American Apartment Owners Association's (aaoa) Blog

Find Out If You Are Making These Common MistakesLike a house built on a strong foundation, your rental application can make or break:Your ability to effectively screen your prospective tenant. The likelihood you'll collect your rent. Your chances for recovery if you have to turn the tenant over f...

submitted by Louisa May If you're thinking about spring and summer projects, here are a few things to consider before you start wandering down the aisles looking at deck stains: I spoke with Rich Morrell in marketing at Cabot Stains, and he simplified the process somewhat, "Making the right choic...

an interview with Michael Horn, VP Commercial Sales: Lowe's Michael Horn is no stranger to home repairs.  He owned 27 rental units over the years, before signing up to help Lowe's Corporate develop it's focus on property management and maintenance.  This expert ‘do-it-yourselfer' shares his tips ...

Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast has its headquarters this year in Biloxi, Mississippi. During a week long event, from May 11 through May 16, 2008, Habitat for Humanity's Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project volunteers will build ten new houses in Biloxi, twenty more in nearby...

Although a prospect's name typically is the first thing a landlord asks for, it is often incomplete on the application and lease.  This presents a problem for enforcement of the lease agreement, evictions, subsequent collection efforts, and investigations.Make certain that you recorded the prospe...

Given the widespread popularity of the new electric vehicles, tenants will undoubtedly be looking for ways to refuel at home. With all of the considerations that go into this decision, it certainly is time to review your options and devise a plan for EV Charging Stations on your rental site. As t...

an interview with David Lupberger, Director of Consumer and Contractor Outreach: ServiceMagic"I've heard it said that people spend more time choosing their TV set than their contractors," begins David Lupberger, a twenty-year construction remodeling veteran, columnist and author,  who heads consu...

The first sustainable housing community in the Ninth Ward is underway, and the project includes five homes and one eighteen unit apartment building built according to "green" standards. As an extension to his first project, Brad Pitt announced in December 2007 the creation of a new foundation cal...

TENANT BACKGROUND CHECKS:  A Quick Tips Checklist for Finding Red FlagsWhile nothing takes the place of tenant screening reports and employment and personal references, here are some quick ways to check whether your prospective tenant is giving you valid information: Read more...

You've probably heard it said that "the harder the surface the cleaner the floor." It's true that clean floors free of dust and pet hair are better for everyone, but for individuals with allergies or chemically sensitive immune systems, the most important factor is high or low VOC's. Volatile org...