Memorial Day is in the rear-view mirror. Meanwhile, just ahead is June 1, the official start date of “meteorological summer.” Then there is the June 20 summer solstice.
What do the above have in common? Warmer weather. And what does warmer weather mean to multifamily property managers and owner-operators? Experts tell Connect CRE that warmer weather means a higher level of amenity use. As such, anyone involved with apartment building management must pay attention to these summer-specific features and keep them safe and usable.
So, What’s Used?
The experts agreed that the use of outdoor amenities skyrockets during the summer months. Residents flock to outdoor pools, grilling stations and fire pits, rooftop decks, tennis and pickleball courts, cabanas and dog parks as they “provide residents with opportunities to relax, socialize with their community outdoors, and host their friends and guests,” said Athenes Bauza, business development director, new development and multifamily rentals, FirstService Residential.
Additionally, other amenities might experience an uptick in use even before summer days become a reality. LIVunLtd’s President and COO, North America, Brian Buccino, pointed out that residents prepare for outdoor activities with extra hours in fitness centers and more practice with heavier weights. “Parents might also sign their children up for swimming lessons, and golfers might increase their practice time in golf simulators,” Buccino added.
But attention shouldn’t be paid only to features in the great outdoors. Alexandra LaFlam explained that indoor amenities don’t disappear with the warmer weather. “In the wake of the pandemic, a significant number of renters continue to work from home, prompting a shift in the design and demand for communal spaces,” said LaFlam, who is WithMe Inc.’s National Account Executive. She went on to say that there has been an increase in the popularity of shared workspaces. “These provide the convenience of working from home with the added benefit of a space separate from their apartments,” LaFlam added.
The Role of Property Management
It probably goes without saying that multifamily owner-operators and property managers are responsible for taking care of outdoor and indoor amenities during the hotter weather. Actions include keeping pools clean and sanitary and ensuring that dog parks are free from poop and sanitized.
Behind-the-scenes actions can also support amenities. Buccino said that managers and operators must maintain ADA compliance across all common spaces while providing and maintaining clear signage and access systems.
Bauza added that management and ownership would benefit from analyzing resident amenity access data to determine the most in-demand days and times. With that information, promotional efforts could help move traffic to low-demand areas.
Then there are other personnel involved. “It’s essential to equip staff with the tools and training necessary to handle resident interactions, emergencies and amenity operations,” Buccino said. For example, pool lifeguards should be adequately rested during their shifts and ready to handle emergencies. Furthermore, “be sure that changes to pool area furnishings during the off season aren’t impeding views of any pool areas,” Bauza suggested. “These steps will help improve attentive and vigilant coverage.”
Speaking of which, resident safety should be at the forefront of all apartment managers and operators at all times of the year. However, summer means more gatherings and activities, leading to potentially more issues.
“Daily protocols, such as walking and maintaining the spaces, ensure that every resident’s needs are met,” LaFlam explained. “Resident satisfaction is the main goal to ensure the community maintains high retention levels.”
