Learn from our property management experts!
Maintaining your multifamily property can feel like a daunting task. Between managing the needs of your residents and keeping an eye on repairs and updates, you may feel as though there are not enough hours in the day.
The residence management experts at MMC Properties have decades of experience maintaining apartment communities. Here are some of the tips and tricks they’ve learned along the way.
One of the biggest frustrations for property managers is keeping litter out of community areas. However, if your property does not have trash cans within reach, unwanted garbage can end up on the sidewalks and common areas. While this is unfortunate and you hope people are not littering on purpose, you want to be sure they have every opportunity to place their trash in a designated receptacle.
Even if you provide your residents with plenty of trash cans, dumpsters, and recycling bins, you still need someone to pick it up for you. Your city probably has a few waste management services, so don’t be afraid to shop around. Interview each company and ask about their schedule, fees, and experience working with multifamily properties. This job will be more involved than single-home trash collection, so be sure the company has an accurate understanding of what they will be doing each visit. Choosing a company that has experience with apartment waste management is a smart idea.
You do not have to spend a large amount on seasonal flowers and artful shrubs, but your residents probably expect a certain level of lawn care and ambiance. Just as you interviewed waste management companies, be sure to ask each landscape company about their experience with large properties. Inquire if they have any partnerships with wholesale nurseries, which can help if you need to add seasonal plants or update an area that has become neglected.
Your residents are busy people who lead even busier lives. They most likely chose to live at your complex because of the amenities and maintenance you offer. And while you can rely on them to put in a request when something is completely broken, such as a light switch or refrigerator, they may accidentally overlook exterior flaws that need updating. Check commonly repaired areas like the shingles, window and door seals, drains, and stairwells every few months. You can even go an extra step by spraying bug repellent in the spring and summer, and power spraying units’ exteriors each year to keep them looking fresh. Conducting these seasonal inspections of interiors and exteriors ensures your property looks great and is safe for all residents.
If you set out rules in your lease agreement, be sure these are reviewed and re-signed annually. Post rules in visible locations, such as by the pool area, dog park, or club house. It only takes a few rowdy residents to create a hostile or unwelcoming environment. Take measures to enforce the rules regularly so that conflicts are avoided as much as possible. If a resident or their guest is not following the rules, it is your responsibility to ensure they understand this behavior is not tolerated.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is admit you need help to do something! If you are looking for assistance managing your multifamily properties, it could be a good time to seek out a property management company. They can assist you with resident screenings and applications, repairs conducted by their staff of skilled maintenance professionals, and marketing your investment to ensure your property is occupied. Property management companies employ a team of experienced professionals who are able to provide their full attention to your residents’ happiness and your return on your investment property.
To learn more about how a property management company can help you manage your real estate investment, contact MMC Properties today at (615) 849-9006.