, you will want to design a landing page to direct residents to enroll in the program. Do not forget to add a section for frequently-asked-questions for residents to find out more descriptive information and cover all the questions your residents are sure to ask, including how and when rewards are given. This landing page can then be shared to social, email and your website homepage. www.haaonline.org

ashley criterion b pg 56,57.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 7:37 AM Page 2

4. Spread the Word Once you have a landing page, it’s time to get the word out. Start an email campaign to let residents know about your new offering. Send two versions of the email, one for current residents and one for prospects. Add a Call-to-Action button on your website homepage that links to your new landing page, then be sure to share creative posts to your social media channels. Keep in mind that spreading the word is not a one-man job. You will want all hands on deck to ensure residents know and use the program actively. Make sure leasing agents inform any new residents of the promotion, and have your onsite team post professional flyers in the leasing office, community shared spaces, and online. Use your monthly resident functions as a platform to spread the word by offering giveaways and incentives tied to bringing a friend. 5. Show Your Appreciation After your resident referral program is up and running, you may start to see some residents who are more actively involved than others. It’s important to show your apprecia-

www.haaonline.org

tion to the residents who refer more than one person or who go out of their way to recommend your property consistently. A handwritten thank you note or care package is a great idea, but consider something more substantial for those residents who refer more than five times, as they are bringing in a significant amount of new revenue to your property. Getting the Most for Your Money Considering that 92 percent of consumers trust referrals from people they know, it’s evident that word-of-mouth referrals are the strongest vote of confidence your apartment community will get. By incentivizing this behavior among your residents, you will not only reduce turnover but ensure a steady stream of qualified applicants. Ultimately, it’s important to not only launch a unique referral program but continually advertise and leverage this program to see the biggest impact to your bottom line. Ashley Tyndall is the director of client services for Criterion.B, an agency focused on branding and inbound

marketing for the commercial real estate industry. You can contact Tyndall at ashley@criterionb.com. Sources: https://www.stateofinbound.com/?__hstc=2 0629287.dd741998c1073ebf5137940a9c6445 c7.1522857870177.1538751329800.1538767243 568.172&__hssc=20629287.1.1538767243568& __hsfp=331466526 https://hbr.org/2014/10/the-value-of-keeping-the-right-customers https://www.annexcloud.com/blog/39-referral-marketing-statistics-that-will-make-youwant-to-start-a-raf-program-tomorrow/ https://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/new s/2013/under-the-influence-consumer-trustin-advertising.html https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/29257 9?utm_campaign=syndication&utm_medium=related&utm_source=applenews

October 2019

ABODE

megan orser pg 58,59.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 7:45 AM Page 1

Image © Andrii Yalanskyi | Dreamstime.com

Affordable Marketing

Marketing for an affordable community.

ne of the benefits and challenges of a typical affordable housing community is that oftentimes, the communities are built in more rural areas, depending on what the census indicates for population, though the location may not be the most ideal. I have had the opportunity to open new construction affordable communities in the middle of a corn field, literally. On the other hand, as we are now seeing more development in dense, urban areas, sometimes the use has changed from a school or a warehouse or a bank into an affordable housing community. My point being, to our consumer, who does not understand what affordable means, we as marketers and property managers must make the presence known not only to the potential customer but also to the community as a whole. Some of the tried and true tips I want to revisit within this article are some old tricks, retooling some everyday marketing opportunities that we miss each and every day, but that could be a gem in attracting more attention to your affordable housing opportunity. How many of you are still using fax as a viable communication method? With social

ABODE

October 2019

DAWN FORD and MEGAN ORSER, Smart Apartment Solutions

media, instant messaging and text, the number of faxes we send out has certainly decreased, except for sending out employment verifications under the third-party verification guidelines. These verifications are sent to human resources departments, but could we agree that several different sets of eyes will see this cover sheet before it meets its final destination? Slap some info on that cover sheet about all your affordable community has to offer and let your human resources departments become your best marketers. Another simple way to raise awareness on affordable housing is stickers on all outgoing mail. Much the same concept as the fax cover sheet, though the number of different eyes that will see that sticker is infinite. Make your marketing message on that sticker meaningful. While outreach marketing for an affordable community needs to have some more grassroots element to it than some of our conventional counterparts, outreach still needs to be about raising awareness. Don’t discount outreach items when it comes to formulating your initial or your on-going marketing budgets. Maybe its drink sleeves at the local coffee house, bookmarks at the

library or an open house exclusively for the housing authorities, use this marketing venue to spread the word to neighboring businesses that might just be struggling with the issue of finding workforce employees. My last tried and true trick is in regard to answering the phone at an affordable community. Without fail, an affordable housing community can be identified within seconds of calling for information. The information becomes clear when the question “What is your annual income?” comes up before any discussion about the community. While we all know that income is an essential part of our qualifying process, it does not feel right at this point of the conversation and is certainly not a way to gain trust with your potential applicant. This is the point of the phone conversation where you should be painting the picture of how lovely it is to live at your apartment community. In moving the marketing of affordable housing forward, two fundamental concerns will need to be addressed to truly compete with today’s property and today’s renter, especially our affordable renters. The online application process can and should be available online and to clarify, this www.haaonline.org

