ABODEAPRIL 2008 - 2008 HAA EDUCATION CONFERENCE & EXPO SPECIAL EDITION - You could win this laptop!
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ABODE APRIL 2008
The Houston Apartment Association Magazine
You could win
this laptop!
See Page 6 fo
r details
2008 HAA EDUCATION CONFERENCE & EXPO SPECIAL EDITION
the
Booth #39 Booth #509
CONTENTS ON THE COVER
Photos by MARK HIEBERT, Hiebert Photography
Design by DEBORAH NIX, HAA Staff
April 2008
Get Linked to Your Future
34 Welcome to the Expo – Plug into our network The 2008 Houston Apartment
for the latest and greatest the industry has to offer. Association Education
36 Meet the Committee – These are the people Conference & Expo Committee
invites owner/management
who make the biggest event of the year possible.
company personnel to log on
38 $1,000 Giveaway – Find out how you can enter
to great education and
our drawing for $1,000 during the Expo.
networking opportunities at
40 Exhibitors – See who will be on the Expo floor. Reliant Center on Wednesday,
41 Registration – Use this form to register for the May 21. See Page 6 for the
Education Conference seminars. show schedule and details on
42 Education Conference – Learn more about the trio how you can enter to win a
of informative and challenging seminars on May 21. new laptop computer.
44 Zap the Gap – Education Conference speaker
44 Meagan Johnson illustrates the differences between
what four generations of workers bring to the job.
Features & Photos Departments
30 Photo Album – Scenes from the February SOAPS
luncheon at Truluck’s. 8 PATRON
19 EDUCATION
32 Say Thanks – HAA’s annual awards program
20 CALENDARS
provides a great way to recognize a job well done.
25 REGISTRATION
52 Careful Criteria – Make smart decisions when 74 GO-GETTERS
evaluating prospects with subprime foreclosures. 76 AMBASSADORS
60 Change and Evolve – Moving your organization 78 WELCOME MAT
forward can require tough love from the top. 80 PROPERTY UPDATE
70 Designate of the Month – Clarissa Balderas 82 IN THE NEWS
believes that education is an ongoing process. 86 OWNER RESOURCES
88 SUPPLIER RESOURCES
74 HAA: This is Your Network – Help your business
91 MARKET LINE
and the association grow with our 2008 member-
92 BACK PAGE
ship drive and see photos from the kick-off.
81 Keep Pipes Flowing – Ask your residents to help
‘Corral the Grease’ into the garbage, not the sink.
74
84 Here’s Looking at You – Scenes from the Redbook
seminars, the January Board of Directors meeting
and the March Better Government Fund luncheon.
Columns
7 President’s Corner – The 2008 Expo promises a wealth of information to help you do business.
We welcome your
9 Legislative Update – Houston slows its efforts to halt big development on small streets. comments and letters.
11 It’s The Law – Questions raised at the Redbook seminars yield insight into how to handle problems. Write to us at:
14 Resident Relations – Residents who fail to give notice as required in the lease will be held responsible. HAA Communications Dept.
4810 Westway Park Blvd.,
17 State Update – The Legislature may be in recess, but TAA is busy monitoring interim activity. Houston, Texas 77041
or fax to: 281-582-1506.
18 Media Roundup – Read about the lessons learned at a special media training event for HAA leaders.
Or send us an e-mail at:
26 NAA Industry Update – The nation’s housing crisis calls for new solutions and a fresh approach. comm@haaonline.org.
ABODE APRIL 2008 3
OFFICERS AND ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP
JOHN RIDGWAY
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Suan Tinsley,
Immediate Past President
Josh Allen
Mack Armstrong
Brian Austin
Margaret Balderaz
PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL
OFFICERS
Tony Whitaker, President
Foundation Specialists
Vicki Summitt, CAS, Vice President
Direct Energy
Jeff Blevins, CAS, Secretary
Camp Construction Services
SPONSOR MEMBERS
1968
Reliant Energy
1976
Mueller Water Conditioning
1977
2005
Apartment Appliance Leasing
Classic Touch Painting
First Advantage SafeRent Inc.
Lone Star Roofing of Texas
Regal General Contractors Inc.
Storm Water Services
ABODE
APRIL 2008 VOLUME 31, ISSUE 4
Executive Vice President and Publisher JEFF HALL, CAE jhall@haaonline.org
Gene Blevins Michelle Bridges-Pahl, CAS, Treasurer M&M Lighting Inc. United Protective Services EDITORIAL STAFF
PRESIDENT
Jeff Blevins Century Air Conditioning 1978 Director of Publications and Design DEBORAH NIX dnix@haaonline.org
Roger Camp Cesar Lima, Liberty Personnel/Executive Search 2006 Managing Editor RACHEL ZOCH rzoch@haaonline.org
Kathy Clem Immediate Past President Bell’s Laundries
AAA Plumbers 1980 N.D. Chandler Mechanical ADVERTISING
Ernest Etuk
Great American Business Products CAD Restoration Services LLC Director of Supplier Services AMANDA SHERBONDY asherbondy@haaonline.org
John Fedorko MEMBERS Penco Construction Co. Corestone Paving & Construction
Darlene Guidry CONTRIBUTING STAFF
Peggy Charles Marvin Poer & Co. DoodyCalls
Billy Griffin Brandt Electric Vice President and General Manager SUSAN HINKLEY, CAE shinkley@haaonline.org Booth #521
First Co.
Alison Hall Arrie Colca, CAS 1981 Vice President of Events and Meetings CARA JOHNSON, CMP cjohnson@haaonline.org
JA Lane Design Studio –
David Hargrove Craven Carpet Hoover Slovacek LLP Vice President of Professional Development EMILY HILTON, CPP ehilton@haaonline.org
Commercial Interior Design
Larry Hill Laura Collins, CAS Lopez Carpet Care & Painting Vice President of Public Affairs ANDY TEAS, CAE ateas@haaonline.org
Classic Touch Painting 1982 Masonry Solutions Inc. Director of Facility Services LANA SHILLER lshiller@haaonline.org
Deborah Holcombe
BETH VAN WINKLE Kevin Fenn, CAS Wallace Garcia Wilson Architects Inc. National Tenant Network Director of Form Sales FRANCES TORRES ftorres@haaonline.org
Theresa Lamar Pavecon
PRESIDENT-ELECT Parking Management Company Director of Information Technology MARY PARKHOUSE, CAE mparkhouse@haaonline.org
Dick LaMarche Michael Flores 1983 Director of Member Services LISA BUTLER lbutler@haaonline.org
Quantum Fitness Corp.
