Southern California Rental Housing Association Rental Advisor Magazine - December 2023

Page 1

December 2023

In Case You Missed It (ICYM) Page 12

5 Ways to Help Teams Work More Effectively and Efficiently Page 18

Preventing Fraud In Property Management Page 35

From the Publisher of


Termites!!!! NO TENANT MOVE OUTS

Guaranteed! COVID SAFETY - Protecting families is more important than ever. At Xtermite, that's been our top priority all along. Our protective gear keeps you and our technicians safe, and our XT-2000 Orange Oil Plus gets rid of termites while you stay home. We've been doing that all along too. Those tenting-and-toxin companies are no help while you're sheltering in place, and that stuff they use should never enter your home anyway. Want the protection Xtermite has been offering all along? Now's the perfect time to call for your free termite inspection, and get your termites gone.

· · · · · · · · · · · ·

XTERMITE’S XT-2000 ORANGE OIL PLUS TERMITE SERVICE:

No Tenant Displacement Free Comprehensive Inspection No Utility Cut-Off Minimally Invasive Procedure Least Toxic/Low Impact Products No Security Concerns 2 Year Full Structure Warranty (includes Annual Check-Ups and Treatments) Renewable Options Fully Licensed, Bonded and Insured (NO Sub-Contracted Personnel) Preventative Treatments Included (where applicable) No Roof Insurance Required No ADA Liabilities

Let Xtermite’s Experts in Termites and Wood Destroying Organisms resolve your tenant’s termite concerns.

Great smell of Oranges!

800-858-1694 www.xtermite.com


newmanwindows

LICENSE #570472 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

3


2023 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS President Aiesha Blevins, Greystar

Vice President Todd Henderson, Independent Owner Treasurer Buck Buchanan, Independent Owner Legislative Chair Greystar Immediate Past President Lucinda Lilley, CPM®, CAPS®, GRI®, Bridging Influence

MAGAZINE STAFF Publisher Apartment News Publications, Inc. Design & Layout Travis Watson, Production Director Editorial Review Lindsey Lee, Marketing Manager ASSOCIATION STAFF

Alan Pentico, CAE, Executive Director apentico@socalrha.org 858.278.8070 Olivia Galvez, Director of Business Operations/Operational Advice ogalvez@socalrha.org 858.751.2217 Molly Kirkland, mkirkland@socalrha.org 858.751.2200 Kim Zebroski, kzebroski@socalrha.org 858.751.2220

2023 DIRECTORS Abigail Rex, CPM®, ARM®, American Assets Trust, Inc. Alex Winborn, H.G. Fenton Company Jay Lopeman, CAS®, InterSolutions Jennifer Ford, Douglas Allred Company Kimmi McBryde, Cushman & Wakefield Mark Feinberg, Heinz & Feinberg Matt Ruane, Liberty Military Housing

Lindsey Lee, PCM Digital Marketing, CDMP, Marketing Manager llee@socalrha.org 858.751.2218 Alma Macias, Operational Advisor amacias@socalrha.org 858.278.8070 Braden Haycock, Education Manager bhaycock@socalrha.org 858.751.2219 Evan Prado, Events Coordinator eprado@socalrha.org 858.7521.2214

Scott Ledesma, Generation Contracting & Emergency Services Shannon Kelly, Independent Owner

HONORARY LIFE ADVISOR Wesley Harker

Southern California Rental Housing Association Rental Advisor Magazine is published by the San Diego Multi-Housing Corporation (SDMHC) a wholly owned subsidiary of the Southern the author's views and do not necessarily represent those of the Southern California Rental Housing Association or SDMHC. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced or translated without prior written permission by the publisher. Contact the Southern California Rental Housing Association at 858.278.8070 or visit socalrha.org for more information. Advertising - We do not guarantee or endorse the products or services of any of the advertisers, but and respect for one another. Information provided in the advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. For concerns please contact the advertiser directly.

Our Address

Southern California Rental Housing Association Toll Free: 888.762.7313 Fax: 888.871.5229 socalrha.org

4

CONTRIBUTE: Educational articles in Rental Advisor Magazine must be between 500-800 the 10th of the month before publication. Submit to socalrha@aptnewsinc.com.

ADVERTISE: Contact the team at Apartment News Publications, Inc. at 714-893-3971

or email scrha@aptnewsinc.com for advertising information, including rates, production

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6


Volume 65 Number 12 December 2023

APARTMENT NEWS PUBLICATIONS, INC. P.O. Box 3089 Seal Beach, CA 90740 www.aptnewsinc.com (714) 893-3971

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: A YEAR OF ACCOMPLISHMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 By Aiesha Blevins EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE: CELEBRATING OUR VOLUNTEERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

FOUNDER : Don Smeallie, Sr.

By Alan Pentico, CAE

PRESIDENT: Don Smeallie, Jr.

LETTER TO SCRHA MEMBERSHIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Travis Watson production@aptnewsinc.com

By Southern California Rental Housing Association IN CASE YOU MISSED IT (ICYM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 By Southern California Rental Housing Association

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Sean Buur sean@aptnewsinc.com OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR: Jessica Watson admin@aptnewsinc.com

SIX EXPERT TIPS TO KEEP RENTERS HAPPY AND BOOST RETENTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 By Lauren Zumbach

Need to update your address or wish to be removed from our mailing list? Please email FIVE WAYS TO HELP PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TEAMS WORK MORE EFFECTIVELY . . . . . . . . . . . .18 us at admin@aptnewsinc.com By Brittney Benz

FEATURED COLUMNS:

EARTHQUAKE FAULTS IMPACT NEW AND OLD CONSTRUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 By Ali Sahabi SCRHA MEMBER PROFILE: RICHARD SNYDER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 By Southern California Rental Housing Association RENTAL RED FLAGS: PREVENTING FRAUD IN PROPERTY MANAGEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

First Impressions Matter: The Power of a Thoughtful Welcome Gift Pg. 41 By: Kari Negri

By Max Glassburg FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER: THE POWER OF A THOUGHTFUL WELCOME GIFT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 By Kari Negri LANDLORDS ARE GETTING SADDLED WITH HIGHER COSTS: WITH EVERYTHING GOING UP, HOW CAN YOU PASS COSTS ONTO TENANTS? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 By Daniel Bornstein, Esq.

5 Ways to Help Property Management Teams Work More Effectively and Efficiently By: Brittney Benz Pg. 18

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING COURSES & EVENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT DIRECTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 SUPPLIER MEMBER DIRECTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 ADVERTISING DIRECTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Apartment Management Magazine is published monthly by Apartment News Publications, Inc. at 15502 Graham Street, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. Subscription Rate: $24.00/year with zip codes beginning with 900-935, (outside of L.A. & Orange counties $72.00/year.). The publisher and Apartment News Publications Inc. assume no responsibility for opinions expressed in articles appearing under an author's name. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Bulk rate postage is paid at Bell Post Office BMC, 5555 Bandini, Bell, CA 90201.

For Advertising Information: 1-800-931-6666 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

5


SCRHA Housing Provider & Resident Rights and Responsibilities

As members of the Southern California Rental Housing Association, we are partners in creating a thriving community by providing quality rental housing for all. We value our residents, our fellow members, and our community and are working to support a healthy housing ecosystem through advocacy, education, and collaboration.

OUR VISION

Reenvisioning quality housing for all

OUR MISSION

To create a thriving rental housing community through advocacy, education, and collaboration

As housing providers, we believe we have the responsibility to provide California renters with: Quality housing with habitable and healthy living conditions. Freedom from arbitrary eviction, retaliation, or discrimination in line with all federal and state fair housing laws. Fair and equal resident protections and policies that balance the needs of renters, housing providers, and the community. A voice in housing decisions with respect and access equal to that of housing providers. An innovative and collaborative housing ecosystem where government, businesses, housing providers, and rental advocates work together to solve the region’s housing issues by identifying the underlying problems and crafting balanced solutions. Adherence to housing quality and equity standards and regulations. All California renters also have a responsibility to their housing provider to: Review and follow rental agreement terms, including timely rental payments. Maintain a clean and habitable home. Be a good neighbor by respecting others’ peace and quiet. Provide timely reporting of any issues and necessary repairs. Keep open lines of communication with the property owner or manager.

SOCALRHA.ORG 6

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6


Aiesha Blevins 2023 President Southern California Rental Housing Association

I

President’s Message: A Year of Accomplishment

want to sincerely thank all the volunteers and members who supported the Association during my first year as President of the Southern California Rental Housing Association. I am incredibly proud of all that we’ve accomplished in one year. From our robust advocacy efforts and a full calendar of classes and events, it has been an honor to serve as your President during this pivotal time. Guided by the strategic plan, we were at the table and active in discussions as the Tenant Protection Ordinance made its way through the City of San Diego City Council. Our engagement on this issue directly impacted the final ordinance that was passed, ensuring that this new law wasn’t far worse. After it was signed into law, SCRHA continued to work with the city to provide clear and concise guidance so that we could help our members understand the requirements and comply with the new law.

a popular Bowling Tournament and a sold-out Mentor Roundtable that provided the opportunity for NextGen members to meet with experienced industry leaders. I’m so excited to see what they achieve in 2024. Don’t miss this great opportunity, and apply at socalrha.org to join the NextGen Emerging Leaders for 2024. While this past year was pivotal, we all know that 2024 is an important election year, and our advocacy efforts will be more critical than ever. Please make sure to sign up for SCRHA alerts and take action to share your experience as a housing provider with elected officials. I’m incredibly proud of all we accomplished this past year, and I look forward to continuing this growth in the upcoming year.

Our Education Department outdid itself this year by hosting more than 70 classes. In addition to our regular programming, we partnered with the National Center for Conflict Resolution to host a new class, Resident Outreach: Strategies to Save Time and Reduce Stress. This course is designed to help housing providers resolve issues when providing housing for diverse populations. By completing this course, you’ll earn an inclusive housing provider certification and badge to show your dedication. These classes are held throughout San Diego County, so check the calendar at socalrha.org to register for the closest course to you. As I started my first term, I was excited to focus on the continued development of the next generation of rental housing professionals with the inaugural year of the SCRHA Next Generation Emerging Leaders. Our NextGen Emerging Leaders are rental housing professionals who work together to create a growthoriented experience for all committee members 40 years and younger. Throughout the year, they hosted SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

7


Mitigate Risk with NAA Click & Comply

RISK MITIGATION Automate and trust that your properties NAA’s newest performance management and compliance software allows property management companies to consolidate processes and systems into one place for ease of use, transparency and communication for your teams.

are remaining compliant. Benefits: RISK MITIGATION

SOPS

• Mitigate risk across your entire portfolio • Extend the list of costly equipment INSPECTIONS

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

• Achieve consistency and compliance • Save time and avoid costly violations • Build accountability and trust through real time visibility

REPORTING

COMPLIANCE

MUNICIPAL CODES

PREVENTATIVE

Affiliate Logo Here

Learn more or request a demo at comply.naahq.org.

8

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6


Alan Pentico, CAE Executive Director Southern California Rental Housing Association

A

Executive Director’s Message: Celebrating Our Volunteers

s I reflect on the year, I can’t help but focus on the incredible efforts of our volunteers and members, and the many things we accomplished. Our latest achievement being the Mark of Excellence Awards Ceremony on December 1. Celebrating the nominees and recognizing the rental housing professionals who set the Mark of Excellence is always inspirational.

rental advertisements to contain an absurd number of details and would have led to frivolous lawsuits, and SB 466 (Wahab) an attempt to alter Costa-Hawkins so that housing providers would not be able to reset rent at vacancy. Our advocacy also prevented major changes to the Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482), maintaining much of the status quo, including the existing rent cap and exemptions for single-family homes.

In addition to everyone recognized at the Mark of Excellence Awards, I’d like to thank our many volunteers who supported the Association in countless ways throughout the year. From serving on committees to every member who responded to a Legislative Action Alert, we appreciate all you do to support the mission of the Association and your rental housing industry.

SCRHA also supported the advocacy efforts of the National Apartment Association as they led the charge against the Administration’s renewed focus on the rental industry on everything from “junk fees” and resident screening, to federal rent control.

