At this month’s CVAA Morning Coffee, Patrick McCloud presented Forecasting Government Affair Issues In Our Industry, at Meridian Watermark in Chesterfield, Va. Topics of discussion included music licensing, tax reform legislation, proposed rental inspection programs in Richmond and the disparate impact. This open discussion focused on trends happening across the country and the future impact they could have on our business.

 

One of the major topics at hand focused on music licensing. I’m sure you are wondering exactly how music directly affects the apartment world and the connection is simple. If your apartment community uses music in their clubhouse or other common areas, you may be required to obtain a license to avoid violating copyright law. This is determined based on a particular use of music and whether it is deemed a "public performance." Some examples of where a license may be required includes having more than 4 TV’s in your clubhouse, playing downloaded music or even listening to a radio station where there are multiple speakers in one room just to name a few. For more information on this topic, please visit the National Multi Housing Council website or the VAMA office.