Cesar Lima Higher Standard Construction Webb Pest Control Roto-Rooter Services Co. Director of Resident Credit Reporting BARBARA DAMSTRA bdamstra@haaonline.org
Etan Mirwis James Gregory Cort Furniture Rental Texas Contract Floors Inc. Director of Resident Relations MATILDE LUNA mluna@haaonline.org
Michelle Bridges-Pahl Redi Carpet Sales USA Decon Education and Meetings Manager KIRSTEN DEAGEN kdeagen@haaonline.org
Velissa Parmer Lisa Grimes 1984 Valet Waste Public Affairs Specialist AIMEE BERTRAND ARRINGTON abertrand@haaonline.org
Byron Plant D&C Contracting Brady, Chapman, Holland & Assoc. ZipReports Webmaster and IT Specialist WILL ALFARO walfaro@haaonline.org
Jimmie Hotz, CAS
Jackie Rhone
HD Supply 1985 2007
Kelly Scott Deona James, CAS Gemstar Construction & ABC Restoration Inc. PRINTER
Trey Stone Resident Data Development Inc. TGI PRINTED www.tgiprinted.com
ACR Supply Inc.
Eileen Subinsky Alan Jones, CAS Golden Greek Carpets Inc. Adams & Abdulla
Vicki Summitt ICI Paints American Sports & Concrete LLC
Susan Lee, CAS 1987 HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION COMMITTEES
DAVID JONES Sal Thomas Apple Moving
Starla Turnbo Craven Carpet For Rent Media Solutions Builders Granite & Tile Inc. COMMITTEE CHAIR STAFF ADVISOR
VICE PRESIDENT
Vic Vacek Jr. James Lenhardt Houston Metro Electrical Corp. Choice Corporate Housing Inc. Program & Budget Committee JOHN RIDGWAY JEFF HALL
Hire Priority Staffing & Executive Search Namco Manufacturing Co. Inc. D&C Contracting Nominating Committee SUAN TINSLEY JEFF HALL
Debbie Webre Amy Mauer
Tony Whitaker Delaney’s Roofing & Construction National Liaison JERRY WINOGRAD JEFF HALL
Apartment Guide 1988 Double Trees Construction State Liaison DAVID HARGROVE JEFF HALL
Jerold Winograd Brenda Nite AmRent Golden Stones Ethics Committee EILEEN SUBINSKY JEFF HALL
Michelle Ybarra J&L Distributors Big Z Lumber Company Lone Star Striping & Paving Investment Committee MACK ARMSTRONG JEFF HALL
Dean O’Kelley, CAS HCI Building Group The Mad Hatter of Corpus Christi Inc. Owners Committee STACY HUNT JEFF HALL
DIRECTORS EMERITUS Liberty Personnel/Executive Search Redi Carpet Sales Don McGill Toyota of Katy Legislative Committee BETH VAN WINKLE ANDY TEAS
Gary Blumberg Mindy Price Sherwin Williams Company Merit Parking Company HAA Better Government Fund STACY HUNT ANDY TEAS
BG Personnel Services Millennium Lock Inc.
Al Bradley Century Club JEFF BLEVINS ANDY TEAS
Beth Rohani 1991 Monarch Radio Inc.
Jack Dinerstein Ameritex Movers Apartment Data Services Developers Committee BRIAN AUSTIN ANDY TEAS
Premier Carpet Cleaning
KIM SMALL Jenard Gross Andrea Winans Century Air Conditioning Multifamily Fire Safety Alliance BYRON PLANT ANDY TEAS
RoofTec
Hap Hunnicutt Bishop’s Office Needs Media Relations Committee JENIFER PANERAL AIMEE ARRINGTON
SECRETARY Rylitt Inc. Construction &
Stacy Hunt 1992 Resident Relations Committee DARLENE GUIDRY MATILDE LUNA
Landscaping Service
Nora Krakower Alexander-Rose Assoc. Inc. Resident Relations Committee A SANDRA HAZELWOOD MATILDE LUNA
SLM Construction Services
Resident Relations Committee B BRANDY LESLIE MATILDE LUNA
Tim Myers Site Reconstruction LLC
1993 Suntrust Real Estate Corporation Product Service Council TONY WHITAKER SUSAN HINKLEY
John Moore
Comcast Texas Pool Chemicals Community Relations Committee KYLE BROWN SUSAN HINKLEY
P. David Onanian Membership Committee DAVID JONES LISA BUTLER
Stephen Sweet Veritas Services
1995 Ambassador Club MICHELLE BRIDGES-PAHL/KEVIN FENN LISA BUTLER
Kirk Tate Westwood Construction Services Inc. 2008 Go-Getter Club BILLY GRIFFIN/GLORIA HANEY LISA BUTLER
H. J. Tollett Jr. Atlas 1031 Exchange LLC Membership Campaign VARIOUS CAPTAINS LISA BUTLER
Patrick J. Tollett 1997 Elite Apartment Services Inc. IROC Committee DEL WALMSLEY EMILY HILTON
Paramount Insurance Repair Service Mr. Brick of Houston Inc. Education Advisory Council KIM SMALL EMILY HILTON
GENERAL COUNSEL EMERITUS RENCON Texas Turf Management Career and Community Development BETH ROHANI/GEORGEANNE LONGORIA EMILY HILTON
JENIFER PANERAL Joe Bax SOAPS Committee STARLA TURNBO KIRSTEN DEAGEN
TREASURER 1998 Golf Tournament Committee ROGER CAMP CARA JOHNSON
AAA Staffing Ltd. HAF Fund-raiser PATRICK BROTHERS/MICHELLE GATES CARA JOHNSON
2008 Education Conference & Expo KIM SMALL CARA JOHNSON
2000 2008 Expo Exhibitor Committee VICKI SUMMITT AMANDA SHERBONDY
Pools by Dallas Online Advisory Committee TREY STONE WILL ALFARO
HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS PATRON MEMBERS AFFILIATES
Claude Arnold 1980 2001 HAA MISSION AND VALUES
Kenn Brown Coinmach National Exemption Services
The Houston Apartment Association is the leading advocate and resource to further the quality of rental
Texas Apartment Locators Pura Flo Corporation
Anita Harrison Renovation Services Inc.
housing in the greater Houston area. Core values guiding the governance and management of HAA are:
1981
Dwayne Henson • Promoting community involvement, leadership and collaboration • Grounded in integrity, excellence
WEB Intelligent Laundry Systems
Mike Koch 2002 and ethics • Embracing diversity • Source of lifelong career development
1982
Nora Krakower BFI-Browning-Ferris Industries Gexa Energy Visit HAA Online at www.haaonline.org
HOWARD BOOKSTAFF Merry Mount 1983 Southwest Painting Contractors Inc.
Wilmar Industries Inc. ABODE IS THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE HOUSTON APARTMENT ASSOCIATION.
GENERAL COUNSEL Monette Reynolds Royal Plumbing Supply
1994 Serving the multihousing industry in Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Harris,
Sherry Stevenson
AAA Plumbers 2003 Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, San Jacinto, Waller and Wharton counties.
Kirk Tate
Presto Maintenance Supply Capital Welding & Construction
Suan Tinsley Sign-Ups & Banners Corp.
