Capitol Conference DC – NAA Legislative Committee Meeting Report
I wanted to share the information I gathered at the Capitol Conference in DC. I attended the NAA Legislative Committee Meeting. I am a committee member of NAA’s Affordable Housing committee and the Independent Rental Owners Committee.
Legislative Report:
1.) NAA has available on its website an Emotional Support Animal tool kit. It is 70 pages long and includes a dialog you can use when questioned about support animals.
2.) HR3765 is a bill NAA is promoting that should help eliminate predatory lawsuits. There have been 100’s of lawsuits filed by testers who drive by a property looking for design features or construction standards not in compliance with ADA standards. The testers are looking for quick settlement dollars. This bill requires the plaintiff to notify the owner and allows 120 days to cure before they can file a lawsuit. This bill would help eliminate “drive by” lawsuits.
3.) Music licensing in fitness and common areas is becoming an issue. If you are contacted demanding money, call NAA for help.
4.) In Calf., landlords are being penalized for water usage based on the # of people in each unit. Also in Calf. Some judges have ruled that a lease is not a proper contract and are throwing them out of court.
5.) It is recommended that you refrain from posting signs banning firearms on your premises. If you post a sign banning firearms, you are thus assuming the liability for the safety and protection for all who come onto your property.
Affordability Housing Report:
1.) Majority Leader Rep. Paul Ryan has asked all house members to come up with ideas to increase affordable housing. Our representatives want to hear from us.
2.) HR3700 has passed the House. It streamlines the Section 8 inspection process. We need to Senate to approve.
3.) Florida has adopted inclusionary zoning. 1% of all development costs on new construction is paid to the State to provide affordable housing. Developers are encouraged to include low income housing in new developments or pay the fine.
4.) NAA is lobbying for tax reform. The administration is pushing to extend the depreciation on new construction from 27.5 to 40 years. This would discourage the development of new rental housing. NAA is pushing for a more reasonable depreciation schedule of 19 years.
Independent Rental Owners Report:
I won’t give a detailed report on IROC since Gary Wilson chairs the committee. One great program I do want to mention is the “Open Door Program” that originated and was developed by IROC and NAA staff.
Steve Lightner
Missouri Apartment Assn. VP
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