The membership experience is paramount to the Southern California Rental Housing Association. With the guidance of our Board of Directors and the Legislative Steering Committee and the active support of our members, SCRHA was able to secure critical changes in the City of San Diego Tenant Protection Ordinance. Our concerted advocacy ensured that ideas like the first right of return at the previous rental rate and relocation payments in amounts equal to six month’s rent or more did not become local law. Not only did our robust advocacy make a difference for all rental housing providers, but we were also able to work with city officials and attorney partners to update our forms and notices to comply with the required changes. Additionally, we hosted classes on the topic, and we continue to provide expert operational advice. Our work to improve these ordinances is not done. While we didn’t stop every bad bill that we advocated against this year, our advocacy efforts on a state level were able to stop major bills of concern, including SB 460 (Wahab) which would have prevented criminal background screening, and SB 395 (Wahab) that would have created a statewide rental registry. We also stopped SB 611 (Menjivar) which would have required

SCRHA is still pursuing its lawsuit against the County of San Diego and the overreaching COVID moratorium in Summer 2021 that left housing providers unable to remove problematic tenants from properties and prevented many owners and their family members from moving into their own homes. Our work continues in hopes of establishing precedent so that such an egregious abuse of power doesn’t happen again. In addition to our advocacy work, we held more than 70 classes and webinars in addition to our tradeshow with 80 exhibitors, 900+ attendees, and six educational seminars from leading industry experts. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve the membership experience, we upgraded our forms platform. By partnering with Azibo, we are able to bring our members a streamlined, easy-to-use lease experience, including digital signatures. By creating an account on Azibo, you’ll have access to our searchable forms library where you can download the latest SCRHA PDF forms. If you haven’t already, log in to your Member Compass to access Azibo and the SCRHA forms. The Association had an incredible year of accomplishment and growth in 2023, and it wouldn’t have been possible without our valued members. Thank you for a great year. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together in 2024.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

9


Dear Member: We want to thank you for your membership and support this past year. Based on the record rents and property valuations, and increased business activity we all are clearly putting the pandemic behind us, finally. With your engagement we were able to maneuver the best possible result on many issues this year starting with the City of San Diego’s Tenant Protection Ordinance. We managed to avoid the worst of the proposed tenant recommendations and added requirements to bring the item back for evaluation. We are working with the Mayor of Chula Vista on the cleanup of their Tenant Protection Ordinance. Despite the many bills proposed by the State Legislature this year that SCRHA fought against, a few were approved in the late hours that we steadfastly “Opposed,”, including: •

AB 12 (Haney) - Security Deposits: This bill would limit security deposits to no more than the equivalent of one month’s rent. SCRHA’s lobbying and your messages helped secure a later effective date for the law and a limited exemption for owners of no more than 2 rental properties totaling no more than 4 units.

• SB 567 (Durazo) - Just Cause: This bill passed in the last hours of session with legislators citing the neutrality of some organizations as a reason to vote for the bill. The bill as originally introduced would have lowered the state rent cap and placed additional regulatory constraints on no-fault termination of tenancy. Again, SCRHA advocacy and your grassroots contact helped significantly water down this attack on rental owners. • ACA 1(Aguiar-Curry) - Local Tax Threshold, and ACA 13 (Ward) Taxpayer Protection Act Attack, also passed, despite a large coalition of opposition. Both bills seek to make it easier to pass taxes by lowering voter thresholds. These bills are part of a systematic attack on Prop. 13 protections. With our partners at California Rental Housing Association (CalRHA) we continued the fight to the very end, asking Governor Newsom to veto these bills. Additionally, we partnered with CalRHA to poll the industry and provide data to the State’s insurance commissioner regarding the state’s property insurance crisis. And we continue to poll members and provide data on the negative impacts of the pandemic regulations, including our most recent survey that showed that over 30% of those polled are still owed COVID rent and nearly 60% of those are owed more than $10,000 in back rent. We will continue to work to make the industry whole and press for permanent forms of rental assistance so housing providers never have that kind of burden placed on them again. It’s been a very active year, and we have numerous accomplishments to celebrate. That said, it is no secret that inflation has driven insurance, salaries, and business expenses up. We’ve seen event venues increase as much as 35% in some situations. Additionally, we listened carefully when many of you, our valued owners, and managers, said our forms partner wasn’t meeting your expectations, so we formed a new partnership to bring you a smart fillable, on-line pdf forms library, that will launch mid-October, and added digital signature capabilities. For our management company members, we are introducing our new job board/career center, with some of the most competitive job posting rates anywhere. We know how challenging it is to fill positions. To sustain our growth, these new benefits, and the value we offer, the Board of Directors has approved the following dues increases: • Owners and Supplier membership 5% • Property Management firms 7% • An increase in per unit fees of .25 cents

To continue our proactive lobbying successes of the last few years, as well as prepare for yet another battle against a state-wide proposition next year, the Board has approved a one-time assessment. This assessment will allow us to increase our local lobbying and public relations efforts to position the industry as essential service providers and valued community stakeholders. The one-time assessments include: • Independent Owners, $50 per year • Property Management Companies, $1.25 per unit

Again, thank you for your membership and support of our rental housing industry. We look forward to continuing to work on your behalf. With much respect and appreciation. Alan Pentico, Executive Director Aiesha Blevins, President 10

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6


SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

11


In Case You Missed It!

Legislative Updates from SCRHA

From National Apartment Association: White House Announces Executive Order on Artificial Intelligence In late October, President Biden signed a wide-ranging executive order seeking to increase regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) across industries nationwide. While the order does not constitute immediate policy change, it does direct agencies to develop guidelines and frameworks. This includes the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) in order to combat unlawful discrimination enabled by automated or algorithmic tools used in housing decision-making. These actions are intended to impact the use of resident screening systems and advertising of housing and help avoid violations of federal law.

CalRHA Issues Press Statement on Rent Control Demonstration at the State Capitol Responding to an October 26 gathering of antihousing advocates supporting a 2024 ballot initiative that would abolish Costa-Hawkins protections and expand rent control, CalRHA President Earle Vaughan issued the following press statement calling on Governor Newsom to stand with rental housing providers to protect Costa-Hawkins and keep rental housing affordable. 12 MARCH 1 DECEMBER 2023 2023 - APARTMENT - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE MAGAZINE AMM7AMM6

NAA Comments on FTC Junk Fees Proposal On October 11, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a notice of proposed rulemaking which would prohibit “hidden and falsely advertised fees” and require all-in pricing across industries, including rental housing. NAA was actively engaged in the advanced notice of proposed rulemaking and will remain so in this next phase of the rulemaking process. NAA will need your help to ensure the industry voice is heard. SCRHA will keep members updated on how they can help.

Support of “Leave No Veteran Behind”, Learn More About County Housing Program The County of San Diego is spearheading a regional effort to house homeless veterans. “Leave No Veteran Behind” seeks to achieve functional zero for veteran homelessness in the county through partnerships with regional, state, and federal partners. The program includes incentives for rental housing providers, such as a leasing bonus and dedicated landlord liaisons. Members with vacant units or units on notice to vacate are encouraged to sign up for the 211 Interest List.


CELEBRATING Welcome New Members INDEPENDENT OWNERS CELEBRATING CELEBRATING

an ANNIVERSARY This Month

10+ years of membership

Linda Kass Company Kroeger Family Properties James Kennedy Company Patricia Barrer Company American Bathtub Refinishers Alcove East Village | Winn Residential Eugene Kanaly Company Andrew Hunter’s RunCopon Apartments Karen Langley Company Bruno Marsella Vicki Rydell Denise Wilson Company Jana Sulpizio Company Stephanie Troncone Company William Clarke Company William Wiegand Company Anne Lambert Company Marc-Aaron, Inc. Kirk Sheldon Company Timbers Apartments Russell Hook Company T.L.M. Properties Gloria Donichy Company Commercial & Industrial Roofing Seamist15, LLC Regents FHT Donald Beyer Company Chase Pacific Property Mgmt and Real Estate Services David Berg Company Jon Beaman Company NEBO, LLC

1968 1971 1975 1976 1977 1978 1978 1978 1980 1980 1981 1981 1982 1983 1984 1987 1988 1989 1989 1990 1991 1995 1996 1997 1998 1998 1998 1998

2000 an ANNIVERSARY This Month 2001

Martin Mosier Company Ronda Landrum Company Anova, Inc. Thomas & Patricia Beilke Dowling Apartments Ironwood | Greystar Douglas Allred Company Mastiha Inc Company Robert Nida BluSky Restoration Contractors, LLC Roy Davis James P. Burrell Company Yudell Reiz Company Frank Fernicola Company Midland Properties LLC Robert & Elizabeth Sunukjian Pacific Coast Cleaning, Inc. Patricia White Company Pacific Patio Apartments Theodora Opteyndt H.A. Lavezzi Co., Inc. Nancy Partridge Company Kimball, Tirey & St. John LLP SD Lofts Wilar Properties LLC Eugene & Lauren Berkenstadt (Trust) Richard Lee Hammett Real Estate Eagle Paving Arianne Y. Rodriguez Mildred Street Apartments

2001 10+ years of membership 2002 an ANNIVERSARY This Month

10+ years of membership

2004 2005 2005 2006 2007 2008 2008 2008 2009 2009 2010 2011 2011 2011 2012 2012 2012 2012 2013 2013 2013 2013

Welcome New Members

CELEBRATING

an ANNIVERSARY This Month

INDEPENDENT OWNERS 10+ years of membership

Alcove East Village | Winn Residential

Ironwood | Greystar

Andrew Copon

Mastiha Inc

Bruno Marsella

Roy Davis

Denise Wilson Company

Yudell Reiz Company

account, or were taken under new ownership, the member will not appear here. If you feel that your membership should be in this list and is not, please account, orpublications were taken under new ownership, the member will not appear here. If you feel that your membership should be in this list and is not, please contact the department at publications@socalrha.org contact the publications department at publications@socalrha.org SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG 13

10

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM7


Thank You to Our Sponsors Diamond Sponsors

Ruby Sponsor

Emerald Sponsor

Crystal Sponsors

Jewel Sponsor

Pearl Sponsors

Associationwide Sponsors

December 1, 2023 | Sycuan Casino Resort

14

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6


SIX EXPERT TIPS TO KEEP RENTERS HAPPY AND BOOST RETENTION

H

By Lauren Zumbach, Story by J.P. Morgan appy renters are often long-term renters, and long-term renters make for happy property owners. “We want to have pride of ownership and take care of the people living there,” says Nidhi Daga, Senior Vice President of Growth for Commercial Real Estate Digital at JPMorgan Chase and a multifamily investor with properties in California, Texas and Utah. It’s an approach that can promote resident satisfaction — and boost your property’s bottom line. When renters move out, dealing with turnover is “a double whammy,” Daga says. “You’re spending a lot to get the unit ready for the next renter and find that new renter, and you’ve lost income because you’re not getting rent.” To keep residents happy and limit turnover costs, consider these renter retention tips from expert multifamily investors and property management pros. ONE: COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY — AND ON TENANTS’ TERMS Both owners and renters benefit from open lines of

communication, so pay attention to how tenants like to interact. “Maybe they’re more responsive via text and less responsive if I call,” says Kim AvantBabb, a real estate investor and co-founder of Babb Properties in the Philadelphia area. “Everybody communicates differently, and we have to pivot and be flexible.” Promoting good communication also helps owners spot minor issues before they become bigger problems, says Avant-Babb. She tells residents she considers them “on-site property managers, who are part of our team.” TWO: ADDRESS ISSUES PROMPTLY Respond quickly when renters raise issues at their unit, like a leaky pipe or broken appliance. “You wouldn’t want to not have access to a fridge for a day or two,” says Daga. “It affects how residents operate and live in the home.” To be able to fix problems quickly, have a robust list of reliable contractors and maintenance professionals in place. Daga also recommends asking the renter for photos and a detailed description of the issue to help find the right solution as quickly as possible. Responsiveness is also important in less urgent

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

15


situations, like when a renter asks to repaint walls or make other improvements. Even if you turn down the request or have them cover the costs, responding quickly and doing what you can to help approved projects move forward will help keep the relationship smooth, she says. THREE: INVEST IN AMENITIES THAT ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO STAY Offering in-demand features that are tough for residents to give up can boost retention, especially if those amenities aren’t widely available in your neighborhood. • In-Unit Laundry: “The No. 1 feature that people love, and pay more for, is the ability to have a washer and dryer in their personal unit,” says Ashley Wilson, who owns and operates large multifamily buildings in Texas, Missouri and Ohio as co-founder of Bar Down Investments. • Dedicated Parking or Transit Perks: In areas where parking is scarce, access to a dedicated parking space can be a big draw. If your property lacks parking but is close to bus or train routes, you can consider offering transit coupons, says Vickie Gaskill, owner of Washington-based property management company Bell-Anderson & Associates and an instructor for both the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) and National Association for Residential Property Managers (NARPM). • Outdoor Space: Many renters — especially families — look for properties with outdoor space, Daga says. She doesn’t typically provide outdoor amenities like a basketball hoop or volleyball net, due to concerns about liability, but letting renters install their own can be a good perk. • Be Pet-Friendly: Searching for rental housing can be tough for pet owners. When they find apartments that welcome furry friends, they tend to stick around 21% longer, according to a 2021 report from the Michelson Found Animals Foundation and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute. Read four tips for smart ways to appeal to pet owners. FOUR: OFFER AFFORDABLE UPDATES C o n si d e r show in g longtime resident s y ou r appreciation by putting some of the money the 16

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6

property saved on turnover into unit upgrades, like a fresh coat of paint, new appliances or free carpet cleaning, Gaskill says. To get ideas for updates that’ll have a big impact, ask renters what’s on their wish list, says Juan Huizar, Sage Real Estate president and broker in Long Beach, California. When a family with a young child wanted a lawn, he replaced the unit’s drought-tolerant landscaping. He’s also installed ductless mini-split air conditioning systems, which let renters better control the temperature of individual rooms in their home. “I’d rather spend $1,500 on something that makes the tenant happy than spend $10,000 renovating the unit for a new tenant,” Huizar says. FIVE: KEEP RENTS FAIR AND STREAMLINE PAYMENTS When considering raising an existing resident’s rent, weigh the costs and benefits. If higher rent pushes a resident out, turnover costs could eat into the additional income an owner would see, so it’s smart to be flexible, Daga says. She also recommends making it as easy as possible for residents to pay their rent by offering multiple options, including automatic and online payments. Learn more about how Story’s rent management tool can streamline payments. SIX: ASSESS RENEWAL PLANS EARLY AND CONSIDER INCENTIVES Offering renters a lease renewal letter well before their current lease expires helps everyone plan ahead. It can also help you figure out whether you need to offer incentives or make other changes to prevent turnover. Wilson typically issues a renewal letter 90 days before a lease expires and sometimes offers financial incentives for people who renew early going into the winter slow season, when it can be harder to fill vacancies. “Some may argue you don’t need to do this because the tenant may renew anyway, but you don’t know for certain whether they will, and it saves our staff time if they renew right away and we can lock up the leases,” she says. Some move-outs are inevitable, like when a renter relocates or needs more space for a growing family. But these tips for minimizing turnover can keep both you and your residents happy. Story by J.P. Morgan is a new real estate management platform from JPMorgan Chase featuring digital rent collection, market insights, educational content and more for multifamily property owners and investors. To learn more, visit story.jpmorgan.com.