Whirlpool Corp. ABODE, APRIL 2008, VOLUME 31, ISSUE 4
Del Walmsley 1996 Southern Wrecker ABODE is published monthly by the Houston Multi Housing Corporation. Publishing, editorial and advertising
Nancé Wells Houston Planned Energy Systems Utility Advantage of Texas offices are located at 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041. Telephone 713-595-0300. The $50
Jeanne Marie Zublin 1997 annual ABODE subscription rate is included in all member dues and additional subscriptions are available.
Apartment Guide 2004
The annual subscription rate is $50 for members, $65 for non-members. Advertising rates are available upon
2003 Assessment Advisors
Embark – The Tree Specialists request. Contributed material does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Houston Apartment
Dixie Carpet Installations
Garrick Roofing Association. Copyright © 2008 by HAA.
MAB Flooring Inc.
Ygnition Networks Application to Mail at Periodicals Postage Rates is Pending at Houston, Texas.
JEFF HALL, CAE
EXECUTIVE VP POSTMASTER: Send address changes to ABODE, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, Texas 77041.
4 APRIL 2008 ABODE ABODE APRIL 2008 5
2008 HAA Education Conference & Expo Conference Schedule PRESIDENT’S CORNER By JOHN RIDGWAY, 2008 HAA President
Wednesday, May 21 10:30 a.m. Registration for morning seminars begins
Reliant Center, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
11:15 a.m. Morning Seminars begin:
• Marketing & Leasing “Zap the Gap”
• Executive-Level Fair Housing Act Design and
Link to the Future
Construction Solutions Seminar
Noon “Lunch on the Go” sponsored by BG Personnel
and TransUnion/Credit Retriever (provided for
morning seminar attendees ONLY).
1 p.m. Expo opens in Hall D. Free admission to The upcoming 2008 Education Conference & Expo promises
Owner/Management Company Personnel
Register on site, Hall D a wealth of information to help you do business.
2:30 p.m. Registration for afternoon seminar begins
H
3 p.m. Afternoon Seminar begins:
Mark your AA’s annual Education Conference eration gap, a maintenance seminar with all the lat-
and Expo just keeps getting better est on the ever-changing HVAC regulations and an
• Maintenance: What the Future Holds in Pending calendar for and better. Mark your calendar for executive-level program that will address design and
HVAC Regulations – The Phase-Out of R-22 Wednesday, Wednesday, May 21 and plan to take construction solutions for meeting or beating Fair
3 p.m. First $1,000 Giveaway drawing
May 21. advantage of the excellent education- Housing requirements.
Two lucky attendees will each win $1,000 during the al opportunities and the biggest and best trade show Entry to the Expo is free, but don’t miss out on the
Expo. For a game board and rules on how to play of any local association in the nation. “buy three, get one free” Internet special – register
the $1,000 Giveaway, see Pages 38 and 39. This issue of the ABODE details all the programs for seminars online at www.haaonline.org and get the
Game boards will also be available on and exhibitors for the 2008 Education Conference fourth person in free! See Page 42 for details.
site. You must be present to win. and Expo. Almost 300 supplier companies are The Education Conference & Expo provides a
exhibiting and prepared to show you the latest tools great way for property staff, management company
4:30 p.m. Best Booths announced
and best resources to help you operate your busi- employees and property owners to visit suppliers
5:50 p.m. Laptop drawing ness. In addition, the education conference features without sales pressure. Make your link to future
You could win this on Wednesday, May 21! 6:45 p.m. Second $1,000 Giveaway drawing
three exceptional programs, including a marketing success with this fun-filled and information-packed
and leasing seminar that will help you zap the gen- day celebrating what’s great about our industry.
7 p.m. Show closes
Registration for the seminars and the Expo will held in one place,
Visit www.my the
space.com/ha at the main registration area, Hall D, in Reliant Center.
to view the S aexpo2008
to be Association e cret C o dConference
e
ouston Apartment eligible to2008
en Education & Expo
for a free Dell ter a dra wing
laptop compu Will you be next to link into our network?
Entry
ter! For more information, visit our Web site at
cards must be www.haaonline.org. You can also visit our
between 1 p. turned in on
m. and 5:45 Wednesday, M
p.m. at the HA ay 21, MySpace page at www.myspace.com/haaexpo2008
Reliant Center A Booth #439
, Hall D, durin ,
Drawing will g the HAA Ex
be held at th po.
One winner w e HA A Bo oth at 5:50 p.
ill be drawn fro m.
Secret code m m all entries. Booth #303
ust be correct
Winner must and exact.
be present to
win.
Entry Card – Take this completed card to the HAA Booth #439 during
the 2008 HAA Expo on May 21, Hall D, Reliant Center.
Extra entry cards will be available at the entrance of the Expo Show Hall.
Name_____________________________________________________
Company__________________________________________________
Job Position________________________________________________
Daytime Phone_____________________________________________
E-mail_____________________________________________________
Enter MySpace Secret Code Here:
Description of Prize: Dell Inspirion 1525/1526 Spring Green Satin Finish with Intel
Pentium Dual Core. 2 GB, 120G 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive, 15.4 Inch Wide Screen,
Integrated Network Card, Integrated 56K Modem, DVD/RW Drive, Intel Mini Card,
Microsoft Office 2007 Home/Student Edition and Microsoft Vista Home Premium
Edition installed. One year warranty included via Dell Computers. HAA/HAF is not
responsible for equipment malfunctions and failures after the winner takes possession
of the computer. ABODE APRIL 2008 7
PATRON OF THE MONTH LEGISLATIVE UPDATE By BETH VAN WINKLE, CAM, CAPS, CPM, HAA Legislative Committee Chair
Houston Planned Energy Systems Royal Plumbing Supply with ANDY TEAS, CAE, Vice President of Public Affairs
HAA Member since 1978 HAA Member since 1969
BFI-Browning-Ferris Industries MAB Flooring Inc.
HAA Member since 1980 HAA Member since 1998
These companies have
generously supported the Presto Maintenance Supply AAA Plumbers
Houston Apartment
Association with their
patron membership.
Please give them careful
HAA Member since 1983
Coinmach
HAA Member since 1961
Texas Apartment Locators
HAA Member since 1984
Whirlpool Corporation
HAA Member since 1966
Dixie Carpet Installations
Density on Hold
HAA Member since 1974 HAA Member since 1987 The City of Houston slows its efforts to halt the development
consideration, whenever WEB Intelligent Laundry Systems Apartment Guide
possible, in your business. HAA Member since 1977 HAA Member since 1979 and construction of large buildings on small streets.