megan orser pg 58,59.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 7:45 AM Page 2

does not mean providing links to PDFs for applicants to download and print – this is not an online application. We have heard a variety of individuals in upper management give excuses that this can’t be done, because “HUD forms can’t be altered,” or “We insist the application be done in person so that we can answer questions and ensure the forms are completed correctly,” or even worse, “Affordable renters don’t have access to internet.” There are simple and affordable solutions to these challenges, it’s called fillable PDFs and there are document signing software that even have the capability to restrict applicants from skipping mandatory questions and also have voice over capabilities that can be used to give an explanation of how to complete the form. Companies such as Blue Ink (one of many) have this capability. These particular software platforms also take security measures of authenticity such as selfie photo authentication as well as code to text verifications. The online platforms also allow applicants to complete their application forms via smart phone capabilities. This technology would allow your clients to apply, complete recertifications and even complete interim paperwork 24/7, reducing the turnaround time greatly. Why is this important? One reason would be that a large obstacle affordable renters face is reliable transportation. Affordable renters would benefit from this technology just as much as market rate renters, if not more. In many markets across the United States, tax credit communities find themselves competing with market rate communities with comparable rents. Think about it, if you are a renter comparing two communities and rental amounts are similar, the ease of the application process becomes extremely important. Reliable internet is one of the top requested amenities among residents in many facets of the multifamily industry, and this is no different in affordable housing. Google believes that everyone, no matter their income level, should have access to reliable internet. Google’s Fiber in the Community initiative allows residents to request high-speed internet in their community. If it meets Google’s Fiber Fellowship requirements for low-income housing, the program could bring free internet capabilities to your property. To find out more or to check if Google Fiber is available in your neighborhood visit https://fiber.google.com/community/#/. Diversity and inclusion have become big topics on the forefront of our industry, removing unnecessary barriers is another way to ensure all residents have equal access to housing. www.haaonline.org

Share your Good Works OR Share your Community Service ABODE wants photos and stories about how your property or company have given back to the community. With school back in session and the holidays just around the corner, HAA members give back to the community in so many ways, and ABODE wants to showcase your good works. Send pictures and the details of how you gave back to the community this year to comm@haaonline.org to be featured in the December issue of ABODE magazine. The deadline for submissions is October 18.

October 2019

ABODE

On Site with ABODE

Photos provided by Domain Lofts at City Centre

DOMAIN LOFTS at CITY CENTRE

Honors Awards Property of the Year for a mid to high-rise apartment community built between 2000 and 2009.

Property: Domain Lofts at City Centre Owner/Management: Greystar Location: 811 Town and Country Blvd. Units: 620 Built: 2009 Web: www.domainatcitycentre.com Interesting features: Domain Lofts at City Centre is two apartment communities in one, Domain at City Centre and Lofts at City Centre, which explains its collosal unit count of 620 units. The staff was presented with many challenges when these two properties merged last year. The onsite teams had to learn the individuality of each property in order to sell, market and maintain both properties as one. The leasing and maintenance teams were able to successfuly sell and learn the mechanics of both apartment communities. The staff worked diligently to make the transition as seamless as possible for the residents, as customer service is Domain Lofts at City Centre’s top priority. The team was able to grant residents access to both communities, adjust amenities to accomodate all its residents and even assisted residents with locating the new leasing office location. All the while, occupacy was maintained and rent increased. Last year, rent increased by nearly 5%. Congratulations, Domain Lofts at City Centre!

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

On Site with ABODE

Photos provided by Holden Heights

HOLDEN HEIGHTS

Honors Awards Property of the Year for a mid-rise apartment community with 150 to 300 apartment homes built between 2010 and 2017.

Property: Holden Heights Owner/Management: Francis Property Management Location: 525 W. 24th St. Units: 282 Built: 2016 Web: www.apartmentsinheightshouston.com Interesting features: Considered one of the most loved apartment communities in the Houston Heights, Holden Heights is a luxury property that emulates the design and features of custom homes. Apartment home features include granite or quartz countertops, authentic hand-scraped hardwood flooring, custom maple cabinetry, energy-efficient stainless-steel appliances, built-in wine racks, walk-in closets with custom wood shelving and seasonal rods, spacious studies with glass doors, private balconies and private yards. Inclduing energy-efficient appliances in each apartment home is only one way Holden Heights commits to sustainability. This apartment community’s environmental efforts extend to door-to-door recycling (a rare practice among Houston apartment communities). In addition, each refrigerator has a filtered water dispenser to reduce the need for plastic water bottles, the staff encourages the use of electric grills and utilizes paperless communications and rent payments. The physical occupancy for Holden Heights last year was 96%. Congratulations, Holden Heights! www.haaonline.org

October 2019

ABODE

On Site with ABODE

Photos provided by One Lakes Edge

ONE LAKES EDGE

Honors Awards Property of the Year for a mid-rise apartment community with more than 300 apartment homes built between 2010 and 2017.