CAREER CENTER Advertise Open Positions Reach Qualified Rental Professionals Exclusive Discounts for SCRHA Members

We understand that staffing shortages are affecting our members, and this new resource will help you find qualified candidates to fill open positions. As an SCRHA member, you're able to list job openings at exclusive member pricing. You won't break the bank trying to find your next star employee, and our competitive rates allow you to post multiple job listings without straining your budget.

Ready to make your next hire a game-changer? Sign up now!

SOCALRHA.ORG

Standard - $99 SCRHA Members | $149 Non-Members 30-day job post Create a company profile Track applicants Live chat with applicants Job post published in job alert email Enhanced - $149 SCRHA Members | $199 Non-Members 30-day job post Create a company profile Track applicants Live chat with applicants Job post published in job alert email Job post highlighted Job post pinned to the top for 14 days Premium - $249 SCRHA Members | $299 Non-Members 30-day job post Create a company profile Track applicants Live chat with applicants Job post published in job alert email Job post highlighted Job post pinned to the top for 30 days Increased reach! Your job will be published through our partners to maximize applications. Complete Platform - Custom Quotes Available Purchase packs of job posts Integrate your ATS for automatic job posting Feature your company profile to maximize attention Publish your jobs to our network of relevant industry and professional career centers Attract diverse talent through our network of diverse community career centers SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

17


FIVE WAYS TO HELP PROPERTY MANAGEMENT TEAMS WORK MORE EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY

B

By Brittany Benz etween showings, lease signings, maintenance, and renewals, there are myriad carefully coordinated tasks that must be completed on-site every day. To be as successful and efficient as possible, property management teams need to operate like well-oiled machines. Unfortunately, most property management teams aren’t working that way today.

Keep reading to explore five strategies that can help reinforce organizational consistency and make it possible to help teams work more effectively and efficiently.

In a survey of more than 1,000 property management professionals, 62% cited “operational efficiency” as one of their most pressing challenges. More specifically, they cited the need to ensure smooth handoffs between team members in multi-step processes and to free teams from labor-intensive tasks as particular pain points.

• Improve execution consistency: Creating consistency is easier when everyone knows the right procedures and processes to follow for each role and task.

Although operational efficiency is a top concern, the solution actually requires solving for operational inefficiencies. That means putting efforts in place that reinforce consistency among teams and tasks, with easily repeatable processes and highly effective tools that help drive more reliable outcomes. 18

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6

1.) CROSS-TRAIN TEAM MEMBERS While cross-training team members may take a lot of up-front time and effort, the long-term benefits are more than worth the investment:

• Promote greater collaboration: Learning about other roles within the business gives employees a greater understanding of how all teams work together and what handoffs truly look like. • Prevent workflow bottlenecks: If someone calls out sick or goes on vacation, other Please turn to page

21


S e r v i n g A l l O f S a n D i e g o Co u n t y California State Contrac tors License #748915

SCRHA Member SDCAA memberSince since1977 1977 americanbathtub

Porcelain and Fiberglass Sur faces 619-265-9200 858-642-9200

North County 760-940-9200

Bathtub Refinishers

Bathtub Liners / Complete Bathroom Remodels

• Expert porcelain and fiberglass refinishing • Repairs of chip and cracks or completely refinish • Weak bottoms

• Designed to fit over your existing tub. • Commercial and Residential • Will not disturb plumbing, walls or floor. • Will not chip, dent, crack or peel. • Installed in just two hours for same day use.

619-265-8126

All of our S er vices: • Porcelain Sinks • Porcelain Bathtubs • Wall Sinks • Bath Bowls • Kitchen Sinks • Kitchen Counter Tops

• Fiberglass Bathtubs • Fiberglass Showers • Pedestal Sinks • Vanity Counter Tops • Tile Surrounds • Wall Surrounds

• Crack & Chip Repair • Plumbers Cutouts • Terrazzo Pans • Complete Support & Cutouts

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

19


ARE YOU DONE WITH THE HEADACHES OF RENTAL PROPERTY? CALL YOUR LOCAL DST ADVISOR

• • • • •

Potential for monthly cash flow and capital appreciation Potential to defer capital gains taxes Potential close in as little as 3-4 days Help build a diversified portfolio Invest in “out-of-state” properties 1031capitalsolutions

• • • • •

No need to obtain a loan Low minimum investment amounts Institutional asset and property management Pass through tax benefits No escrow

“ My mission is to provide expert advice that helps investors escape the burdens of traditional rental property ownership, and 1031 exchange into potentially 100% passive income DST properties.”

Jason McMurtry, MBA Managing Partner

To learn more, visit 1031CapitalSolutions.com or call us at (800) 445-5908 DST 1031 properties are only available to accredited investors (typically defined as having a $1 million net worth excluding primary residence or $200,000 income individually/$300,000 jointly of the last three years; or have an active Series 7, Series 82, or Series 65. Individuals holding a Series 66 do not fall under this definition) and accredited entities only. If you are unsure if you are an accredited investor and/or an accredited entity, please verify with your CPA and Attorney. This is for informational purposes only, does not constitute as individual investment advice, and should not be relied upon as tax or legal advice. IRC Section 1031, IRC Section 1033 and IRC Section 721 are complex tax concepts, therefore you should consult your legal or tax professional regarding the specifics of your particular situation. Potential cash flows/returns/appreciation are not guaranteed and could be lower than anticipated. Diversification does not guarantee a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. It is a method used to help manage investment risk. Securities offered through Concorde Investment Services, LLC (CIS), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Concorde Asset Management, LLC (CAM), an SEC registered investment advisor. 1031 Capital Solutions is independent of CIS, CAM and CIA.

20

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6

April 2022 socalrha.org | 17


Continued from page

18

team members can more easily step in to complete tasks.

Because your tech investments are only effective when used properly, be sure to look for solutions that can guide teams through platform updates and help troubleshoot ongoing questions.

• Speed up response times: Having team members trained for multiple roles means there are more people available to respond to and troubleshoot problems. In addition, with 52% of on-site employees citing a lack of opportunity for career growth as their greatest source of dissatisfaction in their roles, cross-training is likely something they want or will welcome. So not only can cross-training help benefit consistency and productivity, it can also keep your top talent engaged and help you better retain them, too. 2.) PROVIDE ONGOING AND CONSISTENT TRAINING In addition to initial cross-training efforts, make sure to provide teams with ongoing training to reinforce existing processes and keep execution consistent:

Just like with cross-training, providing ongoing training may take more investment and time up front, but it will pay off by ensuring everyone is on the same page and consistently operating in the same ways. Please turn to page

23

We’re Taking a Load Off of Apartment Owners and Property Managers.

• Live hands-on training sessions: Getting teams together at the same time can be a challenge, but live sessions will ensure everyone goes through training in the same way, at the same time. • On-demand webinars: On-demand webinars provide scheduling flexibility, but they work best when treated like a hands-on training session, with team members learning together at the same time. In addition, it helps to have someone in the room who can answer follow-up questions after the on-demand webinar. • Self-directed guides: Because self-directed guides are the most “hands-off” approach to training, use these as posttraining follow-up materials instead of using them as replacements for more robust training options. • Product and tech support:

We recycle old mattresses that tenants may no longer want or leave behind. All at no cost to you. Contact us to get started.

Visit byebyemattress.com/CA-Multi-Family-Housing Today. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

21


NextGen Leadership Professional CONGRATULATIONS! TO ALL OF THE MARK OF EXCELLENCE WINNERS. Development Mentorship Roundtable

You are the true “Mark of Excellence” industry. The SCRHA NextGen Leadership Committee is a collaborative groupinofour driven, like-minded individuals who are working towards creating a growth-oriented experience for all committee members and all members of We are proud to recignize your accomplishments. the Southern California Rental Housing Association 40 years and younger.

22

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6


Continued from page

21

3.) STREAMLINE AND CLARIFY WORKFLOWS

Property management workflows are complex, which is why streamlining and clarifying them is a must for ensuring everything gets done correctly and nothing falls through the cracks.

trust them. The objective of the technology is to give teams more time to focus more on those personal connections, which drives the business forward. If technology is taking work off our plate that doesn’t need to be done by us, it isn’t in the way of building those relationships.”

To start, take a look at the way your teams get work done today. Then, answer the following questions:

5.) MEASURE CONSISTENCY BY GATHERING FEEDBACK AND DATA

• What are the core property management tasks?

On-site employees have greater visibility into your business’ day-to-day processes and are often in the best position to provide feedback on how consistently or inconsistently those processes are being followed. Be sure to gather their feedback and listen to them to gauge success and make additional improvements. One way you can do this is by sending out regular surveys and connecting before, during, and after cross-training or ongoing training sessions.

• Who performs each step along the way? • How long does each step take to complete? Once complete, streamline each workflow and clarify each task based on what the actual work looks like in your organization. And don’t forget to configure and/or update your workflows and tasks inside your property management system, too. That way, you can ensure new workflows are followed consistently. 4.) AUTOMATE ROUTINE AND TIME-CONSUMING TASKS WITH AI Once workflows are streamlined and clarified, look for ways to create more consistency by automating repeatable tasks by leveraging AI tools. Not only will AI help free up teams to do more high-impact work — such as improving the resident experience — it can also ensure greater consistency, accuracy, and timeliness when it comes to other important yet routine tasks. For example, tasks that fall into the latter category may include sending out monthly rent due reminders, confirming showing dates and times with prospects, notifying team members when they can begin a task, writing marketing descriptions, and pulling monthly performance reports for property managers and owners. JC Castillo, President and CEO of Velo Residential, knows firsthand just how essential automation and AI technology is to helping teams achieve more and be more consistent. In fact, it’s been a key component to his success: “People do business with people because they know them, they like them, and they

In addition, if you use a property management platform that has internal measurement tools, it can give you the ability to analyze team performance and gain valuable insights for improving processes in the future. You’ll also be able to better measure and track ongoing efforts and team consistency with real-time performance data. Position your people, processes, and tools for even greater success Implementing the strategies above to create greater consistency among teams is a fantastic start to solving for the operational inefficiencies that continue to pose significant hurdles. The result will be smoother processes, greater outcomes, and happier team members, residents, and owners. However, to solve for the bigger picture and see even greater long-term success, you need to take a much deeper dive into assessing three essential elements that can make or break your business’ performance: your people, the processes you put in place to guide them, and the tools you provide to help them do their best work.

Founded in 2006, AppFolio is a company that offers powerful cloud-based property management software that property managers use to get their work done from anywhere, maintaining business continuity and keeping connected to their teams and customers. AppFolio is a different kind of property management software, and the company is laser-focused on its customers and their success. AppFolio works tirelessly to develop intuitive technology that really works. Explore why AppFolio is the last property management software you’ll ever need. For more information, go to: https://www.appfolio.com/. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

23


CALENDAR Register at socalrha.org Register for for events events and and classes Please note, note, that that all all in-person in-person classes classes Register classes online online at at socalrha.org. socalrha.org. Please Questions? Contact Contact us us at at events@socalrha.org events@socalrha.org or or 858.278.8070 858.278.8070. Questions?

December 14

11:30A- -4:00P 1:00P 2:00P

Holiday Board Installation Luncheon Join us at Cafe Coyote as we say goodbye to outgoing board members and welcome the new.

ICON KEY

January 18

8:30A - 5:00P

Tips & Tricks for a Great Maintenance Team Improve the performance of your maintenance team and reduce turnover during this class that covers m.

ICON KEYICON KEY

January 25

10:30A - 12:30P

Leading the Way: Team Management & Leadership Skills Join us for a brand-new, interactive, Leadership course that will build your team management and communication skills for any

ICON KEY

2 2023 MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM7 24 DECEMBER DECEMBER 2023- -APARTMENT APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM7 AMM6


January 30

10:00A - 11:30A

Independent Rental Owner Council (IROC) Join us on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. to hear from SoCalRHA Executive Director Alan Pentico about ballot initiatives and what the association is doing to advocate for you!