The city intends “You’ve always had the power, my dear. You’ve had it all The City of Houston, desperate to find a way to
APRIL’S PATRON
along.” – Glenda the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz change its rules to stop a proposed 23-story high-rise
to continue building on a mostly residential section of Bissonnet,
development
A
police officer I know received a call from had rushed a draconian ordinance proposal to City
of a “traffic his frantic mother one day a while back. Council last fall. A last-minute deal brokered by HAA
management” She had locked her keys in her car and Hall of Fame member Michael Stevens narrowly
ordinance that didn’t know what to do. He arrived to averted disaster, getting the city to agree to a three-
will provide clear find his mom fishing around with a month delay in exchange for a three-month delay by
coathanger trying to unlock the door. He looked at the targeted developers.
direction on a the car, walked around to the passenger side, reached During the three-month “cooling-off period,” what
developer’s in through the open window and unlocked the door. did the city discover?
responsibility. How often do you get deep into a big problem, Turns out there’s a driveway ordinance, last updated
only to discover the solution was right in front of in 1968, that lets the city reject a site plan for pretty
your nose the entire time? See LEGISLATIVE, Page 66
Booth #414/416
Booth #426
8 APRIL 2008 ABODE ABODE APRIL 2008 9
IT’S THE LAW By HOWARD BOOKSTAFF, Hoover Slovacek LLP , HAA General Counsel
Asked and Answered
Pressing questions raised at the Redbook seminars yield insight
into how to handle day-to-day management issues.
M
any of you attended one of the provides that a one-time penalty not to exceed 5 percent
This is the first
recent Redbook seminars. If you may be applied to delinquent accounts. If such a penalty
part of Howard came, hopefully you learned some- is applied, the bill must indicate the amount due if the
Bookstaff’s thing you didn’t know before and late penalty is incurred. No late penalty may be applied
answers to are now more sensitive to recogniz- unless agreed to by the tenant in a written lease that
questions asked ing issues that may present themselves at your property. states the percentage amount of such late penalty.
at the Redbook A number of questions were asked at the seminars that, If you are going to charge a late fee on a delinquent
due to time constraints, could not be fully answered. water account, the water addendum that the resident
seminars.
Here are answers to some of the questions asked: signs must identify the late fee and have the resident
agree to paying the late fee. The TAA water addenda
IS IT LEGAL TO CHARGE LATE FEES identify the 5 percent late fee.
ON DELINQUENT WATER BILLS? There are penalties associated with violating the
Yes. But be careful! Section 291.125(m) of the Texas TCEQ water regulations. You should make sure that nei-
Commission on Environmental Quality rules for subme- ther you nor any billing company you retain charges a
tering of water and allocation of nonsubmetered water late fee in excess of what is allowed. You cannot charge
Booth #825
ABODE APRIL 2008 11
the late fee identified in Paragraph 6 of the the bank or other drawee for lack of funds or eviction action or tell the resident that you do
lease if that late fee would exceed 5 percent of insufficient funds. In other words, in order to not accept the payment.
the delinquent amount and is not otherwise prosecute a hot check charge against a resi- If you refuse the payment, you would refrain
identified in the water addendum. dent, you have to provide the resident with at from prosecuting the hot check charge but be
least 10 days’ notice that the check was refused entitled to proceed with the eviction action.
IF WE GIVE A BAD CHECK NOTICE by the bank and allow the resident the oppor- Although there is an argument that even if you
AND A THREE-DAY NOTICE TO VACATE, tunity to make the check good. accept payment in full since the rent was paid
DO WE NEED TO WAIT UNTIL THE 11TH There is no restriction that requires you to late, there is a default under the lease which
DAY TO FILE THE EVICTION? wait the 10-day period to file an eviction would entitle you to proceed with the eviction,
Section 32.41 of the Texas Penal Code action against the resident for nonpayment of a number of judges are uncomfortable with
requires that, in order to prosecute a hot check rent. However, if the resident tenders the pay- allowing you to go forward on a nonpayment
charge, the issuer of the check (the resident) ment, and the payment constitutes payment of rent eviction if no money is due.
must have failed to pay the holder of the in full for all amounts due, you will have a If you accept a partial payment (if the
check (the owner) in full within 10 days after decision to make. You can either take the amount paid on the bad check is less than the
receiving notice that payment was refused by funds and refrain from going forward on the whole amount), it is advisable to send a letter
to the resident telling the resident you have
accepted the payment as a partial payment
only and that you are proceeding with the
eviction action. This will allow you to present
an argument to the judge that you did not
intend to waive your right to go forward by
accepting the partial payment.
WHAT IS THE STATUS OF AGREEMENTS
WITH CABLE PROVIDERS?
Many properties have contracts with their Booth #533
cable providers that are near renewal. Can
those properties renew and continue to supply
basic cable exclusivity?
In the February 2008 ABODE magazine, we
outlined the new FCC order regarding cable
issues. On November 13, 2007, the FCC
released an order that it adopted on October
31, 2007 regarding exclusive access agree-
ments. The FCC found that building exclusivi-
ty clauses (as opposed to clauses that require
exclusive wiring or exclusive marketing) cause
significant harm to competition. The FCC
found that although exclusivity clauses may
Booth #31 in certain cases be beneficial, at least in the
short term, to consumers, the harm of build-
ing exclusivity clauses outweigh their benefits.
According to the FCC, it collected evidence
that demonstrates that building exclusivity
clauses, especially when used in current mar-
ket conditions by incumbent cable operators,
are a barrier to new entry into the video mar-
ketplace and the provision of triple play offer-
ings (voice, video and internet services). Such
exclusivity clauses inhibit competition in
these markets and slow the deployment of
broadband facilities. Exclusivity clauses also
deny residents the benefit of increased compe-
tition, including lower prices and the avail-
ability of more channels with more content,
as well as access to alternative providers of
broadband facilities and the triple play of
communications services or facilities support.
Effective as of December 13, 2007, no cable
operator may enforce or execute any provision
See LAW, Page 58
12 APRIL 2008 ABODE
RESIDENT RELATIONS From the RESIDENT RELATIONS COMMITTEES
Give Notice
Residents who fail to give the appropriate notice as required in the lease
will be responsible for whatever fees the lease specifies.
R
esidents who change their minds On October 26, 2006, a renewal notice THE COMMITTEE’S DECISION
at lease renewal time must be was sent to the resident. Management did The committee decided in favor of the
reminded that they are required not get a response from the resident until owner. The resident did not fulfill her
to give adequate written notice or management received a rental verification lease obligation. The notice to vacate
face fees and possible damage to their from another property on December 6. given by the resident was not a proper
credit reports.
Booth #535/537
Residents are required to give adequate written notice
THE COMPLAINT AND RESPONSE or face fees and possible damage to their credit reports.
One such resident filed a complaint with
HAA to receive her security deposit and to The resident went into the office on that 60-day notice required by the lease, there-
dispute charges. Management responded to same day and gave her notice to vacate at fore charges were justified. The resident
HAA with the explanation that on July 13, the end of December. owes the property $718.63.
2006, the resident gave her 60-day notice Management believed the resident was
to vacate on September 17. At that time charged according to the terms of the Managers can call the HAA main line at
the resident was informed she would be lease. Enclosed were a copy of the lease, 713-595-0300 and ask for Resident Relations.
breaking her lease and would be charged a application, move-in/move-out condition Please identify yourself as a property manager
reletting fee. The next day, the resident form, notice to vacate, deposit disposition so that we may direct your call appropriately.
called and cancelled her notice. and carpet invoice.
