NBOA in the Media

 

Lexology (legal newsletter), November 7, 2023. Chicago’s Increased Transfer Tax Wins Key City Vote.
“Opposition by groups like the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance (NBOA), Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and various Realtors’ organizations has become more pronounced in the last few months.”

Chicago Tribune, November 1, 2023. Aldermen support March referendum on real estate transfer tax, sending ordinance to full City Council.
The story refers to the NBOA as an important opponent of  the measure.

Chicago Tribune, October 23, 2023. Volunteers help migrants in search for permanent housing as Chicago struggles to keep up.
“According to a Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance September survey of more than 230 Chicago housing providers, 38% of respondents said they do not have any vacant units available, with around 85% of respondents saying fewer than 5% of their rental units available.”

Chicago Tribune, October 17, 2023. As evictions tick back up in Cook County, new proposal aims to help renters who land in court.
“The Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance, a membership organization for property owners, told the Tribune it is not taking a position on the proposal to make the right to counsel program permanent.”

Chicago Sun-Times, October 16, 2023. Rent prices dip slightly in Chicago metro area, report finds.
“Jason Wagner, a member of the Chicago-based Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance’s issues and policy group, says they are continuing to see rent prices increase within the boundaries of Chicago. However, monthly rental prices won’t rise as quickly.”

The Real Deal, September 29, 2023. Landlords say they’d raise rents if transfer tax hike occurs.
The article recaps the Crain’s story about the survey.

Crain’s Chicago Business, September 29, 2023. Most landlords say they’d raise rent to deal with transfer tax hike.
Reporting on the NBOA’s fall survey, the story quoted Mike Glasser and Tracii Randolph on the impact of the Bring Chicago Home tax increase.

Chicago Tribune, September 14, 2023. Revised property transfer tax plan, a hallmark of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s campaign to address Chicago homelessness, takes a step forward.
Miguel Chacon, a landlord and real estate broker for small-to-midsize property owners in Pilsen, called the ordinance “terrible” and said “it will hurt renters more than anyone else,” as property owners will have to pass on added costs to tenants. “I don’t understand how politicians think this is a good idea,” said Chacon, who is also a member of the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance. “It just goes to the opposite of trying to avoid homelessness when you’re raising the rents for all renters across the city.”

Block Club Chicago, September 15, 2023. Plan To Hike Real Estate Transfer Tax To Fund Homelessness Prevention Moves Forward.
Miguel Chacon, a realtor, landlord and member of the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance, said last month that “Everyone is going to start raising their rents. And $1.5 million dollars is a very low threshold to get across.”

Block Club News, August 23, 2023. Real Estate Transfer Taxes Would Drop For Most Under Johnson-Backed Homelessness Prevention Proposal.
“Miguel Chacon, a realtor, landlord and member of the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance, echoed those concerns. He said the plan would ultimately result in landlords jacking up rents across Chicago.”

Illinois Answers Project, August 2, 2023. As Chicago Considers a ‘Mansion Tax,’ Evanston and LA Show Potential Paths Forward.
NBOA President Mike Glasser is quoted about the proposed Bring Chicago Home ordinance: “A new tax would put a damper on buyers, he argued, particularly for less experienced real estate entrepreneurs who are looking to break into the industry or buy multifamily buildings in communities of color.”

Fox & Friends, July 30, 2023. Chicago ordinance to raise taxes to tackle homelessness.
Miguel Chacon joined this national morning news show to discuss Chicago’s proposed increase in the title transfer tax. He spoke to the unintended consequences of the proposal, and explained how it would be a bad idea for renters and for affordable housing.

NBC-5, July 27, 2023. Housing advocates push for City Council to enact a real estate transfer tax.
At 1:27, Miguel Chacon explains that this measure will hurt housing providers who already struggle to provide affordable housing.

WBEZ Chicago Public Radio, July 24, 2023. Navigating the rental market in Chicago.
Mike Glasser discusses the current state of the residential rental market on WBEZ’s Reset.

