Frequently Asked Questions

IAA receives many inquiries about the multifamily housing industry. People often ask us about renting an apartment in Indiana, but more and more, we are getting inquiries about careers within the industry. Here are some of the frequently asked questions we have received:

Careers in Property Management

Q: Is working in the apartment industry a good way to make a living?
A: We believe it is. There are many resources for you through national trade associations and universities.

Renting an Apartment

Q: If I decide to rent, will I have to sign a lease?
A: Leases are generally required by reputable owners, landlords and property management companies, for your protection as well as theirs. Lease clauses identify the agreement between the landlord and the resident in specific terms, so both parties know exactly what is required of them.

Q: Will I receive a copy of my lease?
A: A lease is a legal contract, and all parties signing the document have a right to copies.

Q: Can the rent go up during the term of my lease?
A: Only if your lease has a provision for an increase during the lease term. Otherwise, your rent will be the amount stated on the lease for the duration you signed for.

Q: If I do not pay my rent, what will happen?
A: Late charges could be incurred. In addition to possibly charging late fees, the owner or management company could also file to evict you from the property, and notify credit reporting agencies of your non-payment. Other charges associated with a late rental payment could be required, depending on your lease provisions.

Q: What repairs is the owner/management company required to make, and what should I do if they are not made to my satisfaction?
A: Review your lease – it should address repairs. It is a good idea to notify the manager of your request in writing, and document any subsequent attempts to get the repair made. It is never a good idea to withhold rent in lieu of repairs being made, nor is it a good idea to move out without giving proper notice because of a maintenance problem.

Q: What is proper notice?
A: Your lease will indicate the required notice period to vacate your apartment.

Q: Can’t I just move out when my lease is up if I want to?
A: Usually, the notice period indicated in your lease is still required to be given, even if your lease is expiring.

Q: What if I need to break my lease before it expires?
A: You will most likely be charged an early termination fee or be required to pay rent for a period of time, possibly until the lease does expire. Your lease may address early termination. If it does not, request the community/company policy in writing prior to terminating your lease.

Q: How do I get my security deposit refunded?
A: There are several things you can do to help ensure a refund:

• Give the proper notice to vacate, per your lease agreement
• Fulfill your lease term – do not move out prior to lease expiration
• Do not have any outstanding balances on your account
• Leave the apartment clean and in the same condition it was when you moved in
• Be sure to leave your forwarding address in writing with the management office

Charitable Contributions

Giving back is an important aspect to membership in the Indiana Apartment Association.

Anthony G. Gorup Foundation

Named after the IAA Executive Director from 1973 – 1999, The Anthony G. Gorup Education Foundation is a public benefit corporation, operated exclusively for the following charitable and educational purposes:

• To promote the future of the Indiana apartment industry through education and contribution
• To support and fund scholarships and/or fellowships to further the education of individuals interested in any facets of the apartment industry
• To educate the general public and the apartment industry about economic and business, opportunities and issues that impact the future of the Indiana apartment industry

The Indiana Apartment Association has been hosting an annual fundraiser for the Foundation every year since 2001, generating thousands of dollars. The Foundation recently contributed $30,000 to the Ball State University Residential Property Management Program to be used for scholarships.

Rebuilding Lives

In 2008, the multifamily housing industry suffered losses from severe weather. From tornadoes to floods, apartment communities across the state saw devastation that reached beyond the owners and management companies and directly impacted the residents living there.

With that in mind, IAA started its philanthropic focus in 2009 to help apartment community residents who find themselves in a position of replacing their belongings and rebuilding their lives.

Our goal for the “Rebuilding Lives” campaign is to establish a support center to provide donations and emergency supplies when disaster strikes. At a time when a property and residents are facing losses due to fire or natural disaster, we want to be there…whether through donating clothing, food, water or a helping hand, the Indiana Apartment Association wants to support our members. Click here for information on how to donate.

SAL

SAL was created in memory of Sally Lentz-Crouse, who was a leader in the multifamily housing industry and one of the first woman members of the IAA Board of Directors. To keep Sally’s legacy alive, in 2008 the Indiana Apartment Association began an annual Leadership Retreat. SAL encourages women to reach higher levels of leadership by helping them gain the life skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to achieve their professional and personal goals.

Faces of IAA

Media

President
Lynne Petersen, CAE
[email protected]

IAA Phone Contact
317.816-8900 phone
317.816.8911 fax

IAA Mailing Address
9100 Keystone Crossing, Suite 725
Indianapolis, IN 46240

Newsroom

The Indiana Apartment Association staff and members are often quoted in the media when it is looking for experts in the field. Click on the links below to find those and other articles of interest to the multifamily housing industry.