Booth #327
14 APRIL 2008 ABODE
STATE UPDATE From the TEXAS APARTMENT ASSOCIATION, by DAVID MINTZ
In the Interim
The Legislature may be in recess, but legislators are busy studying issues from taxes
to crime, and TAA is busy monitoring their progress.
E
even though the Legislature is out of laws protecting residents from health and Criminal Justice
session, the next few months lead- safety problems. • Study the system of deferred adjudication
ing up to the session may prove to Other topics include a number of afford- in Texas courts and make recommendations
be extremely busy for TAA’s legisla- able housing topics, land-use issues and re- for resolving any problems and reducing the
tive team. One area of particular importance integration of ex-offenders into society. TAA potential for release of dangerous criminals.
will be monitoring committee interim stud- will actively monitor these studies and partic- • Review the process for re-entry of crimi-
ies. Before each session, the speaker of the ipate where appropriate. This article spot- nal offenders into communities. Identify bar-
house and lieutenant governor give House lights some of the major studies. riers to the successful return to law-abiding
and Senate committees “charges” about issues behavior, including the absence of employ-
the committees should study to determine SENATE INTERIM CHARGES ment opportunities created by restriction on
whether there should be legislation on those Business and Commerce obtaining certain state occupational licenses.
topics introduced during the next session. • Study and make recommendations on Finance – Subcommittee on Property
While TAA always follows a few issues on a options for encouraging residential and small Appraisal and Revenue Caps
regular basis, this interim we are following commercial consumers to switch electric Review the property tax appraisal system,
more than 45 topics in 24 committees. At products or providers. including the following:
the top of our list are studies in both the • Study the advantages and disadvantages • the duties and responsibilities of chief
House and Senate on the property appraisal of developing a building code specific to appraisers and appraisal districts
system and property taxes. In addition, there coastal properties in order to mitigate hurri- • any abuses that occur in the appraisal
is a study by the Senate Intergovernmental cane damage. Focus on avoiding catastrophic process
Relations Committee on the adequacy of losses of property during a major storm. See TAA, Page 78
Booth #409
Booth #134/136
16 APRIL 2008 ABODEUPCOMING COURSES From the HAA EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
S
chedule and fees are subject to change without prior notification. A registration form for all courses and seminars listed here is on Page 25.
Notice of cancellation is required two days in advance to receive a For more information, contact the Education & Meetings Department at
refund, less a $10 administrative fee. Seats are guaranteed on a 713-595-0319 or 713-595-0314 or register online at www.haaonline.org
first-come, first-served basis when payment and registration are received (online registrations discounted).
in advance of the program. Unless otherwise indicated, courses are held Notice to Attendees: All pre-registered no-shows will be billed. For
in either the Camden and Michael Stevens Interests Room or the Direct admittance into HAA/HAF events, payments will be required at the door
Energy and Liberty Personnel & Executive Search Room at the Dinerstein if not received prior to the event. Start times listed below include a 30-
Reed Prokop Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd. on the second minute registration period. Notice of cancellation is required two days
floor of the HAA Office Building. Seating is limited. You must pre-register. prior to the event for a refund, less a $10 administrative fee.
April $399 per property; $40 each for across with the results you want! laws and regulations, two case
non-enrolled property personnel Save time by tackling that dreaded studies, familial status review,
CAM/CAS: Human Resources Sponsored by BG Personnel writer’s block. Gain clarity by occupancy standards, disability
Wednesday and Thursday Learn about how an air conditioner creating the “law of attraction” with provisions, marketing and
April 9 and 10 works, efficient operations, cleaning your proposals, letters and e-mail. advertising, and federally assisted
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and inspecting A/C systems and housing and Section 8 regulations.
Program fee: $999 solving chronic problems in order CAM/CAS: Legal Responsibilities
Sponsored by Embark Tree & to reduce costly service calls and Wednesday, April 23 APPLE Core Session IV:
Landscape Services improve resident satisfaction. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Customer Service “en Español”
This module covers FMLA, Title VII Program fee: $999 with Jimmy Cabrera
and OSHA , as well as recruiting, CAPS: Marketing Sponsored by Embark Tree & Tuesday, May 13
hiring and terminations, payroll Thursday, April 17 Landscape Services 8:30 a.m. to noon.
administration and training. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Topics covered within this section $399 per property; $40 each for
Program Cost: $1,120 include OSHA and hazardous non-enrolled property personnel
APPLE Leadership Session II: Individual seminars $160 each materials, equal opportunity Sponsored by BG Personnel
Train to Retain with Terry Jackson Sponsored by Apartment Guide employment, leases and evictions This session will be conducted
Thursday, April 10 Learn more about marketing and vendor contracts. entirely in Spanish. Participants will
8:30 a.m. to noon research, promotional marketing learn of the impact superior
$399 per property; $40 each for and developing and implementing customer service can have on their
non-enrolled property personnel a marketing plan. May residents and their property’s
Sponsored by For Rent Media performance and that no matter
Solutions SOAPS Luncheon with Corporate APPLE Marketing Session II: what language you may speak,
Ever notice that when you have Administrative Staff 50 Ways to Market for Under excellent customer service speaks
employee turnover, you Thursday, April 17 $500 with Kate Good for itself. See Page 22 for details.
automatically have resident 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 6
turnover? Stop throwing good Sponsored by CORT Furniture 8:30 a.m. to noon. Blue Star – Northeast
money after bad – train to retain! Rental and Direct Energy $399 per property; $40 each for Wednesday, May 14
Details will be mailed to SOAPS non-enrolled property personnel 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Booth #106 Maintenance Mania members. Contact Kirsten at Sponsored by Ameritex Movers Location to be announced.
Friday, April 11 713-595-0314 or kdeagen@ Learn innovative ways to generate $35 if payment is received by
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. haaonline.org. traffic, close more leases and retain May 13; $45 after May 13
Seminars Only: $75 your residents with ideas to fit any Registered managers can bring
Holiday Inn Select APPLE Core Session III: budget. This is a great program for their staff for $15 each
2712 Southwest Fwy. (Kirby exit) Spice Up Your Business Writing any challenged property or those Sponsored by Quantum Fitness
This full-day event is dedicated to with Mandi Stanley with limited resources. See Page 22 and Classic Touch Painting
the celebration and education of Tuesday, April 22 for details. The Blue Star Certification Program
maintenance professionals. See 8:30 a.m. to noon is a joint effort by the Houston
Page 23 for sponsors and details. $399 per property; $40 each for CAM/CAS: Fair Housing Police Department and HAA. The
non-enrolled property personnel Wednesday, May 7 program’s goal is to help law
APPLE Maintenance Session II: Sponsored by BG Personnel 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. enforcement officials and the
Air Conditioning Trouble Stuck in a business writing rut? Program fee: $999 multifamily housing industry work
Shooting with Don Willard During this highly customized Sponsored by Embark Tree & together to reduce criminal activity
Wednesday, April 16 session, you'll learn powerful writing Landscape Services in rental properties.
