The Marketing Show with Matthew Kilmurry & Jay Harris

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jay Harris, Marketing Director at Hudson Cook.

Getting to know Jay

In my recent LinkedIn Live interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jay Harris, Partner at Hudson Cook LLP and head of the firm’s Residential Property Management practice. Jay brought a blend of legal insight and industry experience to the conversation, offering multifamily professionals practical guidance on understanding the increasingly complex regulatory landscape.

We dove into the hot-button topic of rent pricing and fee transparency, a growing area of concern for property managers and marketers alike. Jay explained that while advertising strategies need to showcase value, they must also stay firmly grounded in compliance. “Transparency isn’t just a best practice. It’s becoming a legal requirement,” Jay emphasized, noting the rising number of lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny around misleading rent or fee disclosures.

Our conversation explored how recent shifts in government leadership and enforcement priorities are impacting the industry. Jay helped clarify that while the change from the Trump to the Biden administration didn’t rewrite the rules overnight, it did signal a more aggressive regulatory stance. 

We also discussed what steps multifamily marketers can take to stay compliant while still crafting compelling messaging. Jay stressed the importance of collaboration between legal and marketing teams, making sure everyone is aligned on not just what’s being said, but how it's being interpreted by renters. This includes being crystal clear about application fees, amenity charges, and other costs that could be perceived as hidden.

In addition to pricing practices, Jay shared timely advice on the FTC’s updated rules on social media reviews and endorsements. With residents increasingly turning to online reviews when choosing where to live, maintaining credibility is essential. Jay recommended that property management companies ensure all sponsored content and resident incentives are properly disclosed, and that review-gathering practices are ethical and unbiased.

Throughout our conversation, Jay’s passion for helping the multifamily industry operate with integrity came through loud and clear. His understanding of both the legal landscape and the practical realities of property management makes him an invaluable resource.