The California Apartment Association (CAA) is America’s largest statewide trade association representing owners, investors, developers, managers, and suppliers of apartment communities. Castle Management is proud to strengthen our company through CAA membership. In fact, we help lead the organization: Castle Vice President Joseph A. Lawton, Jr. is Director of CAA's Contra Costa, Napa, and Solano Division.  

With more than 17,000 members, representing over 50,000 owners and professionals, CAA is the most influential and respected voice in the multifamily industry, and a major player in the conversation with our colleagues across the country. For over 70 years, the Association has proactively protected member assets through state and local political advocacy. They educate members on emerging trends, legal issues, risk management, and best business practices, and help them comply with new laws and regulations.  Membership is also a money-saver: CAA provides more than 120 free forms and instruction sheets to facilitate any rental business transaction.

Castle Management’s clients don’t just get our wealth of knowledge and experience: they’re backed by the nation’s strongest multifamily resource.

If an employee or contractor slips and falls, you risk lost working hours  If it’s a tenant, they might move elsewhere. And either way, the owner/manager is exposed to a possible lawsuit. So what’s the secret to battling this costly danger? It’s simple:

Good housekeeping.

Keep your eyes peeled for spills, grease, or dust. (Flour, sawdust and machine byproducts can be highly slippery.) Winter rains or landscape irrigation can make for large wet areas, but even small puddles created by drinking fountains or wet shoes can be a major hazard.  Clean them up as soon as you see them, and post prominent warning signs to warn against damp spots.

Certain jobs are especially vulnerable to slips and falls. For example, if contractors or tenants will be pushing loads across a space, consider slip-resistant floor surfaces. Even improved lighting or well-placed hand rails/poles can significantly reduce the hazard. Of course, stable hand rails and bright lighting are essential in stairwells and parking/paved areas.

Pay close attention to sidewalks. Are tree roots causing them to buckle? Might they in the future? When possible, monitor contracting work (jackhammering, etc.) so it doesn’t create walking hazards. Seal off uneven/pitted areas until they can be fixed.

Nothing is an insignificant slip and fall risk. An experienced property manager will create a clean, uncluttered space, and see your building with fresh eyes every day.

Effective property management requires a varied skill set and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. But at Castle Management, every member of our team starts the day with the same job: maintaining our clients’ assets and helping them grow in value. This principle is the “north star” in all that we do: whether it’s managing maintenance and improvements, marketing, tenant screening, or financial advice, we don’t act unless we’re protecting the asset and positioning it to work better in the future. We’re proud to help create homes and business environments that stand the test of time and keep growing financially stronger. We listen to our clients’ concerns, we understand their interests, and we work for them. That’s why Castle’s record speaks for itself.