Special Report: Staying Two Steps Ahead

Even in areas with less pronounced seasons, you need to prioritize certain multifamily property management projects and tasks at specific times of the year. Seasonal concerns range from maintenance to resident events to marketing, and it can be tough to keep them all in mind—especially since needs can vary by property characteristics, geography and degree of profitability.

MHN created this handy checklist based on property management recommendations from leading multifamily professionals, organizing must-dos by both month and season.

Your Annual Checklist

To-do list:
Set Intentions for the Year Ahead
☐ Conduct a SWOT analysis
☐ Review Fair Housing policies
☐ Track upcoming annual inspections

Conduct a SWOT analysis

It’s easy to dive straight into the daily grind once the new year begins. But taking a step back to intentionally set goals can establish a tone for a more focused and successful year. One effective way for property managers to approach this is by conducting a SWOT analysis that evaluates strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This exercise is not just for business strategy; it can also guide your leadership, team dynamics and overall property or portfolio performance.
Start by reflecting on your personal leadership. What strengths can you lean on this year? Are there any areas where you can grow or adapt? Next, take a close look at your team. Are there dynamics that could be improved or team members who might benefit from additional training? Acknowledging opportunities for development can foster a stronger, more cohesive team.
Finally, assess the performance of your property or portfolio. What were your standout successes in 2024? Were there challenges that need addressing in 2025? Reviewing these insights can reveal opportunities for improvement while also shining a light on areas where you’re already excelling.
This process not only helps you clarify your goals but also ensures they’re realistic and aligned with the broader picture. Without intentional goal setting, it’s easy to fall into a reactive mindset, responding to issues as they arise instead of proactively planning for success.

— Sierra Berg, Marketing Director, Pillar Properties

Review Fair Housing policies

HUD-funded testers are paid to shop apartment communities to be sure that we comply. Millions of dollars have been funded in the past couple of years. Testing is legal; not knowing the laws and rules is not an excuse. All staff and business partners must be educated in Fair Housing, including maintenance techs, housekeepers, groundskeepers, vendors and suppliers, temp agencies, and marketing and advertising managers for print and digital, websites and social media.
What if a person’s ID and photo say Fred Smith, but she introduces herself and is dressed as Freda Smith? Yes, this is awkward for you. Everyone is free to express and allowed to express their gender identity as they choose. Train and role-play how you will deal with it. And for same-gender married, do not question or ask for a marriage certificate. Be sure that the entire service team is trained on all policies regarding this protected community of people.

— Anne Sadovsky, Fair Housing Expert & Multifamily Virtual Education Specialist

Track upcoming annual inspections

Every property needs a way to track upcoming inspections and plan for these throughout the year. We have an asset tracker for each of our properties to ensure inspections are regularly scheduled before expiration. We track fire systems—including hydrants and alarms—and the current tagging of any fire extinguisher equipment. Any water systems that need to be reviewed—such as backflow preventers, water retention ponds or vaults—should be inspected annually. Elevators and area of refuge systems including phone lines are also tested and inspected annually to ensure they are fully functional.
Pools are a priority when ensuring the appropriate health inspections are in place. We recommend reviewing the drains and pump systems for functional performance and leak prevention. We also encourage testing the emergency pool phone system and verifying that all emergency life safety equipment is in place and in good condition (hooks, preservers, etc.). Is all signage clear, visible and easy to read?
Lastly, and most importantly, our asset management team conducts property walks throughout the year to inspect the items we track and ensure they’re performed. They’re also looking for long-term capital items that may need to occur to reduce risks further. We inspect surfaces to see if there are any trip hazards. We verify that handrails and balconies are adequately secured and look for other potential areas where conditions might cause future issues.

— Lisa Gunderson, Vice President of Asset Management, Bristol Development Group

To-do list:
Get a Head Start on the Summer Rush
☐ Conduct staff training
☐ Evaluate curb appeal needs

Conduct staff training

The summer season typically brings a higher volume of work orders, especially related to A/C maintenance and repairs, increased turnover requiring prompt unit make-ready processes, and a surge in renewals and new lease signings. As temperatures rise, A/C systems are often tested to their limits, making timely maintenance and repairs crucial. Planning months ahead ensures your team is ready to manage these tasks efficiently. It also helps operations run smoothly while maintaining a high level of resident satisfaction.
Conduct training sessions to ensure all staff members are well versed in their roles, implement a robust scheduling system to manage the anticipated increase in work orders, and allocate resources strategically to avoid delays. Additionally, it’s important to review maintenance checklists and ensure that all necessary equipment and supplies are stocked and ready for the summer rush.
By preparing in advance, you can ensure smooth transitions for new residents as well as those who are moving out. Effective time management practices among office staff will help in handling the increased volume of renewals, tours and prospect traffic, ensuring that critical activities are completed on time. Additionally, fostering strong communication between the office and maintenance teams ensures everyone is on the same page and can address issues promptly. Proactively planning for maintenance needs, such as preventive A/C checks and unit make-ready schedules, can also help reduce the number of unexpected issues that arise.

