During the short days of winter, it’s easy to give your properties less attention than they deserve. But as spring knocks on the door, it brings an opportunity to make up for lost time. Whether you have a retail property, office space, or multi-family building, preparing for spring means taking steps to ensure your tenants are happy. Follow these tips, and your commercial property management efforts will leave you with smiling tenants.
Retail
The lull between holiday shopping and the buzz of spring is nearing an end. As retail property managers and their tenants prepare for more foot traffic, it’s important to increase the property’s curb appeal as much as possible. Attractive properties draw more customers, and a steady stream of paying customers makes a retail space desirable for tenants. Aesthetic upgrades to the property’s exterior also help justify higher monthly rent charges.
When addressing a property’s curb appeal, consider covering the following bases:
- Clear, well-lit signage
- Pristine landscaping
- Restore damaged walkways
- Clean windows
- Freshen up old paint jobs
- Install outdoor lighting
Key Takeaway:Improving curb appeal attracts customers, which justifies higher rent.
Multi-Family
Unlike office or retail spaces, the tenants at multi-family properties spend the majority of their time in the property. Keeping the properties in tip-top shape is essential for retaining your long-term tenants as well as attracting new ones. Spring offers the chance to perform a thorough inspection to ensure the property is safe and well-maintained. Performing routine inspections and timely maintenance signals that you are an attentive property manager who cares about the tenants.
Inspections should cover the following areas:
- Roof
- Windows
- HVAC
- Electricity
- Plumbing
- Security Systems
- External Lighting
- Garage/Parking Lots
- Stairwells
- Walkways and Railings
- Smoke & Gas Detectors
- Bugs/Pests
Key Takeaway:Performing spring inspections helps maintain tenant satisfaction.
Office Space
Modern office spaces rely on a building’s IT infrastructure to meet business needs. Spring is an opportune time to evaluate and upgrade your property’s tech capabilities. This includes ensuring high-speed internet connectivity, secure and reliable Wi-Fi networks, and modern telecommunications systems. An office equipped with cutting-edge technology is not only more appealing to current and prospective tenants, but it also supports their operational efficiency and growth.
When improving technology infrastructure, focus on the following aspects:
- High-speed internet connectivity
- Secure access to Wi-Fi
- Modern telecommunications systems
- Ensure data security and backup systems are in place
- Implement tech-forward conferencing centers
Key Takeaway: Updating IT infrastructure makes the property more attractive for lease.
Experience You Can Rely On
One of our best commercial property management tips is to have someone else handle the tedious details. Getting your property ready for the season is a full-time undertaking. Exterior improvements, regular inspections, and updating amenities are good places to start, but they only represent the top of the iceberg. If you want to maximize profitability and keep your properties running smoothly year-round, consider partnering with EpiCity. Our team has the resources, experience, and foresight to help property owners head into spring without the stressors of property management.