Are you a member of any property management associations? Joining a professional association is a great way to network, gain access to continuing education and stay up to date with industry trends and news.
Keep reading to discover the top national property management associations in the U.S. serving the residential, commercial, condo/HOA, affordable housing, manufactured housing and self storage markets. Learn what makes each association unique and how to become a member. Associations are listed in alphabetical order:
- BOMA International: Building Owners & Managers Association
- CAI: Community Associations Institute
- IREM: Institute of Real Estate Management
- ISS: Inside Self-Storage
- MHI: Manufactured Housing Institute
- NAA: National Apartment Association
- NAHMA: National Affordable Housing Management Association
- NAR: National Association of REALTORS®
- NARPM: National Association of Residential Property Managers
- SSA: Self Storage Association
1. BOMA International: Building Owners & Managers Association
Founded in 1907, BOMA is a property management association for commercial real estate professionals. There are local BOMA associations in states across the U.S. as well as multiple international affiliates. The BOMA mission is to “advance a vibrant commercial real estate industry through advocacy, influence and knowledge.”
Membership details
BOMA’s membership base consists of more than 30,000 commercial real estate professionals, including building owners, managers, developers, leasing professionals, asset managers and more. BOMA delivers professional development programs to meet members’ educational needs and protects member interests through legislative advocacy efforts. Membership benefits also include access to industry benchmark research and discounts on industry publications, seminars and programs.
Find a BOMA association in your area for dues rates and more information.
Events
Association events include the annual BOMA International Conference & Expo, on-demand webinars for continuing professional development credits and specialty education tracks. Check out the BOMA calendar of events.
2. CAI: Community Associations Institute
CAI is an international association focused on the needs of HOA and condo communities. They boast 47,000 members spread across 64 chapters worldwide. They provide their members with seminars, webinars, strategic planning assistance, publications, regulatory/legal advocacy and studies done through their non-profit, the Foundation for Community Association Research.
Membership details
It’s easy to create an account and find a chapter near you on the CAI website. At least one chapter can be found in 38 states, and there are international chapters in Canada, the Middle East and South Africa.
Events
CAI offers plenty of renowned events including an annual conference, manager workshops, a CEO-MC retreat and a law seminar.
3. IREM: Institute of Real Estate Management
IREM is an international community of residential and commercial real estate managers dedicated to promoting ethical business practices, maximizing the value of investment real estate and promoting superior management through education and information sharing.
Membership details
With training, professional development and collaboration, IREM supports its nearly 20,000 members through every stage of their career. IREM members can earn credentials including the Certified Property Manager (CPM) and Accredited Residential Manager (ARM). Both are designed to advance your career, demonstrating a commitment to property management best practices. Also, members receive complimentary or discounted prices on all IREM programs and services.
Learn more about the three IREM membership types to choose the one that suits your needs.
Events
IREM hosts multiple regional, national and global education and networking events throughout the year. Visit the IREM events page.
4. ISS: Inside Self-Storage
While not technically an association, ISS helps self storage owners, operators and investors tackle industry challenges. ISS covers key topics like development, construction, investing, operations and technology in several ways: a magazine, the ISS World Expo (the industry’s biggest event), the incredible Self-Storage Talk forum, a website packed with resources. They also offer the Inside Self-Storage Store, which provides on-demand education for industry professionals. Whether you’re looking for insights, a community to connect with or on-demand learning, ISS has something for everyone.
Membership details
You don’t need to register or pay for membership. ISS events and resources, both free and paid, are available to anyone who wants them.
5. MHI: Manufactured Housing Institute
MHI is the leading property management association for the MH community. It’s also the only national trade organization that represents every organization involved in factory-built housing. For more on MHI and other major regional associations, check out Manufactured Housing Associations To Join & Why You Should.
Membership details
MHI members gain access to event discounts and are eligible to participate through one of a handful of divisions or councils.
Events
MHI hosts meetings and events throughout the year. Their events calendar is the best place to look for updated information.