ICON KEY

February 6

2:30P - 3:30P

February 27

ICON KEY

10:00A - 11:00A

Supplier Council

Legislative Update

SCRHA wants to help our supplier members be successful. This is great opportunity to hear new ideas and share yours. We hope that you’ll take the time to join us.

Join us for the critical Legislative Update so you can understand the issues and support SCRHA’s advocacy efforts.

ICON KEY

ICON KEY

SOUTHERN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA RENTAL RENTAL HOUSING HOUSING ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION- -SCHRA.ORG SCHRA.ORG

25 3


applyconnect

26

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6

April 2022 socalrha.org | 25


EARTHQUAKE FAULTS IMPACT NEW AND OLD CONSTRUCTION

S

by Ali Sahabi, Optimum Seismic

hould new construction be allowed on top of live earthquake faults? And, what can be done about the thousands of structures already standing on these fearsome fissures?

Questions like these have been playing out in Hollywood and other parts of the Southland, where a worrisome weave of active faults snakes its way beneath our communities. The City of Los Angeles years ago put a halt on plans to build a pair of towering skyscrapers next to the Capitol Records building near Hollywood and Vine. The reason? An active fault – capable of triggering a magnitude 7 earthquake – ran directly underneath the site, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The project developers of these 46- and 35-story giants fought back, insisting that there is no active fault lurking below the site. They busily trenched underground to analyze the geological makeup of the earth below to prove – or disprove – that theory.

It’s a scenario that plays out frequently in our earthquake-prone landscape. “When a fault was discovered below a school site near downtown, officials tore down a portion of the new school and reserved the area over the fault as a park. Buildings found to be on top of faults at Los Angeles Southwest College and San Bernardino Valley College have been razed; a shopping center in Huntington Beach was demolished and rebuilt to avoid a fault. And in a suburb of Long Beach, developers took painstaking care to avoid building new homes atop a fault in Signal Hill, and instead put in a road, tennis courts and parking lots atop or around the fault,” the Los Angeles Times reported in April. There are more than 500 active earthquake faults in California, according to the state Earthquake Authority. In addition to the mighty San Andreas and more recently discovered Puente Hills faults there are more than a hundred smaller active faults in the Greater Los Angeles region, such as the Northridge, Raymond, Please turn to page

29

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

27


Stairs & Guardrails ldsteel

Commercial & Residential

Competitive Prices 25 Yrs. of Experience & Your Satisfaction is Our Priority

• • • • •

Precast Stairs Step Replacement Railing Gates Fences

• • • • •

Retrofit Railing Pool Fence Custom Decorative Design New Decking | Repair | Reseal Concrete Product

Free Estimates! Bonded and Insured

Cell: (213) 632-8073

Office: (562) 531-7322

License # 987338 28

Email: info@ldsteelinc.com Visit us at: LDSteelinc.com / Yelp & Facebook

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6


Continued from page

27

Santa Monica, Hollywood, Newport-Inglewood, San Jacinto and Elsinore faults – many of which have triggered devastating disasters in the past. The San Diego area has its own serious earthquake risks. The boundary between the Pacific and North American tectonic plates runs to the east of San Diego County from the Gulf of California up through the Salton Sea and into the Los Angeles region. The San Andreas network of faults can cause powerful earthquakes — as big as magnitude 8 — in San Diego. San Diego is also home to two active earthquake faults: • Rose Canyon fault, an extension of the Los Angeles Newport-Inglewood fault, runs along the coast and beneath downtown San Diego. Earthquake geologists and engineers say this fault is the biggest earthquake threat to San Diego, capable of earthquakes of magnitude 6.9.

A MATTER OF LOCAL CONCERN California law bans construction on live earthquake faults in most cases. Yet there are no statewide requirements for structures already atop them. Many cities, instead of focusing on active fault lines, consider the types of structures most vulnerable to earthquake damage when contemplating policies to make those structures safer. (Visit OptimumSeismic. com/commercial for list of these structures.)

EXISTING BUILDINGS ALSO AT RISK

Life in San Diego could be disrupted by a major earthquake on the Rose Canyon Fault zone. It is estimated that the region would experience $5.2 billion in lost income, and 36,000 households would be displaced. San Diego’s aging apartments and houses could be ruined, adding to the crisis in affordable housing. Water, sewer lines and gas line services could be out for months. The I-5 transportation corridor as well as airport and rail services would be seriously affected by the rupture. Other impacts include:

• Liquefaction on the nation’s fourth biggest Department of Defense facilities, home to

• Earthquake-triggered landslides on the hills of San Diego would affect Mount Soledad, Point Loma, Mission Valley, and Sorrento Valley.

Los Angeles, San Francisco and Berkeley require seismic retrofits of structures proven to be at risk of failure or collapse in a major earthquake – not just along fault lines, but throughout their cities. Other cities provide guidelines that owners can decide to follow – or not.

• The Elsinore and San Jacinto faults cut through East County and can also generate moderately-sized and damaging earthquakes.

• Widespread liquefaction along Mission Bay, Mission Valley, the San Diego International Airport, Coronado Island and the South Bay cities of Chula Vista, National City and Imperial Beach.

three nuclear aircraft carriers.

If California bans new construction atop any earthquake faults, why are there no uniform regulations regarding existing buildings? This is where the responsibility for public safety and accountability falls in the hands of local government – and the building owner. Not building a skyscraper – or two – directly over an active earthquake fault is a matter of prudent precaution. But it is equally important to consider the vulnerability of structures farther from the fault – typically older buildings constructed before the early 1980s. Find out about the risks your apartment building may face with a complimentary building evaluation from Optimum Seismic. Visit OptimumSeismic.com or call 833-978-7664. The fate of your building is in your hands.

The Optimum Seismic team has been making California cities safer since 1984 by providing full-service earthquake engineering, steel fabrication and construction services for multifamily residential, commercial and industrial buildings. With more than 3,500 earthquake retrofit and renovation projects completed, Optimum Seismic’s work includes soft-story multifamily apartments, tilt-up, non-ductile concrete, steel moment frame and unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. To arrange a complimentary assessment of your building’s earthquake resilience, contact Optimum Seismic at (833) 978-7664 or visit optimumseismic.com. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

29


Are Your Building’s Balconies eeeadvisor

Safe?

Is Your Building Compliant with SB721 & SB326 Regulations?

DESIGN CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION Save time and hassle with our Whether you have a deck, balcony, Get affordable and high-quality expert structural design services. walkway, or stairway, you need an construction repair services for inspection report to comply with Our team will create detailed design your property. drawings and submit them to the city the ordinance. to obtain RTI plans for your property.

(805) 312-8513 (805) 312-8508

30

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6

DrBalcony.com info@DrBalcony.com


SCRHA Q&A WITH

Richard Snyder

S

an Diego’s Rick Snyder was installed as the Chair of the National Apartment Association (NAA) on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at the Hilton Bayfront San Diego. He will begin his yearlong term as Chair this coming January. Snyder takes the helm as the industry faces new regulatory challenges at the national level and in a time of historical rental demand. Snyder has long prioritized volunteerism in his chosen industry as evidenced by his involvement at NAA for more than 15 years, including having served as a Regional Vice President, Membership Committee Chairperson and as a member of several committees. He was also the president of the Southern California Rental Housing Association (formerly San Diego County Apartment Association) in 2009. Additionally, Snyder has served in leadership roles for the San Diego Association of Realtors, the California Association of Realtors, the California Apartment Association, and the National Association of Realtors. SCRHA is proud that one of our members will be leading the national association. As the head of R.A. Snyder Properties, Inc., with your experience as Regional Vice President at NAA and past president of SCRHA, how have these leadership roles prepared you to serve as the Chair of the National Apartment Association? My involvement at the association at the local, state and national levels has provided me with in-depth knowledge and experience, not only within my own company’s engagement in the industry, but those of others. These previous volunteer roles, coupled with my service at NAA on committees

and on the board of directors, has assisted me in being able to guide the association, as well as my own company. A strong previous track record of volunteering is something I believe is critical for anyone who is going to serve in a Chair role. Based on your comments at the SCRHA annual meeting, 2024 is expected to be a challenging year for the rental housing industry. While you are prepared to address those challenges, what opportunities do you hope to champion during your tenure? How do you plan to address those opportunities? 2024 is expected to be a very turbulent and challenging year, both for the industry itself in addition to the added stress of an election year, when capturing the attention of elected and appointed officials will be even harder. The situation as we head into 2024 is evolving on a daily basis. Arising out of this I think there are three components that NAA must meet. Our challenge will be to inform, educate and advocate on behalf of our members and our industry. Our members require enhanced information and education delivered to them through various channels; and they have every right to demand that in times that are increasingly more problematic to navigate through. I have every confidence that both the membership and leadership of NAA will step up to meet that challenge. You will be the first Chair from California in many decades. What lessons learned from California’s regulatory environment will you take to NAA? I am the first chair from California in many decades. In fact, the last chairman from California was in 1983, which is remarkable, over 40 years ago.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

31


It used to be that California was viewed as a bellwether state and could be used as a role model for others to emulate. (“As California goes, so goes the nation.”) Increasingly over time, there has been a characterization that a lot of bad things flow from California and end up negatively affecting other states across the country. But having said that, our experience in California has really led us to a deep understanding of what the dimensions of issues confronting the rental housing industry are at the national level. I believe this advantage allows me to position myself as an individual ready to meet these challenges. Technology has changed many industries. What are some of the most significant changes you’ve seen in rental housing in your time in the industry? What, if any, significant changes do you see on the horizon? I’m laughing as I’m responding to this because 2024 will represent 50 years since the beginning of my involvement within the industry. I hate to say this but that was at a time even before the utilization of computers and technology in the management of properties. My experience through those decades, however, has allowed me to constantly evolve and learn new ways of operating. I think in the current environment, the challenge is going to be the utilization of AI technology, both in the promise that it presents and the potential hazards that it can create. Navigating through the opportunities and challenges of AI will be significant for NAA in providing guidance to our members. SCRHA is fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers serving on NAA committees and other leadership roles. What would you like SCRHA members to know about these volunteers and the work they do? SCRHA’s involvement in NAA is remarkable. We are provided an opportunity to be in this amazing industry, but as a result it is incumbent on us to give back and to guide the association and the industry. I often think of the quote: to whom much is given, much is required; I think this epitomizes the reflection of steward leadership. Volunteer involvement in this industry creates not only a benefit to the industry but it provides personal fulfillment as well. While recognizing SCRHA has many people involved in NAA, I further encourage those of you not involved, to please do so. You can make a difference.

ASPHALT PAVING CONCRETE WORK

Sidewalks & Curbs • Resurfacing Seal Coating & Striping • Repairs

Free Estimates • Payment Plans Available

MGB Construction

To see ALL of our products & services, please visit us at www.AptNewsInc.com

General Engineering Contractor

Great Quality & Service

Ask for Bill McClary

cell: 909-957-4731 office: 951-342-0303 Serving California for 25 Years

32

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6


forward-thinking. Now, Gen Z is Gen Z job seekers cite a company’s not as concerned with recreation commitment to diversity as an or downtime at the office, rather important factor in deciding a financial investment in their whether or not to accept an offer.” future. However, stock options Here it is very important for a wash won’t cut it and a standard 401(k) company to talk the talk and walk when they are actually searching the walk. Diversity and inclusion for “student loan assistance, cannot just be a phrase in your tuition reimbursement, and company’s mission statement or maternity and paternity benefits.” a committee that meets once a * more cycles per machine This generation values a work-life Get up to 6,400 quarter. This dedication needs balance and than is highly optimistic to be& seen in initiatives like typical big-box washers dryers for the future, types asking one’s Big so boxthese stores are okay for some things, but if you’re pronoun preference, looking new washers for your apartment of benefits will notforonly attractand dryersadequate accommodations for complex, you have loads of better options with WASH. but also encourage them to stay those who are differently-abled,  We consult with you to find the best machines and take advantage of these and features for your property policies to ensure fair and equal opportunities. pay, etc.  Quick delivery and expert installation

feel if it’s a right fit, the offer should be made. “Nearly one in five Gen Zers expect a job offer one week from the initial phone screen. The majority expect an offer within two weeks.” Whether this expectation is realistic or not, companies that make an actionable change to speed up their hiring process will win top Gen Z talent.

When it’s time to buy washers and dryers,

think outside the box.

*Statistics pulled from Yello

Plus, you’ll get an extra level of service with WASH.

Generation Name

Birth Years

Baby Boomers

1946-1964

They Want to Diversity and They Want an Offer, and They AskSee our experts. Inclusion wash.com/machine-sales • 800.236.5599 Want it NOW Gen X 1965-1980 This highly educated, highly Standard HR procedures make diverse generation is craving it difficult to establish a hiring Millennials 1981-1996 a passion and dedication to committee and follow the correct diversity and inclusion from their protocol when extending an offer. *Based on tests conducted by manufacturers. Gen Z 1997-2012 employers. As a result, “86% of Gen Z wants no part of that. They WS23-018 Think Outside Box 7_5x4_875.indd 1

1/27/2023 12:13:23 PM

westerntowing Simply and efficiently generate legally compliant leasing documents to better serve your residents.

