Deliver A+ Student Turns

Ask any manager at a student housing property and they will tell you that turns on their property are different. The items that need to be repaired or replaced may be the same as a normal multifamily make ready, but the timelines and the scale are something else entirely.

Dozens, sometimes hundreds, of units must be turned in less than two weeks. That’s a tall order. Doing it right requires a solid plan, skilled execution, and a supplier who understands the unique needs of student housing combined with the ability to deliver.

Having someone the property team can trust on the supply side is often a key success factor when managing student housing turns. Zavier Solomon, a veteran student housing property manager in Orlando, FL, shared the importance of a supplier partner who “gets it” on an episode of The MRO Show podcast.

In the interview, Zavier explains how the combination of better planning and a trustworthy partner leads to success. He highlights 10 vital benefits student housing property managers should receive from their supplier partners to facilitate successful student turns.

1 – Expert Support

Student housing turns have a lot of moving parts all happening within a tight time frame. Property managers need suppliers who will respond when called, and deliver accurate, timely solutions.

2 – Industry Knowledge

A partner who truly understands and stays focused on the unique needs of multifamily MRO is an invaluable resource to a student housing operation.

3 – The Right Products

Supplier partners who understand the market and have a handle on their inventory through the entire supply chain can help make sure properties have exactly what they need, when they need it.

4 – Timely Delivery

Because of the quantities involved, many student housing properties have special considerations regarding the receipt and storage of orders. Some properties cannot receive all their supplies at the same time, others want everything on the same day. The right supplier partner will work with the property manager to determine a delivery schedule that works for their timeline—and they will deliver on time.

5 – Solution Focused

When questions arise or problems happen, a solution-focused partner will offer alternatives and practical advice. If the preferred solution is not available, they will be honest while continuing to work toward a resolution.

6 – Accurate Forecasts

A successful student housing make ready campaign begins with accurately forecasting what will be needed, and when. A supplier partner who knows the property and the products will help the manager accurately predict what is needed and in an appropriate timeframe.

7 – Invested in the Process

A dedicated partner will be plugged into the turns process from planning through move-in day. Unforeseen things will come up and the supplier representative needs to be connected and available to respond quickly.

8 – Flexible

No plan is perfect, and circumstances are always subject to change. A flexible supplier partner will have the ability to shift their focus and respond to what’s needed in the moment.

9 – Dedicated Support Team

Property managers understand that they can only be as successful as their team. Supplier partners are the same. Behind the territory managers and delivery drivers the property manager interacts with most, an invested supplier partner has a huge team supporting the property’s needs.

10 –Transparency

Trust is built over time, through shared successes, and it begins with a partner who is open, straightforward, and honest. When property managers and maintenance supervisors are confident that a supplier has their back, the property team will be more transparent about their needs and goals. This mutual transparency takes the relationship to a higher level of trust, building a strong foundation for continued success.