8:30 a.m. to noon techniques to get your message Discussions include Fair Housing See EDUCATION, Page 69
For directions to the HAF Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center, visit Google Maps and enter 4810 Westway Park Blvd. 77041.
ABODE APRIL 2008 19CALENDAR OF EVENTS APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS MAY
S M T W T F S S M T W T F S
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3
6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
April 2008 May 2008
Events Education Meetings Events Education Meetings
3 3 17 7 2 6 5
Membership Campaign Lunch Rental Owners Course continues CAPS: Marketing – Thursday, Online Advisory Committee – Expo Exhibitor Seminar – Friday, APPLE Marketing Session II: Fair Housing Act Design and Better Government Fund
No. 3 – Thursday, April 3, 11:30 – Thursdays, through April 17, April 17, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, April 7, 2 p.m.at the HAA May 2, 8:30 a.m. All supplier 50 Ways to Market for Under Construction Solutions – Luncheon – Monday, May 5 at
a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Lisa for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sponsored by Sponsored by Apartment Guide. Offices. For details, contact Mary members exhibiting in the Expo $500 with Kate Good – Tuesday, Wednesday, May 21,10:30 a.m. at noon. Featured speaker: Mayor
details at 713-595-0322 or lbutler@ Embark Tree & Landscape Services at mparkhouse@haaonline.org or are encouraged to attend. Contact May 6, 8:30 a.m. to noon. See Reliant Center. Sponsored by Bill White. For details and to RSVP,
haaonline.org. Sponsored by and ICI Paints. 22 713-595-0305. Amanda at 713-595-0316 or Page 22 for details. Sponsored by TransUnion/Credit Retriever. See contact Aimee at abertrand@
Classic Touch Painting and ICI APPLE Core Session III: asherbondy@haaonline.org for Ameritex Movers. Page 42 for details. haaonline.org.
Paints. 9-10 Seven and a Half Ways to Spice 8 details and to RSVP.
CAM/CAS: Human Resource Up Your Business Writing with Product Service Council – 7 Pending HVAC Regulations and 7
8 Management – Wednesday Mandi Stanley – Tuesday, April Tuesday, April 8, 10 a.m. to 14 CAM/CAS: Fair Housing – the Phase-out of R-22 Ambassador Club – Wednesday,
Membership Campaign Lunch and Thursday, April 9 and 10, 22, 8:30 a.m. to noon. See Page 11:30 a.m. For more information, Membership Campaign Finale & Wednesday, May 7, 8:30 a.m. to 5 with Don Willard – Wednesday, May 7, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at
No. 4 – Tuesday, April 8, 11:30 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored 22 for details. Sponsored by BG contact Susan at 713-595-0313 or Happy Hour – Wednesday, May p.m. Sponsored by Embark Tree & May 21, 2:30 p.m. at Reliant Amazon Grill, 9600 Westheimer
a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Lisa for by Embark Tree & Landscape Personnel. shinkley@haaonline.org. 14, location to be announced. Landscape Services. Center. Sponsored by Century Air (at Gessner). All supplier members
details at 713-595-0322 or lbutler@ Services. Contact Lisa at 713-595-0322 or Conditioning and Maintenance are welcome. For details, contact
haaonline.org. Sponsored by RPM 23 9, 23 lbutler@haaonline.org for details. 13 Supply Headquarters. See Page 42 Lisa at 713-595-0322 or lbutler@
Daily Services and Valet Waste. 10 CAM/CAS: Legal Responsibilities Resident Relations Committees – Sponsored by Apartments.com APPLE Core Session IV: for details. haaonline.org.
APPLE Leadership Session II: – Wednesday, April 23, 8:30 a.m. Wednesdays, April 9 and 23, and Hiebert Photography. Customer Service “en Español”
15 Train to Retain with Terry to 5 p.m. Sponsored by Embark at 3 p.m. with Jimmy Cabrera – Tuesday, 27 14, 28
Membership Campaign Lunch Jackson – Thursday, April 10, Tree & Landscape Services. 16 May 13, 8:30 a.m. to noon. See Leasing 101 – Tuesday, May 27, Resident Relations Committees –
No. 5 – Tuesday, April 15, 11:30 8:30 a.m. to noon. See Page 22 9 Ronny Finger ALLStars Sports Page 22 for details. Sponsored by 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sponsored by Wednesdays, May 14 and 28,
a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Lisa for for details. Sponsored by For Rent Ambassador Club – Wednesday, Challenge – Friday, May 16, 9 BG Personnel. Electric Now. at 3 p.m.
details at 713-595-0322 or lbutler@ Media Solutions. April 9, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at a.m. to 3 p.m. Help HAA raise
haaonline.org. Sponsored by Amazon Grill, 9600 Westheimer money to fight Lou Gehrig’s dis- 14 28 14
Certified Recovery Systems and 11 It’s that time of year again! (at Gessner). All supplier members ease. See Page 92 for details, or Blue Star – Wednesday, May 14, CAM/CAS: Marketing – Expo Committee – Wednesday,
Seize the opportunity to
Utility Advantage of Texas. Maintenance Mania – Friday, are welcome. For details, contact contact Susan at 713-595-0313 or 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kingwood- Wednesday, May 28, 8:30 a.m. to May 14, 4 p.m. For details, con-
recognize excellence by
April 11, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at nominating an outstanding Lisa at 713-595-0322 or shinkley@haaonline.org. area location to be announced. 5 p.m. Sponsored by Pittsburgh tact Amanda at 713-595-0316 or
23-26 the Holiday Inn Select, 2712 multifamily professional for lbutler@haaonline.org. Sponsored by Quantum Fitness. Paints. asherbondy@haaonline.org.
TAA Education Conference & Southwest Fwy. (Kirby exit). This an Industry Achievement 21
Expo – Wednesday, April 23 full-day event is dedicated to the Award. Nominations are 15 Edication Conference & Expo – 15 29 15
through Saturday, April 26 in celebration and education of HAA’s due April 30th. Call HAA at Multifamily Fire Safety Alliance – Wednesday, May 21. See Pages 6 CAPS: Human Resources – Fair Housing Seminar – Thursday, Board of Directors – Thursday,
Grapevine. See www.taa.org for maintenance and service profes- 713-595-0300 for details. Tuesday, April 15, 8:30 a.m. at the and 34-42 for details. Contact Thursday, May 15, 8:30 a.m. to May 29, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 15, 4:30 p.m. Sponsored by
details and to register. sionals. See Page 23 for sponsors HAA Offices. Amanda at 713-595-0316 or 5 p.m. Sponsored by WEB Sponsored by Houston Pest and CORT Furniture Rental.
and event details. asherbondy@haaonline.org for Intelligent Laundry. Golden Greek Carpets.