Available in

50 States

Over

6,000,000

Units in the U.S.

Management Companies Utilizing NAA Click & Lease:

Legally Compliant

Ensure Compliance & Reduce Risk Online & Paperless

Streamline your process with default community settings, reporting & e-signatures.

Integrates With All PMS Software Integrates with your current Property Management Software. No need to retrain staff!

naahq.org/lease 24 | Southern California Rental Housing Association Rental Advisor April 2022 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG april2022.indd 2

5/3/2022 12:40:19 PM

33


yardibreeze

34

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6


Rental Red Flags: Preventing Fraud In Property Management

F

by Max Glassburg, Yardi breeze

raud prevention is always a priority in property management, but it’s an even bigger issue now that many (or most) interactions occur online. Plus, fraud is more common than some people realize. According to Kent Simpson, industry principal of screening and fraud solutions at Yardi, about 1-4% of applicants provide fraudulent identification and 4-10% submit fraudulent proof of income. “One slip can waste your time, money and damage your reputation. The average eviction costs $7,500 per instance,” he said. FRAUD PREVENTION: YOU ONLY KNOW WHAT YOU KNOW

leasing workflow is enough to give pause to wouldbe fraudsters. Technology helps prevent identity and income fraud by letting you answer three important questions about your renters: • Who exactly are you renting to? • Can they pay their rent? • Do they have a track record of meeting financial obligations? To help you answer those questions, we’ll examine the common methods of fraud, delve into the best prevention techniques, and share tips from a Yardi Breeze client who specializes in this area. 4 WAYS FRAUD IS COMMONLY COMMITTED

So how do you know if someone is who they say they are? What steps do you need to take to prevent identity and income fraud? In many cases, simply presenting automated anti-fraud tech in the online

An applicant poses as someone else (e.g., a family member poses as the “resident” to help the true resident with bad credit) 1. A new, false identity/identification is presented

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

35


2. Fake income documents are presented 3. A real identity is used, but some details are changed to help avoid detection 4. The fraud prevention techniques we share below make it easy to address these common fraud techniques. PREVENTING IDENTITY FRAUD

Verify Government Id/Document Verifications When used alongside a biometric selfie match, these classic means of identification are reliable indicators that someone is who they say they are. Pros: Everyone has basic identification, and biometric matching technology is reliable and widespread. Cons: Matching an ID card to a face requires the applicant to have and use a smartphone or tablet. Plus, not everyone is great at taking and uploading photos. Check Credit Bureau Fraud Warnings

connect their bank to additional services through other applications. For example, open banking allows you to use your banking credentials on your brokerage app to view both accounts on one dashboard. Pros: Current ID requirements to open a bank account are rigorous, so you can have high confidence in the accuracy of the applicant’s information. Cons: You only know that someone has the correct bank credentials. This method does not verify income, and some consumers are not yet comfortable with this new technology. PREVENTING INCOME FRAUD Document Verification Matching official documents, such as pay stubs, to an individual is straightforward and reliable. It’s been done successfully for many years. Pros: Everyone gets some sort of statement that can be used to verify income.

Credit bureaus offer notifications and warnings about recent fraud types and instances, so you can stay on the lookout when screening applicants.

Cons: This paper-based method of income verification is tedious for renters and is quickly being outpaced from a tech perspective.

Pros: Each bureau provides alerts related to identity. For example, an initial fraud alert lets you know that the applicant’s identity may have been stolen. Keep in mind that from such an alert, the applicant could be the victim or the perpetrator.

Leverage national payroll databases and automate the income verification process, increasing accuracy and saving applicants time.

Cons: Messages can be ambiguous, and you may need to know where to look to find relevant messages. Bank Account Linking/Open Banking Open banking lets financial data be shared between banks and third-party services. Banks have traditionally kept financial data within their own protected systems for fear of risking sensitive financial customer data, but open banking allows customers to

Payroll Databases

Pros: Property managers get instant results, zero friction and high confidence. Cons: Top sources only cover about 50% of the renter population (which is actually high, but it’s not perfect). Payroll Account Linking You can go straight to the source to check someone’s income and employment records. Please turn to page

38

DON’T LEAVE YOUR TENANTS UNDERWATER! Is your roof leaking? Ask us about our Leak-Free Guarantee!

(619) 501-2138 resilientroofing

Lic #247618 | resilientroofing.com | info@resilientroofing.com 36

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6


(619) 867-1713

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

37


Continued from page

36

Pros: Ensure accuracy by extracting pay stubs from first-party sources (e.g., ADP).

operated business, make sure you have top-of-the-line screening in place.

Cons: This method doesn’t cover self-employed individuals, and many people don’t know their login credentials.

Tip 2: Make Middle Names Mandatory On All Forms

Bank Account Linking/Open Banking Open banking works for income verification as well as identity verification, which means you get both forms of fraud prevention with one technique. Pros: Open banking covers all income sources. Cons: As mentioned earlier, some consumers are not yet comfortable with this new technology. ADDITIONAL WAYS TO PREVENT FRAUD WITH TECH The 2020 NMHC/Kingsley Apartment Resident Preferences Report revealed that 73% of leases are signed electronically. It’s unlikely that society will go back to the days of strictly in-person leasing, especially when safeguards exist to make online lease executions safe and efficient. According to Yardi Breeze client Paul Vengilio, it’s important to keep technology on your side if you don’t want to get bamboozled by fraudsters. After all, technology is making it easier for forgers to create authentic-looking documents. Paul is passionate about the tech that helps keep his property management business and renters safe. He realizes that technology increases the risk of fraud, but it also provides the solution. “Yardi Breeze has really opened up our eyes, giving us the ability to do all kinds of background checks and identity verifications,” he said. Here are Paul’s tips for making sure you don’t fall victim to the latest fraud techniques. Tip 1: Make A Plan It goes without saying that you need to know your renters are who they say they are. No matter the size of your portfolio, the safety and security of your renters comes first. This is both a practical business concern and an ethical obligation to your community. That said, small property management businesses and IROs can be disproportionately affected by the consequences of renter fraud. It’s harder for them to cover losses in rent, legal fees, the eviction process, etc. So even if you run a small, independently 38

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6

Some people alter their data to prevent fraud detection. The middle name or initial is an easy way to catch this. Always ask applicants to provide their full legal name. Tip 3: Review Credit Bureau Fraud Alerts Leasing staff can miss fraud warnings on a credit report. When an alert appears, this review pauses the screening workflow until an authorized employee reviews and approves it. For instance, if a social security number is flagged, you’ll have the opportunity to pause the approval process until the applicant can provide a copy of their social security card. FRAUD PREVENTION SOLUTIONS FROM YARDI BREEZE In terms of identity verification, Yardi Breeze users have the option to add ScreeningWorks Pro to their online leasing workflow. It seamlessly automates screening during the application process and provides accurate results in less than a minute. If basic screening isn’t enough, we also offer ID Verify, a sophisticated solution that uses computer vision and artificial intelligence to automatically classify, extract and authenticate ID documents in seconds. In terms of income verification, we offer a specialized module that becomes part of the ScreeningWorks Pro solution. Income Verification is fast, accurate and able to access 350+ million records from over 80% of Fortune 500 companies and federal employers. FINAL WORDS OF WISDOM Staying a step ahead of fraudsters is simple but not easy. To prevent fraud at your properties, you must make safety and security part of your company culture. You need trusted tools that attack fraud from different angles including criminal history, identification, financial records and employment history. You can’t stay up to date on the latest technologies on your own, so be sure to use a known, reliable fraud prevention service. If you’re already a Breeze or Breeze Premier user, protecting your community is easy when you use our latest solutions: ScreeningWorks Pro with Income Verification and ID Verify.


Response

griswold

6 | Southern California Rental Housing Association Rental Advisor July 2021 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG 18 | Southern California Rental Housing Association Rental Advisor April 2022

39


dennisblock

dennisblock

San Diego (38428)

40

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6


First Impressions Matter: The Power of a Thoughtful Welcome Gift By Kari Negri, Chief Executive Officer, SKY Property Management Dear Kari, Someone Suggested That I Should I Give My New Tenant a Welcome Gift – What Do You Think?

H

ave you been looking to add a special touch to your move-ins? Consider the impact of a thoughtful welcome basket. A warm welcome basket not only leaves a fantastic first impression but also helps your tenants settle into their new home with ease. It’s a small but meaningful gesture that shows you value and care for them. Plus, it can go a long way in making

them feel at home in both their new space and neighborhood. Moreover, if you do it right, it can save you money. Here are some questions you need to answer when putting together the perfect welcome tote bag: WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE? Picture a resident walking into their new, empty home on moving day. They spot a large canvas gift bag waiting on the kitchen counter – an instant “Hey, we’re glad you’re here!” As the property manager, it’s our Please turn to page

43

STOP PAYING FOR TENANT SCREENING Are you concerned about your onsite manager's compliance? Do you worry about a potential lawsuit? Are you properly tracking onsite work? Create Your Free Account! anp.ApplyConnect.com

800.288.4757 opt. 7

Through years of experience and millions of dollars in lawsuits, MyOnsiteManager.com provides Landlords and Property Management company's a solution to help track, monitor, and streamline the management of your onsite managers.

SCAN THE QR CODE AND SCHEDULE A DEMO TODAY!

*Renters pay $29.95 or the landlord/agent may choose to cover cost.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

41


bergemangroup

Is my building ready for the

California “Balcony Bill”?

“How does SB 721 or SB 326 impact my building?”

“How do I get my balconies and exterior walkways evaluated?”

“What’s the process, timeline, and cost?”

Contact us for a FREE consultation to discuss your building’s needs Robert Grosse Southern California General Manager 213.432.5120 • info@bergemangroup.com SB326@bergemangroup.com 213.432.5120 FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS » WEATHERPROOFING SYSTEMS » PIPE REPLACEMENT » ROOFING REPAIR & REPLACEMENT » CONCRETE SPALLING REPAIR

M A N A G I N G C O N S T R U C T I O N Building Peace of Mind SM

42

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6

bergemangroup.com

bergemangroup.com


Continued from page

41

way of saying thanks for choosing us and if the bag’s packed with handy items for the move-in, it’s like saying, “We’ve got your back! We’re all about making moving day a tad less hectic for you.” Keep in mind that something like this can go a long way on moving day which is a very stressful day indeed – right up there with divorce!

• A handwritten welcome note: This simple, personal gesture can convey your genuine appreciation and care for your tenants. Take a moment to write a few warm sentences welcoming them, expressing gratitude for choosing your property, and wishing them a comfortable and happy stay.

Keep in mind that welcome baskets aren’t just a nice gesture; They are also a powerful tool for tenant appreciation and business success. It boosts loyalty and satisfaction, leading to higher tenant retention rates and positive reviews.

• A map of the local stores: This handy guide can be a lifeline for tenants new to the area or those eager to explore more. Highlight key spots like grocery stores, dry cleaners, gyms, parks, and more to help them get acquainted with their new surroundings.

HOW MUCH DO YOU WANT TO SPEND? There is no definitive answer on how much you should spend for a welcome gift, as it depends on several factors, such as your budget, your property type, your tenants’ preferences, and your location. Think of the gift bag as an investment in unit turnover or leasing. They are a small investment that can yield big returns in the long run. In my experience, allocating a budget of about $100 to $125 per gift bag strikes a good balance. This range enables you to include a diverse selection of items that are not only practical, but also convey genuine appreciation. A budget at this level allows for a wide enough range of items to be both useful but can also include money savers for you like a toilet plunger which is a practical and useful item that can also save your tenants embarrassment. WHAT SHOULD YOU PUT IN YOUR GIFT BAG? Imagine the last time you moved and what small essentials would have been a game-changer on that hectic day – items tucked away in a box somewhere. A great option is essentials and toiletries, such as toilet paper, paper towels, soap, toothpaste, and a few cleaning supplies and some trash bags which are pretty basic necessities on moving day. Snacks and drinks are also important so throw in a couple of bottles of water and granola bars. Include local store coupons like coffee, tea, and the always needed pizza after a long day of moving. In addition to all these items, consider adding the following thoughtful touches:

• Local gift cards: Support the community and introduce your tenants to some of your favorite places with a gift card to a local business. Whether it’s a coffee shop, restaurant, grocery store, or hardware shop, this gesture can go a long way in making them feel welcomed. • Coupons and menus: Help your tenants explore the local scene by providing them with coupons and menus from nearby businesses. This can save them both money and time when it comes to ordering food or shopping for essentials. Consider adding a list of your personal recommendations or reviews to enhance their experience. Finally, consider the valuable opportunity to incorporate your company or building’s name and logo onto the tote bag or other items. Nowadays, it’s a cost-effective option to enhance brand visibility and leave a lasting impression on your tenants. These are just some examples of what you can put in a welcome gift for your new tenants. Of course, you can customize it according to your own style and preferences. The main thing is to show your tenants that you care about them and want them to have a pleasant experience on your property. At SKY we also like to include what to do in case of an earthquake and how to make homemade cleaning supplies without chemicals and also provide the supplies to make it.

