Summer is on the horizon, and with it comes a wave of new activity for apartment residents. Longer days, warmer weather, and school vacations all contribute to a shift in how people use their living spaces and the surrounding amenities. As a property manager, it’s your job to ensure your apartment building is ready to meet these changing needs and provide a comfortable, enjoyable summer experience for your residents.

Here at Ascent Multifamily Solutions, we understand the importance of proactive maintenance and resident satisfaction. To help you get a head start on the season, we’ve compiled a list of May Must-Do’s to prepare your apartment building for the summer heat:

Safety First: Fire and Pest Prevention

Fire Safety Inspections: Schedule annual fire safety inspections for all common areas and resident units. Ensure fire extinguishers are properly charged and easily accessible. Conduct fire drills with residents to promote awareness and proper evacuation procedures.
Smoke Detector Checks: Test all smoke detectors in common areas and resident units to ensure they are functioning correctly. Replace any outdated or malfunctioning detectors.
Combating Critters: Summer is prime time for pests like ants, roaches, and mosquitos. Partner with a licensed pest control company to conduct preventative treatments in common areas and offer optional in-unit pest control services to residents.

Comfort Counts: HVAC and Plumbing Maintenance

Air Conditioning Tune-Up: Schedule professional maintenance for the building’s central air conditioning system (if applicable) or individual unit AC units. This will ensure they operate efficiently and effectively throughout the hot weather.
Leak Detection and Prevention: Inspect all pipes and fixtures for leaks, especially in common areas like laundry rooms and trash disposal areas. Address any leaks promptly to prevent water damage and mold growth.
Pool Safety: If your building has a pool, ensure it’s properly cleaned, balanced, and sanitized before opening for the season. Conduct safety inspections of pool equipment, ladders, and fencing. Clearly post pool rules and regulations for resident safety.

Enhance Curb Appeal

Landscaping Refresh: Spring showers lead to summer blooms! Spruce up the building’s exterior by adding seasonal flowers, trimming bushes, and edging walkways. Consider planting mosquito-repelling plants around patios and entrances.
Power Washing: Give the building’s exterior a fresh look with a power washing. This removes dirt, grime, and mildew that can accumulate over winter.
Grilling and Gathering Spaces: If your building has BBQ grills or outdoor common areas, ensure they are clean, functional, and well-maintained. Consider adding additional seating or picnic tables to create inviting gathering spots for residents.

Resident Comfort Upgrades: Enhance Summer Living

Summer is a time for residents to spend more time enjoying their apartments. Here are some ways you can elevate their in-unit experience:

Energy-Efficient Lighting Upgrade: Offer residents the option to upgrade their lighting fixtures or bulbs to energy-efficient LED models. This will not only save them money on their electricity bills but will also generate cooler light output, reducing heat build-up in their apartments during the summer months.
Appliance Tune-Ups: Provide residents with the option to schedule preventative maintenance checks for their in-unit appliances like refrigerators and dishwashers. This ensures optimal performance and minimizes the risk of breakdowns during peak summer usage.

By offering these upgrade options, you cater to residents who want to personalize their space. This can be a great way to generate additional revenue while also boosting resident satisfaction.

Going the Extra Mile: Summer-Specific Services

Package Delivery Coordination: With summer vacations come increased online shopping. Explore options for secure package delivery and pick-up procedures, especially if residents are expecting deliveries while away.
Bicycle Storage: If your building doesn’t have designated bike storage, consider creating a secure area for residents to store their bikes during the summer months when cycling becomes more popular.
Guest Parking: Summer often means more visitors. Evaluate your guest parking policy and signage to ensure there’s adequate space for residents’ guests without inconveniencing them.

By following these May Must-Do’s, you can ensure your apartment building is prepared for the demands of summer. A proactive approach will not only create a comfortable and enjoyable environment for your residents but also help prevent costly repairs and maintenance issues down the road.

Ascent Multifamily Solutions: Your Summertime Partner

At Ascent Multifamily Solutions, we specialize in helping property managers like you optimize your apartment complex operations. We offer a wide range of services, including preventative maintenance and tenant improvements.