From the President
By Eric Andresen
The time has come for some outreach by all of us. We are so accustomed to being “picked on” that we’ve retreated into our own little landlord cocoon. The result is that amazingly little is known by others about the restrictions and regulations we face daily. Even less is known about how our tribulations have substantially contributed to San Francisco’s overall problems.
Did you know that most non-rental homeowners have little idea what is really required to live in one’s own property? Think about the last time you discussed “owner move-in” issues or a similar subject with a novice friend or associate. The few times you do raise the topic, the likely response is “you’ve got to be kidding” or “can they really do that?”
The plight of our industry is not very well known outside our “world,” though our problems extend significantly beyond. Unfortunately, this lack of understanding by the broader community has real repercussions for all of us. For a long time, we have significantly suffered from regulations that have also substantially impacted the city’s housing crisis and financial woes, homelessness, transportation issues and so many other concerns.
Let’s change this. To do so is simple enough. We each need to attend local neighborhood group meetings, get to know the people there and, when the opportunity is appropriate, share some of our own problems. You will be surprised by how many reasonable voting residents of San Francisco just don’t understand how rent control, for example, has had such a negative impact on the city’s housing and financial strengths (or is that weaknesses?).
Let me inject an important word of caution here. I’m not talking about becoming vigilantes or carrying a soapbox everywhere we go. One thing is certain—if you try to force our plight on those that don’t have to deal with it, you’ll lose their understanding and ultimately their support. However, if you make an effort to actively participate in various community organizations, you will prove that as landlords we all do truly care about San Francisco and want to be involved in more than just our own issues. As a result, we have a good chance to show this community not only the urgency for change but also our willingness to be part of the change process.
Outreach, or more appropriately reaching out, has to become an important and vital part of our industry’s activity. We are, after all, considerate and reasonable people. Most folks just don’t know that, thanks to the bad press and publicity we get, as well as the negative feelings our “landlord” moniker bares.
Let’s all agree to a pact and focus on real changes that impact our neighborhoods. Let’s get to know our neighbors, show an interest in their concerns and, in turn, they’ll show an interest in ours. Here’s our chance to reach out and reveal ourselves as a caring part of this community in an effort to improve San Francisco. Go team, go!
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the SFAA or the SF Apartment Magazine. Eric Andresen owns West Coast Property Management and West Coast Property Maintenance Companies, is the past-president of the Professional Property Management Association of San Francisco and was the author of the original Residential Tenancy Agreement. Eric also serves on the Executive Board of the California Apartment Association and many other leading industry organizations. Questions or concerns should be directed to SFAA at 415-255-2288. © Copyright 2002.