Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website. # Texas Apartment Association: The Texas Apartment Association is a non-profit statewide trade association that provides exceptional advocacy, education and communication for the Texas rental housing industry. We serve all types of rental professionals, including property owners, builders, developers, property management firms and service providers. ## Sitemaps [XML Sitemap](https://www.taa.org/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages. ## Posts - [TAA recognizes Amber Franklin with 2026 Frank P. Finch Presidential Award](https://www.taa.org/taa-recognizes-amber-franklin-with-2026-frank-p-finch-presidential-award/): TAA's prestigious 2026 Frank P. Finch Presidential Award is presented annually to celebrate one or more volunteers who have gone above and beyond in their volunteer service. The award, named after TAA Past President Frank P. Finch (1989-90) by 1990-91 President Hap Hunnicutt, is one of the only honors that the TAA president decides solely on his or her own and recognizes outstanding leadership and significant contributions to TAA. Finch's own enthusiasm for and dedication to his involvement in the Apartment Association of Central Texas and TAA, and his servant's heart, live on in the recipients of this award.  - [Early Voting Begins Today: The Future of Rental Housing Starts at the Ballot Box](https://www.taa.org/get-out-the-vote/): Texas rental housing is built by the people in our industry, from leasing professionals and maintenance technicians to property managers, owners, suppliers, and everyone in between.  - [TAA PAC 2026 General Election Endorsements](https://www.taa.org/taa-pac-2026-general-election-endorsements/): What happens at the 2026 general election polls will directly impact your business. The TAA PAC exists to ensure that candidates—leaders who support smart growth, balanced regulation, and property rights across Texas—have the resources and support necessary to be elected and to govern effectively. - [TAA PAC: Powering Advocacy for Texas Rental Housing ](https://www.taa.org/taa-pac-powering-advocacy-for-texas-rental-housing-2/): The Texas Apartment Association Political Action Committee (TAA PAC) is a cornerstone of TAA’s advocacy efforts, empowering the rental housing industry to have a strong, unified voice in Texas politics. As one of the largest trade association PACs in the state, TAA PAC plays a critical role in supporting candidates who champion a healthy business climate and the continued growth of Texas communities.  - [From Busy Season to Better Operations: Lessons Learned From Leasing Season](https://www.taa.org/from-busy-season-to-better-operations-lessons-learned-from-leasing-season/): By Ashleigh Pugh, a Property Manager with Stellar Family of Companies and 2026 TAA Education Foundation Room to Grow Ambassador. - [Protecting Our Progress: TAA’s Legislative Priorities for 2027](https://www.taa.org/protecting-our-progress-taas-legislative-priorities-for-2027/): The 2025 legislative session was one of the best for rental housing providers in years. With the passage of Senate Bill 38, the Legislature and the Governor gave property owners a clearer, more predictable process for removing squatters and other unlawful occupants under Chapter 24 of the Texas Property Code. That predictability matters more than it might seem. Every delay, every inconsistent ruling, and every extra filing has a cost, and that cost eventually shows up in what it takes to provide housing in Texas. Protecting SB 38 is our first legislative priority in 2027 — not because it hands owners a new power, but because a straightforward, uniform, and consistent process is what keeps housing affordable to operate and, in turn, affordable to rent. - [Meet the Team Behind TAA Advocacy](https://www.taa.org/meet-the-team-behind-taa-advocacy/): The people and partners working to advance the rental housing industry at the Texas Capitol - [SB 38 Implementation Update](https://www.taa.org/sb-38-implementation-update/): With the passage of Senate Bill 38 last session, the Legislature and the Governor gave property owners a clearer and more efficient process for removing squatters and other unlawful occupants under Chapter 24 of the Texas Property Code. Eight months into implementation, the reforms are working the way they were intended. SB 38 took effect January 1, prompting the Texas Supreme Court to completely rewrite Rule 510, which is now the exclusive procedural authority for eviction cases. Justice courts may no longer add mediation, pretrial conferences or extra filings that once made timelines depend on which precinct you filed in. Constables must now attempt service within five business days and execute a writ of possession within five business days, and if they don't, an owner may turn to another authorized officer. Trials are set between 10 and 21 days of filing, and practitioners report that cases that once ran 60 to 90 days from notice to writ now run 21 to 35. For genuine unauthorized-occupancy cases, the new summary disposition process can resolve a matter in under 30 days rather than months. Constables themselves have credited the law for putting real accountability on timely service of citations and writs, and precincts using the expedited squatter process report clearing unlawful occupants without a trip through the JP docket at all.    - [TAA Develops New Austin Pre-Application Disclosure](https://www.taa.org/taa-develops-new-austin-pre-application-disclosure/): The City of Austin adopted a Fee Disclosure ordinance requiring owners with five or more dwellings to disclose rent and other fees charged to a resident whenever rent is advertised and prior to a prospect submitting a rental application. The ordinance takes effect October 1. - [President’s Message: TAA’s ONE Conference Delivers Connections That Matter](https://www.taa.org/presidents-message-taas-one-conference-delivers-connections-that-matter/): It’s been about a month since the 2026 TAA ONE Conference, and if you’re like me, you’re still thinking about the conversations, ideas and connections that came out of those few days in Fort Worth. - [HUD Changes ESA Enforcement Posture, but Housing Laws Remain in Effect](https://www.taa.org/hud-changes-esa-enforcement-posture-but-housing-laws-remain-in-effect/): HUD has changed how it will enforce complaints involving emotional support animals (ESAs), but the underlying housing laws have not changed. While HUD has withdrawn prior guidance and narrowed the types of assistance-animal cases it will pursue, the Fair Housing Act (FHA), Texas Fair Housing Act, Section 504 and private litigation risks all remain in place. - [TAA Member Alert: TDHCA Finalizes PRWORA Citizenship Verification Rule, Extends Effective Date to October 1](https://www.taa.org/taa-member-alert-tdhca-finalizes-prwora-citizenship-verification-rule-extends-effective-date-to-october-1/): TDHCA has adopted new rules implementing the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) citizenship verification requirement for HOME, HOME-ARP Rental and NHTF-assisted properties. Also, at its July 9 meeting, the TDHCA Governing Board authorized staff to suspend two specific sections in 10 TAC Section 10.628, relating to the Verification of Occupant Legal Status for HOME, HOME-ARP Rental, and NHTF Developments, which extended the effective date to October 1, 2026. - [Turning Units, Not Budgets: Smarter Maintenance Strategies That Save Money](https://www.taa.org/turning-units-not-budgets-smarter-maintenance-strategies-that-save-money/): By Jason Fein, SVP of Maintenance at Windsor Communities - [Unlocking Doors: From Leasing Assistant to COO with Danny Perea ](https://www.taa.org/unlocking-doors-from-leasing-assistant-to-coo-with-danny-perea/): Unlocking Doors is a podcast dedicated to exploring career growth and advancement in the Texas rental housing industry. Each episode highlights the diverse opportunities within multifamily, the unique paths professionals have taken, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Whether you’re just entering the industry or looking to take the next step in your career, the series offers practical insights, inspiring stories, and expert advice to help you open the next door in your professional journey.  - [2026 Primary Election Recap](https://www.taa.org/2026-primary-election-recap/): The 2026 Primary Election passed us with only a few surprises to be spoken of. Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows all handily held onto their seats. They each also had some major wins and losses by candidates they backed for office. - [Celebrating Excellence: Honoring the 2026 TAA Professional Award Winners](https://www.taa.org/celebrating-excellence-honoring-the-2026-taa-professional-award-winners/): The 2026 TAA Professional Award winners will be recognized live at the TAA ONE Conference in Fort Worth, and we are honored to celebrate their achievements with our members across the state. Join us in congratulating this exceptional group of leaders who continue to move our industry forward. Learn more about the history of the awards. - [Celebrating Excellence in Partnership: Honoring the Olin Steele Award Finalists](https://www.taa.org/celebrating-excellence-in-partnership-honoring-the-olin-steele-award-finalists/): Each year, our association has the privilege of recognizing supplier partners whose commitment, integrity, and service elevate not only our industry, but the community that supports it. The Olin Steele Supplier Partner Lifetime Achievement Award is more than an honor, it is a tribute to the essential role associate members play in strengthening our associations and advancing our collective success. - [President’s Message: Leading with Purpose, One Question at a Time](https://www.taa.org/leading-with-purpose-one-question-at-a-time/): It’s a great honor to serve as your 2026 TAA President. During our leadership installation last fall, I had the amazing opportunity to share my thoughts about the direction of our association for nearly 300 leaders from across the state. And as one of my first acts as your president, I get to share similar thoughts with you – our members. - [Announcing the 2026 “Be the Next: