A non-profit, community-based organization providing permanent affordable housing.

Avalon's Enhanced Property Management model was developed by people with years of experience working in emergency shelters and transitional housing programs, with the realization that an innovative approach would be necessary to ensure success renting to "high risk" populations. Avalon property managers conduct all the traditional activities of a landlord (e.g. tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance and repairs and evictions) with the goal of minimizing evictions and maximizing housing stability. The blending of social work with property management helps Avalon focus on the double bottom line: both people and properties.

Avalon Housing, Inc. - Basic Principles of Enhanced Property Management

• Separate the landlord and service provider functions in order to ensure tenant advocacy focus and emphasize status as leaseholder and not program participant.
  
  
• Work collaboratively with high-risk tenants and service providers to develop individualized eviction prevention plans, including negotiation of creative alternatives and lease addenda.
  
  
• Make creative accommodations to address challenges related to low income and disability, including physical building accommodations, unit transfers, inspection schedules, payment plans, etc.
  
  
• Maintain close working relationship with tenants.
  
  
• 24-hour on-call availability of management, maintenance and services staff.
  
  
• Referral and advocacy with community service systems.
  
  
• Maintain a visible on-site presence, balanced with respect for privacy.
  
  
• Train and involve maintenance staff in organizational mission to assist with tenant education, problem identification and reporting.
  
  
• Work closely with residential and business neighbors, police, etc. and encourage open communication. Give them the 24-hour pager number.
  
  
• Be the best looking house on the block.
  
  
• Respect tenants' rights and support tenant organization and involvement.
  

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