Chicago Tribune, July 21, 2023. Migrants are leaving Chicago shelters with the help of rental assistance.
This article talks about the “June 11 discussion … hosted by the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance and the Latino Real Estate Investors Council.”

NTD News, July 15, 2023. Law Bans Refusal of Illegal Immigrant Tenants
Amerit Del Rio, from the NBOA’s newest affiliate the LREIC, speaks to the issues regarding this new law and neighborhood housing.

The Real Deal, July 12, 2023. Commercial players lead charge against transfer tax hike
Multifamily investor and broker A.J. Manaseer, a member of the Neighborhood Building Owner’s Alliance legislative team, was quoted: “All you’re doing is creating upward pressure on rents and that’s not the goal,” Manaseer said about the proposed title transfer tax.

Center Square, July 12, 2023.
Illinois law prohibits landlords from refusing to rent or sell property to undocumented migrants
“There’s always been a large number of refugees coming into this country before this particular crisis, and in the past, the capacity has been there to absorb these folks, so I’m not so worried that this will be a single factor that is going to create a huge increase in rent,” said [NBOA President Michael] Glasser to The Center Square.

Chicago Tribune, June 21, 2023.
Chicago rental assistance program restarting soon as state takes over
Michael Glasser, president of the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance, said the extra month provided to tenants and landlords to negotiate through the Early Resolution Program can be helpful when emergency rental assistance is available. “But most of the time it is a court-mandated extra month of free housing — with still another three to four months ahead in the process — that falls on our members while the long legal process plays out,” Glasser said in a statement.

Chicago Tribune, May 31, 2023.
Cook County program touted as one of the ‘top eviction prevention innovations’ has drawn praise, pushback
“Michael Zink, a real estate attorney who mostly represents small landlords, said that while the program is well-intentioned, the long process forces some of his clients — the majority of whom are people of color who own two- to four-unit buildings — to dip into their retirement savings to continue to provide their other tenants with quality housing.”

The RealDeal, April 19, 2023.
Johnson’s transfer tax: Industry weighs in on mayor-elect’s proposal to more than triple city’s take on $1M-plus property sales  The proposal, if passed into law, will almost certainly impact smaller business owners, landlords and, over the long term, renters, according to Michael Chioros of the industry group Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance. “Some people think landlords pocket 100 percent of the rent, the reality is we’re lucky if we get 5 or 6 percent of that at the end of the year,” he said. “It’s the same thing with a sale. It’s not this big pot of gold that someone’s getting.”

Chicago Tribune, February 21, 2023
New property tax incentive could remake Fulton Market and other neighborhoods into havens for affordable housing
“All these kids go to the local school, the parents are on the local school council, so this is a nice opportunity for them to stay in the neighborhood,” [NBOA Board member Andrew] Levin said. “That’s what [this tax incentive program is] all about. It’s also a way for me to stay in business as well, and who better to own these properties than a local guy who knows all their stories?”

Chicago Tonight, WTTW, October 13, 2022.
news.wttw.com/2022/10/13/chicago-tonight-your-neighborhood-rebuilding-austin-following-building-explosion
Leodus Thomas of GADA discusses a neighborhood housing provider’s actions in the aftermath of a building explosion.

NTD News, and online business news program. March 30, 2022. Soaring Home and Construction Costs Affect Landlords.” youtu.be/ug1CZX6MzC0?t=732  Based on the relationship we have established with his outlet, the reporter reached out to us, and we connected him with Steve Shah, long-time member and a leader in the NBOA community.

Chicago Tribune, March 5, 2022. “Chicago’s two-, three- and four-flats are a key source of affordable housing. The pandemic might be changing that.”
www.chicagotribune.com/real-estate/ct-re-two-three-flat-pandemic-changes-20220305-4o64im5vsbh4pjyckyivgvblsy-story.html
We worked with the reporter to include NBOA member Peg Olson, who shared the struggles of small housing providers during Covid. “Olson, a former nurse, no longer works regularly so she couldn’t pick up extra shifts to cover her costs, she said. She has had to weigh her grocery list against her bills. “I still have my mortgage, I still have heating, I still have taxes,” she said.”