Property: One Lakes Edge Owner/Management: The Howard Hughes Corporation/The Dinerstein Companies Location: 1950 Hughes Landing Blvd., The Woodlands Units: 390 Built: 2015 Web: www.onelakesedge.com Interesting features: Because the Houston area is wide, the Houston Apartment Association’s outreach efforts have a far-reaching influence on all the cities that are considered to be part of Houston. One Lakes Edge is among a handful of award-winning apartment communities this year that are located in Houston’s outlying areas. This luxury apartment community is made even more lavish by its location. It sits on a lake with onsite, fine dining restaurants and shopping. One Lakes Edge encourages its residents to take advantage of the lake and the outdoors by offering kayaks, paddle boards and bicycles. Residents can also fish or hike with their own gear. Luxury living doesn’t stop at this property’s design, features or amenities. The staff’s customer service makes residents feel valued, which can be seen in the community’s online reviews. Congratulations, One Lakes Edge!

ABODE

Ocotber 2019

www.haaonline.org

volunteer haa pg 63.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 7:49 AM Page 1

Get Involved Volunteer HAA The Houston Apartment Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s committees and clubs are some of the most productive tools we have to ensure that we remain the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest and most effective apartment association. Members of the association dedicate their time to lead and serve on the various clubs and committees. Some general responsibilities of committee and club members include a commitment to attend all meetings and help develop marketing strategies (i.e. telemarketing, developing handouts, fliers, articles). To serve on any of these committees and clubs, please contact the HAA office at 713-595-0300, online at www.haaonline.org or email the departments listed below. Education education@haaonline.org Education Advisory Council HAF Fundraiser Committee* Career and Community Development Committee Government Affairs govaffairs@haaonline.org HAA Political Action Committee* Century Club* Media Relations Committee Fair Housing Committee Strategic Outreach Committee Membership members@haaonline.org Ambassador ONE Society Go-Getter Membership Recruitment Club Expo Exhibitor Committee* Street Team* Community Outreach shinkley@haaonline.org Community Outreach Committee Product Service Council* Resident Relations resrel@haaonline.org Resident Relations Committee *Note: These committees have specific requirements for membership. Contact HAA for details.

www.haaonline.org

October 2019

ABODE

next casino pg 64,65.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 7:52 AM Page 1

On the Scene with the HAA NEXT NEXT “Night in Monte Carlo” Sponsored by 1 Brandt Electrical and A/C and 2 Gemstar Construction Thursday, August 22 at HAA The NEXT Committee elected to open up their August event to a member-wide fundraiser benefitting Goodwill Industries and its Apartment Maintenance Professional (AMP) recruiting and training program.

MEET THE NEXT GENERATION OF HAA LEADERSHIP. This niche group within HAA is dedicated to the networking and professional development needs of HAA members 35 and younger. 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. 64

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

next casino pg 64,65.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 7:52 AM Page 2

go-gets pg 66.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 7:54 AM Page 1

The Go-Getters HAA’s MEMBERSHIP RECRUITERS

CELEBRATING MEMBERSHIP Recruit for HAA and become part of the Go-Getter Club.

Join our Quarterly Meetings! Be the top recruiter for each quarter and win one of four fabulous prizes! 1st Quarter: 2-nights at the Hotel San Luis 2nd Quarter: Portal Package from Facebook 3rd Quarter: Ring Doorbell 4th Quarter: $500 Holiday 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. Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetters to get all the information you need. HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS Members who have recruited more than 100 companies Claude Arnold Monette Reynolds Kenn Brown Sherry Stevenson Tina Cavaco Kirk Tate Kevin Fenn Suan Tinsley Diane Gilbert Sonny Unverzagt Anita Harrison Del Walmsley Dwayne Henson Nancé Wells Mike Koch H.P. Paul Young Merry Mount Jeanne Marie Zublin Dicks

Mark your calendars for our 2019 finale! Go-Getter meetings are quarterly. Don’t miss the final meeting for 2019:

