Winter isn’t just about cozy firesides and warm cocoa—it’s also one of the most demanding seasons for property managers. Frozen pipes, snow-laden walkways, and temperamental HVAC systems can turn into operational nightmares if not addressed promptly. How do the best in the business handle it? They lean on skilled teams, robust planning, and innovative solutions. Let’s explore some examples of property managers taking on the winter like pros.
Stories from the Field
Taming the Frost: Tackling Frozen Pipe Emergencies
In one multifamily community in the Midwest, temperatures plummeted to record lows last winter. Predictably, a burst pipe wreaked havoc in a high-rise building, flooding several units.
The property manager, armed with BGSF’s winter-ready staff, called in HVAC-certified maintenance technicians and emergency plumbers immediately. Within hours, water flow was halted, and the cleanup crew began repairs. What could’ve spiraled into a costly disaster was expertly managed with minimal disruption to residents. This was only possible because the team had pre-planned for winter emergencies with staff trained in both quick fixes and preventive measures.
Snow and Ice: Keeping Walkways Safe
On the East Coast, a property management team faced a series of back-to-back snowstorms. With sidewalks and parking lots turning into skating rinks, resident safety was a major concern.
This team relied on BGSF’s vetted snow removal and ice management professionals who cleared walkways promptly after every snowfall. The key? Their pre-arranged staffing plan ensured an always-on team ready to tackle the storms. Regular salting and snow clearance kept accidents at bay and residents happy.
Resident Retention with a Warm Touch
It’s not just about maintenance—it’s also about keeping residents warm and comfortable. A property manager in Colorado shared how a failed heating system during sub-zero temperatures turned into an opportunity to shine.
Within hours of the breakdown, BGSF-supplied HVAC techs were onsite, restoring warmth to the affected units. The property manager turned the situation into a moment of connection, delivering hot cocoa kits and blankets to residents during the repair period. The result? Renewed lease commitments and glowing reviews from residents.
Leasing in the Off-Season
Winter is traditionally slow for leasing activity, but not for one savvy team in the Pacific Northwest. They knew that keeping occupancy rates high during the colder months would require extra effort.
With BGSF’s leasing consultants, they launched a targeted winter leasing campaign, complete with virtual tours and “Warm Welcome” move-in incentives like discounted utilities for the first three months. This proactive approach turned a potential slump into a leasing spike.
Preventive Power: Maintenance Ahead of the Freeze
The best defense is a good offense. A property in Minneapolis has long avoided winter disasters by scheduling preventive maintenance every October. This includes inspecting pipes, servicing HVAC units, and testing generators with BGSF's staffing support.
The team also organizes resident workshops on winter preparedness, such as how to avoid pipe freezing in units. This forward-thinking strategy not only reduces winter emergencies but also builds trust with residents.
Partnering for Winter Success
What makes these stories stand out is the shared thread of preparation, expert staffing, and a commitment to resident satisfaction. BGSF has been the silent partner behind these successes, providing temporary, permanent, and emergency staffing solutions that go beyond filling roles—they create thriving communities even in the harshest seasons.
Are you prepared to continue through the deep winter? The right team can make all the difference. Let’s talk about creating a winter staffing strategy that works for you.
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