The National Apartment Association (NAA) is a leading association for apartment professionals. Property managers, operators, executives and independent rental owners across the country turn to NAA for education, networking and advocacy. Understanding what NAA offers can help you make the most of its membership benefits. Let’s explore NAA’s history and how it empowers rental property management professionals.
When was NAA founded?
NAA was founded in 1939. It consisted of a small group of apartment owners and managers with a shared vision for improving their industry. It now contains 160 affiliated associations and serves more than 73,000 members. Together, members oversee more than 9 million apartment units globally. Its diverse membership includes developers, property owners, on-site managers, leasing consultants, maintenance professionals and suppliers. NAA’s diversity is its strength, offering ample networking and educational opportunities across the industry.
What do members get with NAA?
NAA’s membership structure is locally driven. Individuals and companies typically join through one of NAA’s local or state affiliate apartment associations. Members enjoy legislative advocacy, educational courses and professional designations, plus a subscription to Units(a full-color trade publication featuring news and newsmakers in the apartment housing industry) and access to premier networking and education events. There are other opportunities as well: continuing education, a vast peer network across the country and volunteer leadership roles within the association.
What resources does NAA provide?
NAA serves as a primary resource hub for apartment professionals, offering support in several key areas. Below are some of the major resources and services NAA provides to help members learn, network and advocate effectively.
Does NAA offer professional certifications?
Yes. Through the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI), NAA offers numerous courses and credential programs to advance the careers of rental housing professionals. For example, the popular Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) designation provides in-depth training for property managers on effectively running an apartment community. Likewise, the Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT) program ensures maintenance staff have the skills to manage cost-effective, high-quality maintenance operations.
NAAEI also offers the Certified Apartment Leasing Professional (CALP), Certified Apartment Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS), Apartment Institute for Maintenance Excellence (AIME), Credential for Green Property Management (CPGM) and Independent Rental Owner Professional (IROP) credential programs. These property management certifications are nationally recognized and help members develop as professionals, stay current with best practices and demonstrate their commitment to their communities.
What educational content does NAA provide?
NAAEI offers educational content in a variety of formats. Many courses are available through NAA’s online learning platform and webinars. They’re also accessible in person through local affiliates and NAA’s national conference, Apartmentalize. NAA’s goal is to empower its members to operate their communities more effectively and advance their careers. Courses are available on financial management, leasing, marketing, maintenance, legal compliance (e.g., fair housing laws), fraud prevention and more.
What kind of career development opportunities does NAA offer?
NAAEI offers resources and connections to help anyone succeed in a career in Residential Property Management (RPM). Support is offered in the form of career insights, credential programs, live webinars, professional development programs and newsletters.
Does NAA contribute to industry research?
Absolutely. NAA produces many research reports, white papers and guides on important industry topics. The association’s research team regularly publishes data and analysis that can help property managers with strategic planning and benchmarking. Whether you’re looking for guidance on fair housing regulations or economic indicators or simply tips to improve resident satisfaction, NAA’s publications, newsletters and operational research library will likely have something for you.
Does NAA host industry events?
One of the most rewarding aspects of NAA membership is access to important industry events. Among these is NAA’s Apartmentalize conference, the association’s annual education conference and exposition. This is one of the biggest events of the year in rental housing, gathering over 12,000 attendees for several days of learning, idea-sharing and priceless networking opportunities. Yardi Breeze is proud to attend annually to support property management professionals, showcase our latest solutions and host timely educational sessions.
Local NAA affiliates often host their own seminars, trade shows, award galas and networking events throughout the year. Members can also volunteer on committees or boards, expanding their connections. In addition, NAA facilitates online networking through member directories and discussion forums, helping professionals share advice and best practices even when they can’t meet in person.
Does NAA advocate for legislative & regulatory issues?
Yes. An important advocate for the apartment housing industry, NAA represents the interests of property owners and managers in the public policy arena. The association’s government affairs team works at the local, state and national levels to promote legislative and regulatory policies that support a healthy rental housing market.
For example, NAA frequently provides expert testimony on housing legislation, collaborates with policymakers on effective housing regulations and leads grassroots campaigns when critical issues arise. Members receive regular legislative updates and alerts from NAA, so they can stay informed and get involved as needed. NAA also provides legal and compliance resources on important issues affecting rental housing owners and operators, including current hot issues like building code standards, emotional support animals and rent regulation.
NAA: A cornerstone in property management
Through its long history and comprehensive offerings, the National Apartment Association has been a cornerstone for rental housing professionals. It’s an organization built by and for apartment professionals. Its mission is to help you learn, lead and succeed in your career.
We encourage you to join NAA and take advantage of its membership benefits. In doing so, you become a leader of the property management industry and better serve your community.