— Dorothy Smith, Vice President of Operational Support, Univesco

Evaluate curb appeal needs

As spring approaches, it’s a good time to map out the annual plan for a property’s seasonal décor, as curb appeal is the first impression offered by a community. We direct managers to install four seasons of materials and decorations each year in high-profile indoor and outdoor areas so they’re always fresh and updated. Invest in full, colorful, lush and large pots or planters. A small change with a big impact is to swap out the planters seasonally—using terracotta pots or ceramic planters in bright, summer hues during the warmer months and changing them to bushel baskets or more subdued, earthy tones in the fall.
Inside, keep colorful and seasonally appropriate fresh flowers in the property management office and front desk areas. One tip to help a property stay within its budget for greenery is to create a three-year landscaping plan with a base of perennials, such as hostas, lilies and flowering bushes enhanced by a mix of colorful annuals like impatiens and zinnias in new colors each year.

— Diana Pittro, Executive Vice President, RMK Management Corp.

To-do list:
Refresh the Property and Review Procedures
☐ Ramp up preventive maintenance
☐ Perform a deep cleaning
☐ Get residents involved in spring cleanup

Ramp up preventive maintenance

In March, our property management teams focus on preventive maintenance tasks for early spring, such as ensuring HVAC systems are ready for the changing season. We finalize our landscaping and snow removal contracts, along with installations for warmer weather. Summer is typically our peak leasing season, so around March is when we ramp up our system training, set goals for our properties and develop leasing and renewal strategies. We thoroughly review our lease expiration schedules to create timelines that ensure expirations peak during the busy season and taper in the off season.

— Jim Cunningham, COO, Marquette Cos.

Perform a deep cleaning

March is the month to plan spring cleaning. Coming out of the winter months, particularly in colder regions, common spaces like lobbies and hallways have been exposed to snow, mud and sidewalk deicers and are due for a deep cleaning. The arrival of spring weather is also a good reminder to think about outdoor prep. March is a great time to schedule exterior cleanings and power washing. Also examine any landscaping that might not have fared well over the winter and make plans for new plantings.

— Martha Gaitan-Manning, Property Manager, Draper and Kramer

Get residents involved in spring cleanup

I think it’s a really great idea to host a community spring cleaning event. It allows residents to engage with one another, clean up their spaces and welcome the warmer weather. Also, it helps with asset preservation and preventive maintenance because it encourages residents to declutter their homes and uncover overlooked issues that may need to be addressed With the summer move-in/move-out season coming around, it also makes for easier move-outs. This is a very low-cost event to host. You provide the dumpster and you organize a little party. We’ve done it in some of our communities, and it’s been a really great success.

— Steven St. Louis, Regional Manager/Market Rate and Condo, Habitat

To-do list:
Sync the Community and Brand
☐ Take stock of marketing messaging
☐ Ask residents for their summer wish list

Take stock of marketing messaging

When spring is just beginning, we seize the opportunity to refocus our teams and polish their presentation. We are thinking about our marketing, branding, tour routes and presentation of our apartment homes. Is it time to consider refreshing all that represents your community? Beginning with your teams, make sure name tags and uniforms have professional appeal and include your community name and a unified color palette. For external marketing, determine whether it’s time to order new collateral, business cards and outreach materials.
Are your marketing messages on brand? We look to hospitality for inspiration for consistent color palettes, fonts, icons and logos, created for each property we develop. This is an easy and low-cost way to refresh your messaging and elevate your brand styling. Popular tools like Canva can help establish consistent marketing messages that are on point with your branding. We incorporate these elements into our social media and online storytelling.

