**Winter is Coming: How Multifamily Owners Can Prep Outdoor Amenities and Indoor Spaces for the Off-Season**
With Labor Day, the start of meteorological fall, and the autumnal equinox behind us, colder temperatures, icy conditions, and snowy days are right around the corner. For multifamily property owners and operators, now is the time to prepare both outdoor and indoor amenities for the seasonal shift.
### A Seasonal Reset
“There’s still time to ‘winterize’ outdoor amenity areas—like courtyards, pools, rooftops, and fire pits—while preparing indoor spaces for an increase in resident use,” says Alexandra LaFlam, National Account Executive at WithMe, Inc. “Think of it as a seasonal reset.”
### Inspect, Clean and Store
Outdoor amenities across the country likely won’t see much activity during the winter months. That makes early fall the perfect time to inspect and maintain these areas.
“This is the time to schedule thorough inspections, check the inventory, and clean everything,” says Brian Buccino, President & Chief Operating Officer, North America, LIVunLtd. That includes storing seasonal items, replacing worn equipment, and scheduling any necessary major repairs throughout fall and winter.
Athenes Bauza-Wu, Director of New Development and Multifamily Rentals at FirstService Residential, emphasizes that tackling these tasks now helps avoid disruptions in future.
“Dealing with repairs and replacements during the off-season ensures readiness for the next peak season,” Bauza-Wu says. “Skipping this step can lead to costly emergency repairs and a diminished resident experience.”
### Focus on the People
Winterizing is not just about equipment and infrastructure – people matter too. “Reward the summer staff and recognize their contributions to a successful season,” Buccino urges.
The off-season is also a good time to invest in staff training. Bauza-Wu recommends quality training programs for management and lifeguards to better prepare for the high demands and safety requirements of the summer months.
She also advises reviewing pool maintenance needs, reducing replacement cycles for equipment, and opting for sturdier furniture and materials to maximize durability.
### Gather Resident Feedback
LaFlam stresses the importance of collecting resident feedback while summer experiences are still fresh.
“Survey residents now to gain honest feedback,” she says. “Using usage data and staff input, this can help determine which offerings truly delivered value.”
Resident input not only validates what worked but also guides future planning. “Resident feedback informs improvements for the next season,” says Buccino. It can lead to a more purposeful investment in amenities that align with community expectations.
### Shift Indoor Focus
Not all amenities go dormant in the colder months. It’s time to review and revitalize indoor spaces such as fitness centers, lounges, game rooms, kitchens, coffee bars, and movie theaters, which often see increased usage in the fall and winter.
“Consider reintroducing these indoor amenities to residents as their routines shift,” LaFlam suggests. Amenities reservation systems should also be adjusted to meet seasonal usage trends.
Buccino points out that technology makes this transition seamless. “The same systems used in the summer can be adapted for fall and winter with light changes.”
### Final Thoughts
It’s essential to prepare amenities for off-season use not just as a temporary strategy, but as a reflection of long-term, resident-first planning. With attention to detail, insight from feedback, and an understanding of seasonal behaviors, multifamily communities can keep residents engaged year-round.
As LaFlam sums it up: “It’s essential to prepare amenities for off-season use by aligning them with seasonal activities and residential needs.”
*An earlier version of this article was originally published on ApartmentBuildings.com.*