December 4 at Cadillac Bar & Grill 1802 Shepherd Drive, 77007

Visit www.haaonline.org/gogetters for details

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. 66

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

Welcome Mat

Introducing HAA’s NEW MEMBERS

OWNERS

SUPPLIERS

Crowned Investments LLC Joshua Adebayo 122 N. Holderrieth Blvd. #2216 Tomball, TX 77375 832-510-3729 Crownover Apartments LLC Andrew Wilson 11006 Crestmore Houston, TX 77096 713-252-0146 Crown Village Apartments GroundFORCE Lodging LLC Kenneth Neatherlin P.O. Box 1728 Navasota, TX 77868 GroundFORCE Lodging Homes Kastle Assets Paul Smith 448 W. 19th St #568 Houston, TX 77008 281-271-2177 Ricks Rentals Ashton Ricks 9009 Braesmont Drive #114 Houston, TX 77096 713-591-8354 Ricks Rentals - Homes Roy Owens Roy Owens 4100 Hull St. Houston, TX 77021 832-713-0327 Courtyard SLR Construction Services LLC Chuck Pogue 3827 Lake Ballinger Lane Richmond, TX 77406 832-250-5081 SLR Construction Serivces, LLC - Homes The Signorelli Company Lauren Bevilacqua 1401 Woodlands Parkway The Woodlands, TX 77380 713-452-1700 The Pointe at Valley Ranch Town Center

ACUTRAQ Background Screening Inc Jason Waggoner 2261 Northpark #128 Kingwood, TX 77339 479-439-9174 Resident Screening Service, Employee Screening

D.A.M. Remodeling Group Ana Escalante 1660 Katy Gap Road #35106 Katy, TX 77494 346-325-0866 Make Ready, Remodeling & Repair-Building Contractors Referred by Tina Cavaco E.D. Davis Contractors Inc Brian Pieper 10200 Grogans Mill #150 The Woodlands, TX 77380 713-882-8397 Ancillary Revenue Providers, Electricity Providers Energy To Go Beau Budde 3131 W. Alabama #150 Houston, TX 77098 713-586-4324 Insurance, Insurance Consultants Heritage Construction Co Jonathan Haro 5615 NW Central Drive #C110 Houston, TX 77092 832-675-0454 Roofing Contractors, General Contractors Houston SEAL Patrol Division LLC Moe Shariff 15807 S. Alley Court Houston, TX 77082 832-530-5338 Courtesy Patrol, Security Guard/Patrol Service Independent Bank John A. Gonzales 750 Bering Drive #100 Houston, TX 77057 713-600-8194 Banks, Commercial Lending Lexington Group International Kat Moon 5480 La Sierra Drive Dallas, TX 75231 214-750-9104 Construction Mgmt-Consultants, Environmental & Ecological Services, General Contractors, Emergency Alert Service

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

Pro Circuit Fitness Solutions, LLC Steph Onobun 811 Algona Ave. Houston, TX 77008 832-628-3509 Event Planning, Exercise & Physical Fitness Referred by Jason Lavrack Property Services Deanna Voreh 17709 Telge Road Cypress, TX 77429 281-469-1881 Electric Contractors, General Contractors Referred by Kenny Eaton Quick Roofing Sandi Chason 27910 Norfolk Trail Lane Katy, TX 77494 281-706-4938 Roofing Consultants, Roofing Contractors Recycle NOW Stephen Hill 3839 McKinney Ave. #155-212 Dallas, TX 75204 857-919-2548 Pressure Washing - Equipment & Service, Trash Service - Valet Reliable Roofing Keith Thompson P.O. Box 771323 Houston, TX 77215 832-363-7703 Fire/Water Damage Restoration, Mold Remediation Referred by Donna Farthing The Katy Plumbing Company George Johnson 1704 Ave. D. #A Katy, TX 77493 281-646-1700 Plumbing Drain/Sewer Cleaning, Plumbing Contractors, Water Heaters & Boilers, Water Filtration & Purification Equipment, Water Softeners, Water Treatment Equipment Service YCL Painting and Services Carlos Quintanilla Carlos Quintanilla 17218 Indigo Mist Court Houston, TX 77084 832-773-3999 Paint, Painting Contractors Referred by Carrie Hurst 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!”

October 2019

ABODE

ambassadors pg 68,69.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 7:57 AM Page 1

The Ambassador ONE Society HAA’s WELCOMING COMMITTEE

HELPING OUR COMMUNITY The Ambassadors collect supplies for Camp Hope and network with fellow HAA members. Ambassador ONE Society members with at least 10 points, ranked by points earned:

Join us for our monthly meetings at Craft Republic 11470 Westheimer Road, Houston 77077 Mark your calendars and join us! Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month: October 2 November 6

