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While the weather is remains quite chilly in Columbia, MO, we are forward-thinking regarding the coming Spring season and what that means for our Onsite Teams. Specifically, an increased focus on beginning quarterly, and completing annual maintenance items should be on everyone’s minds!

“While regular preventative maintenance will not eliminate all issues, it is a major money-saver in the long run. At the core of preventative maintenance, your goal is to catch minor issues before they grow into major, more expensive issues” (Deming, 2020). Why wait until tomorrow to correct today’s issue?

While comprehensive maintenance items are likely more effective on a staggered basis (allowing Managers to see the property in all seasons) the following should be included on a preventative maintenance schedule once per year at minimum:

1. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – These safety devices should be installed in each apartment and tested at least once per year.
2. Pest Control – Can be outsourced to a local contractor or completed in-house with an easy-to-mix solution that is spread on a recurring basis.
3. Water Damage or Leaks – Water issues are some of the more common problems that can start very small but end up doing a ton of damage if not addressed properly.
4. Replace AC Filters – When filters become clogged and dirty, it can require the system to work harder potentially putting a big-ticket expense item at an increased risk of failure.
5. Check for Activity that Violates the Lease Agreement – Routine maintenance can also serve as an opportunity for Onsite Teams to be increasingly vigilant of potentially harmful tenant activity.

AFI Onsite Teams receive access to a robust online knowledge base that includes extensive documentation of current processes and SOPs. These processes include company-policies pertaining to more common items such as landscaping standards, as well as comprehensive checklists for quarterly, bi-annual, and annual maintenance items.

While no checklist is perfect, we can adhere to the best practices learned over years of experience and adjust when necessary. As best practices and SOPs will undoubtedly continue to change, the goal will always be to remain in front of serious issues and prevent high-cost renovations.

References:

Cifani, Sara. “10 Routine Preventative Maintenance and Repair Duties for Landlords.” www.dumpsters.com/blog, Dumpsters.com, 19 Dec. 2018, www.dumpsters.com/blog/landlord-repair-and-maintenance-checklist.

Deming, Micky. “The Landlord’s Preventative Maintenance Checklist.” www.avail.com, Avail, 6 Oct.2020, www.avail.co/education/guides/complete-guide-to-rental-property-maintenance/preventative-maintenance-checklist.

Leadership is commonly defined as the action of leading a group of people or an organization. However, commonly published leadership author, Warren G. Bennis, ventures that being a “Leader” is more complex than simply having “Followers.” “Leadership is having the capacity to translate vision into reality” (Forbes, 2013).

Who then, by Bennis’ definition, can qualify as a leader? Someone who simply barks orders and demands that his or will is implemented without a second thought? Or perhaps it is the individual that aligns their subordinates under the common goal or mission of that person/organization? Forbes.com identifies the following traits that almost all successful leaders possess in one capacity or another (Forbes, 2017):

1. Effective Communication – Leaders can clearly and succinctly explain to their teams everything from an organization’s long-term goals, to specific tasks or duties.
2. Accountability & Responsibility – An effective leader must take responsibility for their own mistakes/shortcomings and encourage team members to do the same while driving towards constant improvement.
3. Team Building – Successful leadership is dependent upon the people a leader can bring around them and align in the direction of a mutually beneficial goal.

AFI is responsible for the onsite operations of thousands of units across the country and effectively manages these assets through the implementation of a lean manufacturing model. Therefore, ensuring that the skills/resources necessary to effectively manage hundreds of individuals remotely are readily available is of the utmost importance. Often, one-on-one, in-person, and individualized instruction/guidance has no substitute.  

Some advantages of onsite, in-person mentorship are:

1. Outside Perspective – Without being physically present onsite at the asset from time to time, it can be easy to misunderstand or underestimate the magnitude of work onsite teams may be completing or issues they may be facing.
2. Task Importance – By spending a few days (or even a few weeks) to work with the management team at the property, we assure our onsite staff that their work is not just important, but critical to the continued realization of our company’s Mission, Prospering All Stakeholders.
3. SUPPORT – Sometimes onsite teams just need help. An extra set of hands a few days a month has proven to make a big difference to team morale and performance.

We believe the willingness to physically travel and be present where needed, when needed, is an obligation of AFI as the property operator and should not result in a significant addition to incurred expenses at the asset. To that end, AFI REFUSES to incur hotel charges and instead lodges onsite in a vacant unit whenever visiting (often sleeping on air mattresses). Everyone from our Interns, to company Leaders/Executives understands the importance of providing support and leadership to onsite teams whenever needed and minimizing costs all along the way.

References:

Kruse, Kevin. “What is Leadership?” Forbes, 9 Apr. 2013,                www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2013/04/09/what-is-leadership/#1b31f0395b90

Patel, Deep. “11 Powerful Traits of Successful Leaders.” Forbes, 22 Mar. 2017, www.forbes.com/sites/deeppatel/2017/03/22/11-powerful-traits-of-successful-leaders/#5e2b412a469f

What are a few things that come to mind when someone first thinks of “Winter?” Chilly weather, warm fireplaces, or possibly more forward-looking to the start of the holiday season? How about ensuring that your lawn receives proper aeration and over-seeding before the end of September?

While not necessarily the first thing on someone’s mind, this process may in fact be one of the most important things that any Homeowner (or Property Manager) has completed prior to the first frost of the year. Aeration and over-seeding can help ensure that a community’s landscaping survives the harshest of Winters and is adequately prepared to look better than ever in the Spring and Summer months.

So, if such a critical component to a robust landscaping schedule, then what exactly IS aeration and over-seeding?

Aeration is a process that mechanically removes plugs of soil and deposits them on the top of the surface. As these cores break down, the surrounding soil, now relieved of compaction, will allow oxygen to fill in the holes. At this time, it is most beneficial to over-seed your lawn with the most desirable blends of turf grass (Spring-Green.com). According to the Kansas State University Research and Extension Center, “The arrival of September with the milder conditions helps revive the summer stressed turf which naturally wants to grow and thrive. Therefore, it is important we give the grass what it needs to fully recover from the stress of summer (johnson.k-state.edu).

LawnCare.org provides five benefits Residential Property Owners and Managers alike should see immediately as a result of properly aerating and over-seeding (lawncare.org).

1. Reduction in the compact nature of the soil underlay in the lawn
2. Improved drainage along with a decreased amount of runoff
3. Alleviation in damages caused by droughts
4. Limits the development of thatch (loose and intermingled organic layer of dead shoots, stems, and roots)
5. Allows for improved flow of air, water, and other nutrients directly into the roots’ system

Who does not love the feeling of soft grass between their toes or the sight of families enjoying a lush yard? AFI recommends consulting with your property’s preferred landscaper to discuss the best aeration and over-seeding schedule before outside temperatures drop too low!

References:

“Aeration & Overseeding.” Spring-Green.com, Spring-Green, www.spring-green.com/service/aeration-and-overseeding/#:~:text=Aeration%20is%20a%20process%20that,will%20fill%0in%20the%20holes

“September: Time to Core Aerate Cool Season Lawn.” Johnson.k-state.edu, Kansas State University Research and Extension, www.johnson.k-state.edu/lawn-garden/agent-articles/lawns/september-core-aerate.html#:~:text=September%20is%20a%20good%20time,of%20a%20healthy%20maintenance%20program.&text=Core%20aeration%20is

“Lawn Aerating.” LawnCare.org, www.lawncare.org, 24 Sept. 2011, www.lawncare.org/lawn-aerating/