**Winter Is Coming: Preparing Multifamily Amenities for the Cold Season**
As Labor Day, the onset of meteorological fall, and the autumn equinox fade into the past, colder temperatures, snow, and ice are quickly approaching. For multifamily owners and operators, now is the time to take action—transitioning outdoor amenity spaces for the off-season while ensuring indoor features are ready for increased usage.
According to Alexandra LaFlam, National Account Executive at WithMe, Inc., the approach should be viewed as a “seasonal reset.”
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### Inspect, Clean, and Store
Regardless of geographic location, most outdoor spaces like courtyards, rooftop terraces, swimming pools, and fire pits will see reduced use during colder months. Early fall presents the perfect opportunity to evaluate these areas.
“This is the time to schedule thorough inspections, check the inventory, and clean everything,” said Brian Buccino, President & COO, North America, LIVunLtd.
Steps should include storing seasonal equipment, cleaning and covering furniture, replacing worn-out items, and scheduling needed repairs before winter sets in. LaFlam emphasized the importance of addressing major maintenance tasks now, allowing time for completion before next season.
Athenes Bauza-Wu, Director of New Development and Multifamily Rentals at FirstService Residential, added that early attention to repairs helps avoid more costly emergency fixes during busy times and ensures the property is ready when demand spikes again.
“Dealing with repairs and replacements during the off-season ensures readiness for the next peak season,” Bauza-Wu said. “Failure to do so can lead to downtime and diminished resident satisfaction.”
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### Focus on the People
Off-season planning shouldn’t only be about the amenities themselves. Recognizing summer staff who helped execute a successful season is just as important.
“Reward that team and recognize their contributions,” advised Buccino.
Now is also an ideal time to prepare for next season by offering targeted training. Bauza-Wu recommended scheduling programs for lifeguards and management staff, focusing on safety, service, and equipment handling, ensuring they’re ready for next year’s demand.
Other focus areas include pool maintenance, minimizing replacement cycles, and sourcing more durable equipment as part of a long-term sustainability strategy.
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### Solicit Resident Feedback
Winter is a prime moment to collect insights on what amenities worked and what didn’t.
“Survey residents now, while experiences are fresh,” advised LaFlam. “Usage data and staff feedback can help determine which seasonal offerings actually delivered value.”
Resident feedback also guides investment decisions and improvements for the next season, Buccino noted. When operators actively incorporate suggestions, it strengthens community satisfaction and smart amenity planning.
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### Shift Focus to Indoor Amenities
Just because outdoor amenities quiet down doesn’t mean resident engagement should. Indoor spaces—fitness centers, lounges, game rooms, indoor kitchens, coffee bars, and theaters—require a new focus.
“Consider re-introducing these indoor amenities to residents as their routines shift indoors,” said LaFlam.
Buccino also pointed out that existing technology, including amenity reservation systems used in summer, can be easily adapted for colder months.
Ultimately, proactive planning ensures that amenity spaces—indoors and out—continue to contribute to resident satisfaction year-round.
As LaFlam concluded, “It’s essential to prepare amenities for off-season use by aligning them with seasonal activities and residential needs.”
*This article was originally published on ApartmentBuildings.com.*