ABOUT KARI NEGRI -- Name any aspect of the complex world of property management and Kari Negri has been at the forefront, forging new ground, fighting for the rights of property owners and tenants alike, adding value, and making a significant difference. With a strong background in management, Kari founded SKY Properties, Inc. in 1997 to offer hands-on, boutique-level property management at a competitive price for multitenant property owners. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

43


LANDLORDS ARE GETTING SADDLED WITH HIGHER COSTS With everything going up, how can you pass costs onto tenants?

W

By Daniel Bornstein, Esq.

e have a great deal of empathy for housing providers facing rising costs while being constrained in how much they can raise rents. While inflation has become a muchcovered topic, the numbers are deceiving. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) takes into account certain consumer staples and does not adequately reflect the climbing costs landlords incur, such as appliances, what contractors are demanding for repairs, building materials, property taxes, and indeed, utilities. Despite these hardships, we have to be careful in raising rents because Big Brother is watching, tenants have plenty of recourse to air out their grievances, and there is no shortage of tenants’ attorneys looking to find mistakes and even the score. LET’S FIRST TALK ABOUT RUBS, AN ACRONYM FOR “RATIO UTILITY BILLING SYSTEM” Submeters are not feasible for many old, tired multifamily buildings. Retrofitting utility meters is an

44

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6

expensive, complex undertaking, and so RUBS has been touted as a cost-effective, fair alternative to submeters. Under this system, the property’s utilities - water, sewage, electricity, trash collection, waste management, and gas - are proportionally divided based upon a formula that takes into account factors like square footage, number of bedrooms in a unit, and the number of household members. There may be other considerations such as washing machines and dryers in individual units, for example, that are calculated. In theory, this system seems equitable. Think of dining out with several friends and there is an awkward moment when the bill comes and everyone is trying to figure out how much to pony up. One person suggests splitting the bill evenly, but what if one of your friends didn’t drink the wine that was flowing? What if another one didn’t have much of an appetite and only ordered a salad? Maybe there’s a vegetarian who doesn’t feel comfortable paying for the table’s calamari. Once the Please turn to page

46


SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

45


Continued from page

44

gathering is over and everyone pays an equal share of the bill, rest assured that someone in the group will leave with the feeling that they paid too much for what they actually consumed. The logic behind RUBS, then, is that everyone pays their fair share of the utilities they consume. It’s also been said that the system encourages residents to practice conservation and report maintenance issues such as running toilets and leaky faucets. Those opposed to RUBS have taken exception to the numbers, saying that there is little evidentiary support that the use of ratio utility billing systems has put a dent in the consumption of utilities. Certainly, though, no one can dispute that we all tend to use more on someone else’s dime. Ever been to a hotel or an Airbnb and left the room with the lights on and the air conditioner blasting? This type of wasteful behavior is happening in rental units when there is no financial incentive to conserve. DESPITE THE ADVANTAGES OF THESE CONSUMPTION-BASED PROGRAMS, IT HAS RUBBED TENANTS AND POLICYMAKERS THE WRONG WAY Tenants and their advocates say that charges are confusing and unpredictable, and not tied to individual usage. Moreover, fees from third-party billing services are often passed on to tenants. When submeters are installed and maintained by the landlord, the landlord merely acts as a conduit, and any utility payments made by the tenant to the utility provider are, in the vernacular of the courts, “rendered to and for the benefit of that utility provider”. But in a master-metered building where the landlord uses a ratio utility billing system and payments are made directly to the landlord, the question becomes whether those payments are for the benefit of the landlord. We don’t want to get bogged down in case law, but suffice it to say that there are some cogent arguments being made against RUBS in the courts. Litigation in Santa Monica and San Diego, in particular, have made it on our radar. The overarching agenda for policymakers throughout California is to keep people housed. Unpredictable, fluctuating utility costs fly in the face of this goal of housing stability. In an era when political rhetoric falls squarely on the side of tenants, the necessity of housing people will trump the needs of landlords looking to streamline the collection of utilities. 46

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6

CLOSER TO HOME Many municipalities, housing providers, landlords, and tenants are left in the dark when it comes to ratio utility billing systems. The powers that be in Mountain View, for example, determined that RUBS was out of step with the city’s rent control law, the Community Stabilization and Fair Rent Act (CSFRA), reasoning that utility fees paid to landlords are considered a part of rent and thus, subject to rent increase limitations. Mountain View’s stance is outlined in this memo. We have no reason to believe that other municipalities will not embrace this logic. In some cities, the definition of rent in their rent stabilization ordinances may be broad enough to encompass utilities when it is paid directly to the landlord. Take Oakland, for instance. It defines rent as: Rent” means the total consideration charged or received by an owner in exchange for the use or occupancy of a covered unit including all housing services provided to the tenant. In our view, then, the rendering of utility payments to landlords will be considered rent in some rentcontrolled locales and any rent increases will be scrutinized by local rent boards if the tenant objects and files a petition challenging a rent hike. Landlords are left in the dark when it comes to their local rent board’s rules and regulations about RUBS. You may be wondering whether you can convert to RUBS midstream by changing the terms of the tenancy or keep it simple by instituting RUBS at the inception of a new tenancy. It is certainly easier to not upset the applecart and wait until unit turnover to start a new utility billing system but in some cases, you may be able to impose a RUBS program on an existing tenancy. This will depend on a number of Considerations: what type of unit you have – single-family home/ multi-unit, where the property is located, whether it is subject to a local “rent control and just cause eviction ordinances, and other interrelated factors. If you are contemplating RUBS when a tenant is already implanted, it is imperative to seek proper counsel to see if this is viable and if so, how to make the transition with the least complications and in a manner that the tenant understands and accepts. We have to nail the communication to avoid any blowback from a tenant who feels bamboozled. Please turn to page

48


SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

47


Continued from page 46 funded by the City of Temecula and the builder. Las WE KNOW HOUSING PROVIDERS39 WHO Haciendas willOF provide 15 one-bedroom, two-ARE RUBBING TENANTS, AND THEY ARE WALKING bedroom and 23 three-bedroom units for working ON EGGSHELLS IN CERTAIN RENT-CONTROLLED families.

JURISDICTIONS LIKE SANTA MONICA WITH OTHER CITIES LIKELY TO TAKE THEIR EXAMPLE.

The apartment community will be the first to be built in Uptown corridor In many cases,Temecula/Jefferson there are errors onAvenue the part of the landlordinand there part is noofconsequence when there located the north Old Town Temecula. is a rent who hike.earn Thebetween owner and the tenant co-exist Residents 30%-60% of the area in harmony. The passive tenant acquiesces to the median income and who have Section 8 vouchers master-metered agrees to Some chip in will be eligible toowner live atand the property. ofmore the to pay the utilities. complex’s amenities include indoor and outdoor common areas, a laundry room, community But if there is any acrimony in the rental relationship, kitchen, and a learning center with computers. The disgruntled tenants are inclined to squawk about convoluted utility accounting, among other grievances. community will also provide programs on financial Many landlords find thattutoring when things are going literacy and afterschool services. It was good, not they are going great, but when things are going bad, stated when the project will be completed. it’s awful.

For instance, a couple lives in a residence and has an illegal in-law unit in the back, they’ve collected $1K a month in rent for 10 years, there is a disagreement with the resident occupying the illegal unit, the rental relationship sours, and complains to the rent board. The owners can now be on the hook for $120K.

The quintessential In a harmonious rental Own Appreciatedpoint: Investment Real Estate? relationship, errors can be overlooked by the tenant, but if this relationship goes south and the tenant raises hell, there may be significant liability.

Market Values at ALL TIME HIGH

PASS-THROUGHS MAY BE A MORE VIABLE PATH FOR LANDLORDS TO RECOUP COSTS

Selling Appreciated Properties? When we first began practicing law 27Investment years ago, there Big Taxes on Profits! were only three ordinances to contend with in the Bay Consider 1031 Exchange Options Area, namely San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland. Case Study Now there are 17 with more municipalities expected to Online Webinars Saturdays@10am and on-demand add to that number. See www.RentalOwnerWorkshop.com

We are hard-pressed Aubrey Morrow to go through them all now, but PLANNER™ sufficeCERTIFIED it to FINANCIAL say that in some locales, rent boards are Practitioner open to hearing a landlord’s request to raise the rent to realize a reasonable return on their investment or that an increase in expenses justifies a rent increase. In Financial Designs, Ltd.also “bank” rent increases, some cases, landlords can 5075 Shoreham Place, Suite 200 meaning if they don’t take advantage of an allowable Santhey Diego,can CA 92122 rent increase, use it later on. Tune in Saturdays 8am The rules increases complicated. ) 546-1106 are AM Phonesurrounding (858) 597-1980 |rent Fax (858 600 KOGO Overlay this with COVID-era protections and it www.MoneyTalkRadio.com becomes all the more vexing, making it imperative Securities offered through Concorde Investment Services, LLC (CIS), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Concorde Asset Management, LLC (CAM), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Financial Designs is independent of CIS & CAM. This is for informational purposes only, does not constitute as investment advice, and is to anrisks associated attorney rent increase is not legalconsult or tax advice. There are material with investing in realwhenever estate securities including illiquidity,a general market conditions, interest rate risks, financing risks, potential adverse tax consequences, general economic risks, development risks, and potential loss of the entire investment principal. contemplated.

12 | Southern California Rental Housing Association Rental Advisor April 2022

48

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6


Since 1967

Մենք խոսում ենք հայերեն,

DIRECT DISTRIBUTOR TO THE MULTIFAMILY OWNER, INVESTOR, MANAGER, BUILDER, CONTRACTOR, & DESIGNER

NH: 818-769-8000 | www.ApartmentSupply.com | VN: 310-450-8585

ALL KITCHEN APPLIANCES, LAUNDRY/COIN-OP, AND ROOM AIR CONDITIONERS AVAILABLE AT THE BEST PRICES…

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

And more…

CALL US NOW OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE:

SINCE 1967: 5720 Lankershim Boulevard ApartmentSupply.com North Hollywood: 818-769-8000

New Showroom: 14117 Vanowen Street Van Nuys: 310-450-8585

APARTMENT REPLACEMENT | CONTRACT SALES | NEW CONSTRUCTION | SINGLE-FAMILY

SA ME-DA Y O R NEXT -DAY D EL IVER Y AND INST ALLATION AVAIL ABL E! CALL US FOR MORE INFO R MATIO N PRICES, SI ZES, AVAILABI LITY & MODELS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE ANYTIME WITHOUT NOTICE

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

49


HELP STOP RENT CONTROL INITIATIVE

FACTSHEET

A new rent control initiative will be on the November 2024 ballot. 2024 BALLOT INITIATIVE

PROPERTY OWNERS

Local jurisdictions will have free rein to impose and expand rent control.

Your rental income and property value will decline.

Will prohibit rent increases upon vacancy (also known as vacancy de-control) by eliminating the owner's ability to charge the market rate when a tenant vacates the unit.

If you are renting your units below market, you may never catch up because the initiative allows local jurisdictions to "cap" how much you may increase rent following a vacancy.

WHAT IT DOES

WHY IT MATTERS

Rent "caps" would apply to single-family homes and condominiums.

Imposes rent control on all properties including single-family homes and condominiums by eliminating AB 1482 protections.

To stop this so-called "Justice for Renters" initiative in 2024, CalRHA and its affiliates are asking for your support and contribution to fight this third attempt by the same anti-housing activists behind Propositions 10 and 21 from 2018 and 2020. CalRHA and its regional associations collectively need to raise a minimum $5 million dollars, so we're all in this together. All funds raised will go toward the initiative fight. To make a contribution, please click here or scan the QR code. Thank you for your generosity.

50

$5 MILLION TARGET

DEDICATED FUNDS

SUCCESS TOGETHER

T h e l a s t r e n t control fight cost t h e b r o a d e r housing industry $ 8 0 m i l l i o n dollars. This next f i g h t w i l l cost even more.

Fund s w i l l b e d e p o s i t e d i n t o a dedi c a t e d a c c o u n t s p e c i f i c a l l y fo r f i g h t i n g t h e i n i t i a t i v e .

We defeated both the 2018 and 2020 rent control initiatives. With your support, we can do it again.