6. NAA: National Apartment Association
NAA is a leading voice in the rental housing industry and represents more than 96,000 member companies. NAA’s Independent Rental Owner (IRO) program is specifically tailored to individuals who own or manage rental properties. Like many Yardi Breeze users, these are often owners with small- to mid-sized portfolios who have their own money invested in the property and are actively involved in management.
Membership details
NAA IRO members have access to exclusive education and training, discounts and industry publications. As an IRO member, your member services include webinars, designations and resources specific to your market.
Find your local NAA affiliate and get in touch or email [email protected].
Events
Apartmentalize, held in the summer each year, includes programming tailored to residential owners and managers of all sizes, including independent rental owners. NAA also co-sponsors an annual online IRO Summit with Yardi Breeze. See the schedule of upcoming NAA meetings, conferences and expositions.
7. NAHMA: National Affordable Housing Management Association
NAHMA is the affordable housing industry’s leading national association. They help develop, manage and preserve existing affordable housing. Their goal is to make these units desirable and high quality. NAHMA members represent 75% of the affordable housing market — proof of the association’s positive impact.
Membership details
Membership types include executive, associate or affiliate member. Check out their membership guidelines to determine which level is right for you.
Events
NAHMA hosts meetings throughout the year, including their marquee event, the Biannual Top Issues in Affordable Housing Conference.
8. NAR: National Association of REALTORS®
With over 1.5 million members, NAR is the largest trade association in the United States. Residential and commercial brokers, salespeople, property managers and other real estate professionals belong to one or more of NAR’s 1,200 local associations (boards).
Membership details
NAR offers a variety of educational material (training, certifications, continuing education, etc.), advanced research and statistics, professional development and more. Their leadership advocates for political and social causes that matter to their members and help advance the real estate industry.
It’s easy to become a member and join the NAR family. Right away, they’ll provide new member orientation as well as programs and services designed to help your business grow.
Events
Check out NAR events for an in-person or virtual event happening near you. Conferences and trade shows are held at national and local levels.
9. NARPM: National Association of Residential Property Managers
Like its name suggests, NARPM is a professional organization for residential real estate professionals. Founded in 1988, NARPM provides a permanent trade organization for the residential property management industry and currently represents more than 6,000 members comprised of real estate agents, brokers, managers and their staff.
Membership details
Why should you be a NARPM member? NARPM members enjoy a host of membership benefits, like educational opportunities, mentoring and discount programs. Members can earn nationally recognized designations for roles ranging from management and maintenance to bookkeeping and support. Additionally, local chapters host events at the state level to make it easier to get involved, network and access association resources.
Submit your NARPM membership application online to become a professional, support staff or affiliate member.
Events
NARPM conferences combine speakers, education sessions and networking events coordinated to boost your professional development. The NARPM Annual Convention & Trade Show is one of the most significant conventions and vendor expos for property managers. NARPM State Conferences focus on laws and guidelines specific to the region.
10. SSA: Self Storage Association
SSA is a nonprofit organization founded in 1975. It’s proud to offer leadership, advocacy and education to help anyone who has a stake in the storage industry. Arguably the largest self storage association in the U.S., SSA is behind many of the studies, live events and webinars in storage. It’s also the head lobbying entity representing 49,000 facilities to U.S. federal government agencies and Congress.
Membership details
There are many ways to get involved. Members gain access to advocacy efforts, legal information, education, training, networking opportunities, publications and more.
SSA’s Certified Self Storage Manager Program is offered as an intensive course to obtain the SSA Certified Self Storage Manager (CSSM©) designation. This certification looks good on your resume and will help you hone and upkeep your industry knowledge and skills.
Events
Every year, SSA hosts two national events (spring and fall) in addition to other workshops and courses.
Join us!
We’re proud to work with these outstanding property management associations to support their initiatives for real estate owners and managers. If you attend one of their events, there’s a good chance you’ll see us there! Check out our events page to find out where to meet us next.
