Getting through to Management Companies

In my jurisdiction, many of the multi-unit properties are owned or managed by management companies. Everyone I speak with that works for a management company claims that they do not have the right to decide whether a property goes smoke-free. Has anyone had success working with management companies to turn their properties smoke-free? If so, what was your tactic?

Hello,

We faced this same issue in Minnesota.  Utilizing testimonials from other properties that have gone smoke free, partnering with the housing industry at events, and conducting education focused on the legality of sf policies will be helpful.  Chapter 5 of the "Developing a Smoke-Free Multi-Unit Housing Program" manual (http://www.mnsmokefreehousing.org/organizations/Resources) will provide additional strategy options for you to consider.

Money talks for Owners and Management Companies.  The data which shows the savings associated with Smoke free housing is indisputable.  Owners expect a return on their investment and they usually drive these decisions.  Management Companies often receive bonuses based on cash flow.  Smoke free housing increases cash flow.  Market rate Michigan managment Companies have adopted smoke free policies.  Jim Bergman may be of assistance.

Money talks for Owners and Management Companies.  The data which shows the savings associated with Smoke free housing is indisputable.  Owners expect a return on their investment and they usually drive these decisions.  Management Companies often receive bonuses based on cash flow.  Smoke free housing increases cash flow.  Market rate Michigan managment Companies have adopted smoke free policies.  Jim Bergman may be of assistance.

We in Arizona started our program in 2012-13 and are now having some success with property management company executives. One strategy we have used is identifying PM companies that have made the decision to pursue smoke-free policies.During the webinar, Kara mentioned that she has observed this as well. Here in Arizona we have started working with ManSerMar (subsidized) and IPA (market rate). We have heard that Equity is going in the right direction, but have not had success in making inroads locally. The other way to connect with PM companies is to network with rental or multi-housing associations just like Kara pointed out.In some cases the PM company reps are not the decision makers but strong influencers. In those cases, the property owners are the decision makers.Research is the key. Google is my best friend.

Yes!

Please continue to share written and mailed resources with all of your Property Management Companies.  If you can find a way to contact the property owner that is your best bet, but that was hard for me to do in Michigan. Somehow in Michigan I cannot find the contact information for ownership, just property management.  If you can identify the owner, you have a great chance!

I was successful constantly providing written materials to all Property Management Companies and most would file away my correspondence.  Recently the owners have asked for a smoke-free housing policy and the property management companies that told me no, are now contacting me and asking for help.  They tell the owner: 'Yes, we can do that!' and call the local health department!  Now they are grateful to my badgering and sending communications. 

It is a slow process, but I continued to share information and train property management companies that local public health is the place to go for smoke-free housing.  I also have had a few experiences of the owner changing the property management company contract.  This is easy, since when that has happened, I already knew the property management company players and we just implemented a policy when they took over the property.  Finally, you can create demand by filinging ADA complaints if you have tenants with a history of cancer, heart disease, history of stroke or asthma.  That gets everyones attention!