Chicago Tribune, February 22, 2022. “Renters facing eviction could receive free legal aid under new $8 million city initiative.”
www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-chicago-evictions-lawyers-legal-aid-lori-lightfoot-20220125-wn7kdfm6drcqza53imtnbn2sdy-story.html
Michael Zink, a housing attorney who is active in the small landlord association Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance, said the Lightfoot administration’s effort fails to address what he sees as one of the most pressing issues for mom-and-pop landlords: delays in the court process.

Streetwise, January 17, 2022. “Cook County Diverts Predicted COVID-19 Eviction Avalanche.”
issuu.com/streetwise_chi/docs/jan17-23_2022_issuu (page 7)
This story might have been negative regarding housing providers, but our team worked extensively with the reporter, who was happy to tell a balanced and accurate story. “Nationally, mom and pop landlords own more than 75% of the small rental properties that are home to most unsubsidized low-income families, particularly families with children.”

Chicago Tribune, January 2, 2022. “Meet Bonita Harrison, a South Sider bent on making affordable housing a reality.
www.chicagotribune.com/real-estate/ct-re-bonita-harrison-affordable-housing-1220-20220103-f5entwuoyfexxlxhtssrhusuza-story.html
We were able to place this powerful article because we have a compelling story to tell, and because of passionate, articulate members like Bonita Harrison.
“After much conversation about tenant and landlord relations during the pandemic and hundreds of millions of dollars of rental assistance going to thousands of the former for the latter, Michael Glasser, president of the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance, wants people to know losses like Harrison’s can influence the housing market in an area, and lead to disinvestment. A recent study by the Alliance, which represents Chicago’s small to medium-sized landlords, showed continued hardship for housing providers in the south and west sides and suburbs.”

This story also ran in a number of outlets across the country, including:
news.yahoo.com/meet-bonita-harrison-south-sider-162600650.html

Chicagoan is bent on making affordable housing a reality

www.dailyadvent.com/news/a337374235bffcf2e1c7b864ad12e67c-Meet-Bonita-Harrison-a-Chicagoan-bent-on-making-affordable-housing-a-reality
www.bakersfield.com/ap/news/meet-bonita-harrison-a-chicagoan-bent-on-making-affordable-housing-a-reality/article_6599d97a-2c53-5d1c-8f4c-462a1f9fbd98.html

2021

ReJournals, December 28, 2021. “The pandemic created a big opportunity for private equity, but squeezed independent Chicago landlords.”

The pandemic created a big opportunity for private equity, but squeezed independent Chicago landlords

This respected trade publication did a deep dive into the Chicago residential rental market, focusing on NBOA’s quarterly survey, and prominently featuring NBOA member Sal Becovic.

Chicago Sun-Times, November 26, 2021. Editorial opposing the Just Cause ordinance.
Creating more housing stability for Chicago renters – Chicago Sun-Times
We worked closely to change a pro-Just Cause editorial into this piece, which opposed it.
“We question the wisdom of requiring landlords to pay substantial relocation costs in no-fault lease terminations. Even small amounts can be a burden on small-scale landlords — the majority of Chicago’s housing providers.”

Chicago Sun-Times, October 31, 2021. We can be grateful that no wave of evictions has occurred since the moratorium was lifted. Letter to the Editor by Michael Glasser.
chicago.suntimes.com/2021/10/31/22752777/illinois-eviction-moratorium-pandemic-rental-assistance-neighborhood-building-owners-letters
“Our policymakers need to acknowledge the valuable role played by neighborhood housing providers. Rather than demonize them and impose punitive regulations that drive up the cost of providing housing, our legislators need to look for ways to support our small- and medium-sized housing providers.”

