With recent severe storm in Texas and other parts of the country, many communities experienced the dreaded pipe bursts that can occur with pipes and / or fire sprinkler lines freezing and thawing. Although after the fact now, here are some lessons learned from communities around the country: If your community experienced frozen pipes due…
Author: Lori Hanson
Utility Management Advisory has created a Sustainability and Innovation award
We are excited to announce that the Utility Management Advisory has created a Sustainability and Innovation award, which will recognize our members and other colleagues for their contributions in our industry! The first award will be given out in early 2021 (at the annual Energy Summit), and we plan for the award to be awarded…
Making the Move-In and Move-Out Cycle More Efficient
Most apartment communities will experience roughly 50% turnover each year. The constant cycle of residents moving-in and moving-out is something we all deal with in the multifamily industry. Here is one tip for helping make the process a little more convenient and efficient for our residents. A community in Rockville, MD recently started a program…
What is Earth Hour?
Most of us are familiar with Earth Day, but what about Earth Hour? Each March, millions of people across the world participate in Earth Hour. To participate, people are turning off the lights in their homes and businesses and taking part in the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment. Earth Hour began as a…
When Conservation Efforts Backfire
I was at the airport this morning and made my routine stop at the ladies’ room before boarding my flight. As I wheeled my bag into the stall with me, the toilet flushed. As I sat down, it flushed again. When I stood up, it flushed for a third time (this one was appreciated). I…
Using the Shared Economy to Help Others
Did you know that Airbnb has a specific program designed specifically to help victims of natural disasters, refugees, and those recovering from medical treatments? I didn’t either, until I stumbled upon a link for the OpenHomes program on the Airbnb website. The OpenHomes program works pretty much like the regular Airbnb platform does, except the…
Resident Gifts that Help the Environment
If you have ever spent countless hours trying to come up with a good move-in or renewal gift for your residents, that won’t break the bank or be completely cheesy, I suspect you are in good company. Many management companies want to provide something thoughtful yet useful as a token of appreciation to their residents,…
What You Need to Know About Recycling Contamination Fees
Did you know that 1 in 4 items placed in a recycling container is not recyclable? Do your residents know that? China and other countries are no longer accepting highly contaminated recycling waste from the US, thereby requiring domestic haulers to find other, more expensive channels for removal. Because of this, trash haulers are passing…
What Recent Paper Price Increases Mean for You
In 2019, paper costs are expected to increase 3%-5%. So, what does that mean for business owners and multifamily professionals? Here are some of the way you and your organization may be impacted: • Higher prices when you order office paper (obviously} • Higher prices for other items that use paper pulp such as toilet…
Walk Scores Explained
With some Internet Listing Services and property websites now including a community’s walk score, its important to understand just what this means and how it impacts the marketability of the community. There is even an app that potential renters can download that allows them to find apartments in their desired area based on walk score….