As summer approaches, property managers face an increase in weather-related maintenance issues such as HVAC failures, leaking roofs, and other unexpected emergencies. Managing these challenges effectively is crucial to maintaining property value and ensuring resident satisfaction. Here are some essential tips to help property managers navigate inclement weather, communicate effectively with residents and vendors, and leverage maintenance software to stay proactive.
1. Prepare for Common Summer Weather Issues
HVAC Systems
- Regular Inspections: Schedule HVAC inspections before the summer heat peaks. Check for refrigerant levels, clean coils, and ensure all components are functioning properly.
- Filter Changes: Replace filters regularly to maintain airflow and efficiency. Leveraging an air filter delivery service, like Filter Time, in your resident benefits package is a great way to be proactive and prevent HVAC issues.
- Emergency Plans: Have a plan in place for quick repairs and access to backup units if necessary. Need guidance on how to create an effective preventative maintenance plan? Download our Free eBook: Building a Robust Preventative Maintenance Plan to get a step-by-step framework for developing a proactive strategy.
Roof Maintenance
- Inspection and Repairs: Inspect roofs for damage, clean gutters, and address any leaks immediately.
- Waterproofing: Ensure that roofs are properly waterproofed to handle sudden summer storms.
- Drainage Systems: Maintain and clear drainage systems to prevent water buildup and potential flooding.
2. Effective Communication with Residents and Vendors
Proactive Resident Communication
- Weather Alerts: Use email or SMS alerts to inform residents about upcoming severe weather and provide safety tips.
- Maintenance Requests: Encourage residents to report maintenance issues promptly. Provide easy-to-use channels for them to submit requests. Utilizing a property management maintenance tool like Latchel allows residents to seamlessly put in work orders and get nearly instant response times when a maintenance issue arises.
- Emergency Contacts: Share a list of emergency contacts and procedures with residents.
Coordinating with Vendors
- Preferred Vendor List: Maintain a list of reliable vendors who can respond quickly to emergencies. Latchel allows property managers to upload their preferred vendor list into the system along with your budget approvals for each work order category so work orders can be resolved quickly without you having to get involved. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about going over budget. Latchel only notifies you when a work order is over budget and needs approval.
- Service Agreements: Establish service agreements with vendors to ensure priority service during peak times.
- Regular Updates: Keep vendors informed about potential weather impacts and coordinate schedules for inspections and repairs.
3. Leveraging Maintenance Software
Utilizing the right maintenance software can make a significant difference in managing weather-related issues efficiently.
Real-Time Monitoring and Reporting
- Track Requests: Use software to track maintenance requests in real-time, ensuring that no issue goes unnoticed.
- Data Analytics: Analyze data to identify recurring issues and address them proactively.
Automated Workflows
- Scheduling: Automate scheduling for regular inspections and maintenance tasks.
- Notifications: Set up automated notifications for residents and vendors about scheduled maintenance and weather alerts.
The Latchel Advantage
At Latchel, we specialize in providing 24/7 emergency maintenance support through proactive troubleshooting. Our platform ensures that resident calls are answered within 60 seconds, and we de-escalate up to 50% of maintenance emergencies, saving time and resources for property managers.
Be Proactive
Don’t let inclement weather catch you off guard this summer. Schedule a demo with Latchel today to learn how our comprehensive property management platform can help you streamline maintenance, create efficient operations, and improve the resident experience. Be prepared, stay proactive, and ensure the comfort and safety of your residents with Latchel.
