ABO takes issue with licensing bills.

The leadership of he Associated buidingers and Owners last week said they agree with the concept of licensing residental owners and manager but not with the language of the Halperin bill , a measure that is gainning steam in the state legislature.

A number of bills that would mandated the licensing of residental owners and managers have been introduced in the 26). Senator Halperin's bill would direct the Department of State to approve institutions to offer courses that would include operations, maintenance, security, energy conservation, and basic legal principals.

Herbert Warshavsky, executive director of the Associated Builders and Owners, indicated that the bill ignored some existing national programs that certify the competency of managers, like ABO's "RAM" designation, and that many flyby-night groups will try to put their courses on the same level.

"It shouldn't be just any organization," said Warshavsky. " It should be someone that has a national affiliation."

The Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and Institution of Real Estate Managers (IREM) have similar affiliations, he said.

ABO offers its members the opportunity to become Registered Apartment Managers or "RAMs," a designation sponsored by the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) and certified by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HUD). A candidate for basic RAM certification must comply with the following requirements: Two years multi-housing management experience; 300 or more points on the Professional Profile, which is submitted to NAHB in Washington and graded in accordance with HUD regulations; and 325 or more points on the National RAM Examination. To prepare for the exam, candidates must take a 40-hour course, which is worth 125 points on the exam.

NAHB also offers Seniors Housing Management Specialist and Senior RAM designations. RAMs must be re-certified every three years.

As the local chapter of the National Association of Home Builders, ABO offers the courses that lead to these certifications.

In addition, Warshavsky said, the Halperin bill proposes a $150 annual licensing fee while real estate brokers pay $150 every two years.

He would also like to see all RAMs be grandfathered in.

ABO, he said, does not even appoint its own instructors for the RAM courses. They are selected by the National Association of Home Builders.