29 29 information on Expo booth sales. 20
Membership Campaign Lunch 16 Expo Committee – Tuesday, 21 30 Better Government Fund
No. 6 – Tuesday, April 29, 11:30 APPLE Maintenance Session II: April 29, at 9:30 a.m. For 26 Education Conference Seminars: IROC Breakfast – Friday, May 30, Luncheon – Tuesday, May 20 at
a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Lisa for Air Conditioning Trouble details, contact Amanda at Offices Closed – The HAA “Zap the Gap” with Meagan 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sponsored noon. Featured speaker: Lt. Gov.
details at 713-595-0322 or lbutler@ Shooting with Don Willard – asherbondy@haaonline.org or Offices will be closed on Monday, Johnson – Wednesday, May by Perfect Surface. David Dewhurst. For details and to
haaonline.org. Sponsored by Wednesday, April 16, 8:30 a.m. to 713-595-0316. May 26, in observance of the 21,10:30 a.m. at Reliant Center. RSVP, contact Aimee at abertrand@
Foundation Specialists Inc. and noon. See Page 22 for details. Memorial Day holiday. Sponsored by Apartment Guide, haaonline.org.
Resident Data. Sponsored by BG Personnel. Apartments.com and For Rent
Media Solutions. See Page 42.
Unless otherwise noted, all events meet at our Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., second
floor, in either the Direct Energy and Liberty Personnel & Executive Search Room or the Camden and Michael Stevens Meetings located at the HAA Offices, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., first floor, will be held in the Redi Carpet and Winograd Families/
Interests Room. Judwin Properties Conference Room.
20 APRIL 2008 ABODE ABODE APRIL 2008 21Pick the best
for your staff:
It’s all you can eat he c
elebrat
and
ion
and all new! e n
dica
te
t de AA’s m
d to t ance
aint
en
y ev of H
Offer your team a buffet of knowledge with a bushel of all-new sessions at one low price per property! full-da ation onals.
A c i
edu fess
e
and ice pro
c
APPLE features some of the best nationally acclaimed speakers in the industry. serv
n
!
The entire series is only $399 per property, and the fee includes unlimited attendance
a
HD Supply
by your entire property staff to any or all of the 20 workshops in four tracks:
n
e
a
• CORE • Maintenance • Leadership • Marketing
t
i
Registration for individual sessions by non-enrolled property personnel is $40 per person.
The 2008 series continues with these five great workshops:
ain
M
n
APPLE: Leadership – Session 2 APPLE: Core – Session 3 APPLE: Core – Session 4
a
Thursday, April 10 Tuesday, April 22 Tuesday, May 13
Sponsored by Sponsored by Sponsored by
M
Train to Retain Seven and a Half Ways to Spice Up Customer Service “en Español”
with Terry Jackson Your Business Writing with Jimmy Cabrera
Ever notice when you have employee turnover, with Mandi Stanley For participants with limited English proficiency,
you automatically have resident turnover? Stop Stuck in a business writing rut? A little too this session will be conducted entirely in Spanish.
throwing good money after bad – train to retain. dependent on form letters and stale clichés? Participants will learn the impact superior cus- Seminar participants will attend all three sessions in blocks
Topics include: During this highly customized session, you’ll tomer service can have on their residents and their of 50 minutes on the following topics:
• Training and employee retention go hand learn powerful writing techniques to get your property’s performance. No matter what lan- • Fair Housing for Maintenance featuring Terry Jackson
in hand message across with the results you want. Save guage you may speak, excellent customer service • Resident Retention featuring Toni Blake
• Cost of training vs. cost of not training time by tackling that dreaded writer’s block. speaks for itself. • Go Green on Your Property
• Becoming a company people want to Gain clarity by creating the “law of attraction”
work for with your proposals, letters and e-mail.
• Selecting the right person in the first place Don’t miss upcoming APPLE sessions. Fees: Thank you to our
• Managing the joining up process and coaching APPLE: Marketing – Session 2 Topics include: Competition participants: $75 per generous local sponsors
to maintain commitment Tuesday, May 6 Customer Service “en Español” • Leasing person for the whole day (includes
• Best practices in and out of the industry Sponsored by • Time Management • Leadership “en seminar registration, breakfast, Seminar Sponsors
lunch and competition events). Ameristar Screen & Glass,
• Defining “corporate culture” Espanol” • Manners Matter • Electrical •
Basic Appliances • Teamwork • Friday, April 11 Spectator: $20 per person.
Buena Suerte Spanish News,
McBride Electric
APPLE: Maintenance – Session 2 50 Ways to Market for Under $500 Investment Managing • 50 Ways to Holiday Inn Select Come cheer on your favorite teams!
Wednesday, April 16 with Kate Good Market for Under $500 • Outreach 2712 Southwest Fwy. Open to all members and includes Lunch
Sponsored by Come hear innovative ways to generate traffic, access to competition events as Craven Carpet
Marketing • Resident Retention at the Kirby exit.
close more leases and retain your residents with a spectator.
Strategies and much more! Parking is $2. Blind Tool ID
ideas to fit any budget. Just trying one of these Ameristar Screen and Glass
Air Conditioning Troubleshooting ideas promises results. All ideas come with success
with Don Willard stories, photos and sources. This is a great pro-
Maintenance Skill Competition participants Maintenance Mania Schedule Disposer Installation
Learn the basics of how to keep your residents gram for any property with limited resources.
will compete in the following event categories 8:30 a.m. – Seminar Registration Hire Priority Staffing &
APPLE sessions are held at the (those who wish to compete for the national title 9 a.m. to Noon – Seminars Executive Search
happy and your air conditioning budget under
HAF Dinerstein Reed Prokop Education must compete in all events): Noon to 1 p.m. – Lunch
control. We will discuss how an air conditioner Faucet Installation
works, efficient operations, inspecting and
Center, 4810 Westway Park Blvd., • Faucet Installation 1 p.m. – Competition Registration and Race Car
Best Plumbing
cleaning air conditioning systems and solving at Clay Road east of the Beltway. • Garbage Disposer Installation Practice Runs
chronic A/C problems. Attending this session Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m., and • Light Bulb Installation 2 p.m. – Competition Events Begin Light Bulb Installation
can result in an immediate reduction of costly programs run from 9 a.m. to noon. • Lockset Installation 4 p.m. – Race Car Competition Begins Brandt Electrical Services
air conditioning service calls and improved
• Smoke Alarm Installation 4:30 p.m. – Awards and Medal Ceremony
Lockset Installation
• Blind Tool ID: How well do you know your tools? 5:30 p.m. – Event concludes
resident satisfaction. For more information, contact the Presto Maintenance Supply
• Race Car Competition (Pinewood Derby-style;
HAA Education Department at
wheels provided at HAA) New for 2008: No teammates required – Smoke Alarm Installation
713-595-0319, e-mail For more information and car rules, contact HAA All participants are eligible to compete Maintenance Supply
educ@haaonline.org or look at 713-595-0300 or e-mail educ@haaonline.org. as individuals! Headquarters
online at www.haaonline.org.
