Last Updated: March 2024
Rental real estate associations play a very important role in supporting, educating, and advocating for property owners, managers, and investors. These organizations offer a platform for networking, sharing best practices, and staying updated on industry trends and legislative changes. Most importantly, many of these associations lobby on behalf of their members, ensuring that the legal interests of landlords and property managers are represented at local, state, and federal levels.
Top 25+ Rental Real Estate Associations in the United States
Association for Short-Term Rental Homeowners (ASTRHO)
The Association for Short-Term Rental Homeowners (ASTRHO) is an organization dedicated to supporting and advocating for the interests of short-term rental homeowners and operators.
American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA)
AAOA provides resources, tenant screening services, and educational materials for landlords. It serves property owners of all sizes, from individuals with a single rental property to larger property management companies.
American Resort Development Association (ARDA)
This association represents the vacation ownership and resort development industries.
Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE)
AFIRE focuses on the concerns of foreign real estate investors in the U.S.
Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International
While BOMA primarily caters to commercial real estate professionals, many principles and resources can be applied to residential landlords, especially those with larger portfolios.
CCIM Institute (Certified Commercial Investment Member)
While its primary focus is on commercial real estate, many principles can be applied to larger residential portfolios.
Community Associations Institute (CAI)
CAI serves community associations, providing education and resources for those involved in condominium, cooperative, and homeowners associations.
Council of Large Public Housing Authorities (CLPHA)
This organization represents the largest public housing authorities in the country, advocating on their behalf and providing resources.
Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC)
The Industrial Asset Management Council (IAMC) is a leading association of industrial asset managers and corporate real estate executives, focused on professional development, networking, and advocacy in the management of corporate industrial and manufacturing assets.
International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) is a global trade association dedicated to the shopping center industry, serving the retail real estate community with resources, connections, and industry insights.
Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)
IREM offers various professional designations, including the Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation. It focuses on education, advocacy, and networking opportunities for real estate managers.
Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI)
MHI represents manufacturers, lenders, and community owners in the manufactured housing sector.
National Apartment Association (NAA)
This organization represents the interests of multifamily property owners, managers, developers, and suppliers. It offers education, advocacy, and resources to its members.
National Association for Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP)
The National Association for Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP) is a prominent commercial real estate development association that represents developers, owners, and related professionals in office, industrial, retail, and mixed-use real estate.
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
While primarily focused on home building, NAHB also represents multifamily developers and provides resources and research that can benefit landlords.
National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (NAREIT)
NAREIT represents REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) and publicly traded real estate companies.
National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM)
NARPM focuses on single-family homes and smaller multifamily properties. It provides resources, education, and certifications for property managers.
National Housing Conference (NHC)
This organization advocates for national policies and legislation that promote suitable housing.
National Leased Housing Association (NLHA)
NLHA represents all major participants—private and public—in the affordable multifamily rental housing industry.
National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC)
The NMHC advocates on behalf of the apartment industry at the federal level and provides research and resources for its members.
National Real Estate Investors Association (National REIA)
This organization represents local investor associations around the country. It offers resources and discounts for members and advocates for the interests of independent real estate investors.
Real Estate Investors Association (REIA)
While there’s a national REIA, many states and larger cities have their own REIA chapters that focus on local issues and networking opportunities for real estate investors.
Rental Housing Association (RHA) and Apartment Association
There are various state and local RHAs and Apartment Associations that represent landlords and property managers in specific geographic areas. These associations often provide localized resources, legal forms, and networking opportunities for their members.
Society of Industrial & Office Realtors (SIOR)
The Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR) is a global professional organization that represents the commercial real estate industry’s top brokers in industrial and office sectors.
Urban Land Institute (ULI)
ULI focuses on land use and real estate development with a mission centered around responsible land use and creating sustainable, thriving communities.
Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)
The Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA) is an international, professional trade association that represents the vacation rental property management and hospitality industries.
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Rental Real Estate Association Definition
Rental real estate associations (also called Landlord Associations) are organizations dedicated to supporting property owners, managers, and investors in the rental real estate industry. They offer resources, education, and advocacy to address the specific needs and challenges faced by their members. Through networking, tools, and legislative representation, these associations enhance the professionalism and success of individuals in the rental property sector.
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Rental Real Estate Association FAQ
How Can a Rental Real Estate Association Benefit my Business or Investments?
Associations often offer members tools like tenant screening services, lease agreement templates, and legal resources. They also provide educational seminars, industry news updates, and opportunities to network with other professionals, which can lead to better business practices and growth.
Are There Local, State, and National Rental Real Estate Associations – Which Should I Join?
Yes, there are associations at local, state, and national levels. While national organizations offer broad industry insights and advocacy at a federal level, local and state associations provide resources tailored to specific regional regulations and market conditions. It can be beneficial to join both for a comprehensive range of support.
What Costs are Associated with Joining a Rental Real Estate Association?
Membership fees vary depending on the association’s size, scope, and the benefits offered. Typically, there’s an initial membership fee, followed by annual renewal fees. Some associations also offer tiered memberships, where costs vary based on the level of access and benefits one desires.
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About the Author
Ryan Nelson
I’m an investor, real estate developer, and property manager with hands-on experience in all types of real estate from single family homes up to hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial real estate. RentalRealEstate is my mission to create the ultimate real estate investor platform for expert resources, reviews and tools. Learn more about my story.
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