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6

cal-rha.org


655 WB Operating LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)702-0655 A AMK Property Management . . . . . . . . . . (619)546-0015 Abode Communities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (213)225-2868 All Points Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)298-7724 Alliance Investment Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)597-4900 AltaCima Apartment Homes . . . . . . . . . . (858)565-8333 American Assets Trust, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . (858)350-2564 Antelope Ridge (Sentinel Real Estate) (951)672-8181 Arbor Terrace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)293-3612 Arbors at California Oaks Apartment Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (951)461-3264 Asset Property Management . . . . . . . . . (858)560-9363 Avenue 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (206)582-3333 Award Property Mgmt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)471-1755 B Bob Cota Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)465-9934 Book and Ladder . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(949)209-8347x0029 Brennan And Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . (619)475-2470 Brentwood Management Co. . . . . . . . . . (619)220-8595 Bridge Property Management. . . . . . . . . (801)716-5795 Brycorp, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)920-7174 Buchanan Property Management Corp. (619)269-0276 C CASAVIDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)454-8857 Cambridge Management Group, AMO (619)497-0771 Campus Village 1, 2 & 3 | 6 Star Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)583-3339 Chase Pacific Property Management and Real Estate Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)271-8841 Cirrus Asset Management, Inc.. . . . . . . . (818)222-4840 City View Apartments|Greystar . . . . . . . . (619)234-0134 Community Research Foundation, Inc. (619)275-0822 Core Property Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)399-7279 Cushman & Wakefield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (949)224-2929 D Delta Property Management. . . . . . . . . . (619)465-5851 Douglas Allred Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)793-0202 E Eagle Glen Apartments | Greystar . . . . . (951)461-4565 Elevate SD Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)535-8112

Elite Property Management. . . . . . . . . . . (619)823-3712 Euston Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)793-8899 F Five Peaks Property Management. . . . . (619)814-7505 Foothills at Old Town | Sentinel Corp (951)676-7545 G Gables Oak Creek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (951)600-9696 Gables Point Loma. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)223-6577 Gables at Alta Murrieta. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (951)698-0628 Griffis Mission Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)220-0530 Griswold Real Estate Mgmt., Inc.. . . . . . (858)597-6100 H H.G. Fenton Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)400-0120 Hanken, Cono, Assad & Co.. . . . . . . . . . (619)698-4770 Heartland Associates Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)462-2082 HeetWave Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (888)557-4338 Holland Partner Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (360)940-0251 Horizon Properties Management Service(619)482-3054 Humphreys Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)865-0389 I IPI Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)277-2700 Iconic on Alvarado | BH Management Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)286-3990 Income Property Advisors Inc. . . . . . . . . (858)279-1500 J Jensen Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)449-7294 Johnston Property Management, Inc. (760)944-0703 K KFR STAR Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)293-7653 Kleege Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(858) 481-3081 L Leonero Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)273-4350 Liberty Military Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)874-8100 Logan Property Management. . . . . . . . . (619)260-5562 Lyon Living. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (949)838-1274 M MG Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)658-0500 Maya Linda Apartments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)566-5350 Mira Bella Apartments | Simpson Property Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)560-5720 Modera San Diego | Mill Creek Residential . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)500-8509 N Noah Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)504-0416 O Oakleaf Apartments | Management Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (760)433-9510 Ocean Breeze Apartments|Greystar. . . . (619)428-3369 Olympus Property. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)268-8858 P Pacific Commercial Management, Inc (858)450-6886 Parkdale Apartments | Norco Mgmt. Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (760)737-9017 Pasas Properties, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)607-7560 Paul Langley Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (415)431-9104

Pemberley Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)778-0577 People Helping Others Prop. Mgmt. . . . (619)282-5400 Pierside North | Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . (949)202-3991 Pierside South | Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . . . (760)433-3500 Professional Real Estate Management (619)297-7736 Providence Real Estate Management Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (760)525-8705 R R. A. Snyder Properties, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . (619)297-0274 REC Properties| Peasquitos Point Apts. (858)484-5047 RG Investment Real Estate Services Inc.(858)268-5004 Red House Property Management . . . . (858)755-3031 Rehmann Realty Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)440-5669 Richman Property Services. . . . . . . . . . . (813)262-0401 Riveroaks |Waterton Residential . . . . . . . (760)721-8585 Rohn Properties Management . . . . . . . . (619)990-7433 Rolling Hills Gardens | Greystar. . . . . . . . (619)482-7583 S SBCS, Corporation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)420-3620 SD Rent Pros. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)884-0906 San Diego Housing Commission . . . . . . (619)578-7531 San Diego Realty Services. . . . . . . . . . . . (619)713-1044 Sardo Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)405-9418 Scott Management Company . . . . . . . . (310)370-2696 ScottWay Capital. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)209-3544 Sea West Property Management . . . . . . (760)787-6035 Shapell Properties, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (323)988-7590 Southwest Equity Partners . . . . . . . . . . . (760)419-5300 Stanza Little Italy | Greystar . . . . . . . . . . . (619)677-1799 Sudberry Properties, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . .(858) 546-3000 Summit Realty and Management. . . . . . (619)423-3023 Sun An Sea Property Mgmt.. . . . . . . . . . (619)298-4160 SunRidge Properties, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)578-3600 Sunrise Management Company AMO (858)751-1768 T Team Bourda Incorporated . . . . . . . . . . . (619)851-3784 Thatcher Properties, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)286-4250 The Dylan | Afton Properties . . . . . . . . . . (760)439-2752 The Helm Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)589-6222 The Premiere Residential, LLC . . . . . . . . (858)455-7711 The Rey Apartments | Berkshire Communities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (408)614-5587 Torrey Pines Property Management. . . . (858)454-4200 U UDR, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (720)283-6120 Urban Coast Properties, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . (619)797-6733 V Valentina by Alta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)391-2700 VandenBerghe Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . (925)819-1009 W Waterleaf | Avenue 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (833)355-0039 Whispering Oaks Apartments | Greystar (760)471-1262 Willin Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)298-0500 Z Zimmerman Property Management. . . . (619)546-5361

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION- -SCHRA.ORG SCHRA.ORG SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION

5 51


forward-thinking. Now, Gen Z is Gen Z job seekers cite a not as concerned with recreation commitment to diversi or downtime at the office, rather important factor in dec a financial investment in their whether or not to accep 1 future. However, stock options Here it is very importan and a standard 401(k) won’t cut it company to talk the tal when they are actually searching the walk. Diversity and for “student loan assistance, cannot just be a phrase tuition reimbursement, and company’s mission stat maternity and paternity benefits.” a committee that meets This generation values a work-life quarter. This dedication balance and is highly optimistic to be seen in initiatives for the future, so these types asking one’s pronoun p of benefits will not only attract adequate accommodati NMLS #2050119 but also encourage them to stay those who are different Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer and take advantage of these policies to ensure fair a (949) 371-1932 | kcanto@myprovident.com opportunities. pay, etc.

Low cost financing for Multi-Family Apartment properties.

Purchase Money, Cash Out, or Construction Financing!

KERRY CANTO

They Want to See Diversity and Inclusion This highly educated, highly Since 1956 diverse generation is craving 3 or more units to an LLC, Corp, or Partnership – 5 or more units to individuals and other entities. a passion and Loans subject to borrower and property qualifications. Brokered originations are not eligible. Otherdedication to restrictions may apply. All rates, fees, terms and programs are subject to change without notice diversity and except as required by law. ©2023 Provident Bank. NMLS #449980. All rights reserved. Member FDIC.inclusion from their REV1222 | 855-217-3541 employers. As a result, “86% of

HOMEGROWN & LOCAL 1

They Want an Offer, a Want it NOW Standard HR procedure it difficult to establish a committee and follow t protocol when extendin Gen Z wants no part of

Own Appreciated Investment Real Estate?

6 EXIT STRATEGIES FOR HIGHLY APPRECIATED REAL ESTATE Tune in Saturdays at 8am to AM 600 KOGO radio and learn financialadvisors more at our online WEBINAR Case Study Saturdays@10am and on-demand See www.RentalOwnerWorkshop.com

lifedeck

Aubrey Morrow CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Practitioner

Financial Designs, Ltd. 5075 Shoreham Place, Suite 230 San Diego, CA 92122 Phone (858) 597-1980 Fax (858) 546-1106 www.MoneyTalkRadio.com

The Financial Advisors Tune In! AM 600 News Talk Radio Saturday at 8am

Securities offered through Concorde Investment Services, LLC (CIS), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Concorde Asset Management, LLC (CAM), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Financial Designs is independent of CIS & CAM. This is for informational purposes only, does not constitute as investment advice, and is not legal or tax advice. There are material risks associated with investing in real estate securities including illiquidity, general market conditions, interest rate risks, financing risks, potential adverse tax consequences, general economic risks, development risks, and potential loss of the entire investment principal. *as of 12/2022 bd-ld-a-192-2-2023

52

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6

24 | Southern California Rental Housing Association Rental Advisor April 2022


1031 EXCHANGE SERVICES, & TRUST SERVICES SMIB Management Inc.. . . . . . . . . . (619)206-5550 ADVERTISING & MARKETING Apartment News Publications. . . . . (714)893-3971 Apartments.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (888)658-7368 Effortless Ads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (214)952-9862 Financial Designs, Ltd. . . . . . . . . . . . (858)597-1980 J&J Creative, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (760)703-4471 SOCi, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)225-4110x103 Zillow Rentals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (206)516-2263 Zumper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (760)264-6429 APARTMENT BROKERAGE/SALES Doug Taber CCIM - Rental Housing Broker . . . . . . (619)483-1031 APPLIANCE MAINTENANCE & REPAIR Mr. Appliance of Ramona . . . . . . . . (760)896-4994 APPLIANCE SALES R & B Wholesale Distributors, Inc. (909)230-5400 Western State Design, Inc.. . . . . . . . (510)931-7099 ASPHALT & ASPHALT MAINTENANCE AMS Paving, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)880-6133 ATTORNEYS-AT-LAW Andrew Griffin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)440-5000 Heinz & Feinberg. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)238-5454 Kimball, Tirey & St. John LLP . . . . . (619)234-1690 Todd A. Brisco & Associates, APC (714)634-2814 BACKFLOW TESTING Pacific Backflow Company, Inc. (760)639-4000 San Diego Backflow Testing, Inc. (877)363-8378 BALCONY INSPECTIONS Pacific InterWest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .657-276-1629 BANKS Banc of California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)320-8410 Chase Commercial Term Lending (619)464-0573 First Republic Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (760)525-1679 BATHROOM REMODELING & REFINISHING American Bathtub Refinishers. . . . . (619)265-9200 BROKERAGE Doug Taber CCIM - Rental Housing Broker . . . . . . (619)483-1031 CABINET AND COUNTERTOPS Cabinets And More. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)231-8532 Grand Design Kitchens . . . . . . . . . . (760)789-0992 Marjan Stone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (719)651-2041

Qwikkit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (713)540-3205 Surface Experts Central San Diego (858)926-4041 CARPET CLEANING Cleanology Housekeeping Personnel Service . . . . (619)281-2532 CARPET SALES & FLOORING America’s Finest Carpet Company (800)888-1568 C R FLOORING COMPANY . . . . . . (619)748-0015 J & C Carpet Company . . . . . . . . . . (619)498-1424 KJ Carpet Wholesale . . . . . . . . . . . . (909)455-0180 Sid’s Carpet Barn, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . (619)477-7000 CLEANING & JANITORIAL SERVICES Atlas Property Service . . . . . . . . . . . (858)386-4578 Cleanology Housekeeping Personnel Service . . . . (619)281-2532 DAPA Services Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)221-9292 Pacific Coast Cleaning, Inc.. . . . . . . (858)565-1603 SD Construction Cleaning & Janitorial LLC. . . . . . . (619)534-1189 Sea Crest Services, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . (949)477-4961 Surface Experts Central San Diego (858)926-4041 TWS Facility Services. . . . . . . . . . . . (888)883-1915 Coin-Operated Laundry Equipment All Valley Washer Service . . . . . . . . . (800)247-1100 WASH Multifamily Laundry Systems(858)279-1234 Washtek, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (760)735-2495 COLLECTIONS Kimball, Tirey & St. John LLP . . . . . (619)234-1690 CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING CalHomeCo Construction . . . . . . . . (858)228-7036 Cambridge Maintenance and Property Services, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)320-8334 Dexcore Restoration. . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)993-3417 Larry O’Dell Construction. . . . . . . . . (619)501-5252 McMillin Contracting Services. . . . . (619)401-7000 Workright Property Services Inc . . . (858)751-6312 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT Southern Cross Property Consultants(858)945-2629 DECK COATING General Coatings Corporation . . . . (619)707-2639 Life Deck Coating Installations . . . . (619)262-8600 ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS Kennedy Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)582-6568 Emergency Service Flood/ Fire. All Dry Services of San Diego. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)353-1646 ATI Restoration, LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)318-2807 BELFOR Property Restoration . . . . (858)847-9886 Commercial Restoration Company (720)427-2932 Pinnacle Services - 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . (877)673-9049 RAMM Restoration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (760)807-8743 EMPLOYMENT AGENCY Go-Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)518-0326 Legacy Apartment Staffing . . . . . . . (619)387-5530 The Liberty Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (951)744-0057 ENVIRONMENTAL: ASBESTOS/ LEAD/ MOLD Alliance Environmental Group, LLC (626)633-3500 BELFOR Property Restoration . . . . (858)847-9886 JJ&S Environmental Services . . . . . (760)536-3178