NAA Launches “Protect the Lease” Grassroots Campaign Focused on Tax Reform

• May 2017

Carmel ranked best place to live in America

• April 19, 2017

Bill pits affordable housing against property rights

• April 15, 2017

Indianapolis Is America’s Best City For Renters In 2017

• March 8, 2017

Huntington, Indiana Ranks #8 on Business Insider’s 10 Most Affordable Housing Markets in the US List

• September 8, 2016

Ranking: Indiana Cities Among Most Affordable in U.S.

• August 4, 2016

New HUD Guidance Impacts Criminal Background Checks

• April 12, 2016

HUD Releases Additional Guidance on use of Criminal Records

• April 5, 2016

Tikijian Study of 10 Metropolitan Areas Lists Kokomo as Cheapest Place to Live

• September 20, 2015

Rental Boom is Boosting to Indianapolis Economy

• March 10, 2015 – Rental Boom Boosting Indy Economy

Marion County Towing

• June 13, 2011 – Ordinance Would End ‘Predatory’ Towing

Hammond Registration Ordinance

• June 17, 2011 – Judge Blocks Hammond Registration Fee Ordinance
• June 21, 2011 – Federal Court Rules Against Hammond Registration Ordinance
• April 28, 2010 – Hammond Rental Registration Hike Passes

Information to Share

• Tips on Talking with Children about Violence

Join a Committee in 2018!

If you know us, you know we are an active and engaged association that commits to advancing the multifamily industry in Indiana. We remain focused on our goal, but we also know how to have fun. Unlike most meetings you attend, our committee meetings are composed of passionate professionals dedicated to their roles and their energy is absolutely contagious. After attending one of our committee meetings you’ll feel inspired to start a morning routine or cross off that one item on your to-do list that never seems to leave. We have committee meetings for every type of person too and they don’t require too much of your time – about one meeting per quarter depending on the season.

The best way to make the most of your membership is to become involved. If you are a first time volunteer, the Ambassador Committee is the training ground for future service in other committees.

Join us on a committee today!

2018 COMMITTEES

Ambassador Committee

If you are a first time volunteer, the Ambassador Committee is the best training ground for future service in other committees. Ambassador committee members are exposed to all areas of IAA’s operations as they work to recruit new members and welcome them into the association and work with existing members to expand the Vic the Vendor program.

Convention Committee

Plan the networking events, marketing plan, educational seminars, trade show and recruit sponsors/door prizes, and volunteer onsite of the Midwest Multifamily Conference.

Events Committee

Plan themes, locations, and entertainment for IAA’s fantastic events and fundraisers. Recruit sponsors and door prizes to bedazzle attendees. Volunteer onsite at all events.

Maintenance Committee

Passionate about maintenance? This committee focuses on all maintenance related events and classes hosted by IAA including Maintenance Mania, MESH, and the CAMT certification.

Golf Committee

Brainstorm ideas/themes, solicit sponsors and door prizes, help raise funds for IAA PAC, and volunteer during the outing.

Professional Development Committeet Committee

Help to create and support IAA’s educational offerings. Committee members will help with the planning of free education courses, Power Lunches, and the Property Bus Tour.

Young Professionals in Multifamily (YPM) Committee

If you are between the ages of 21-40 join this committee to help plan events for the young professionals in the industry as well as engaging young professionals as leaders and volunteers.

Communications Committee

Increase engagement, advise, and recommend editorial content and promote advertising for INSites and Multifamily Minute.

Sign up for a committee today!

If you have more questions about one of our committees call us at 317-816-8900 or email us at [email protected]

Preferred Vendors

IAA members benefit greatly from the support and promotion of our associate members. Our new Preferred Vendor program offers a select opportunity to those associates who, through long-term membership and strong commitment, give the most to IAA.  Thank you to our Preferred Vendor for all they do to support fellow members and our association as a whole.

GHW Waste Services

GHW offers waste collection services that meet your needs today and tomorrow. We create customized waste collection programs that meet your needs now and as your business evolves over time, regardless of your company’s size or waste stream. Learn more at www.ghwwaste.com.

Holt Construction Group

Holt Construction is a single-source, full-service, general construction firm that specializes in restoring, renovating and maintaining multifamily, senior living and commercial properties. Holt Construction builds client relationships that last. Family-owned and operated since 1986. Learn more at www.holtconstruction.com.

Sherwin-Williams

For more than 150 years, Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of technologically advanced paint and coatings. As the nation’s largest specialty retailer of paint and painting supplies, Sherwin-Williams is dedicated to supporting both do-it-yourselfers and painting professionals with exceptional and exclusive products, resources to make confident color selections and expert, personalized service at its more than 4,200 neighborhood stores across North America. Learn more at www.sherwin-williams.com.

Click & Lease

IAA is the exclusive provider of the National Apartment Association’s National Lease in Indiana. With more than 3,500 apartment owners and managers and more than 23,000 communities nationwide participating in the NAA Click & Lease program, it is the most widely used standardized lease form in the multifamily housing industry. Learn more.