Multi-family property managers face extra challenges when it comes to exterior maintenance and repairs. A small roof leak can quickly affect multiple units. A siding issue can impact the insulation for multiple families. And when storms hit, managers may have to coordinate requests from dozens of tenants at the same time.

Baker Home Exteriors understands these challenges and has extensive experience with multi-family properties, including apartment complexes, condominiums, and townhomes. With more than a century of service in North Carolina, our team in Greensboro can help property owners tackle exterior projects of all sizes.

Why Maintaining Multi-Family Properties Is Different

As the owner of a multi-family property, you have to think about more than just maintaining your investment. Your tenants also count on you to keep their homes safe, comfortable, and up to code. Here are a few of the additional responsibilities you might face:

Lease Agreements

When you manage multi-family units, lease agreements hold you accountable for repairs and maintenance. If a roof leak or gutter failure damages multiple apartments, repairs cannot wait. Getting these issues fixed quickly protects tenants and limits your liability. It also boosts your reputation as a responsible landlord and makes your properties more attractive to potential tenants.

Code Requirements

Apartment buildings fall under commercial building codes, which have stricter standards than residential codes for single-family homes. Violations can lead to costly fines or tenant disputes. Proactively maintaining your properties helps you avoid last-minute scrambles and keeps them compliant before your local inspector shows up.

Building Size and Design

Multi-family buildings are typically bigger than residential homes, and maintaining them can be a big project. Roofs cover wider areas, gutters have to handle more runoff, and siding may have to protect multiple stories. A problem in one part of your building can impact multiple tenants. Multi-family buildings may also feature things like flat roofs that have different maintenance needs than residential shingled roofs.

Key Exterior Systems to Watch

Here are some of the critical areas of your property’s exterior you should check regularly.

Roofing and Flashing

Apartment buildings often have flat or low-slope roofs. These come with a risk of pooling water, membrane failures, and flashing leaks. Because these roof systems cover dozens of units at once, preventive inspections are critical. A small issue can escalate into widespread damage if you don’t address it.

Watch our YouTube videos on special considerations for flat roofs and the importance of flashing.

roof and siding repair on apartment building

Siding, Trim, and Moisture Barriers

Cracked or warped siding lets moisture into walls, which can damage insulation and interior finishes. Property owners should pay special attention to trim, fascia, soffits, and caulking around windows and doors. as these are frequent weak points. Choose low-maintenance materials like fiber cement or engineered vinyl for multi-family properties.

gutter repair on multi family property management

Gutters and Drainage Systems

The gutter systems on multi-family buildings have to handle a lot of water during storms. Clogs and leaks can damage siding and landscaping and even cause water to seep into ground-floor units. Regular cleaning, leaf protection, and inspections after storms can help keep systems flowing like they should.

Common Area Exterior Elements

Balconies, decks, stairways, and exterior walkways are high-use areas that need to be structurally sound and safe. Check that all exterior doors and windows are sealed and working properly. You also need to regularly check exterior lighting to make sure common areas are properly illuminated at night.

Maintenance Strategy and Scheduling

Proactive and Preventive Maintenance

For multi-family buildings, you should adopt preventive maintenance plans that include professional inspections twice a year or every quarter. Detecting issues with roofs, siding, or gutters early can save thousands in emergency repair costs.

Phased Repairs and Tenant Communication

You can divide large projects, like complete roof replacements or siding overhauls, into multiple phases to minimize the disruption to your tenants’ lives. Communicating with tenants is also vital. Giving them advance notice of schedules, noise, and safety considerations helps build trust and cooperation.

Choosing the Right Materials

Durable, low-maintenance materials are a smart investment for multi-family properties. Fiber cement siding resists rot and pests. Coated metals and stainless steel fasteners reduce corrosion. Long-life roofing membranes can provide decades of protection. Working with trusted experts who recommend the right materials can reduce maintenance cycles and help you keep repair costs low.

How Baker Home Exteriors Supports Greensboro Property Managers

Managing multi-family properties requires a partner with the resources and experience to handle large projects. Baker Home Exteriors has supported property managers and owners in Greensboro with:

We are committed to helping Greensboro property owners protect their investments while keeping tenants safe and comfortable. With Baker, you get a dedicated project manager who serves as your single point of contact through the entire process. We provide detailed project proposals and clear estimates to make decisions easier for ownership groups and boards. We can also schedule around your community’s needs so our work causes the least disruption to your tenants. If your property is damaged by a storm, we offer Haag-certified inspections.

Want to learn more? Meet Shae Mandrayar, our business development manager, who works specifically with multi-family property managers.

Protecting Your Investment and Your Tenants

Multi-family property owners in Greensboro have a lot to consider when it comes to exterior maintenance. From stricter codes to the responsibility of keeping dozens of families secure, there is little margin for error.

The best approach to multi-family property maintenance is to stay proactive through preventative maintenance, choose durable materials, and work with a trusted partner like Baker Home Exteriors. Our team of local exterior experts can help you extend the life of your buildings, reduce emergency costs, and build stronger tenant relationships.

If you’re ready to schedule an exterior inspection or need to schedule a repair, contact our Greensboro team today.