Independent Rental Owners

Thank you to our Exclusive 2023 IRO Committee Sponsor:

What is an Independent Rental Owner (IRO)?

The National Apartment Association (NAA) defines an Independent Rental Owner (IRO) as an individual or individuals that are active in both the ownership and management of their properties.

Main Characteristics of Independent Rental Owners (IRO)

They have their own money invested in the property (with or without partners) and oversee Multifamily OR Single-Family housing.
They are actively involved in the management of their properties.
They self-identify based on the above criteria and not by portfolio unit count.

Considerations for Independent Rental Owners (IRO)

Membership is defined by experience and not by unit count. IROs may consist of less than 10 units and can exceed over 6,000 units given the size of the independent investor. Resources are provided based on all levels of experience specific for each member.
Smaller sized properties and portfolios generally require a unique property management style, as opposed to the management style used for properties of larger unit count.
IRO Education and Networking opportunities may also be beneficial for those that work for an IRO, such as property managers, managing directors and other employees or those that conduct business with IROs, such as supplier partners.
Self-identification is an important part of being an IRO. The NAA IRO program is built around all facets of multifamily management and encourages learning and conversation with likeminded individuals.

Download the IRO Membership benefits brochure to learn more

Webinar: An IRO's Blueprint To Emotional Support Animals

The IRO Perspective Column

NAA’s Independent Rental Owner (IRO) Committee has launched a special column, written by IROs to highlight the most prevalent and pressing issues on the ground. Read the first one here!

2023 IRO Summit

The 2023 IRO Summit presented by Yardi Breeze and NAA offers six informative sessions with solutions to operational hurdles, marketing and risk management, plus the latest insights on legislation and regulation facing rental housing.

NAA Legislative & Regulatory Update

Nicole Upano, AVP of Housing Policy & Regulatory Affairs, NAA

How Automation & Centralization Are Leveling The Playing Field For Small Business

Megan Orser, NAA IRO Committee Vice Chair & CEO, Smart Apartment Solutions & Smart Moves LLC

Jason Korb, Principal, Capstone Communities LLC

Chris Ulep, Vice President, Yardi Breeze

The Bottom Line Of Mental Health

Kendra Butterfield, NAAEI Faculty & Vice President, Elevation Real Estate and Management

Navigating The Future Of Staffing: Insights From Workforce Solutions Experts

Betsy Kirkpatrick, Managing Director of Strategic Programs, BGSF

Kelly Brown, President, Property Management, BGSF

Eric Peters, President, Professional Division, BGSF

No More Risky Business: Protect Your Community From Fraud

Patrick Hennessey, Vice President & General Manager, Yardi

Emergency Preparedness: Crisis & Recovery In Property Management

Tammy Esponge, Association Executive, Apartment Association of Greater New Orleans

Charles Fontenelle, Owner, Fontenelle & Goodreau Insurance, LLC

2022 IRO Summit

The 2022 IRO Summit presented by Yardi Breeze and NAA offers six informative sessions with solutions to operational hurdles, marketing and risk management, plus the latest insights on legislation and regulation facing rental housing.

What’s in Your Maintenance Toolbox? - The Hidden Secret to Your NOI

Property owners, independent rental owners, managers, and maintenance team: Learn in 20 minutes the top five key maintenance areas to make significant impact on your revenue, plus keep residents and team members happier.

How to Speak Maintenance: 5 Things Your Maintenance Team Wish You Understood

Maintenance is where the rubber meets the road. However, sometimes is seems like maintenance is from Mars and management is from Venus! This leads to mis-understandings, mis-communications, and sometimes even resignations. Discover tips about building a better relationship with your maintenance team.

Flexible and Vacation Rental Options for IROs

Do you want to know the secret to successfully own, operate and market a vacation rental for maximum profit? In this webinar, learn how to properly select your market, how to advertise the property and how to keep it full booked and operational. Insights will be given into what works and what doesn't when you have your own vacation rental. Explore renovation costs, HOA fees and anything else that can impact your bottom line. View the webinar.

Data Security for IROs

For those who don’t feel confident with the technologies and jargon involved, cybersecurity is a major headache. Learn simple steps you can take today to immediately improve your data security. Spot the ways you can be hacked, the types of data you need to protect and what you can do to prevent it from happening to you. View the webinar.

Fair Housing Concerns for IROs

View a webinar that provides a deep dive into trending fair housing issues affecting the industry, including reasonable accommodation requests for emotional support animals, occupancy standards and resident screening (including criminal and eviction history). Learn about the resources NAA has to offer to help face any challenge. View the webinar.

Don’t Get Eaten by Sharks: Litigation Avoidance

Are your policies and practices leaving you at risk for litigation? Whether you’re new to rental housing or are an industry veteran, you don't want to miss this webinar covering current best practices for avoiding legal action, one of the leading risk management concerns for any apartment industry organization. View the webinar.

6 Ways to Maximize Income

Formulating a winning strategy to maximize ROI doesn’t require reinventing the wheel. There are many ways to increase rent, ancillary services and reduce costs to maximize income. This panel represents years of experience in the apartment industry who have gone through selective upgrades, complete rehabs and operational cost reductions. View the webinar to hear about successes, lessons learned and new programs for IRO’s to take advantage of. Speakers include: Victoria Cowart, CPM, CAPS Candidate, Vice President of Property Management, Darby Development Co. Steve Ross, Vice President, Bob Ross Realty Jerry Winograd, President, Judwin Realty Group Julia Emerson, Director, Hillcroft Group LLC. View the webinar.

Hire Right the First Time

NAA, with AppFolio, recently presented a webinar, Hire Right the First Time, which explored and provided important information on:

How to write a successful recruitment ad
How to structure an interview
High impact interview questions
How to conduct a reference check

View the webinar and gain insightful information.

Credential for IROs

The Independent Rental Owner Professional (IROP) credential program is offered to the rental owner who manages personally-held multifamily property or properties.

IRO Discounts on Products & Services

NAA’s new discount products and services program is guaranteed to provide substantial savings for Independent Rental Owner (IRO) members.

You also have the opportunity to communicate with your peers and gain a wealth of industry knowledge! Join the conversation today.

Join Now!