Racecar Competition
22 APRIL 2008 ABODE Register online and receive a 10 percent discount on your registration fees! www.haaonline.org Pittsburgh PaintsREGISTRATION Register online at www.HAAonline.org to receive a discount!
Enclosed is $ ___________ to register for the following event(s). Please make checks payable to the Houston Apartment Foundation. For courses and
events designated by an asterisk (*), please make checks payable to the Houston Apartment Association.
o MasterCard o Visa o American Express o Discover Card Number _________________________________________________________
Name as it appears on card _______________________________________________________________ Expiration Date __________/__________
Signature _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
o CAM/CAS: Human Resource Management, Wednesday and o Blue Star – Northeast, Wednesday, May 14. $35 if paid by May 13;
Thursday, April 9 and 10. Program fee: $999. $45 after May 13.
o APPLE Leadership Session II: Train to Retain, Thursday, April 10. o CAPS: Human Resources, Thursday, May 15. $1,120/program; $160
$399/property; $40/non-enrolled property personnel. seminar.
o Maintenance Mania Seminars, Friday, April 11. Seminars Only: $75. o Education Conference Leasing/Marketing Seminar: Zap the Gap,
o APPLE Maintenance Session II: Air Conditioning Trouble Shooting, Wednesday, May 21. $85 if paid by May 19; $95 after May 19.
Wednesday, April 16. $399/property; $40/non-enrolled property personnel. o Education Conference Executive Seminar: Fair Housing Act Design
o CAPS: Marketing, Thursday, April 17. $1,120/program; $160 seminar. and Construction Solutions, Wednesday, May 2. $85 if paid by May 19;
o APPLE Core Session III: Spice Up Your Business Writing, Tuesday, $95 after May 19.
April 22. $399/property; $40/non-enrolled property personnel. o Education Conference Maintenance Seminar: Pending HVAC
o CAM/CAS: Legal Responsibilities, Wednesday, April 23. Program fee: Regulations, Wednesday, May 21. $85 if paid by May 19; $95 after May 19.
$999. o Leasing 101, Tuesday, May 27. $65 if paid by May 23; $75 after May 23.
o APPLE Marketing Session II: 50 Ways to Market for Under $500, o CAM/CAS: Marketing, Wednesday, May 28. Program fee: $999.
Tuesday, May 6. $399/property; $40/non-enrolled property personnel. o Fair Housing Seminar, Thursday, May 29. $65 if paid by May 26; $75
o CAM/CAS: Fair Housing, Wednesday, May 7. Program fee: $999 if paid after May 26.
o APPLE Core Session IV: Customer Service “en Español,” Tuesday, o IROC Breakfast, Friday, May 30. FREE/members; $25/non-members.
May 13. $399/property; $40/non-enrolled property personnel.
Name(s) ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Company _____________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________
City _________________________ State______ Zip ______________ Phone_________________________ Fax_______________________________
Mail to the Education and Meetings Department, Houston Apartment Foundation: 4810 Westway Park Blvd., Houston, TX 77041; fax to HAF at 281-582-1508,
e-mail educ@haaonline.org or online at www.haaonline.org. Schedule and fees are subject to change without prior notification. Notice of cancellation is
required two days in advance to receive a refund less a $10 administrative fee per registration; payment will be considered nontransferable at this time.
Because of guarantees at hotels, restaurants and other venues, all pre-registered no-shows will be billed. For admittance into HAA/HAF events, payments will
be required at the door if not received prior to the event. The Houston Apartment Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex
or national origin in any of its education programs. Register online with a credit card at www.haaonline.org and save.
Booth #8
Booth #509
ABODE APRIL 2008 25INDUSTRY UPDATE From the NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION and the NATIONAL MULTI HOUSING COUNCIL
Stem the Tide
NAA and NMHC tell Congress that the nation’s housing crisis calls for new solutions
and a fresh approach.
T
he worsening foreclosure crisis zations that the nation would likely pay a cern to help people remain in their homes,”
provides lawmakers with an high price for its “homeownership at any said Jim Arbury, NMHC/NAA senior vice
opportunity to learn from our cost” housing policy. president of government affairs. “But as
past mistakes and rethink our Congress considers the various ‘solutions’
national housing policy. That is the mes- AVOID FURTHER CONSEQUENCES being proposed, we urge lawmakers to act
sage the National Multi Housing Council Now we are seeing the consequences of deliberately and cautiously in order to avoid
and National Apartment Association deliv- that misguided policy. People are losing unintended consequences. The primary
ered in a written statement to a Senate their homes, local communities are strug- objective at this point should be to avoid
Finance Committee hearing on the real gling with blight and crime and our nation- causing a full-blown credit crisis.”
estate market in late February.
NMHC and NAA point out that the cur- If there is a silver lining in this situation, it is the
rent situation in the for-sale housing mar- opportunity we now have to learn from our mistakes and
ket is an extremely unfortunate turn of rethink our housing policy. That means finally acknowl-
events that is made even more unfortunate edging that home ownership isn’t the right housing
by the fact that it was completely foresee-
able and preventable. The NMHC/NAA
choice for all households at all points in their lives.
statement cites warnings from as far back as al economy is at great risk as we face the The groups also urged lawmakers to aban-
2004 by a wide variety of housing experts, danger of a deeper credit crisis. don their unqualified support to add to the
former HUD officials and consumer organi- “We certainly understand the great con- already sizeable incentives for homeowner-
See NAA/NMHC, Page 72
Booth #300
Booth #503
26 APRIL 2008 ABODEMEDIA ROUNDUP By JENIFER PANERAL, CPM, Media Relations Committee Chair
with AIMEE BERTRAND ARRINGTON, HAA Public Affairs Specialist
Media Savvy
Here are a few of the lessons learned during a special media training
event held for HAA leaders.
I
The training n late February, members of the HAA Board of PROFIT FROM YOUR GOOD NAME
Directors, Lyceum Candidate Class, HAABGF Margulies explained that perceptions lead profits,
consisted of tips, Steering Committee and Trustees and the Media because a stellar reputation makes others more likely
examples of Relations Committee attended an informative to use your services. For your company or community,
good and bad session on media training at the HAF Dinerstein that may mean more viable leads, better relations
encounters with Reed Prokop Education Center. with the community around you – which could mean
the media and David Margulies, Margulies Communications fewer complaints from neighbors about nuisance
instruction on Group, and Becky Myers, Myers Public Relations, gave issues – and a stronger identity as a trusted business.
the group a strong introduction to working with the
HAA’s positive media. The training consisted of tips, examples of KNOW YOUR DETRACTORS
messsaging plan. good and (really) bad encounters with the media and Conversely, a poor public perception can haunt you
instruction on HAA’s positive messaging plan. Here and your profits. In today’s digital world, it is more
are a few of the lessons learned: See MEDIA, Page 65
Booth #815
Booth #137
28 APRIL 2008 ABODEYou can also read