1. “ONE of the Month” Janell Richter, JMI Contractors, with 231 points. 1

Janell Richter JMI Contractors 1499 Vanessa Guerrero Home Turf Texas 277 Raedean Mitchem ApartmentData.com 265 Amanda Kelly Corinthian Construction 183 Liz Levins Rasa Floors 180 Shera Lehman Texscape Services 144 Kerri Eckes Fish Window Cleaning 78 Kyle Turney Impact Floors 71 Tito Estrada Multifamily Ancillary Group 62 Jennifer Devine Valet Living 62 Tracey Leach-Moore Flooring Warehouse 60 Arely Pena The Liberty Group 45 Will McGinnis Infinity Power Partners 43 Marcy Holmes Designs by Holmes Interior Design 40 George Morrison Bio-One Houston 37 Kelsey Eggleston Valet Living 31 Shaun Callaway Earthworks Inc 30 Angel Lopez Metropolitan Staffing Solutions 29 Blaise Spitaleri Gemstar Construction 28 Doug Oehl Flooring Warehouse 27 Blake Subinsky HD Supply 26 Megan Stone The Liberty Group 25 Jarred Henrietta Impact Floors 25 Chelsea Urbanczyk CORT Furniture 24 Logan Richter JMI Contractors 24 Danyell Wilkerson ApartmentData.com 22 Phillip Price HD Supply 21 Giovanna Gone Earthworks Inc. 20 Juana Estrada Century A/C Supply 20 Deborah DeRouen Designs by Holmes Interior Design 20 Jim Martensen Camp Construction Services 20 Matthew Nunn Camp Construction Services 19 Marcus Wheatfall Triple Seal Insulation 19 Ryan Hess Horisons Roof & Exterior Solutions 19 Will Carroll Paul Davis Restoration of North Houston 19 Alan Young Dixie Carpet 18 Amy Anderson Impact Floors 18 Susan Alvarado Century A/C Supply 18 Chelsea Quinteros Gail Construction 18 Alexa Ramey Willbanks 17 Amelia Mantilla Green City Security 17 April Shane Presto-X 17 Karen Nelsen ALN Apartment Data, Inc 17 Candis Mohr AAA Plumbers 15 Dave Byrnes Advanced Concrete Designs 15 Stephen Webster RentPath 15 Joey Rodriguez The Urban Foresters 14 Dana Mowe Houston Furniture Rental & Sales 13 Jarrett Bennett Ferguson Facility Supply 13 Cody Hodge Camp Construction Services 13 James Bearb R & L Building Group Inc 12 Alex Varela Gulf Coast Flooring & Services 12 Kelly Aylesworth WaterLogic 12 Andrew Creamer Building Engineering - Consultants, Inc 12 Clint Beck Presto Maintenance Supply 12 Jason Norbeck Impact Floors 12 Linda Ledesma Hire Priority 12 Sean Cunningham Flooring Warehouse 12 Shannon Russell Day Ferguson Facility Supply 12 Andrew Vasquez WellKept 11 Nikki Sekunda The Liberty Group 11 Eddie Santiago Rasa Floors 10 Ashley Wiggin Reliant 10 Danny Passmore Sherwin-Williams 10 Derek DeVries Camp Construction Services 10 Peggy Charles Fidus Construction 10 Shannon Coppin Camp Construction Services 10 Crystal Varela RentPath 10 Jennifer Gutierrez Frost Insurance Agency 10 Shaun Lewis Sherwin-Williams 10 Steven McGuff Impact Floors 10 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. 68

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

ambassadors pg 68,69.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 7:56 AM Page 2

2. First Place Team “Stay Classy” with 286 points 3. Second Place Team “The Bomb Squad” with 112 points 4. Third Place Team “Green Machine” with 95 points www.haaonline.org

October 2019

ABODE

prop news pg 70,71.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 7:59 AM Page 1

Portfolio Changes The following owner/management companies have added the listed properties to their portfolios: • Alliance Residential Company: Scotland Yard Apartments, 678 units at 2250 Holly Hall St. and Heights Waterworks, 309 units at 515 West 20th St. • Allied Orion Group: Redwood Heights Apartments, 96 units at 7320 Jensen Drive. • Avan Property Management: The Place at Greenway, 219 units at 3333 Cummins St. • B/K Multifamily Services: Freeport Oaks Apartments, 100 units at 1702 Skinner St., Freeport. • Better World Properties LLC – Sumar: Hadley Apartments, 16 units at 2801 Hadley and The Life at Westpark, 312 units at 14100 Rio Bonito Road. • Blazer Real Estate Services LLC: Heritage Seniors, 80 units at 219 Flagship Blvd., Montgomery. • CAF Management LLC: Central Park Apartments, 424 units at 3230 S. Gessner Road. • Creative Property Management: Palms at Alvin Apartments, 35 units at 1201 W. South St. #101, Alvin. • Crownover Apartments LLC: Crown Village Apartments, 16 units at 1718 Crownover Road. • Davis Development: Adley at Gleannloch, 240 units at 9123 Crescent Clover Drive, Spring. • Galilee Equity Management LLC: Quail Valley Apartments, 176 units at 1800 FM 1092 Road, Missouri City. • Greystar: Arlo Buffalo Heights, 318 units at 225 S. Heights Blvd. and

