California Apartment Association: Basic Information, Purpose, Facts, and More

The California Apartment Association, or CAA, is the largest apartment association in the state of California, as well as the largest state apartment association in the United States. The CAA provides a variety of benefits to members, including classes, events, and discounts on important services. It also advocates for political change on behalf of California’s apartment industry, both through direct outreach to legislators and via its political action committee (CAAPAC).

CAA Classes and Educational Resources

Like most other apartment associations, the California Apartment Association offers a variety of educational resources and opportunities to members, mainly focused in the areas of property management and compliance with local, state and federal regulations, such as the Fair Housing Act. Their classes are also intended to provide specific information for apartment owners/operators, maintenance supervisors, vendors, leasing agents, and other industry professionals. Many courses can be purchased and taken online at a student’s convenience.

CAA Events, Webinars, Forms, and Documents

The group hosts a variety of events across California, including in-person events, as well as webinars about specific topics. These range from addressing broad trends in the multifamily industry to ultra-specific aspects of the property management business, such as security deposits. In addition to educational classes and events, the CAA also provides members with a variety of essential documents, including white papers, forms, legal documents, and signs.

CAA Discounted Services

In addition to providing events, classes, and documents for members, the California Apartment Association also offers a variety of discounted services. These include discounted insurance plans through the organization’s CAA Value Insurance Plan, which is designed to provide comprehensive insurance coverage for apartment owners. The organization also provides discounted tenant screening services through RentSpree, which allows property managers and landlords to verify tenant identify, order in-depth background checks, and conduct comprehensive credit verification.

CAAPAC: The California Apartment Association’s Political Action Committee

Like other large apartment trade groups, the California Apartment Association operates a non-partisan political action committee (PAC) called CAAPAC. CAAPAC is intended to make contributions to candidates for public office who understand and appreciate the importance of a healthy and vibrant apartment industry across the state of California.

In addition to CAAPAC, the CAA also employs a team of policy experts, analysts, and strategists who advocate for the apartment industry and act as a resource for policymakers, the media, and others who wish to gain a greater understanding of the apartment industry in California.

In addition, it’s essential to realize that the CAA has a network of local associations, which advocate for legislative change on the municipal level, and communicate with the larger statewide organize on policy issues.

The CAA Legal Team and Legal Initiatives

In concert with its political efforts, CAA has a team of legal professionals who closely watch developments and decisions in federal and state courts which could affect the apartment industry in California. Plus, the CAA Legal Action Committee files and funds of legal briefs intended to produce a positive impact on the industry. Members can put forth their own legal issues for consideration by the committee.

Should You Join the California Apartment Association?

That depends; while joining an organization like the California Apartment Association has a variety of benefits, it might not be a smart investment for everyone. If you’re a multifamily investor, developer, or property manager in California, and you’re deeply interested in furthering your education and political advocacy, or if you’d like to get discounts on certain services, CAA membership may be an excellent idea. However, if these things aren’t a priority for you, then membership may not be the best use of your time and money.