Maintenance Technology: The Untapped Potential in Multifamily
The Untapped Potential of Maintenance Technology in Multifamily
When it comes to technology, the multifamily industry has been quick to adopt tools for leasing, marketing, and resident management. That makes sense these areas directly impact how properties attract and retain residents. But what about maintenance?
A recent report from Multifamily Insiders revealed a surprising disconnect. While maintenance is critical to resident satisfaction and property value, maintenance technology adoption remains low. It’s one of the least invested areas in property operations even though it’s also one of the most inefficient.
While maintenance is critical to resident satisfaction... It’s one of the least invested areas in property operations
Why Isn’t Maintenance a Priority?
The 2024 Technology Adoption Report highlights this gap. Property management software and resident portals are now standard across the industry. But maintenance tools? They’re lagging. Only 43% of companies use inventory management systems, and just 67% rely on make-ready tools. These aren’t niche technologies they’re fundamental to efficient operations.
So, why the hesitation? One explanation might be visibility. Leasing, marketing, and resident-focused tech often have immediate, measurable benefits, like higher lease conversions or faster application processing times. Maintenance, on the other hand, can feel less urgent. It’s often reactive a broken faucet or a clogged drain and the payoff for tech investment isn’t as obvious at first glance.
What’s the Cost of Overlooking Maintenance?
The truth is, maintenance isn’t just about fixing things when they break. It’s about keeping everything running smoothly so problems don’t snowball into bigger issues. Ignoring this area can lead to serious consequences:
- Higher Costs: Reactive maintenance is almost always more expensive than proactive maintenance. Small issues, like a leaky pipe, can turn into costly repairs if left unattended.
- Resident Dissatisfaction: Residents notice when things don’t work. A poorly maintained property can lead to frustration, complaints, and even higher turnover rates.
- Lower Property Value: Deferred maintenance can hurt a property’s long-term value, making it less appealing to investors and potential buyers.
On the flip side, investing in maintenance tech can transform operations. Imagine having a system that tracks inventory, schedules preventive maintenance, and streamlines communication between residents and maintenance teams. These tools don’t just save time they create a better experience for everyone.
Why the Industry Needs to Act
We get it investing in new technology can feel overwhelming. But maintenance isn’t something that can be put on the back burner anymore. It’s not just a “nice to have”; it’s a necessity.
Think about it: maintenance is one of the most consistent ways residents interact with your team. Leasing may get people in the door, but a reliable maintenance experience keeps them there. Happy residents are more likely to renew leases and recommend your property to others.
The truth is, maintenance isn’t just about fixing things when they break. It’s about keeping everything running smoothly
AppWork: Simplifying Maintenance
At AppWork, we’ve seen firsthand how better maintenance tools can transform operations. Our platform is designed to make life easier for both residents and property teams. From tracking work orders to managing the move in/out process, we help properties run more smoothly and keep residents happy.
We’re not just about fixing inefficiencies. We’re about creating systems that help you stay ahead of issues, rather than scrambling to react to them. The multifamily industry is evolving quickly, and those who invest in maintenance tech now will lead the way in setting new standards for efficiency and service.
It’s Time to Rethink Maintenance
The numbers don’t lie: maintenance tech is one of the biggest opportunities for growth in multifamily. It’s time to move past the old ways of doing things and embrace solutions that make life easier for residents and property teams alike.
If you’ve ever felt like your maintenance processes could use a revamp, now’s the time to act. Let’s stop seeing maintenance as a chore and start recognizing it for what it is: a chance to set your property apart.
AppWork offers cutting edge solutions for multifamily property management, including work order tracking, digital make ready boards and advanced inspection software, to empower maintenance technicians and optimize operational efficiency. Discover how AppWork can transform your property management processes and elevate tenant satisfaction.