The Blue Star Certification Program is a joint effort by the Houston Police Department and the Houston Apartment Association. Created for rental properties of all sizes, the program's goal is to help law enforcement officials and the multifamily housing industry work together to effectively reduce criminal activity in rental properties.

How It Works

Property management staff enroll in the program. The first phase is the completion of an eight-hour program taught by attorneys, police, crime prevention professionals and guest speakers. Management training is recommended for property owners, managers, leasing staff, maintenance personnel and others in the management team.

Upon completion, each participant receives a certificate and agrees to notify prospective residents that management is working with police to keep the community healthy. Participating managers should also implement the Blue Star Lease Addendum, the program's backbone, which cites specific actions that will be taken by management if a resident or someone under the resident's control is involved in illegal or dangerous activity on or near the rental property.

Topics covered through the classroom presentations include:

• Understanding Crime Prevention
• CPTED Concepts
• The Application Process
• Community Rules and Leases
• Apartment Communities - Not Complexes
• Active Property Management
• Combating Crime Problems
• Liability Issues
• Dealing with Non-Compliance

For more information on the program, see the box at top right, or contact the HAA Education Department at 713-595-0319 or e-mail educ@haaonline.org.

 Blue Star Certification Program