— Lisa Gunderson, Vice President of Asset Management, Bristol Development Group

Ask residents for their summer wish list

Spring is the prime time to ask residents for their summer wish list of great community activities. Getting them thinking about summer pool days or movie nights really drives the resident experience. Sending summer activity questionnaires out shows that you’re building a sense of community with your residents, and it also gives property managers an opportunity to showcase their amenities and speak about how awesome it is to live at their community, especially in the summer, when residents are enjoying the nice weather, relaxing and being neighborly.
Ask for their opinions or conduct a summer bucket list poll. This allows you to speak to the community’s amenities while creating a dialogue with your residents. Open up lines of communication to build on the resident experience and lifestyle that ultimately result in lower turnover and high retention.

— Steven St. Louis, Regional Manager/Market Rate and Condo, Habitat

To-do list:
Sync the Community and Brand
☐ Take stock of marketing messaging
☐ Ask residents for their summer wish list

Set the stage for smoother renewals

May is the perfect time to prioritize resident retention and lay the groundwork for a successful summer renewal season. With the busy months ahead, property managers can make a meaningful impact by focusing on resident engagement and showcasing the unique value of their communities. This proactive approach not only fosters goodwill but also helps minimize turnover when peak renewal season arrives.
Resident retention starts with intentional engagement. Consider organizing a Resident Appreciation Week to show your gratitude. Small gestures like handwritten notes, small gifts to doors or even surprise treats can go a long way toward making residents feel appreciated. These personal touches create emotional connections and remind residents why they chose to call your property home.
Hosting resident events is another effective strategy to strengthen community ties. Events that encourage neighborly connections—such as a brunch, trivia night or group fitness class—foster a sense of belonging. Residents who feel part of a thriving community are more likely to renew their leases. Think of May as the calm before the storm, giving you time to create experiences that residents will remember when renewal offers arrive.
Don’t overlook the opportunity to partner with local businesses. Collaborations with nearby coffee shops, restaurants or fitness studios can provide added value for your residents. Discounted services, exclusive offers or pop-up events on site give residents something tangible to love about your property while also supporting the neighborhood economy.
Highlighting what makes your property special is key. Whether it’s top-tier amenities, stunning views or exceptional service, use this month to communicate these unique benefits clearly. A strong narrative about your property’s value makes renewing with you an easy decision.

— Sierra Berg, Marketing Director, Pillar Properties

Hone time management skills

Failing to prepare for the busy season can lead to significant operational challenges. Poorly managed unit turnovers can lead to vacant apartments and lost revenue. Overwhelmed office staff may struggle to keep up with the increased demand for renewals and new leases, causing frustration for both staff and residents. In the worst-case scenario, unaddressed issues may escalate into larger problems that impact the reputation of the community.
By preparing in advance, you can ensure smooth transitions for new residents as well as those who are moving out. Effective time management practices among office staff will help in handling the increased volume of renewals, tours and prospect traffic, ensuring that critical activities are completed on time. Additionally, fostering strong communication between the office and maintenance teams ensures everyone is on the same page and can address issues promptly. Proactively planning for maintenance needs, such as preventive A/C checks and unit make-ready schedules, can also help reduce the number of unexpected issues that arise.

—Dorothy Smith, Vice President of Operational Support, Univesco

To-do list:
Ace the Competitive Leasing Season
☐ Communicate strategically with prospects
☐ Highlight amenities and units
☐ Don’t be caught off guard when bad weather hits

Communicate strategically with prospects

June marks the beginning of the peak leasing season, presenting an excellent opportunity to fill vacancies and boost occupancy rates. To make the most of the increase in traffic, it’s essential to focus on effective marketing, follow-up and leasing strategies.
During the summer, many people are looking to move, making it a prime time for leasing. An effective marketing strategy combined with diligent follow-ups can significantly enhance your chances of attracting quality residents and filling vacancies quickly. Proper leasing practices ensure that prospects have a smooth and positive experience, which can lead to higher conversion rates and long-term residents. Additionally, a well-executed strategy helps build trust and encourages prospects to act sooner, which is critical in a competitive rental market.
Think about enhancing your online presence with updated apartment listings, amenities, high-quality photos and virtual tours to help attract potential residents. By responding to prospects quickly and personalizing your communication, you’ll set yourself apart and make a lasting impression. Prospects will feel valued and understood, rather than like just another number, which increases the likelihood of them choosing your property. Streamlining the application process reduces time spent addressing hang-ups and leasing delays. This creates a more seamless experience for both the prospect and your team.

