The summer months present a host of opportunities for something to go wrong at a multifamily property—think pools, fire pits, barbeques and family gatherings. It’s essential for property owners and managers to take responsibility for helping tenants safely navigate and use their units and public spaces. This can be achieved through well-communicated procedures, thorough inspections and clearly defined safety guidelines.
For real estate pros invested in the safe and effective management of multifamily properties, below are some practical health and safety tips to consider.
Establish and Regularly Practice Evacuation Plans
House fires and other life-threatening emergencies are a major concern in multifamily properties, as efforts to safely evacuate multiple unrelated tenants can be uniquely complicated.
During an emergency, tenants must be able to safely identify the threat, find a practical escape route and seek shelter in an organized manner. Establish well-structured evacuation plans, update them regularly and communicate loud and clearly to all tenants.
Efforts to consider include:
- Erect clear signage: Label emergency exits, evacuation routes and equipment like fire extinguishers and first aid kits.
- Check safety equipment: Test and maintain safety equipment like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and sprinklers.
- Leverage technology: Apartment access control systems can be used to automatically lock or open doors in response to different emergencies.
- Establish an assembly point: Choose a safe assembly point away from the building where tenants can gather during emergencies.
- Perform regular drills: Practice evacuations at least twice a year and update plans as required.
- Make plans accessible: Post up-to-date evacuation plans on notice boards, in key areas around the building and on a shared digital platform.
Perform Frequent Safety Inspections
Evacuation and emergency response plans help ensure all tenants know how to safely navigate life-threatening events. Better yet, regular inspections can help to prevent them.
Owners and managers of multifamily buildings should factor safety inspections into all aspects of property management. Also, they should consider best uses of infrastructure and technology, as well as the logistics and interpersonal considerations associated with inspecting occupied units.
Annual safety inspections for multifamily properties are required by law in most states, but it is wise to perform inspections twice a year to help prevent unsafe practices taking root.
Effective inspections will cover:
- Exteriors: Check for damage to roofs, foundations, windows and doors that could pose a present or future safety risk.
- Common areas: Ensure shared facilities are clean, unobstructed and well-lit and that all fittings and fixtures are in good working order.
- Infrastructure: Test and inspect plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems to ensure they work as intended and meet safety standards.
- Safety equipment: Make sure required safety equipment like fire extinguishers, cigarette smoke detectors and fire alarms are present and functioning properly.
- Security devices: Check security devices like cameras, alarms and access systems for damage and ensure they’re running up-to-date software.
- Occupied units: Explain the importance of safety inspections to tenants and inform them of inspections in advance to maintain good relationships.
Provide Summer Pool Safety Guidelines
Health and safety best practices also extend to more situational property elements such as shared facilities and onsite amenities.
Pools are one of the most popular amenities associated with multifamily properties. While pools can be a big draw to tenants, improper use and maintenance can lead to serious health and safety concerns.
Owners of multifamily properties with pools must develop, distribute and clearly display pool safety guidelines as a top priority to protect all tenants and guests. Consider these priorities:
- Access: Pool use should be limited to residents, with fencing and lockable gates installed around the pool and a booking system used to manage access.
- Supervision: Guidelines must ban unsupervised children from the pool and surrounding areas, with larger pools requiring lifeguard supervision.
- Etiquette: Pool safety guidelines must prohibit running, roughhousing and obscene behavior, with violations resulting in bans or other disciplinary action.
- Equipment: Pool safety equipment such as life rings and first aid kits must be maintained and made available to all tenants and guests.
- Hazards: Glass items, alcohol, controlled substances, weapons and other potential hazards must be banned around the pool.
- Hours of operation: Pools must be closed and properly secured at night and during chemical balancing.
By taking a measured and structured approach to health and safety, multifamily property owners and managers can create a foundation for wise management—and continue to make improvements year-round.
