Reducing Multifamily Maintenance Costs by Teaching DIY Repairs During COVID-19

Savvy properties are reducing multifamily maintenance costs by virtually teaching DIY repairs during COVID-19. This might seem to contradict a property manager’s promise to provide maintenance service and fixes. But times change, and the community may score big points from residents who are apprehensive about allowing technicians inside their apartments to fix a clogged toilet or handle other maintenance issues. Handing over a bright red plunger might just be a nice way of saying we care. Over the years, maintenance instructors and leaders have long encouraged resident education about how apartments operate to minimize service requests. Multifamily maintenance costs are among a portfolio’s top operating expenses and can be a dagger in the heart if not performed efficiently. Long response times can be a sore spot with residents. Maintenance teams have been viewed as the true face of the community. After all, they are in front of residents typically more often than management. Today, some residents may be hesitant to interact with staff. So, sharing a few basic maintenance tips and fixes that allow residents to solve problems without creating a service request can be beneficial now and have a lasting effect. Social distancing in maintenance is expected COVID-19 has changed maintenance in a big way. Not long after the U.S. outbreak, the NAA issued guidance discouraging members to send facilities management or maintenance staff to an apartment occupied by a resident believed to have the coronavirus. Further, property managers should consider limiting or prioritizing maintenance service requests and repairs to emergencies and other material conditions affecting health or safety. Suffice to say, neither the resident nor maintenance team member wants to be in a situation where exposure to the virus is at risk. Even if everybody is healthy, social distancing practices are encouraged and expected. Reaching a comfort level through resident DIY maintenanc...