Summer Staffing Gaps Are Back — And They're Hitting Multifamily Hard

From planned vacations and student turns to unexpected resignations and increased maintenance demand, the busiest season of the year often exposes just how thin many onsite teams are stretched. And this year, staffing challenges continue to impact communities across the country, making it harder than ever for property managers to keep up with resident expectations while maintaining operational performance.

Why Summer Creates the Perfect Storm

Unlike other times of the year, summer places pressure on nearly every area of property operations at once.

Teams are managing:

• Increased move-ins and move-outs

• Student housing turns

• Higher leasing traffic

• Pool and amenity maintenance

• HVAC service requests

• Storm cleanup and weather-related issues

• Employee vacations and time-off requests

The result? Existing team members often end up carrying larger workloads just when demand is at its highest. While many communities can manage short-term challenges, prolonged staffing shortages can quickly impact performance metrics, resident satisfaction, and employee morale.

The Hidden Cost of Being Short-Staffed

Many property teams try to "make it work" when a position becomes vacant or when someone takes extended leave. Unfortunately, the costs often show up elsewhere.

Slower Maintenance Response Times

Summer is peak season for HVAC issues and emergency service requests. When maintenance teams are understaffed, work orders can pile up, leading to resident frustration and lower satisfaction scores.

Leasing Opportunities Slip Away

Prospects expect fast responses and flexible tour availability. If leasing teams are overwhelmed, follow-up delays can mean lost leases and missed revenue opportunities.

Increased Employee Burnout

When team members consistently absorb additional responsibilities, burnout becomes inevitable. Overworked employees are more likely to disengage, make mistakes, or begin exploring other career opportunities.

Resident Experience Suffers

Residents may not know a community is understaffed, but they certainly notice slower service, delayed communication, and unresolved issues. Every interaction shapes their perception of the property.

Why Waiting to Fill Roles Isn't Always the Answer

Traditional hiring timelines don't always align with operational needs. By the time a position is posted, interviews are completed, and a new hire is onboarded, weeks—or even months—may have passed.

Meanwhile, the work doesn't stop. Summer operations require immediate support, especially when communities are facing multiple staffing challenges simultaneously.

That's why more multifamily operators are incorporating flexible staffing strategies into their workforce planning. Temporary and contract professionals can help bridge gaps quickly, allowing teams to maintain service levels without overburdening existing employees.

Roles Most Commonly Needed During Summer

While every portfolio is different, several positions consistently experience increased demand during the summer months:

• Leasing Consultants

• Assistant Property Managers

• Property Managers

• Maintenance Technicians

• Groundskeepers

• Make-Ready Technicians

• Concierge and Resident Services Staff

Having access to qualified talent when these gaps occur can help communities maintain momentum during their busiest season.

Staffing Should Be Part of Your Summer Strategy

Staffing is often viewed as a reaction to a vacancy. The most successful operators approach it differently. They treat workforce planning as an operational strategy.

By anticipating seasonal demand and creating a plan for coverage before challenges arise, communities can:

• Protect resident satisfaction

• Maintain leasing performance

• Reduce employee burnout

• Improve operational consistency

• Support revenue goals

The communities that perform best during summer aren't necessarily the ones with the largest teams. They're the ones that have the right people in place when they need them most.

Summer Challenges = Summer Opportunities

Summer staffing gaps are not new, but they continue to create significant challenges for multifamily operators. As workloads increase and resident expectations remain high, having a plan to address workforce shortages can make the difference between a stressful season and a successful one. The question isn't whether staffing challenges will arise this summer. The question is whether your community is prepared when they do.

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Don't Let Staffing Gaps Disrupt Your Summer

BG provides experienced multifamily professionals ready to step in when you need them most.

Connect with us to keep your communities staffed, supported, and performing at their best all summer long.