About Us

The Pennsylvania Apartment Association was formed on January 1st, 2020 when three NAA affiliates, PAA-West, PAA-Central, and PAA-East unified to form one state association. Soon after the unification, COVID-19 changed the trajectory of the Association's goals and initiatives. What was intended to be a year of bringing members together through education, advocacy, and networking opportunities, suddenly became a year of virtual encounters. PAA's advocacy team jumped into action and ensured that the industry was deemed essential. They also worked with local, state, and federal regulators to curb pandemic-related evictions while ensuring that home providers were able to meet payroll, maintain services, and adhere to COVID safety requirements from the Centers for Disease Control. Our member engagement and education teams found ways to quickly pivot to virtual opportunities for events, panel discussions, and learning. Whether providing 90-second updates, Around the Water Cooler online conversations, or virtual trade shows, PAA was there to meet the needs of our membership. Today, we are one of the top ten largest apartment associations in the country and growing. We are working with legislators and regulators to proactively implement policies that are mutually beneficial to our members and the families they house. We are providing in-person education and credentialling courses that improve the skills of current and future multifamily team members. We are bringing our members together throughout the Commonwealth to strengthen relationships, increase knowledge, and create memories. We are providing a home-field advantage for all stakeholders to elevate the Pennsylvania multifamily industry!

The History of PAA-East

PAA-East was formerly known as the Multi-Family Housing Council of Southeastern Pennsylvania and affiliated with the Pennsylvania Builders Association and the National Association of Home Builders. The association was created within the multi-family building industry to advocate and improve multi-family housing construction, ownership, and management techniques and practices. In 1982, the association was formed as the Apartment Association of Greater Philadelphia (AAGP), and in 1996 joined the National Apartment Association as a local affiliate with the state charter. In 2013 the association changed its name to the Pennsylvania Apartment Association East (PAA East) with chartered jurisdiction of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties. In 2017, new counties Northampton, Monroe, and Pike were added. The PAA-East represented apartment owners and associate members who provide products and services in the multifamily industry. The original intention of the association was still held as of 2019 when the affiliate closed its doors to form the PAA state association, as a non-profit organization that provides its members a professional platform through education and events while advocating for our industry.

The History of the PAA-West

PAA-West is known as the youngest of the three associations in the state and formed its local chapter in the Pittsburgh Area in 2002. At the time of its inception, the Pennsylvania Apartment Association West was known originally as the Western Pennsylvania Apartment Association (WPAA). Throughout history, the local chapter represented its members on a national level as part of the National Apartment Association. The PAA-West prided itself on being able to offer education to its valuable members. The Association offered legislative updates to its members along with valuable insight into ​industry standards.

The History of PAA-Central

At PAA-Central, the purpose was to educate consumers, commercial stakeholders, and the industry, about the association and the multifamily industry. PAA-Central focused on this market from business benefits and environmental efforts to trends and advice. PAA-Central provided information to its members and their customers for close to 20 years.