The Patch, October 28, 2021. Illinois Distributes All Of First-Round Rental Assistance.
patch.com/illinois/chicago/illinois-distributes-all-first-round-rental-assistance
Michael Glasser, president of the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance, said it is beneficial for renters to apply for assistance because housing providers prefer not to go through the long legal process of eviction, but sometimes it is unavoidable.

Advantage News, October 28, 2021. Illinois Distributes All Of First-Round Rental Assistance.
www.advantagenews.com/news/local/granite-city-news/illinois-distributes-all-of-first-round-rental-assistance/article_feb5687e-381b-11ec-9e36-3fc5309cd4fa.html
Features quote from Michael Glasser.

NBC-5, October 7, 2021. As Illinois Eviction Ban Ends, All Eyes On Financial Rental Assistance Available.
www.nbcchicago.com/top-videos-home/as-illinois-eviction-ban-ends-all-eyes-on-financial-rental-assistance-available/2630714/
Profile of Derick, and his struggles as a housing provider.

NBC-5, October 6. List of on-line resources.

Following End to Illinois Eviction Ban, All Eyes On Financial Rental Assistance Available

“(NBOA) represents small and medium sized housing providers. It offers informational seminars on issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and regular emails with resources and information for housing providers.”

WBEZ, November 5, 2021. Chicago Renters Fear A Wave Of Evictions Are Coming. Here’s How Some Are Preparing.
www.wbez.org/stories/as-the-pandemic-rages-on-chicago-renters-are-organizing-for-support-and-protection/1ce195d9-10c7-4fba-a998-3c843006b1cb
“In a recent survey released about September rents, [NBOA] owners said collection is down more than usual. A third said they’re losing money. And half said they have tenants that refuse to communicate with them.”

92.9 FM, October 5, 2021. What’s Next after End of Illinois’ Eviction Moratorium.

Illinois’ eviction moratorium is over. What’s next?

Center Square, October 5, 2021. Illinois’ eviction moratorium is over. What’s next?
www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/illinois-eviction-moratorium-is-over-whats-next/article_8a464f62-2605-11ec-9e4b-1ffd2a5ec16c.html
“Most rental housing is owned by a housing provider who only owns a handful of units, and if you have just one or two units that are unable or unwilling to pay, that can add up very quickly to a real crisis.”

WLS TV-7, October 1, 2021. Chicago Cook County emergency rental assistance program adds $75M for suburban residents, applications open.
abc7chicago.com/cook-county-emergency-rental-assistance-erap-program-illinois-rent-programs/11069248/
Interview with Corey Oliver

WTTW, Chicago Tonight, October 1, 2021. As Illinois’ Ban on Evictions Ends Sunday, Officials Scramble to Ramp Up Aid.news.wttw.com/2021/10/01/illinois-ban-evictions-ends-sunday-officials-scramble-ramp-aid
“A survey by the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance found that Chicago housing providers have not been paid $1 billion in rent since March 2020.”

St. Louis Public Radio, October 1, 2021. What to know ahead of this weekend’s eviction moratorium expiration.
news.stlpublicradio.org/government-politics-issues/2021-10-01/what-to-know-ahead-of-this-weekends-eviction-moratorium-expiration

Illinois Capitol News, October 1, 2021. What to know ahead of this weekend’s eviction moratorium expiration.
capitolnewsillinois.com/NEWS/what-to-know-ahead-of-this-weekends-eviction-moratorium-expiration

Chicago Tribune, August 28, 2021. CDC ban, state eviction moratorium: What’s next for Illinois renters?
www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-cb-illinois-eviction-moratorium-what-you-need-to-know-20210827-7zntjj3ta5ezdddsgvyt7ckria-story.html

The Center Square , August 27, 2021. After Supreme Court eviction decision, Illinois landlords speak out
www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/after-supreme-court-eviction-decision-illinois-landlords-speak-out/article_e821de0c-076b-11ec-98fc-57ea37bb952e.html
Glasser warned of a pending debt tsunami once the moratorium is lifted.

