The Importance of On-Site Management When Picking an Apartment Home

This article originally appeared on the Springs "You're Home Blog."

A person searching for his or her next apartment home may have dozens of viable options, and each apartment community on his or her “short list” requires an evaluation of its pros, cons, amenities, services…all of which can make it difficult to decide on the right home. One consideration often overlooked by renters but key to long-term satisfaction is whether or not the apartment has on-site management.

What is on-site management?

Either an apartment community (those with 4 or more buildings on its property) has management with an office on-site, manned at least 8 hours a day, or its management is “remote,” meaning that to connect with someone responsible for the property, a resident must make an appointment or call someone when an issue or question arises.

Here’s an overview of the 3 most important reasons to choose a community with on-site management:

1. We Provide More Responsive Service

Communities with on-site management are far more able to provide attentive service than those whose representatives are off-site. Residents can get help with issues quickly, while residents of communities with off-site management must deal with unresolved issues, unmet needs and unanswered questions as they wait (sometimes days) for a response.

2. We Know Residents

Having a familiar face behind the front desk makes residents feel more at home, and, more importantly, gives the on-site team a better understanding of residents’ day-to-day activities, a more detailed grasp of the issues that arise (or could arise) within the community, and the ability to anticipate residents’ individual needs. All in all, on-site management strengthens the connection between management and residents, and gives management a stronger sense of responsibility to its residents.

3. Peace of Mind

Perhaps the most important benefit of on-site management is the overall peace of mind it gives residents. Knowing that a team representing the community’s owners and operators are present and that they’re aware of activity in the community assures residents that someone is eager and available to respond to needs and that the team is keeping an eye on the interests of each and every resident.

If you’re currently looking for a new apartment home, keep on-site management on your list of “must haves.” Be sure to discuss management with each community’s representative; ask how he or she addresses issues, and about the management’s philosophy toward service. The answers will give you a good idea of how you’ll be treated as a resident of that community.