Cleaning and Well-Maintained Fitness Centers are the hidden profit center
Imagine this: a prospective resident tours your multifamily community, impressed by the location, apartment layouts, and amenities. But as they reach the fitness center, they see worn-out equipment, dirty floors, and machines that haven’t been repaired in weeks. Suddenly, their impression shifts. That one detail—your fitness center—has the power to affect their final decision. In a competitive rental market, it’s no longer just about offering a fitness facility; it’s about providing a clean, well-maintained, and fully functional one.
But why does this matter? How does a great fitness center help property managers and operations heads meet their goals? What’s in it for you?
Resident Preferences and Satisfaction: The Numbers Don’t Lie
Recent data tells a compelling story. The 2024 NMHC and Grace Hill Renter Preferences Survey Report gathered insights from over 172,000 renters, and here’s what they found:
- 93% of renters expect an on-site workout facility in their community.
- 38% use the fitness center weekly, meaning they are paying attention to its cleanliness and functionality.
- 82% of residents are more likely to renew their lease if there’s a well-maintained fitness center on-site.
These numbers demonstrate just how vital fitness centers have become in multifamily communities. They aren’t just ‘nice-to-haves’ anymore—they are essential to resident satisfaction and retention. A clean, well-maintained facility tells residents that their comfort and well-being are top priorities.
When was the last time you had a resident leave because of a bad experience with your property’s amenities? Imagine how a poorly maintained fitness center could be the tipping point. Now think about the reverse—a well-kept gym not only makes residents feel cared for but could be the reason they renew their lease next year.
A Competitive Edge: Standing Out in the Market
With nearly every apartment community offering some form of fitness amenities, how does yours stand out? It’s simple: by ensuring that your gym is well-equipped, clean, and regularly maintained, you instantly create a competitive advantage.
According to a J Turner Research survey, fitness centers are the second most desired amenity among renters, after in-unit washers and dryers. Residents not only want the convenience of working out where they live, but they also want high-quality, working equipment. A broken treadmill or an out-of-order weight machine frustrates residents and sends the message that their needs aren’t being met.
What’s in it for you? By investing in regular maintenance and professional repairs, you create a facility that justifies higher rent prices. In fact, studies show that well-maintained fitness centers can lead to increased property value and higher resident retention. Your investment in the gym pays off in the form of happier, long-term residents and a more attractive property.
The Risk of Ignoring Fitness Maintenance
Let’s face it—nothing is more damaging than having key amenities in disrepair. A fitness center filled with malfunctioning equipment doesn’t just annoy residents—it leads to complaints, poor reviews, and potentially lost leases. In fact, 28% of renters say a lack of a fitness center is a deal-breaker when choosing a community.
Imagine the ripple effect that could have on your property’s reputation. All it takes is a few negative online reviews about your fitness center, and prospective renters start looking elsewhere. Don’t let something as simple as preventive maintenance stand in the way of your property’s success.
How many complaints have you received about your fitness center in the last month? Think about the potential lost leases and negative word-of-mouth. Now consider how a proactive maintenance approach could turn those complaints into compliments.
A Well-Maintained Fitness Center = Higher ROI
The financial returns of a clean, up-to-date fitness center are substantial. Not only do these facilities justify higher rent prices, but they also contribute to increased resident retention, which saves money on marketing and leasing efforts. According to a survey by the National Apartment Association, 87% of renters rank fitness centers as important or very important, and a well-maintained one helps you stand out in a saturated market.
A poorly maintained fitness center, however, does the opposite. Malfunctioning equipment and cleanliness issues can quickly spiral into resident dissatisfaction, leading to turnover. And the cost of attracting new residents far outweighs the cost of maintaining current ones.
What’s in it for you? By taking care of your fitness center, you’re essentially taking care of your bottom line. Regular maintenance costs far less than losing a resident, undergoing a major repair, or replacing outdated equipment.
Imagine walking into your fitness center today. What do you see? Is it a space that inspires confidence, or is it in need of attention? Now think about the financial gains of maintaining that space versus the cost of losing residents due to neglect.
Closing the Gap: The Importance of Cleanliness
When residents walk into a gym, they expect cleanliness. A dirty fitness center with equipment in disarray creates an immediate negative impression. Your residents’ health and safety are paramount, and a clean facility sends a message of care and professionalism.
What’s in it for you? A clean fitness center improves resident satisfaction and reflects positively on your overall property management. Residents feel more confident about their decision to live in your community, knowing their well-being is a priority.
Conclusion: Fitness Centers Are the New Deal-Breakers
It’s clear: a well-maintained, clean fitness center is no longer just an added perk. It’s a must-have that directly affects resident satisfaction, retention, and property value. “It doesn’t work if it’s broke,” and taking care of your fitness center is easier and cheaper than replacing frustrated residents.
By investing in regular maintenance, keeping equipment up-to-date, and ensuring cleanliness, you can give your residents what they want—and, more importantly, what they expect. In return, you’ll enjoy a stronger, more competitive position in the market, higher retention rates, and increased property value. It’s a win-win.
What do you want your residents to say about your fitness center? That it’s just okay—or that it’s one of the reasons they’re excited to renew their lease?
Taking care of your fitness center today means building a community that thrives tomorrow.
