**Winter is Coming: How Multifamily Properties Can Prepare Amenities for the Off-Season**
With Labor Day, meteorological fall, and the autumnal equinox behind us, chilly temperatures and winter weather are just around the corner. Fortunately, there’s still time for multifamily owners and operators to winterize outdoor amenities—think courtyards, swimming pools, rooftop terraces, and fire pits—while optimizing indoor spaces for increased resident usage throughout the colder months.
“Think of it as a seasonal reset,” said Alexandra LaFlam, National Account Executive at WithMe, Inc.
### Inspect, Clean, and Store
Regardless of a property’s location in the U.S., outdoor features will likely experience a decline in usage during the fall and winter. According to LaFlam and other industry experts, early fall is the ideal window to assess and maintain warm-weather amenities.
“This is the time to schedule thorough inspections, check the inventory, and clean everything,” said Brian Buccino, President & COO, North America at LIVunLtd. This means storing seasonal gear and furniture and replacing worn-out items. LaFlam emphasized that now is also the right time to “schedule any necessary major repairs” to ensure readiness for next season.
Beyond protection, there’s a preventative aspect to storing and replacing equipment now. Athenes Bauza-Wu, Director of New Development and Multifamily Rentals at FirstService Residential, noted that preparing during the off-season ensures that everything is up to par come spring.
“Failure to do so will result in downtime during the next peak season, disappointing your resident experience,” she said. “It could also lead to increased emergency repair costs during the busier months.”
### Focus on the People
Amenity preparation doesn’t just involve physical upkeep—staff plays an integral role. As summer winds down, Buccino emphasized the importance of recognizing seasonal workers. “Reward that team and recognize their contributions to a successful season,” he said.
This downtime is also an opportune moment to prepare for next year. Bauza-Wu recommended implementing robust training programs for management and lifeguards to ensure the team is ready to meet next summer’s demand and safety requirements.
She added that maintaining pool systems, reducing replacement cycles, and selecting durable materials for furniture and equipment should also be part of the preparation.
### Solicit Resident Feedback
As summer fades, collecting resident feedback is crucial for improving future amenity offerings.
LaFlam advised surveying residents while their experiences are still recent. “Based on usage data and staff feedback, this information can help determine which seasonal offerings delivered value,” she said.
Buccino concurred, adding that resident feedback is essential for strategic planning. “Resident feedback informs improvements for the next season,” he explained, allowing operators to invest in what truly enhances the resident experience.
### Don’t Forget the Indoors
Not all amenities go dormant during the colder months. In fact, indoor spaces like fitness centers, lounges, game rooms, indoor kitchens, coffee bars, and movie theaters generally see a spike in usage.
“It’s time to re-introduce these indoor amenities to residents as their routines shift,” said LaFlam.
Amenity reservation systems should also be adjusted to match fall and winter usage patterns. According to Buccino, these same systems used during the summer can be adapted with only minor tweaks to fit colder-weather needs.
LaFlam concluded with a reminder: “It’s essential to prepare amenities for off-season use by aligning them with seasonal activities and residential needs.”
As the temperature drops, thoughtful preparation of both outdoor and indoor amenities can significantly enhance the resident experience and ensure a smooth transition into the winter season.
