Hot Industry Topics

The Indiana Apartment Association is dedicated to following the latest trends and issues directly related to the multifamily housing industry. In this section, you will find updated information on topics that are being discussed inside the industry, as well as some topics that the mainstream media or bloggers may be covering.

Marion County Towing Ordinance

The City-County Council passed a towing ordinance that went into effect in August 2011. The ordinance does affect multifamily housing. Click here for more information.

Inspection & Registration Ordinances

Cobra Insurance

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), as amended, provides for premium reductions for health benefits under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, commonly called COBRA. Click here for more information.

U.S. Census

The U.S. Census occures every 10 years to count every resident in the United States. The information is used to determine how federal dollars are spent in communities for services such as hospitals, schools, public work projects and emergency services. It also affects the number of seats each state is allocated in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program

Effective April 22, 2010, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published its Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, which applies to all “renovations” performed for “compensation” in pre-1978 “target housing” and in “child-occupied facilities” and requires owners and occupants of these housing units and facilities to receive information on lead-basedpaint hazards before renovation can begin. Individuals performing these renovations must be properly trained and EPA certified as “Lead Renovators” or be trained and supervised on the job by certified Lead Renovators.

Management companies only need to have one EPA certified “Renovator” per company. However, the certified “Renovator” must be present on all jobs at specific times that involve renovation and repair of lead based paint even though they can train others in the company on how to properly renovate and repair. A Certified Lead Renovator will have a certificate that is good for five years. They will need to take a four-hour refresher course before the certification expires. Every management company must apply to the EPA after October 22, 2009, and pay a fee of $300 to become a Certified Renovation Firm. This status is good for five years. Non-compliance will result in a $32,500 fine for each violation of the rule for each day of a violation.

For the EPA rules, click the link below:

Proposed Indianapolis Tree Ordinance

The City of Indianapolis is proposing a tree canopy coverage ordinance that would directly impact all new construction in the multifamily housing industry in Marion County. IAA members are beginning to weigh in on the discussion as IAA will meet with city officials to provide input on the proposed ordinance. The city has set a goal of 40% average tree coverage ordinance. Multifamily housing would be expected to reach 45% under this ordinance. Click on the links below:

Other Topics