By Neil Fjellestad and Chris De Marco
Rental Ownership is essential to the financial strategies of independent and institutional investors providing reliable income streams to supplement retirement and build wealth to offset the threat of capital contraction due to inflation, length of life or unexpected costs. Rental ownership must be preserved as a viable investment alternative for a growing portion of the population considering retirement.
Rental Ownership is an essential contributor to the local business community providing opportunity for professional real estate practitioners, building contractors and business suppliers. There are “best business practices” and usable technologies that create a growing expectation for quantity and quality. Performance standardization also creates additional consumer liability.
Rental Ownership has traditionally provided nearly half of the region’s housing. There are economic factors and lifestyle considerations that preserve the continuity of demand for rental housing. Therefore, responsible rental ownership is an ongoing essential part of our region’s social, cultural and political fabric. Our contribution is increasingly understood but with higher expectations.
During the last century the San Diego County Apartment Association has made significant contributions to enhance, preserve and protect Rental Ownership as essential. Going forward there is much to do.
In order for this organization to perform its mission we believe that new initiatives must be carefully considered. These initiatives will acknowledge both the ongoing essential nature of Rental Ownership and a renewed awareness of our uniqueness as to the focus of this organization.
The timeliness of such consideration is based upon a variety of contemporary conditions that challenge rental ownership as a viable investment, a performing business and necessary housing provider. These same conditions challenge this organization to accomplish its mission with focus, organization and passion.