TAA Day at the Capitol in Austin, Texas – Some of the many dedicated voices
in Austin advocating for the Apartment industry. (Left to right) Sean Cunningham,
Flooring Warehouse; Brenda Crawford, Oro Capital Advisors; Peggy Charles,
Fidus Construction; Alisha Cain, Greystar and Terri Clifton, Better World Properties LLC.
Keeping the apartment industry running smoothly in Texas with fair and comprehensive regulations for apartment owners, apartment property managers and residents takes continued dedication and support. Read on to see how your voice is heard in Austin.
Be The Change
As veterans in the apartment industry with over 100+ years of combined experience, the team at Better World Properties LLC learned long ago that waiting for change can be a very long wait. Instead, we seek to be the change to make it a better world.
We recently had the privilege of joining hundreds of our apartment industry colleagues from across the great Lone Star State at the Texas Apartment Association Day at the State Capitol in Austin, Texas.
Each year, we gather in Austin to advocate a fair voice for all of those that are part of the apartment industry including apartment property owners, apartment residents, support services vendors and apartment property managers.
David Mintz, VP of Government Affairs for the Texas Apartment Association was instrumental in guiding the groups through procedures at the Capitol to maximize time and effort for all.
Governor Greg Abbott’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director, Matt Hirsch welcomed the hundreds of apartment industry representatives to Austin.
Texas Late Charge law
The goal of this recent trip was to advocate for more clarity in the Texas late fee law.
There has been more focus lately in the industry on the definition of reasonable and customary charges when rent payments are late.
Late payment is a struggle for apartment residents and for apartment property managers. While we all choose to be kind in these situations, we also need to have clear regulations on what can and what cannot be done to resolve late payments. Proposed changes will create a clear, easy to understand standard for tenants and landlords.
Housing vouchers from government programs can also play into these decisions and what portions of rent may be subject to late fees.
Get Things Done
Terri Clifton, President of Better World Properties LLC and Michael Knight, VP of Operations for Better World Properties LLC both traveled to Austin for TAA Day. Terri Clifton led a small break out group of apartment industry colleagues who then met legislators to discuss and present ideas and solutions.
“It’s important that we create clearly defined policy within state law that is fair to everyone including apartment property owners, apartment residents and apartment property managers. The more clear the law is, the easier it is for everyone to conduct good business. I am dedicated to participating in the legislative process that helps to govern the apartment industry. This is how we collectively get things done.”
By reaching out, through education and advocating, apartment industry professionals are able to bring the voice of the people to government. With new understanding of how legislation impacts apartment owners, residents and managers, legislators can then make fair and concise decisions.
Finger on the Pulse
Understanding how laws are implemented and keeping a finger on the pulse of new regulations is part of effective professional apartment property management.
Would you like to learn more about how regulations affect your apartment property operations, performance and return on investment? Click here to read more about our apartment property management services.
Or, give us a call. Better yet, come visit. We love to talk apartments.
713-559-6975