Apartment Advocate

NAA Government Affairs’ bi-monthly publication combines all aspects of apartment industry advocacy into one go-to resource. The Apartment Advocate highlights key developments and viewpoints in industry public policy at all levels of government, and helps NAA members explore advocacy pathways.

Squatters Legislation on the Rise

By Isa Wilson | | Updated

In 2024, the National Apartment Association (NAA) has observed an uptick in the interest of state legislatures and local councils to address squatters-related concerns legislatively. While the removal of squatters—namely those who occupy homes where they previously had no legal right to reside—has…

Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Gains Traction

By Emma Craig | | Updated

The Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA), sometimes known as right of first refusal, Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA) or simply the Opportunity to Purchase Act (OPA), continues to gain momentum across the country. In 1980, Washington, D.C. became the first city to enact these…

DOL Announces New Overtime Thresholds

By Joe Riter | | Updated

The Department of Labor has announced its final rule establishing new overtime rules that will increase the Fair Labor Standards Act’s minimum salary thresholds for Executive, Administrative, and Professional (EAP) and Highly Compensated Employees (HCE) overtime exemptions and will affect the…

The Conservative Case for Land Use Reform

By NAA Government Affairs | | Updated

Robust economic growth and effective protections for private property are critical for a dynamic, free society. Yet numerous federal, state and local government roadblocks to housing construction undercut these essential policy goals. In recent years, center-right thinkers and legislators have…

HUD Speakers Give New Insights in April ALW

By Emily Howard | | Updated

On April 17, 2024, the National Apartment Association (NAA) hosted the latest installment of its Advocacy and Legal Webinar (ALW) series. Some key takeaways include: Federal Legislative Update: Maria Spencer, NAA’s Director of Federal Legislative Affairs, gave updates on progress with NAA’s…

FTC Advances Rental Junk Fees Rulemaking

By Joe Riter | | Updated

On April 24, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) held a virtual informal hearing on its proposed trade regulation entitled “Rule on Unfair and Deceptive Fees” which would impact virtually every American business that requires consumers to pay fees for goods or services, including rental…

HUD, USDA Set Stricter Building Code Standards

By Ben Harrold | | Updated

On April 26, 2024, the U.S. Departments of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Agriculture (USDA) published their final determination on the Adoption of Energy Efficiency Standards for New Construction of HUD- and USDA-Financed Housing. This notice will require that new construction and…

NAA Political Affairs Update - May 2024

By NAA Political Affairs | | Updated

NAAPAC NAAPAC is making significant headway towards its goal of raising $1.2 million, with over $448,000 already raised as of May 6.   NAA affiliates are making progress towards their 2024 Fund Our Future goals. Presently, 21 affiliates have already met their fundraising goal for the…

New Legislation Affecting New York’s Rental Market: The Good Cause Eviction Law

| Updated

Note: The following article is republished from Tarter, Krinsky & Drogin, a firm within NAA’s network of Click & Lease Attorneys. The original article was published on April 25, 2024. As part of the 2025 Fiscal Year budget, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law significant legislation…

HUD Issues Fair Housing Act Guidance on Resident Screening, Online Advertising

By Isabella Wilson | | Updated

On May 2, 2024, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released two guidance documents regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the resident screening process and its application to targeted advertisements on online platforms. The National Apartment Association (NAA)…