— Brandon Robinson, Univesco

Highlight amenities and units

The digital landscape is ever-changing, and Google My Business will change again in 2025. Search for your Google business listing and ensure it’s updated, with fresh photos/videos and all current information. Also, double-check your business hours and directions to ensure they’re correct. Digital advertising, SEO and social media rapidly outperform traditional internet listing services. Short-form video content is currently the best way to create user engagement. Ensure you use 30-second-or-less segments throughout your platforms to highlight your amenities and units.
How is your community presenting on tours? When was the last time you reviewed it from a prospective resident’s perspective? How do things look? Is it time for a mulch refresh or landscape enhancement to give it some pop? How does the model look? Do you need to refresh any accessories? Do you need a few elements to make your model apartment stand out or be more memorable? We always double-check the smells and sounds to provide an on-brand experience.

—Lisa Gunderson, Vice President of Asset Management, Bristol Development Group

Don’t be caught off guard when bad weather hits

With all that we do daily—especially during the busy leasing season—it’s essential to remember that we must be prepared in an emergency. Additionally, we should be aware of how we can minimize daily risks in our communities. Do you have documents that govern your response to an emergency? Can you access them easily? Can you access them if there’s no power? Do you know the name and contact information of your property insurance compa–ny? All of this information is critical if there’s an emergency at your community. Also, consider having a contact list of community resources that can support you in case of an emergency, such as the Red Cross or your local apartment association.

—Lisa Gunderson, Vice President of Asset Management, Bristol Development Group

To-do list:
Keep Resident Events Top of Mind
☐ Get creative with outdoor activities
☐ Pay extra attention to pools
☐ Remove operational roadblocks

Get creative with outdoor activities

Once summer hits, our property managers transition from planning and executing indoor-focused resident events—such as game nights, dinners and wine tastings—to outdoor activities. Popular al fresco events include yoga by the pool and chef demos around grilling areas. Also, many properties help coordinate resident running or walking groups. Some properties arrange food truck visits for residents who work from home.
Pet-centered events are also ideal this time of year, such as animal donation drives and visits from dog-treat food trucks. It’s a great time to host a “Yappy Hour” for residents and their pets in the dog run area, but first be sure to refresh the run with clean surfaces, new toys and wading pools to help dogs cool off.

—Diana Pittro, Executive Vice President, RMK Management Corp.

Pay extra attention to pools

Properties with pools are, of course, popular. But they also require a little extra effort from the property management and maintenance staff. With July being peak pool season in many regions, it’s time to pay extra attention to this amenity. Between pool service visits, staff should regularly check the chemical balance, skim debris, vacuum the pool floor and make sure the filter is running properly. Particularly on weekends, summer holidays and other high-usage days, assign a staff member to regularly walk the pool deck to empty refuse containers and remind residents to follow pool rules as needed.

—Amber Redding, Property Manager, Draper and Kramer

Remove operational roadblocks

July is about enabling on-site teams to perform efficiently during the peak leasing season by removing operational roadblocks. Our resident events and community engagement efforts take center stage to enhance the overall resident experience. We closely monitor progress toward our leasing goals, adjusting as needed to stay on track. We also provide educational content via our community newsletters for residents to promote energy conservation and wellness during the summer.

To-do list:
Start Winter Preparations
☐ Lock in pricing now for winter needs
☐ Find issues before they happen
☐ Set up a regular maintenance schedule with a vendor

Lock in pricing now for winter needs

We help owners lock in pricing for snow removal in the summer/early fall. We always suggest communities stock up on ice and snow melt supplies in the off-season, when prices are more favorable and demand is lower. For snow removal, owners should ensure that fuel for gas-powered equipment is on hand. We also inspect protective wear for our associates early to confirm proper sizing for those who may be tasked with snow removal or exterior work.
Our team diligently develops contingency plans so we have them in place before periods of more unstable weather. Intense rainstorms can occur where large volumes of water fall in much shorter periods. Snow may be more infrequent, but when it happens it can be heavier and more challenging to remove. Some of the key systems to ensure operational continuity in the event of a major storm include emergency generator servicing, battery backups for sump pumps and other key infrastructure, and off-site monitoring.
Our goal is to complete property inspections well before winter, including any common amenity spaces (roofs, decks, outdoor pool areas or others) that should be closed until spring. We also encourage owners to conduct routine preventive maintenance of heating and cooling systems, including winterizing outdoor cooling towers and other equipment to prevent freeze damage.

—Brian Butler, President, FirstService Residential

Find issues before they happen

Maintenance is a year-round priority, but it becomes especially important as apartment assets transition into winter. Know the regions and the places where winter starts earlier. Winter preparedness begins in the summer. We look at what we did last year, seeing if there’s additional time to take early preventive action. We want to find issues before they happen. Preventive maintenance includes walking the property regularly to discover concerns and get ahead of problems before they become larger issues—and before winter.

