1. Who should be on our emergency contact list?

• Always have after hours list for every vendor you use at your properties, including ones that you hope you never need to use – example Remediation companies. I have zero contracts for remediation, extra plumbers and electricians – so I have back-ups.
• Print hard copies for everyone on your team and also have the list available online somewhere in case something happens, and you (property manager) cannot be reached – this way someone else can step in and take care of the emergency.

Answered by: Ann DiLorenzo, Property Manager, Kidder Mathews

2. LL responsibility vs. TT responsibility?

What are the differences between Landlord (LL) responsibility and Tenant (TT) responsibility in leases? Lease agreements vary significantly: NNN (Triple Net), Gross, or Net leases each define responsibilities differently.

• NNN (Triple Net Lease): In this lease type, the tenant typically pays for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs in addition to rent. Specific sections in the lease, often titled "Operating Expenses" or "Additional Rent," detail these responsibilities clearly. 
• Gross Lease: Under a Gross lease, the tenant pays a fixed rent amount, and the landlord is responsible for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. The lease will specify that these costs are included in the rent, and there may be provisions about adjustments or pass-throughs in certain circumstances. 
• Net Lease: A Net lease falls between NNN and Gross leases, where the tenant pays base rent plus some or all of the property expenses, which could include taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. The lease will outline which expenses are the responsibility of the tenant and which are covered by the landlord. In sectors like medical and industrial, clarity on equipment brought into the suite by tenants becomes crucial, particularly concerning liability responsibilities.

Answered by: Annette Ahumada, Property Manager, NewMark Merrill Companies - San Diego Division

3. How to report something to the City of San Diego?

To report issues to the City of San Diego, the process varies based on your specific location. The City offers a convenient application for submitting work tickets and abandonment notifications. Alternatively, for other districts, it’s advisable to visit their official website directly for detailed reporting procedures. 

Answered by: Annette Ahumada, Property Manager, NewMark Merrill Companies - San Diego Division

4. How do we get involved in BOMA.

Getting involved in BOMA begins with understanding your objectives for joining. Whether it's community engagement or career networking, clarifying your purpose is key. Once you've identified your goals, I recommend reaching out to a seasoned BOMA member to receive guidance on maximizing the opportunities BOMA offers. 

Answered by: Annette Ahumada, Property Manager, NewMark Merrill Companies - San Diego Division

Getting involved in BOMA is very rewarding. I started out by going to the luncheons and talking with everyone there – vendors and property managers. BOMA also has members that assist new members in pointing them in the right direction of what they are looking to get out of being a part of BOMA, your goals, what you have a passion for. 

Answered by: Ann DiLorenzo, Property Manager, Kidder Mathews

5. What BOMA committee should I join?

When choosing a BOMA committee to join, the decision should align closely with personal goals and interests. For me, I initially opted for the education and communication committees. Joining the education committee was instrumental as it provided expedited access to learning opportunities I wished to pursue. Simultaneously, involvement in the communication committee allowed me to stay informed about the activities and objectives of other committees, aiding future decisions regarding potential committee transitions.

Answered by: Annette Ahumada, Property Manager, NewMark Merrill Companies - San Diego Division

While it is great to check out communities that you can put your heart into; it’s also good to check out committees that you are curious about. When I first started in BOMA, I was on the Emerging Leaders committee. Then I moved onto Special Events, Communications, Emergency Preparedness and Community Service. One of my passions is doing work for the community and that’s why I was able to put my heart into these committees. In 2024, I started being a part of Governmental Affairs – which I didn’t realize how much I would get out of this one. I wish I had joined it years ago. 

Once you have decided on a few committees, (not joining as many as I did), work with them, learn from them and most importantly have fun. If you find your heart isn’t into a committee you have joined, it’s okay to stop and join a different one. Maybe even try one meeting of a few of them and pick 1 or 2 to start out with. That way you are not overwhelmed and don’t feel pressure to be involved with everything.

Answered by: Ann DiLorenzo, Property Manager, Kidder Mathews

6. How to sell BOMA to my company/higher ups?

Building strong relationships with our vendors is key to maintaining effective partnerships and ensuring smooth project execution. I emphasize to my higher-ups that BOMA offers significant value by facilitating these connections. Active involvement in BOMA—through mixers, committees, luncheons, and social events—allows us to engage with others in the industry, share best practices, and understand our vendors on a personal level. This not only strengthens our professional network but also aligns our values with those of our partners, ultimately benefiting our property management efforts. 

Answered by: Carrie Carey, Property Manager, RPG