**Winter Is Coming: It’s Time to Prep Multifamily Outdoor Amenities**
Labor Day, the start of meteorological fall, and the autumn equinox are now behind us. With colder temperatures, ice, and snow on the horizon, multifamily property owners and operators still have a window of opportunity to prepare their communities for winter.
There’s time to “winterize” outdoor amenity spaces—such as courtyards, swimming pools, rooftop terraces, and fire pits—while also transitioning indoor facilities for increased seasonal use.
“Think of it as a seasonal reset,” said Alexandra LaFlam, National Account Executive at WithMe, Inc.
### Inspect, Clean, and Store
Regardless of geographic region, many outdoor amenities will see little use in coming months. That makes early fall the ideal time to evaluate these areas closely.
“This is the time to schedule thorough inspections, check the inventory, and clean everything,” said Brian Buccino, President & COO of North America at LIVunLtd. Seasonal furniture and equipment should be stored, and worn-out items replaced. Buccino and LaFlam agreed that major repairs should be scheduled now or during the winter when demand is lower.
Proper off-season maintenance is essential, said Athenes Bauza-Wu, Director of New Development and Multifamily Rentals at FirstService Residential. “Dealing with repairs and replacements during the off-season ensures readiness for the next peak season,” she explained. Failing to do so can lead to service downtime and increased emergency repair costs when demand returns in warmer months.
### Focus on the People
It’s not just the amenities that need attention—your summer staff deserves recognition, too. “Reward that team and recognize their contributions to a successful season,” Buccino said.
In addition, the off-season presents an excellent opportunity to strengthen staff capabilities. Bauza-Wu recommends offering training programs for property management staff and lifeguards, so they’ll be fully equipped to manage the demands and safety challenges of peak summer.
Other long-term strategies can also be implemented, such as improving pool maintenance and upgrading furniture and equipment with more durable materials to reduce wear and replacement frequency.
### Solicit Resident Feedback
Enhancing amenities should be a data-driven process, and resident feedback is a critical component. Surveying residents now—while their summer experiences are still fresh—is key to identifying what amenities hit the mark and what fell short.
“Based on usage data and staff feedback, this information can help determine which seasonal offerings delivered value,” said LaFlam. Buccino added that resident insights can directly influence how amenities are improved for the following summer.
### Prepare Indoor Amenities for Increased Use
Outdoor fun may wrap up with the fall chill, but indoor amenities become more vital. Fitness centers, community lounges, coffee bars, game rooms, and on-site theaters are keys to tenant satisfaction during the winter months.
“Consider re-introducing these indoor amenities to residents as their routines shift,” LaFlam noted.
Don’t overlook the digital tools used to manage outdoor space reservations; Buccino suggested that these systems can often be easily adapted for indoor winter use.
In conclusion, as temperatures drop, shifting focus toward seasonal amenities—both outdoor and indoor—is a smart strategy for maintaining resident satisfaction and operational efficiency.
“It’s essential to prepare amenities for off-season use by aligning them with seasonal activities and residential needs,” LaFlam said.
*An earlier version of this article appeared on ApartmentBuildings.com.*
