**Summer is Coming—Time for a Seasonal Apartment Amenities Focus**
With Memorial Day in the rearview mirror and June 1 marking the official start of meteorological summer—followed soon after by the June 20 summer solstice—there’s no denying that warm weather is here. And for multifamily property managers and owner-operators, that means one thing: it’s amenity season.
Warmer months lead to increased use of both outdoor and indoor amenities. Experts across the multifamily real estate sector emphasize that property managers must be prepared to ensure these features are in top condition to keep residents safe, engaged, and satisfied.
### What Amenities Are in High Demand?
Outdoor amenities shine during the summer. According to Athenes Bauza, Business Development Director for New Development and Multifamily Rentals at FirstService Residential, the most popular features include:
– Outdoor pools
– Grilling stations
– Fire pits
– Rooftop decks
– Tennis and pickleball courts
– Cabanas
– Dog parks
“These amenities provide residents with opportunities to relax, socialize with their community outdoors, and host their friends and guests,” said Bauza.
Indoor amenities, however, won’t take a backseat. Brian Buccino, President and COO of North America at LIVunLtd, pointed out an uptick in gym usage—even before summer truly kicks off—as residents prepare for outdoor activities. “Parents might also sign their children up for swimming lessons, and golfers might increase their practice time in golf simulators,” he added.
Alexandra LaFlam, National Account Executive at WithMe Inc., said indoor communal spaces are seeing increased demand due to sustained work-from-home trends. “There has been a notable rise in the popularity of shared workspaces,” LaFlam noted. “They offer the convenience of working from home with the added benefit of a space separate from their apartments.”
### Management’s Role: Maintenance, Preparation & Safety
Managing summer amenities means more than simply keeping them open. Property managers must ensure everything is functional, clean, and safe. Routine maintenance includes:
– Keeping pools clean and properly treated
– Ensuring dog parks are waste-free and sanitized
– Maintaining ADA compliance throughout communal areas
– Providing clear signage and functioning access systems
Buccino emphasized the importance of staff training. “It’s essential to equip staff with the tools and training necessary to handle resident interactions, emergencies, and amenity operations,” he said. This includes ensuring lifeguards are attentive and well-rested and that no furniture adjustments block visibility of pool areas.
Bauza suggested that managers analyze amenity access data to better understand peak usage times. This information can guide scheduling and promotional efforts to balance demand and elevate the resident experience.
LaFlam highlighted the importance of consistency in protocols. “Daily walkthroughs and maintenance ensure that every resident’s needs are met,” she said. Ultimately, resident satisfaction helps maintain high community retention.
As the summer season approaches, one thing is clear: the better multifamily managers prepare and maintain seasonal amenities, the more likely they will foster vibrant, engaged, and long-term resident communities.
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*An earlier version of this article appeared on ApartmentBuildings.com.*