Hyde Park Herald, August 27, 2021. State eviction moratorium amended, extended til Sept. 18
www.hpherald.com/news/local/state-eviction-moratorium-amended-extended-til-sept-18/article_f1c4b08e-074c-11ec-95d8-db4181f78997.html
“Just because we can evict doesn’t mean we want to,” said Michael Glasser, president of the NBOA.

Chicago Sun-Times, August 27, 2021. Pritzker extends Illinois’ eviction moratorium after U.S. Supreme Court nixes federal version
chicago.suntimes.com/coronavirus/2021/8/27/22645108/eviction-moratorium-supreme-court-ruling-illinois-tenants-landlords-pritzker-housing-extension
Glasser said eviction “is a tool that can help us bring the parties to the table — and we need that tool.”

Daily Herald, August 27, 2021. State eviction moratorium stands despite U.S. Supreme Court decision
www.dailyherald.com/news/20210827/state-eviction-moratorium-stands-despite-us-supreme-court-decision–
“Often, invoking the eviction process brings a tenant to the table, resulting in productive negotiations.”

Chicago Tribune, August 27, 2021. CDC ban, state eviction moratorium: What’s next for Illinois renters?
www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-cb-illinois-eviction-moratorium-what-you-need-to-know-20210827-7zntjj3ta5ezdddsgvyt7ckria-story.html
In the meantime, landlords waiting for assistance were making fewer improvements and repairs to buildings, according to the Neighborhood Building Owners Alliance.

NTD News (national on-line video newscast), August 4, 2021. On-air interview regarding evictions and rental delinquencies (story begins at 10:26)
mb.ntd.com/ntd-business-full-broadcast-aug-4-2_654253.html

Chicago Tonight, August 4, 2021, On-air interview about rental assistance and moratorium ending
news.wttw.com/2021/08/04/explainer-will-new-cdc-moratorium-keep-tenants-housed

Center Square, August 4, 2021, Story on rental assistance and moratorium ending
www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/landlord-association-pushes-for-rental-assistance-amid-changing-eviction-rules/article_b10f4d36-f556-11eb-87a9-dbced3051b27.html

Chicago Sun-Times, August 2, 2021, Editorial on rental assistance
chicago.suntimes.com/2021/8/3/22607735/rental-relief-tenants-landlords-evictions-editorial

CBS 2 Chicago, August 2, 2021, Story on rental assistance and moratorium ending
chicago.cbslocal.com/2021/08/02/eviction-moratorium-chicago-rental-assistance-limbo/

Crain’s Chicago Business, August 2, 2021, Story on moratorium ending
www.chicagobusiness.com/residential-real-estate/officials-push-avoid-tsunami-evictions

WGN, August 2, 2021, Story on moratorium ending
wgntv.com/news/coronavirus/evictions-expected-to-spike-as-federal-moratorium-ends/

Chicago Tribune, July 30, 2021, Opinion column on ending the moratorium
www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-column-covid-19-eviction-moratorium-chapman-20210730-4rmnnaboyfcqtatzd4p372vzku-story.html

WBEZ, July 26, 2021, Story on moratorium ending
www.wbez.org/stories/as-the-phase-out-of-illinois-eviction-moratorium-nears-some-remain-on-edge/ffa0cf45-c362-43a1-b5aa-86a7d5534506

WTTW, July 24, 2021, Story on moratorium ending
news.wttw.com/2021/07/24/eviction-ban-ends-housing-organizations-say-assistance-programs-will-be-key

WTTW, July 18, 2021, Story on moratorium ending
news.wttw.com/2021/07/14/illinois-ban-evictions-end-aug-31-pritzker-says

Center Square, July 4, 2021, Story on NBOA proposal for moratorium
www.thecentersquare.com/illinois/housing-group-says-landlords-have-lost-1-billion-during-pandemic/article_08a4a26a-da97-11eb-a504-f3e9b03ac08a.html

Chicago Reporter, July 1, 2021, Story on the plight of housing providers
www.chicagoreporter.com/rent-moratorium-creates-anxiety-on-both-sides/