Turn season arrives fast in the multifamily industry. What starts as a manageable increase in work orders and move-outs quickly becomes overwhelming,  stretching onsite teams thin.

Strong turn season staffing isn’t just about adding extra hands. It’s about avoiding common mistakes that create backlogs, stress teams, and slow down unit readiness. Here are five mistakes property managers often run into during turn season, and what successful communities do instead!

Mistake #1: Waiting Until Turns Begin to Think About Staffing

One of the biggest challenges during turn season is timing. By the time units begin turning over in large numbers, maintenance teams are already stretched thin.

Communities that succeed during turn season plan for their staffing needs weeks in advance. They review upcoming move-outs, assess technician availability, and secure additional help early.

Many property managers work with InterSolutions ahead of peak demand to bring in temporary maintenance professionals who can support turns and keep units on schedule!

Mistake #2: Assuming the Current Team Can “Push Through”

Leasing and maintenance teams are both under pressure during turn season. When staffing gaps exist, it’s common for managers to assume the current team can simply “push through” or handle a heavier workload for a few weeks.

In reality, this approach often leads to:

• Delayed work orders

• Slower unit readiness

• Increased burnout among key employees

Smart turn season staffing focuses on protecting the core team while additional support handles the temporary surge in workload.

Mistake #3: Treating Leasing and Maintenance as Separate Problems

Turn season is often viewed as a maintenance issue, but leasing offices feel the impact just as much. If units aren’t ready on time, leasing teams struggle to meet move-in timelines and maintain occupancy goals.

Communities that plan effectively support both sides of operations. Temporary maintenance technicians keep turns moving, while leasing professionals ensure prospects and residents receive timely communication. InterSolutions supports communities with both leasing and maintenance needs during these peak periods.

Mistake #4: Rushing Permanent Hiring Decisions

Turn season can create urgency to fill open roles quickly. While permanent hires are important, rushing a decision can lead to poor fits.

Many apartment communities rely on temp-to-perm staffing through InterSolutions during this time. This allows managers to maintain coverage immediately while evaluating whether a candidate is the right long-term addition to the team. InterSolutions helps facilitate these transitions, giving communities flexibility without slowing operations.

Mistake #5: Waiting Until Performance Slips

The biggest staffing mistake is waiting until service levels decline before taking action. Once work orders pile up or units fall behind schedule, catching up becomes significantly harder. Strong turn season staffing is proactive. Communities that prepare early maintain consistent service, protect team morale, and move through turn season far more smoothly.

A Better Approach to Turn Season Staffing

Turn season will always bring increased demand—but the right staffing strategy can keep it manageable!

By partnering with InterSolutions, apartment communities gain access to the right temporary, temp-to-perm, and direct-hire staffing solutions that help teams stay supported, even during their busiest months.

Need additional support for turn season? Request staff today to keep your community running smoothly.