Vert Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)433-3290 EVICTIONS Kimball, Tirey & St. John LLP . . . . . (619)234-1690 FINANCIAL SERVICES Taxable Wealth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)221-7521 FIRE EQUIPMENT SALES & SERVICE Bay Alarm Company . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)209-7859 Standard Electronics. . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)596-9950 Symons Fire Protection . . . . . . . . . . (619)588-6364 FITNESS EQUIPMENT & SALES Advanced Exercise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . (303)996-0048 Opti-Fit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (888)601-4350 FLOOD DAMAGE BELFOR Property Restoration . . . . (858)847-9886 FLOOR COVERINGS Real Floors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (951)317-2231 Redi Carpet Sales of California , LLC(858)576-8400 Star Flooring & Remodeling. . . . . . . .619-282-4000 Surface Experts Central San Diego (858)926-4041 FURNITURE RENTALS Cort Furniture Rental. . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)549-0800 GENERAL CONTRACTORS A-S General Contracting . . . . . . . . . (619)379-9410 BELFOR Property Restoration . . . . (858)847-9886 BluSky Restoration Contractors, LLC(619)398-0200 Camp Construction Services . . . . . (713)413-2267 M. C. Contracting Service . . . . . . . . (619)282-3083 McMillin Contracting Services. . . . . (619)401-7000 HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING Sam’s Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. . . . . . . . . (619)697-9824 INSURANCE Crest Insurance Group. . . . . . . . . . . (858)547-1128 Farmers Insurance McWhirter Agency . . . . . . . . . . (619)463-7320 Pro Specialty Insurance Services (888)558-4776 INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER Cox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)836-7582 Google Fiber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (206)531-1250 Quantum Fiber. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (360)931-9864 Wyyerd Fiber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)936-1927 KITCHEN REMODELING Kitchen Tune-Up of North San Diego(858)206-9602 McMillin Contracting Services. . . . . (619)401-7000 LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE & SERVICE Landcare Logic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (951)316-8002 Pacific Green Landscape, Inc. . . . . (619)820-6614 LEAK DETECTION Cable, Pipe & Leak Detection, Inc. (619)873-1530 LENDERS Luther Burbank Savings. . . . . . . . . . (310)616-0356 MAINTENANCE & REPAIR PCC Trip Hazard Removal. . . . . . . . (760)658-6116 Surface Experts Central San Diego (858)926-4041 MAINTENANCE SUPPLY HD Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800)431-3000 MARKETING & ADVERTISING Realtor.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (805)223-9413

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

53


MOLD INSPECTIONS & REMEDIATION BELFOR Property Restoration . . . . (858)847-9886 MUSIC LICENSING BMI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (410)527-1076 PACKAGE/PARCEL MANAGEMENT SERVICES Parcel Pending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (949)490-6987 PAINT MANUFACTURERS & SUPPLIES Behr Paint. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (760)415-6015 Dunn-Edwards Corporation . . . . . . (619)884-3866 Sherwin-Williams Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . (714)404-8212 PAINTING General Coatings Corporation . . . . (619)707-2639 Primus Paint Workx . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)738-8022 Pro-Tech Painting Company . . . . . . (858)527-0200 PARKING MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE Reliant Parking Solutions . . . . . . . . . (888)977-6848 PAVING MAINTENANCE Eagle Paving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)486-6400 PEST CONTROL ATCO Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (415)898-2282 Kilter Termite and Pest Control . . . . (714)348-0488 Lloyd Pest Control. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800)570-2847 Payne Pest Management . . . . . . . . (877)277-3970 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Wakeland Housing & Development (619)235-2296 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL BG Multifamily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)785-3164 InterSolutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)804-2554 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE Domuso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .985-210-3473

SafeRent Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (419)367-7615 RATIO UTILITY BILLING SYSTEMS Livable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (877)789-6027 REAL ESTATE ACI Apartments Office . . . . . . . . . . . (619)299-3000 Voit Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . (858)453-0505 RENOVATIONS & REMODELING McMillin Contracting Services. . . . . (619)401-7000 RENT GUARANTOR TheGuarantors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (212)266-0020 REPIPING National Renovations, LLC - DBA Repipe Specialists, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (703)801-8269 RESIDENT SURVEYS SatisFacts Research. . . . . . . . . . . . . (866)655-1490 ROOFING A-1 All American Roofing Company(858)537-5177 Commercial & Industrial Roofing (619)465-3737 Sully-Jones Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800)611-3110 SECURITY GUARD PATROL Securitas Mobile Guarding . . . . . . . (619)214-4919 Security First . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)243-3992 SECURITY SERVICES ASAP Security Guards. . . . . . . . . . . (619)750-4542 Bald Eagle Security Services, Inc. (619)230-0022 California Safety Agency . . . . . . . . . (866)996-6990 JDS Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)781-8694 Signal Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)363-7233 SEISMIC RETROFIT Optimum Seismic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (562)298-6395

SMART TECHNOLOGY ADT Smart Communities. . . . . . . . . (714)858-1344 SUBMETERING / BILLING SERVICES Conservice Utility Billing & Mgmt (602)481-7440 QMC Metering Solutions . . . . . . . . . (778)809-0052 SUPPORTIVE HOUSING Brilliant Corners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (213)232-0134 TENANT SCREENING CIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800)288-4757 TOWING SERVICES Western Towing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (619)297-8697 TRAUMA SCENE CLEAN UP BELFOR Property Restoration . . . . (858)847-9886 WATERPROOFING General Coatings Corporation . . . . (619)707-2639 WASTE MANAGEMENT Strategic Sanitation Services. . . . . . (877)271-7909 Valet Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (813)248-1327 WasteXperts, Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (206)496-9289 WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION BELFOR Property Restoration . . . . (858)847-9886 First Onsite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (858)880-5419 Generation Contracting & Emergency Services, Inc. (858)679-9928 Hometown Restoration . . . . . . . . . . (858)663-8330 SERVPRO of Sorrento Valley. . . . . . (575)420-3885 Servpro San Diego SW . . . . . . . . . . (619)643-2145 WINDOWS Newman Windows and Doors . . . . (760)809-8113

The SCRHA Business Directory of Suppliers is where you'll find the products and services you need to run a successful rental business. Use an SCRHA member first to invest in businesses that support a thriving rental housing community! Scan the code to connect with SCRHA Supplier Members!

www.SoCalRHA.org

54

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6


PREFERRED PARTNERS The Southern California Rental Housing Association partners with industry leaders to provide value-added products and services. These businesses offer special discounts, rates, and services to members of the Southern California Rental Housing Association.

LEARN MORE AT SOCALRHA.ORG SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

55


Winter Sale

HOMEOWNER'S TRUSTED SOURCE FOR

AFFORDABLE AND RELIABLE REPLACEMENT WINDOWS & DOORS

MAJOR MANUFACTURERS INCLUDING MILGARD!

$0 DOWN 0% INTEREST

Wholesale Pricing for Architects, Builders and Contractors!

UP TO 48 MONTHS ON APPROVED CREDIT*

LOWEST Prices Guaranteed* For Homeowners HOA Friendly for Apartment, Condo and Townhome owners

ENERGY SAVING MATERIALS! Vinyl | Fiberglass | Aluminum Bi-Folding Doors | French Doors Patio Sliding Doors & more!

NEW! BLACK EXTERIOR | V250 STYLE LINE® SERIES

We can help you choose the perfect window or door plan to fit your needs!

UP TO PEOPLE

LOVE US

%

50 0

OFF *

When you mention this code!

ON

flatlay-mus06

PROMO CODE: SIVAN33

Some restrictions may apply. This offer is not valid with any other offer and cannot be combined. Promotions and discounts are subject to availability and applied by dealer at the time of contract execution in-home. Offer valid through the end of the current month.

CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE! Lic #: 1000582

SivanWindowsandDoors.com CONNECT WITH US

56

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6

(888) 383-6798

9596 Chesapeake Drive Suite B. San Diego, CA 92123


1031 EXCHANGES

COMMERCIAL LENDING

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

1031 Capital Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Provident Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Griswold Real Estate Management. . . . . . . . . . . 39

Financial Designs, Ltd.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

COUNTERTOPS

LRS Property Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

AIR-CONDITIONING

CREDIT CHECKS

MyOnSiteManager.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

AA Feders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

ApplyConnect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Aztec Appliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

DECKING

Genie Air Conditioning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

WATERPROOFING

RATIO UTILITY BILLING

APARTMENT ASSOCIATIONS

Bergeman Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Livable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Southern California Rental Housing Association. 6

LD Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

ROOF REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE & INSTALLATION

APPLIANCE SALES

Life Deck.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Bergeman Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

AA Feders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

EARTHQUAKE RETROFITTING & ENGINEERING

Resilient Roofing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Aztec Appliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

ADU1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

SEISMIC RETROFIT / SOFT STORY

ASPHALT

ENERGY SAVING / REBATES

ADU1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

MGB Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Livable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

TOWING / PARKING CONTROL / SIGNAGE

BACKGROUND SCREENING

ENGINEERING

Western Towing.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

ApplyConnect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

ADU1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

TENANT SCREENING

BALCONY INSPECTION

FENCES/GATES/HANDRAILS

ApplyConnect. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Bergeman Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

LD Steel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

TOILETS/SINKS/FAUCETS

DrBalcony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

FINANCIAL / ESTATE PLANNING

AA Feders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

EEE Advisor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Financial Designs, Ltd.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

TRASH HAULING & RECYCLING MANAGEMENT

BATHROOM REMODELING / REGLAZING

HEATING

Mattress Recycling Council, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

American Bathtub Refinishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Aztec Appliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

UTILITIES REBATES

CABINETS

Genie Air Conditioning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Livable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

AA Feders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

KITCHEN REMODELING

WATER HEATERS/BOILERS

COIN-OP LAUNDRY SALES

AA Feders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

AA Feders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Aztec Appliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

LEGAL & EVICTION SERVICES

Aztec Appliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

WASH Laundry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Dennis P. Block & Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

WINDOWS & DOORS

COLLECTIONS

PEST / TERMITE CONTROL

Newman Windows & Doors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Dennis P. Block & Associates. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

XTermite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

SIVAN Windows & Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

&

STAIRS

/

MAGNESITE

/

YardiBreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Apartment Management Magazine cannot guarantee or be responsible for the products or services offered by advertisers in this publication - AMM 6-1 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA RENTAL HOUSING ASSOCIATION - SCHRA.ORG

57


SAN DIEGO GAS & ELECTRIC & 211 PARTNERING FOR YOUR SAFETY

We all need a little help sometimes. During wildfire season, some of us need a little more help. That’s why SDG&E® is working with 211 San Diego to help provide additional customer assistance if a Public Safety Power Shutoff is necessary. To get connected to community, health, social and disaster services, please call 211 or visit 211sandiego.org.

© 2021 San Diego Gas & Electric Company. Trademarks are the property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

58

DECEMBER 2023 - APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINE AMM6


FAM OUS FOR VALUE

aztecappliance

Huge Clearance Center Largest Selection in San Diego Famous quality and value since 1974 Professional Delivery, Installation, & Haul Away Property Management & Commercial Accounts Welcome

100’S OF MODELS AND BRANDS TO CHOOSE FROM! CHECK OUT THE OPEN BOXES, DISPLAY M ODELS, AND DISCONTINUED ITEMS FOR FAMOUS SAVI NGS! Famous for Customer Value since 1974! Trusted for “On Time” service for 37 Years! Providing the Multi-Unit Housing community with value and service Experienced Associates to assist you with: Brand name products, sales, selection, and service The Right Product, for the Right Application to Rent that empty unit, or complete your home’s remodel! Most items available for same-day will call, or order by noon-have it delivered the next day!

LAUNDRY ROOM, REFRIGERATORS & FREEZERS, MATTRE SS SETS, COIN-OPERATED WASHERS, DRYERS, DISHWASH ERS, DISPOSERS, TRASH COMPACTORS, RANGES, OVENS, COOKTOPS, VENTILATION, OUTDOOR APPLIA NCES, WATER HEATERS & ACCESSORIES

We Welcome Residential and Commercial Clients. Serving San Diego since 1974! 4070 Kearny Mesa Road, San Diego, CA 92111 Phone: (619) 236-0616 (ask for Joan) E-Mail:Joan@aztecappliance.com Mon.-Fri. 8:30am-5:30pm Sat 10am-4pm Sat. 10am-4pm


APARTMENT MANAGEMENT MAGAZINES

VALUE

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID LOS ANGELES, CA PERMIT #1831

ADVOCACY VALUE

Presence in the community

The ultimate resource for all things related to rental housing.

Product and program diversification

Rental housing friendly public policy & elected and appointed officials

Reenvisioning quality housing for all

Robust funding for rental housing policy creation

To create a thriving rental housing community through advocacy, education, and collaboration

Resource hub

STRATEGIES Strategic alliances Fundraising Set strategic priorities

Character & integrity that negates need for regulation

OUTREACH

OUR MISSION

STRATEGIES

Recognized resource hub that inspires diverse membership growth & engagement from all sectors of rental housing.

ADVOCACY

OUR VISION

OUTREACH

People coming to SCRHA for opinion, advice, knowledge, & expertise Rental housing providers are recognized as valuable & essential members of the community

SOCALRHA.ORG 4 | Southern California Rental Housing Association Rental Advisor April 2022

STRATEGIES Visibility & prominence Collaboration


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.