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As summer approaches and residents head outdoors, apartment and condo associations should be ramping up their maintenance and keeping a more vigilant eye on property conditions. More than just conditions around pools and tennis courts, association properties are riddled with potential problem areas that could create physical hazards as well as financial ones for the association coffers.

The more common areas of concern are those pools, tennis courts, walkways, and parking areas. But associations should look deeper into the property and locate maintenance issues before they become large setbacks. 

Five areas to consider:

Foliage. It’s not just the trimming and care of your property landscape that should concern you, but also the types of plants and trees. Some species are prone to disease. That can create epidemics of insects and infestations that can kill off much of your expensive landscape plants. Check for white fly infestations, which can spread to all plants and destroy pricey shrubs. Also, learn what types of trees are on the property and what diseases are currently attacking them. For example, ash trees are experiencing an emerald wood borer outbreak that’s deadly to the tree. A dead tree is a hazard to buildings and people. Remove any trees for which you cannot take preventative measures.

Energy use. It doesn’t hurt to get an energy audit to understand where your association and resident units are losing precious energy. Call in your local utility companies to inspect the property and make recommendations that could save thousands.

Foreclosures. Sure, it’s not up to the association to take care of units not belonging to them. But to protect the overall value of the property, consider doing basic maintenance and lawn care in and around vacant units.

Periodic maintenance. Most associations create a schedule of regular maintenance, but if you see something broken or rotted now, replace it. It could halt further, more costly damage or injury.

Animal damage. Nooks and holes in building facades are great hiding and nesting places for birds and animals. Make sure to eliminate any unwanted residents by repairing holes and closing off areas where squirrels and birds could nest.

Photo credit: j-ster