—Jason Meyers, Vice President, MCS

Set up a regular maintenance schedule with a vendor

HVAC systems should receive thorough inspections and maintenance twice annually—once before summer and again before winter to ensure all buildings and units are prepared for seasonal demands. Clean boilers, furnaces and HVAC systems and replace filters. If you set up a regular maintenance schedule with a vendor, you don’t have to make seasonal appointments.
Also perform biannual roof inspections to check for any damage or substantial wear to reduce the risk of leaks and building decay that could escalate during winter months. Our approach is to control what we can. We monitor weather advisories closely and encourage our teams to overprepare rather than risk being underprepared.

—Kelli Tomczak, Vice President of Property Management, The HOW Group

To-do list:
Focus on Budget Season
☐ Anticipate changes in expenses and find savings
☐ Conduct a thorough audit

Anticipate changes in expenses and find savings

As the fall is in full swing, so should your plans be to complete your comprehensive budget for next year. We start with what we refer to as “capital walks.” Over the summer, we make plans to walk every unit in each of our existing assets, usually in conjunction with some preventive maintenance on site. This is a great way to assess what might be needed in the coming year for capital replacements, but it also helps us develop long-term replacement reserve estimates.
Beginning with the base knowledge of the condition of every unit, we can work to formulate a realistic plan for anticipated turnover. We’re also gathering information regarding anticipated rate increases for taxes, insurance and utilities to help forecast expense growth.
Check to make sure that things did not just repeat from last year. We review the budget for one-time events to ensure they were not copied into the budget template. One consistent thing we see is the two times a year that three payroll periods are showing up as an expense in the wrong month. Using a calendar basis for this information does not reflect when it will show up in your statements. Work with your accounting and human resources teams to identify when these will hit your financials so you can budget correctly.
Try to anticipate any significant changes in expenses and find savings. Have you budgeted for the changes in air conditioning systems’ refrigerant requirements? Is it time to rebid existing contracts for services to see if there are any potential savings? Can a capital replacement be made to replace or reduce a recurring expense? We utilize a commercial coffee machine and reduce costs through bulk purchases of beans and supplies.
Lastly, plan to make your case to your owners and leadership. Using all the information you’ve gathered through unit walks, research, photos, articles and competitive property information, explain why you developed this plan. You’re the expert.

—Lisa Gunderson, Vice President of Asset Management, Bristol Development Group

Conduct a thorough audit

This foundational task ensures that next year’s budget assumptions are accurate, actionable and aligned with your property’s financial goals. It gives senior leadership confidence in your deliverables. Start by auditing all rentable items against actual charges. This includes everything from parking spaces to storage units and premium amenities. Are there discrepancies between what’s being charged and what’s being used? Are all rentable items fully accounted for in your system? By reconciling these details now, you’ll eliminate guesswork in your 2025 budgeting process and identify potential areas to boost income.
This is also the ideal time to audit the submarket. Assess where your property stands in comparison to competitors, especially regarding ancillary income opportunities. Are there untapped ways to increase revenue, such as introducing new fee-based services or optimizing existing ones? Understanding submarket trends can help you identify strategic opportunities to stay competitive while driving additional income.
Another critical area to review is your screening criteria and bad debt. Analyze your bad debt over the past year and cross-reference it with screening results. Are there patterns that suggest areas for improvement in your screening process? Tightening criteria where appropriate can help mitigate future risk and ensure more reliable income streams. For example, you may consider adjusting income-to-rent ratios and credit thresholds, or adding verification steps to minimize financial losses while maintaining a fair and equitable process.

—Sierra Berg, Marketing Director, Pillar Properties

To-do list:
Engage Residents With Seasonal Activities
☐ Foster a sense of connection
☐ Communicate winter procedures

Foster a sense of connection

October is the beginning of the slower season and the perfect time to focus on enhancing engagement through resident events. As the weather cools and holidays approach, creating opportunities for residents to connect can significantly improve community satisfaction and retention.
Resident engagement plays a crucial role in property management. When residents feel connected to their community, they are more likely to renew their lease and take better care of their home, both inside and out. Resident events provide a platform for residents to meet their neighbors, fostering a sense of connection to their community, and to develop a deep sense of belonging, fostering the feeling that it is truly home, which makes them more likely to remain long term.
Resident events such as Halloween parties, fall festivals and charity drives provide residents with opportunities to socialize, which can reduce feelings of isolation and increase overall satisfaction. Additionally, engaged residents are more likely to report maintenance issues promptly and adhere to community guidelines because they take pride in their community.