ABODE

October 2019

Sapphire Bay, 384 units at 99 W. Cedar Bayou-Lynchburg Road, Baytown. • Guardstone Property Management: Beacon Hill Apartments, 121 units at 8110 Creekbend Drive. • Highmark Residential LLC: Champion Townhomes on the Green, 238 units at 11201 Veterans Memorial Drive; Shadow Ridge Apartments, 260 units at 12203 Old Walters Road; and City Parc II at West Oaks Apartments, 192 units at 3530 Green Crest Drive. • Internacional Realty Inc.: The Vibe at Clear Lake, 180 units at 506 S. Austin St., Webster; Regatta Bay, 240 units at 2555 N. Repsdorph Road, Seabrook; and Stonecrossing of Westchase Apartments, 240 units at 3030 Elmside Drive. • Lennar Multifamily Communities (LMC): The Maddox, 326 units at 23806 Colonial Parkway, Katy. • Lincoln Property Company: Aventura on Briar Forest, 396 units at 14515 Briar Forest Drive and 255 Assay, 251 units at 255 Assay St. • Mosaic Residential Inc.: Jacinto Palms Apartments, 123 units at 10202 Challenger 7 Drive, Jacinto City and Regal Pointe Apartments, 152 units at 6111 Willowbend Blvd. • Myan Management Group: The Wilcox, 312 units at 2400 South Loop W. and The Morgan, 312 units at 2401 Westridge St. • Pinnacle: Champions Woods Apartments, 186 units at 6830 Champions Plaza Drive. • PinPoint Commercial: Ivy Point Klein, 132 units at 19310 TC Jester Blvd., Spring. • Q10 Property Advisors: Aria at Stancliff, 300 units at 10919 Stancliff Drive. • Ricks Rentals: Ricks Rentals – Homes, 1 unit at various locations.

www.haaonline.org

prop news pg 70,71.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 8:00 AM Page 2

• Sharp Property Management: Sharp Property Management – Homes, 3 units at various locations. • Tarantino Properties: Villa Nueva Apartments, 542 units at 5300 W. Gulf Bank Road. • The Singorelli Company: The Pointe at Valley Ranch Town Center, 336 units at 20290 Park Lake View Drive, New Caney. • Valiant Residential: Delray Apartments, 206 units at 1715 Enclave Parkway and Highline Apartments, 273 units at 25222 Northwest Freeway, Cypress. • Windsor Communities: Windsor Shepherd Apartments, 245 units at 611 Shepherd Drive.

In the News Allied Orion Group welcomes Loyal Proffitt as president of the company’s management operations. Paul Pavlou is the new University Proffitt of Houston dean of the Bauer College of Business. Karya Property Management is part of the Houston Business Journal’s 2019 Fast 100 Finalists. The Howard Hughes Corp. announces it will begin construction of Bridgeland Central, a 900-acre mixed-use development in Cypress community Bridgeland. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs approves a low-incomehousing tax credit allocation of $19.41 million annually for 10 years to rehabilitate the senior living community at 6000 Telephone Road. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Rebuilding Together Houston kicks off a new community revitalization initiative to repair homes for families in need. Shelly, founder and COO, and Stephen Brewer, president and CEO, of Express Corporate Housing, discuss the 11-year growth of their company, the challenges they faced and future goals, in the back page of the Houston Business Journal’s Aug. 2 through Aug. 8 issue.

www.haaonline.org

October 2019

ABODE

leg update pg 9, 72,73.qxp_Layout 1 9/12/19 3:10 PM Page 2

Legislative Update, continued from Page 9 the coming years. Overcoming a constitutional prohibition against a state income tax is only possible with a future revision to reverse it, which would take two-thirds of both the House and Senate, along with a majority vote of the people, which would be a high hurdle in even the most politically liberal of states. Opponents are reluctant to remove the income tax as a future funding source for state government, noting that it is less regressive than the sales and property taxes on which Texas relies to fund most state and local government services, and it’s easier and cheaper to collect. Proposition 5 – “The constitutional amendment dedicating the revenue received from the existing state sales and use taxes that are imposed on sporting goods to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Texas Historical Commission to protect Texas' natural areas, water quality, and history by acquiring, managing, and improving state and local parks and historic sites while not increasing the rate of the state sales and use taxes.” – State parks in Texas received a record 9.7 million visits in fiscal year 2017. Chronic underfunding of the state park system, however, has left many parks unable to safely and adequately accommodate visitors. Texas already has a dedicated portion of the state sales and use taxes to park funding, but much of the funding is never appropriated. Proposition 5 would automatically appropriate all the revenue in the fund to fund state parks and historic sites. Proposition 6 – “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase by $3 billion the maximum bond amount authorized for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas.” – The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas provides grants and support to persons in implementing the Texas Cancer Plan and to institutions of learning and advanced medical research facilities and collaborations for use in researching the causes of all forms of human cancer and developing cancer cures, from laboratory research, clinical trials and treatment access programs. Proponents of Proposition 6 believe that increasing the amount of bond funding available for the institute is essential to ensuring the institute maintains its status as a national leader in cancer research and prevention. Proposition 7 – “The constitutional amendment allowing increased distributions to the available school fund.” – The Texas Permanent School Fund is invested primarily in real estate – the leasing of state-owned land, some of which dates back to when Texas became a state in 1845. Proponents of Proposition 7 believe that doubling the current $300 million cap to $600 million on the annual distribution by the

