Keeping up with the apartment industry means knowing about the resources available to you during your career—resources such as the National Apartment Association (NAA).
What Is the National Apartment Association?
The National Apartment Association is a trade association for the rental housing industry. They strive to advocate, educate, and collaborate with businesses related to rental housing. According to their website, they support and represent 141 affiliates, 95,000 individual members, and approximately 11.6 million apartment homes.
Related: Best Websites for Real Estate News
Why Is There a National Apartment Association?
Many industries have a group, a union, or some kind of organization that offers professional services. Bankers become members of the American Banker Association (ABA). The craft beer industry relies on the Brewers Association (BA). Even fantasy sports has a trade association – the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association (FSGA). It makes sense that a trade association serves employees and business owners in the rental housing market as well.
In general, trade associations, also known as trade groups, are designed to protect the interests of the industry they represent. They may advocate politically, engage the community in educational initiatives, or provide training and resources for members.
What Does the National Apartment Association Do?
The NAA is directly involved in many initiatives. Recently, they took up legal battles to recover damages that housing providers suffered under the pause in evictions during the height of COVID-19. They argue that the CDC’s decision “harmed the rental housing industry, jeopardized the long-term viability of housing, and set a dangerous precedent for future disaster-response measures.” Thus, legal support constitutes one area of the NAA’s responsibilities.
Additionally, rental housing requires many service providers, which is why the NAA created the National Suppliers Council (NSC). This council advises and advocates for industry suppliers and service partners. The NAA also runs the NAA Education Institute (NAAEI). This branch of the organization aims to educate, recruit, and train future professionals to serve in the rental housing industry.
Since education comprises such a big part of the NAA’s mission, they also hosted a Rental Housing Advocacy and Legal Summit (RHALS) in 2023. This symposium was targeted toward government professionals, attorneys, and volunteers and brought to light legal challenges surrounding this industry. Educational and professional events like this summit also form a significant part of their role in the industry.
Who Can Join the NAA?
The NAA welcomes a wide variety of persons and entities in the rental housing industry, including apartment owners & operators, property managers & management companies, housing developers & investors, and suppliers & service providers related to multifamily housing. Both companies and individuals are welcome to apply.
Membership criteria vary, but there are many benefits to joining.
Related: Alternative Careers for Real Estate Agents
What Are the Benefits of Joining?
The NAA exists to support its members and bolster the rental industry. They want to encourage and educate multifamily professionals as they grow their careers. And, they want to connect the industry on a national scale to build a wider community and accomplish more as a team.
The specific benefits of joining the NAA include…
- Educational Resources: Along with their informational newsletters and magazines, the NAA offers Visto, a program that helps professionals earn the continuing education credits needed to renew their credentials.
- Career Training: Classes are available either online or in person to advance your career within the rental housing industry. Members can earn certifications, such as Certified Apartment Manager (CAM), Certified Apartment Leasing Professional (CALP), and Certified Apartment Supplier (CAS).
- Advertising Support: Joining a branch of the NAA, such as the National Suppliers Council (NSC), can increase awareness of your company as a trusted service or supply provider.
- Recognition & Sponsorship: The “Recognition Track” (including the NAA 20 in the Twenties and NAA Excellence Awards) celebrates member accomplishments in the rental housing industry. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
- Legislative Advocacy: All members benefit from the Government Affairs and Legislation branch of the NAA. This division lobbies for governmental support and change affecting the rental industry.
- Discounts: Members of the NAA receive important discounts and rewards at Home Depot and Lowes via the NAA Member Savings Program.
- Software & Programs: The NAA offers both Click & Lease and Click & Comply to assist industry professionals and companies with lease compliance and administration. These programs consolidate systems to make your job easier.
- Legal Assistance: The NAA can lend a hand with legal challenges when they arise. The Legal Assistance program protects the interests of the industry by taking on court cases across the country.
Become an Apartment Professional at AptAmigo
If you want the support of the NAA (and to work for a great company in the process), then consider becoming an apartment professional with AptAmigo. We offer many career opportunities that make it easy to break into the real estate and rental industry or grow your current career. Contact AptAmigo today to learn more.
Read Next: Love Real Estate, but Want to Make More Money Doing It?
AptAmigo is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and does not discriminate based on race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, in connection with any aspect of employment at AptAmigo.
FAQs
Jeanette Smith is a writer, editor, and freelancer based in Dallas, Texas. Find out more at JeanettetheWriter.com.
