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Policy Priorities

The Austin Apartment Association acknowledges the need for a mechanism that holds property owners and managers accountable for maintaining safe and habitable living conditions. Advocates for a fair and transparent process in identifying and addressing repeat offenses, ensuring due process for property owners. 

  • Fairness and Transparency:
    • Advocates for a more transparent and well-defined process for identifying repeat offenders, ensuring that property owners have a clear understanding of the criteria used.
    • Calls for fair and objective assessments that consider all relevant factors before designating a property as a repeat offender.
  • Cost Considerations:
    • Advocates for measures that prevent unintended financial burdens on property managers that could lead to increased costs for renters.
    • Seeks a balanced approach that addresses property issues without causing a significant financial impact on property managers and, subsequently, tenants.
  • Outcome Goals:
    • A program that effectively addresses property-related issues without disproportionately burdening property managers or leading to unintended consequences for renters.
    • Clear guidelines and criteria for identifying repeat offenders, ensuring a fair and just enforcement process.
    • Continuous collaboration between the City of Austin and the Austin Apartment Association to refine and improve the Repeat Offender Program. 
  • Advocacy in ensuring that building codes and industry standards are fair, up-to-date, and aligned with the needs of the rental housing and multi-family industry. 
  • Collaborating with policymakers to develop codes that prioritize safety, efficiency, and sustainability in apartment buildings. 

  • Focusing on policies and initiatives that promote affordable housing options for residents. 

  • Advocacy for financial incentives, subsidies, or regulatory measures that encourage the development of affordable housing units within the community. 

  • Engaging with local authorities to influence land use policies that support responsible and sustainable development in the rental housing sector. 

  • Promoting zoning regulations that enhance the availability and diversity of housing options. 

  • Advocating for reasonable and fair fee structures related to property management, development, and other industry-specific fees. 

  • Working towards transparent fee policies that do not pose undue financial burdens on property owners or tenants. 

  • Addressing policies related to eviction processes to ensure a balanced approach that protects the rights of both landlords and tenants. 

  • Advocating for measures that prevent unnecessary evictions and promote fair and reasonable resolution of disputes. 

  • Promoting and ensuring compliance with fair housing laws to prevent discrimination and ensure equal housing opportunities for all individuals. 

  • Collaborating with policymakers to address any gaps or challenges in fair housing regulations. 

  • Advocacy for balanced and fair landlord-tenant laws that protect the interests of both parties. 

  • Engaging in discussions with policymakers to improve clarity and effectiveness in the legal framework governing landlord-tenant relationships. 

  • Collaborating with local authorities to implement and promote sustainable waste management practices. 

  • Composting and recycling policies also need to be addressed to ensure fairness and balance for property managers and supplier companies, preventing the trickle-down of costs to renters due to unfair and costly city-level policies. 

  • Engaging with policymakers to ensure property tax policies are equitable and do not disproportionately burden property owners in the rental housing industry. 

  • Advocating for a fair assessment of property values and reasonable tax rates. 

  • Addressing impact fees associated with property development to ensure they are reasonable, justifiable, and do not hinder the growth of the rental housing market. 

  • Advocating for a transparent and predictable process for determining and applying impact fees.