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

leg update pg 9, 72,73.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 7:34 AM Page 3

General Land Office from the Permanent School Fund to the available school fund would improve funding for public schools when sufficient revenues are available. Proposition 8 – “The constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the flood infrastructure fund to assist in the financing of drainage, flood mitigation, and flood control projects.” – Most Houstonians who lived through Hurricane Harvey know that Proposition 8 was this region’s top priority for the 2019 legislative session. This amendment would create the flood infrastructure fund as a special fund in the state treasury outside the general revenue fund and authorizes the funding to be used for drainage, flood mitigation or flood control projects, including planning and design activities, work to obtain regulatory approval and the actual construction of structural flood mitigation and drainage infrastructure. If voters approve this amendment, $793 million in appropriations from the state's economic stabilization fund will be deposited into this new flood infrastructure fund. Proposition 9 – “The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation precious metal held in a precious metal depository located in this state.” – Texas is home to several commercial precious metal depositories, including one overseen by the state. Whether gold and other precious metals stored in a depository are subject to local property taxes ("ad valorem taxes") is somewhat unclear under current law. Precious metal held in a depository is considered personal property under the Texas Property Tax Code. Personal property that is not held for the purpose of producing income is exempt from property taxation, but a local taxing unit can bypass the exemption and opt to tax such property. This amendment would eliminate any uncertainty about the taxable status of precious metal held in commercial depositories. Proposition 10 – “The constitutional amendment to allow the transfer of a law enforcement animal to a qualified caretaker in certain circumstances.” – The drafters of our state constitution, always suspicious of potential corruption, made sure to broadly prohibit the grant of any public property for a private purpose – no giving away public property. Law enforcement agencies wishing to transfer a police dog or other animal used in law enforcement to a caretaker, such as the animal's handler due to the animal's retirement, could face legal action or even criminal prosecution. If the voters approve this amendment, law enforcement agencies would be able to transfer retired law enforcement animals into their handlers' care and without legal or constitutional restrictions. www.haaonline.org

October 2019

ABODE

ad index pg 74.qxp_Ad Index pg 74 9/13/19 8:00 AM Page 1

Index of Advertisers By CATEGORY A/C Supplies

Laundry Equipment & Supplies

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

Scott Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 713-686-7268 . . . . . . . . .www.scott-equipment.com

Careers

Locks & Locksmiths

Landmark Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 713-855-3814 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.LMhomes.net

CKI Wholesale Lock Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 713-462-0704 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ckilock.com

Carpet Installation

Paving Contractors

Dixie Carpet Installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 281-261-6334 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dixiecarpet.com

Pavement Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 281-758-8434 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.nopothole.com

Collection Agencies

Personnel Agency

Alexander-Rose Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 713-644-4441 . . . . . . . . . . .www.alexanderrose-inc.com

ASAP Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 972-432-6667 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.asapdo.com

Electric Contractors

Plumbing Contractors

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

AAA Plumbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 713-462-4753 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.aaaplumbers.com

Brandt Electrical A/C & Heating Services . . . . .2 281-693-3383 . . . . . . . . . . .www.brandtelectrical.com Foundation Repair Church Foundation Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 713-468-8400 . . .www.churchfoundationrepair.com

Resident Screening Service CoreLogic Rental Property Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Front Cover 888-297-8821 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.corelogic.com

Resurfacing General Contractors Camp Construction Services . . . . . . . .Back Cover 713-413-2267 . . . . . . . .www.campconstruction.com

Perfect Surface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 713-952-0202 . . . . . . . .www.perfectsurfaceinc.com

Cotton Commercial USA Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 877-511-2962 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.cottongds.com

Screens

Crestmark Construction Services . . . . . . . . . . . .67 713-426-6161 . . . . . . . . . . .www.crestmarkservices.com

Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com

FSI Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 832-767-1115 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.fsiconstruction.com

Security Control Equipment/Systems

Gemstar Construction & Development . . . . . .45 281-821-1195 . . . . . .www.gemstarconstruction.com

SentriForce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1, 49 888-671-2202 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.sentriforce.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

Guardian Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 832-672-4196 . . . . . . . . . . . .www.guardianconst.com MultiFamily Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 713-266-9100 RENCON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside Back Cover 713-666-3636 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rencon.com

Swimming Pool Service Poolsure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71 800-858-POOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.poolsure.com

Trash Hauling Glass – Plate, Window, Etc. Ameristar Screen and Glass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 713-683-6767 . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ameristarglass.com

