Walking a Multifamily Property: An Easy Checklist

A successful multifamily community requires attention to detail, consistency, and visibility. Performing regular site walks and documenting any issues is a practice all site management teams should implement.  Combining the walks with an efficient video surveillance system can enhance the property’s appeal. This, in turn, will lead to more rents and tenant satisfaction.

Any team member can perform a site walk,  though the maintenance team is a good candidate. They are familiar with the property and are likely walking it anyway.

Site walks should be performed daily and at the same time, preferably in the morning. The route should stay consistent and be performed with a standardized checklist. If time allows for multiple walks, even better. Taking a photo of any noted issue is also a good practice.

A checklist will ensure no area is overlooked. It should include notes of any issue, the location, and if footage from the video surveillance system is needed. The previous day’s notes should also be available for reference. Prior notes assist in discovering recurring issues or if an existing issue was not addressed.

Multifamily Property Walk Checklist

The following are checklist items teams can adhere to. A physical copy to utilize during the property walk makes notation easier. A tablet or phone can digitalize the process.

• Notate Site Irregularities: Pay attention to anything that has changed from the previous walk, including but not limited to:
• • Trash: Litter across a property diminishes its appeal. Leaving trash on the grounds will lead to more littering. Note and pick up any trash immediately.
  • Broken Items: Any damaged or broken items should be addressed. The “broken window theory” suggests that visible signs of crime and disorder can lead to more crime and disorder.
  • Vehicles: Any vehicle that appears abandoned, inoperable, or has visible damage such as flat tires should be addressed with the resident who owns the vehicle. If no resident owns the vehicle, it should be towed.
  • Suspicious People: Notate any people or groups of people loitering on property, with or without a resident.
• Gates: Check vehicle and pedestrian gates and ensure they are functioning properly.
• A/C Units: Check for stolen, damaged, or units missing copper metal. Often, a/c damage or theft is not noticed during the cooler seasons because they are not in use
• Pet Waste: Note the location and pick up any pet waste within or outside of the pet park.
• Landscaping: Inspect lawns, flower beds, and trees for overgrowth or obstructions.
• Pool: Ensure the pool area is clean and organized.
• Lighting: Check for broken lights or bulbs that need changing.
• Safety Features: Make sure all fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and sprinkler systems are functional and not damaged.
• Interior Buildings: Check hallways, stairwells, community rooms, and lobbies for damage and cleanliness.
• Laundry Facilities: Check for damage to machines and cleanliness.
• Maintenance Shop: Be sure the shop is organized and verify inventory. Any items used should be checked in/checked out to ensure nothing goes missing.

Completing a daily checklist will ensure issues are noticed and reported promptly. Tailoring a checklist to specific property needs will enhance the effectiveness.

Incorporating Video Surveillance

Watchtower Security’s fully managed video surveillance solution can be an invaluable tool for anything notated during a site walk. Submitting a video request takes minutes and the results can provide the evidence needed to assist in a resolution. From pet mess to a broken gate, our Forensic Review Team will handle it from there.

Performing daily site walks at the same time ensures a maximum time frame of 24 hours. This tight window, along with any details provided on the checklist ensures Watchtower has all the necessary details to perform a thorough and quick review.

On days when no one is available, the “Walk” function found on MyPortal allows teams to perform a virtual walk via the camera feeds. This option ensures the property is not left unattended.

By incorporating site walks, thorough checklists, and video surveillance into property management strategies, a community becomes safer, cleaner, and more appealing to potential residents. To learn more about Watchtower Security’s solution, please contact us.