—Dorothy Smith, Vice President of Operational Support, Univesco

Communicate winter procedures

In the fall, it’s important to be looking ahead to the winter season—and winterproofing the community. It’s also an opportunity to create an open dialogue with residents while offering them tips and tricks to make sure that they are prepared for winter, too, with a preparedness kit in case the power goes out. This gives residents a sense of purpose and community, but it also helps reduce your risk factors.
You can express it as what residents should do during winter weather advisories to make sure they’re not slipping and falling, the community’s snow removal plans and how the property will be taken care of during the winter months. Having open communication with residents about winter preparedness is so important.

— Steven St. Louis, Regional Manager/Market Rate and Condo, Habitat

To-do list:
Wrap Up Year-End Activities
☐ Finalize outdoor winter prep
☐ Set financial plans for next year
☐ Review holiday protocol with residents

Finalize outdoor winter prep

November marks the time for finalizing any outdoor winter prep. As we manage properties in the Midwest, our crews are busy pruning trees, trimming bushes, raking leaves and eliminating dead plantings. They also store pool-deck furniture and secure any items that remain outside for winter. Prepare for snow and ice by stocking up on salt and snow shovels and ensuring snow removal equipment is in working order. Also, staff should be reminded to clean windows even in the cold months, as well as doors and all other glass.

—Diana Pittro, Executive Vice President, RMK Management Corp

Set financial plans for next year

Budget reviews and approvals take priority in November so we can set financial plans for the upcoming year. Our teams focus on contract negotiations and renewals to secure essential building services and partnerships. We also begin winterization efforts to prepare our properties for colder temperatures. Finally, we host many on-site charitable initiatives to foster community engagement during the holidays.

—Jim Cunningham, COO, Marquette Cos.

Review holiday protocol with residents

In November, your final holiday season preparations should be in place. Have you determined a spot for package overflow for all the additional deliveries at this time of year? Are residents clear on the dos and don’ts of holiday décor from a safety standpoint? Make sure you’re communicating in advance about what’s allowed on balconies, for example, or outside each unit’s front door. You should also let residents know how to dispose of all the extra trash and recyclables that come with the holidays, from empty shipping boxes and used wrapping paper to Christmas trees once the festivities are over.  

—Laiche Gutter, Property Manager, Draper and Kramer

To-do list:
Celebrate the Holidays
☐ Include risk reduction in holiday messaging
☐ Offer activities instead of happy hour
☐ Encourage staff career development

Include risk reduction in holiday messaging

During the holiday season, we think about marketing the community as well as driving the importance of reducing seasonal risks associated with the holidays. Think about hosting a resident event during the holidays, celebrating with residents, raffling away small prizes like an air fryer or fire extinguisher—and then layering in a cooking safety message. So many residents are home around the holidays. They’re going to be cooking, and that’s when you have a higher risk of a fire in your community.
Our investments are not just in buildings but also in building communities. We like to maintain open lines of communication with our residents and have touchpoints—and not just after the fact. A proactive stance toward risk reduction creates a sense of community and makes residents feel comfortable about where they live. Their pets are like their children, so being pet friendly is very important. In every season, encourage them to take good care of their pets. In the cold weather months, they should be practicing good judgment when taking the dog out for a walk and being mindful of any icy conditions.

— Steven St. Louis, Regional Manager/Market Rate and Condo, Habitat

Offer activities instead of happy hour

Across our portfolio, we have made a shift toward activity-based events, especially crafting. One of our properties started the holiday season with a wreath-making event that was a huge hit. This is a departure from the traditional happy hour format, and we’ve embraced the trend, as it fosters engagement and interaction among residents.
Some other ways Pillar Properties has celebrated the holidays include winter door decorating, cookie decorating and ugly-sweater contests; an Elf on the Shelf scavenger hunt where residents can snap selfies with hidden elves to win prizes; and a holiday photo booth where residents can pose for their holiday portraits. Another popular event is Santa Paws, where Santa visits the lobby for photos with pets.

— Sierra Berg, Marketing Director, Pillar Properties

Encourage staff career development

The slower winter months can be a good time to hold mentoring sessions or have staff enroll in online training classes, pursue new certifications or work with vendors on new proptech tools. It’s also an ideal time to ensure team members have used all their vacation and PTO time, which allows them to disconnect and recharge.

—Diana Pittro, Executive Vice President, RMK Management Corp.