Waste Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 713-354-5230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.thinkgreen.com

HAA Products & Services Insurance Harco Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 713-681-2500 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.harco-ins.com

Rental Credit Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58, 76 713-595-0300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.haaonline.org/rcr

Landscape Contractors Outdoor Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 713-955-0990 . . . . . .www.outdoorelementstx.com Texscape Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 281-846-3779 . . . . . . . . . .www.texscapeservices.com

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.

www.haaonline.org/rcr

Want to see current and previous issues of ABODE online? Go to http://issuu.com/haa_abode. Or view this issue on your computer, iPad or smartphone at http://issuu.com/haa_abode/docs/abode_oct2019. 74

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

Marketline pg 75.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 8:01 AM Page 1

MarketLine By BRUCE MCCLENNY, President, ApartmentData.com

HOUSTON

115.0 –

Snapshot

•

90.4% $1,054/mo. $1.19/sq.ft./mo. 883 sq.ft.

Past 12 Months: 2.5% rental rate growth 12,611 units absorbed

110.0 – – 90.0

– 89.0 100.0 – – 88.0

•

Recently Opened (12 months): 47 communities 12,079 units

• •

Under Construction: 71 communities 20,702 units

– 87.0 Aug 19

Jul 19

Jun 19

May 19

Apr 19

Mar 19

Feb 19

Jan 19

Dec 18

Nov 18

Oct 18

Sep 18

Aug 18

Jul 18

History of Effective Rental Rate & Occupancy for All Units

Hottest Submarkets Over the Past Three Months

Concessions

Annualized Rank 1 2 3 4 5

Jun 18

May 18

Apr 18

Mar 18

Feb 18

Jan 18

Nov 17

Dec 17

Oct 17

Sep 17

90.0 –

Proposed Construction: 100 communities 30,001 units

Occupancy (%)

Operating Supply: 2,807 communities 658,274 units

Rental Rate (¢/sq.ft./mo.)

Occupancy: Price: Rental Rate: Size:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Submarket Downtown Med Center/Braes Bayou Lake Houston/Kingwood Sugar Land/Stafford/Sienna I-69 North

% of Market Absorbed 21.6% 10.6% 7.8% 11.1% 6.9%

Rental Rate Growth % 4.7% 2.6% 2.7% 1.4% 3.0%

Total Units Class w/Concessions All 277,961 A 75,524 B 103,182 C 87,071 D 12,184

% of Total Units 42% 47% 42% 43% 25%

Average Special -2.7% -3.7% -2.0% -2.3% -1.6%

Citywide Effect -6.0% -7.4% -4.9% -5.3% -6.2%

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:

91.7% $1,160/mo. $1.33/sq.ft./mo. 875 sq.ft.

91.6% $983/mo. $1.15/sq.ft./mo. 852 sq.ft.

91.9% $1,316/mo. $1.51¢/sq.ft./mo. 873 sq.ft.

Past 12 Months: 4.4% rental rate growth 19,475 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: 4.5% rental rate growth 6,062 units absorbed

Past 12 Months: 6.3% rental rate growth 8,914 units absorbed

Operating Supply: 3,115 communities 733,881 units

Operating Supply: 910 communities 193,592 units

Operating Supply: 1,003 communities 232,822 units

www.haaonline.org

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. © 2019 ApartmentData.com October 2019

ABODE

Backpage pg 76 oct.qxp_Layout 1 9/16/19 1:03 PM Page 1

Back Page

with News from around the COMMUNITY

Join the HAA Food Drive for people and pets

HAA is asking all members to collect food, for both people and pets, to donate to the Houston Food Bank and The Rescue Bank. HAA held its first food drive in 1983, and the Houston Food Bank lists HAA as one of the top 25 donors to the organization. If your property or company plans on a community effort this coming holiday season, why not collect food for the citizens of Houston and the surrounding areas who are food insecure. The Houston Food Bank is America's largest food bank leading hunger relief in 18 southeast Texas counties. The food bank collects for pets as well so don’t forget our four-legged friends, too! Apartment managers, here are some ideas for collecting food on site: • Set up a collection box at the leasing office. The Houston Food Bank has collection boxes available, or you can decorate your own box. • Place a flier at each resident’s door or in your newsletter announcing that you will be collecting food during November. • Visit your local grocery store and ask for a supply of paper bags that you can use to place at each apartment door asking residents to fill the bag with nonperishable food for people and pets. • Place a flier in the mailbox area announcing the food drive and where/how to donate.

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

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

a service of

in partnership with

Please contact Susan Hinkley at 713-595-0313 or shinkley@haaonline.org to participate. 76

ABODE

October 2019

www.haaonline.org

rencon inside back cover.qxp_Layout 1 9/13/19 8:02 AM Page 1

camp ad Back Cover.qxp_Layout 1 9/18/19 8:47 AM Page 1

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

Return Service Requested