Room to Grow Ambassador” Local Association Edition](https://www.taa.org/announcing-the-2026-be-the-next-room-to-grow-ambassador-local-association-edition/): The Texas Apartment Association Education Foundation (TAAEF) is excited to announce the launch of the 2026 “Be the Next: Room to Grow Ambassador”  Local Association Edition! This signature initiative continues to spotlight early-career professionals in the multifamily housing industry and raise awareness about the rewarding career paths available through the Room to Grow campaign. - [Keep It Going: How to Sustain a Successful Mentorship](https://www.taa.org/keep-it-going-how-to-sustain-a-successful-mentorship/): Establishing a mentorship is a powerful step toward personal and professional growth but maintaining that relationship over time is where the real value lies. A mentorship that stands the test of time doesn’t happen by accident—it requires intention, communication, and effort from both the mentor and mentee. Here are some tips to ensure your mentorship remains beneficial for both parties, long after it’s been established. - [The Power of Mentorship: Nurturing Growth and Building Connections](https://www.taa.org/the-power-of-mentorship-nurturing-growth-and-building-connections/): Embarking on a mentorship journey is a meaningful commitment, one that brings mutual rewards. As a mentor, you're not just shaping the future of an eager mentee—you’re also gaining fresh perspectives and insights that can enrich your own professional journey. Let's explore the core elements that make mentorship thrive. - [The Key to Career Advancement: What Makes a Good Mentor/Mentee Relationship?](https://www.taa.org/the-key-to-career-advancement-what-makes-a-good-mentor-mentee-relationship/): In today’s fast-paced and competitive work environment, having a mentor can be a game-changer for career advancement. A mentor offers more than just advice—they provide guidance, support, and encouragement to help you navigate professional challenges and reach your career goals. However, a mentorship is a two-way street, and for the relationship to be truly effective, both the mentor and mentee must bring certain qualities to the table. Let’s evaluate the elements that make a strong mentor/mentee relationship and how it can accelerate your career. - [Speak Up, and Listen Up: Essential Communication Strategies for Mentors and Mentees](https://www.taa.org/speak-up-and-listen-up-essential-communication-strategies-for-mentors-and-mentees/): Mentorship can be a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. But no matter how much experience or potential each person brings to the table, the success of the relationship hinges on effective communication. Whether you’re guiding someone or seeking guidance, how you communicate will shape the trust, value, and progress of your mentorship journey. Here are essential strategies for establishing clear, open, and meaningful communication on both sides of the relationship. - [Mastering Mentorship: The Role of Effective Communication in Building Strong Connections](https://www.taa.org/mastering-mentorship-the-role-of-effective-communication-in-building-strong-connections/): Embarking on the mentoring journey is a noble endeavor, and like any great adventure, it requires the right tools. In this case, effective communication is your trusty compass. Let’s dive into how you can sharpen your communication skills to foster a thriving mentor-mentee relationship. - [Mentorship Icebreakers: Essential Questions to Spark a Strong Start for Mentors and Mentees](https://www.taa.org/mentorship-icebreakers-essential-questions-to-spark-a-strong-start-for-mentors-and-mentees/): Stepping into a new mentorship relationship—whether you're a mentor or a mentee—can feel both exciting and a bit daunting. The first meeting is your chance to set the tone, establish expectations, and build a shared foundation for success. Asking intentional, open-ended questions can help break the ice, clarify goals, and show that you’re committed to making the most of your time together. Here’s a guide to some of the most impactful questions to ask during your initial meeting. - [How to Find Your Mentor or Mentee: Your Ultimate Guide to Building a Lasting Relationship](https://www.taa.org/how-to-find-your-mentor-or-mentee-your-ultimate-guide-to-building-a-lasting-relationship/): As your career evolves, you’ll encounter new opportunities, challenges, and decisions that shape your professional path. Mentorship is one of the most impactful ways to support that growth. It's more than a transfer of knowledge; it's a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and shared growth. - [Maximize Your Hiring Success with the TAA Career Center & Toolkit](https://www.taa.org/maximize-your-hiring-success-with-the-taa-career-center-toolkit/): Finding the right talent in the multifamily industry can be challenging, but the Texas Apartment Association (TAA) Career Center makes it easier than ever to connect with qualified job seekers across Texas. If you're looking to fill positions in leasing, maintenance, management, or more, the TAA Career Center is your one-stop hiring solution. Plus, our TAA Career Center Toolkit is full of helpful resources including flyers, social media posts, a PowerPoint presentation to use when presenting to Board of Directors and members, and website banners.  - [Mentorship Self-Assessment Worksheet](https://www.taa.org/mentorship-self-assessment-worksheet/): TAA’s Mentorship Self-Assessment Worksheet is designed to empower you as a mentee by providing a structured framework for evaluating your progress and personal development. By identifying specific goals, assessing your current standing, and acknowledging both strengths and areas for growth, you can gain a clear perspective on your journey as a mentee.  - [Big Win for Property Owners: SB 38 Signed into Law Thanks to TAA Advocacy](https://www.taa.org/big-win-for-property-owners-sb-38-signed-into-law-thanks-to-taa-advocacy/): The Texas Apartment Association (TAA) is proud to announce a major legislative victory with the signing of Senate Bill 38—a transformative measure that strengthens the eviction process, addresses squatting and illegal occupancy, and ensures fairness and consistency for property owners across the state. - [Why Every Texas Rental Professional Should Be a Part of TAA](https://www.taa.org/why-every-texas-rental-professional-should-be-a-part-of-taa/): Like most things in Texas, the apartment rental industry is big! There are thousands of rental companies managing millions of units and serving tens of millions of renters. Property owners, managers, builders, developers, and suppliers all work together to serve their customers and grow their businesses. Many of these dedicated companies are members of the Texas Apartment Association (TAA), giving their team members access to a vast, organized network of fellow professionals, industry insights, continuing education, and business tools, at the local, state, and national level. - [Preparing for Winter Freezes: Texas Apartment Owners and Managers](https://www.taa.org/preparing-for-winter-freezes-texas-apartment-owners-and-managers/): Texas might be known for its scorching summers, but recent winter freezes have reminded us all of the unique challenges that come with cold weather here. Unexpected cold snaps can bring frozen pipes, power outages, and icy conditions that affect property and residents alike. To help you get ahead of winter’s surprises, the Texas Apartment Association (TAA) has put together this guide with essential tips to prepare multifamily properties for the possibility of freezes. - [Fire Prevention: A Guide for Texas Rental Housing Owners and Managers](https://www.taa.org/fire-prevention-a-guide-for-texas-rental-housing-owners-and-managers/): Fire prevention is a key consideration for housing owners and managers. Fires can cause property damage, displace residents, and pose a severe risk to safety.  - [Navigating Texas Tornado Season: Preparation and Safety for Texas Communities](https://www.taa.org/navigating-texas-tornado-season-preparation-and-safety-for-texas-communities/): Synopsis - [Preparing for Hurricane Season: A Resource Guide for Texas Apartment Owners and Managers](https://www.taa.org/preparing-for-hurricane-season-a-resource-guide-for-texas-apartment-owners-and-managers/): Synopsis - [Swimming Pool Rules Updated – Effective Jan. 1, 2023](https://www.taa.org/swimming-pool-rules-updated-effective-jan-1-2023/): The Texas Department of State Health Services has adopted new swimming pool rules that became effective January 1, 2023.   - [New FCC ruling, NAA’s member resources](https://www.taa.org/new-fcc-ruling-naas-member-resources/): Dig into the new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruling, which restricts aspects of contractual relationships between housing providers and broadband services providers, and examine the real-world implications for our industry. ## Pages - [TAA Professional Awards](https://www.taa.org/taa-professional-awards/): Excellence isn't built by one person. It's built by thousands of professionals working together to create communities across our great state. Celebrate the people building the standard for Texas multifamily. Professional Awards winners are recognized live at the annual TAA ONE Conference. - [Summer 2025](https://www.taa.org/no-title/): Review the 2025 financials for a comprehensive overview of our financial performance. - [TAA Email Communications Resubscribe Form](https://www.taa.org/taa-email-communications-resubscribe-form/): We’re so excited to have you back! By resubscribing to TAA email communications, you’ll stay in the loop with the latest updates on our advocacy efforts, educational opportunities, event highlights, ONE Conference highlights, and all the great things happening with the TAA Education Foundation. - [REDBOOK Online](https://www.taa.org/redbook-subscription/): The trusted legal resource for the rental housing industry, including sample management forms, relevant industry articles and rental housing statutes and regulations that impact your business. - [Legislative Day at the Capitol](https://www.taa.org/legislative-day-at-the-capitol/): This