6 summer safety tips for affordable housing & PHAs

By Niki Kolisch on June 23, 2025 in Marketing

Summer is here! And for affordable housing and public housing organizations, the sunshine and longer days come with a few hurdles. When the temperatures rise, so do repair needs and safety concerns. It’s better to get ahead before everything starts piling up, so you can rest easy knowing your residents are safe and well-informed. Here are some easy summer safety tips for property managers in affordable housing and public housing.

1. Have an efficient maintenance tracking system

Hello summer, and hello maintenance mayhem! Summer brings leaks, plumbing issues, and unwelcome pests, the list goes on… And sometimes, those service tasks keep adding up. But you can stay organized and provide the best service to your residents with a fast and efficient maintenance system.

Pro living tip: Yardi Maintenance IQ is a digital tool that allows you to assign and track work orders directly with your maintenance team.

2. Beat the heat & install A/C units

High summer temperatures can pose health risks for residents, especially for children and seniors. Installing air conditioning units in high-risk areas can simply keep them more comfortable and limit heat-related illnesses. Be sure to seek out units with direct sun exposure and poor ventilation and prioritize them for upgrades.

Pro living tip: HUD allows capital funds to be used for retrofitting units with air conditioning units. And don’t forget to check local energy programs for additional funding support!

3. Inspect fire safety equipment

Smoke alarms save lives, but only if they’re working. The summer heat puts stress on electrical systems and increases the risk of fire hazards. This is a great time to schedule professional testing of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to make sure they’re functioning. Be sure to document all inspections to stay compliant with HUD.

Pro living tip: Don’t forget to replace batteries. It’s a simple step that can make a huge difference during an emergency.

4. Trim overgrown shrubs

Stay on top of landscaping. It’s not just about looks. Overgrown greenery is a perfect place for pests to thrive and can become a fire hazard, especially in dry areas. Trim branches that hang over decks and outdoor spaces, and clear fallen branches and debris from walkways.

Pro living tip: Set a regular landscaping schedule to keep shrubs trimmed, grass short and vegetation away from building foundations and entryways.

5. Inspect and repair children’s play areas

School’s out, and that means more kids are outside. Take time to thoroughly check all on-site recreational equipment for rust, sharp edges and other wear and tear issues to ensure safety. These checks can prevent accidents later on.

Pro living tip: Add signs to remind parents or guardians to keep an eye on their children around play structures, park spaces and water features.

6. Educate your residents

A little reminder can’t hurt. Post helpful signs reminding residents not to leave children and pets in cars during hot weather, especially in summer. You can also post pool safety measures near swimming areas and visual guides on how to spot symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

Pro living tip: Host seasonal workshops on emergency preparedness, basic first aid and how to conserve energy during peak hours.

The bottom line

A little summer safety preparation can go a long way. Take the extra time to make sure your affordable or PHA properties are safe, and your residents are healthy and informed. Have a great summer and stay cool out there!