event brings together passionate individuals who are committed to shaping legislation that impacts their communities, industries, or causes. By meeting with policymakers, members play a crucial role in fostering meaningful change. - [BOD & Committee Meeting Agendas & Presentations](https://www.taa.org/bod-agenda/): Agenda - [Privacy Policy](https://www.taa.org/privacy-policy/): The Texas Apartment Association is committed to protecting and safeguarding your privacy. - [TAA News](https://www.taa.org/taa-news/): Cras mattis consectetur purus sit amet fermentum. Vivamus sagittis lacus vel augue laoreet rutrum faucibus dolor auctor. - [Professional Designations](https://www.taa.org/professional-designations/): Explore professional designations for rental housing offered by the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) - [Leadership](https://www.taa.org/leadership/): Accomplished rental housing professionals from across Texas contribute to the success. - [About the Awards](https://www.taa.org/about-the-awards/): TAA's professional awards recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence, uphold high standards, and actively serve their communities and the rental housing industry. - [Association Search Test](https://www.taa.org/association-search-test/): Association Search Form Submit View all apartment associations - [Legislative Priorities](https://www.taa.org/legislative-priorities/): Stay informed about the policies shaping the rental housing industry. Explore TAA's legislative priorities and advocacy efforts, promoting fair and balanced laws that benefit both renters and property owners. - [Annual Sustainers](https://www.taa.org/annual-sustainers/): Engage with top professionals, promote your brand, and stay ahead with insights into the latest industry innovations. - [Newsroom](https://www.taa.org/newsroom/): Keep up with what's happening in the Texas rental housing industry. Explore the latest news, updates, and insights from TAA to stay informed on trends, legislative developments, and industry highlights. - [Political Action Committee](https://www.taa.org/pac/): The Texas Apartment Association's PAC strengthens advocacy by supporting candidates who champion a thriving rental housing industry and community growth in Texas. - [Events](https://www.taa.org/events/) - [For Renters](https://www.taa.org/renters/): Renters with disabilities may have the right to certain reasonable accommodations or modifications to the property.  In some cases, a resident may have a disability-related need for an emotional support animal (ESA).  If the disability-related need for an ESA(or other requested reasonable accommodations or modifications) is not readily apparent, rental property owners may require some types of verification before agreeing to accept the animal.  Not all animals are eligible to be ESAs and the verification must be from a reliable third party (not, for example, just an online service in which there is no doctor-patient relationship or other knowledge of the need associated with the request).  While a resident who needs an emotional support animal does not need to pay an animal deposit or other animal-related fees such as pet rent, ESAs must behave and follow community rules and renters are still responsible for any damage caused by the ESA. - [How to Join](https://www.taa.org/how-to-join/): Enter your zip code to find the local apartment association in your area. - [TAA Team](https://www.taa.org/taa-team/): TAA's professional staff work collectively to deliver value to members. - [Resources](https://www.taa.org/resources/): Discover insightful guides and tools designed to help empower your journey in Texas rental housing. - [Connect](https://www.taa.org/connect/): The "Be the Next" video challenge invites industry newcomers with five years or less experience to share why they love their jobs, inspiring others to explore multifamily careers. Winners are selected across three categories, and participants can connect with local and state apartment associations to get more involved. - [Learn](https://www.taa.org/learn/): Access on-demand training and professional development courses through our Learning Management System (LMS) to grow your skills anytime, anywhere. - [Testimony](https://www.taa.org/testimony-page/): The Texas Apartment Association is committed to advocating for fair and effective policies that benefit the rental housing industry and the millions of Texans who rely on it. - [Advocate](https://www.taa.org/advocate/): The Texas Apartment Association (TAA) has partnered with the Texas Legislature and statewide officeholders for more than six decades to foster a positive business climate for the rental housing industry in Texas. - [About](https://www.taa.org/about/): The Texas Apartment Association is a non-profit statewide trade association that provides exceptional advocacy, education and communication for the Texas rental housing industry. We serve all types of rental professionals, including property owners, builders, developers, property management firms and service providers. - [Home](https://www.taa.org/): How to Join