Mutli-Family temp agencies

Recently I've been working solo as my assistant is out on medical leave. I hesitate to ask sister properties for coverage so I can have a day off. I'm more apt to use my maintenance sup or housekeeper to cover as they know my community as well as I do, and they are familiar with the leasing process, event the tax credit side:)
Anyhow this got me to thinking about temp agencies. A quick Google search of my area led to nothing, even the statewide search only got one hit and their website was gone. Of course there are temp agencies, but none specializing in MFH. On top of that a sister site used a temp agency while she was short on maintenance personnel. I visited one day these "temps" were working and they looked as if they couldn't care less, and 2 looked like they haven't seen soap for a few months! So I started thinking maybe there is a real need for specialized temporary employees in our industry. Coincidently a rep from one of our local publications stopped in yesterday and she had the EXACT same thought only the day before.
I'm thinking an agency that provided trained leasing people, with fair housing certifications and some knowledge of tax credit would be helpful. Also maintenance persons who have experience, are professional, and we required to adhere to a dress code would be just the thing.
So I'm reaching our to my MFI colleagues to get your opinions. Have you ever worked with a temp agency that does MFH well? If so what did you like if the experience was bad why?
In my mind this seems like a viable business that I may want to start.

I came from a temp agency; in fact that is how I got my first experiences. I was able to learn from a variety of sources while doing (and earning) without the luxury of becoming complacent in my skills.

Have you tried your local apartment association/IREM chapter?

I think you are in Virginia; but the agencies I KNOW of do not have a presence there.

Hi Stephani,
Temp Agencies could be a wonderful solution for those properties experiencing some shortage in the office or in maintenance. I was approached at one time about using a service, but I found out from the Agency that the people they might send for the Office would be no more experienced than a regular administrative assistant, which wouldn't be that bad except it was a Section 8 property and you know how detailed and paper-oriented that kind of property is. So, I didn't use the service. I just muddled through until I hired someone full time. They claimed they had experienced leasing professionals though, so for the conventional properties I would have given them a chance.

If you had a service with well-trained, qualified people, it would be a great thing for the small properties that may be single owner or who have no nearby "sister" properties, especially for leasing and Office admins. You would definitely need good liability insurance!

I think the local apartment association is a great start for finding temp personnel. There may even be some folks out there who are applying for full time jobs that have experience in the industry, but are not currently employed and would take a temp.

Some people that are looking for full time without a doubt will take the temp if that is all there is until they can find something more permanent. Looking on indeed, Monster and such places can help!

Even throwing up an add and leaving it with the apartment association and when they do their posting can throw your needs out there as well.

Just throwing those other little items out there and hoping I was able to kick the can a little further down the road!

Stephani,
There are definitely temp staffing providers specific to our industry, depending on the market. For example, our (incredible) job board sponsor, Hire Priority , provides temp staffing in Texas markets. But maybe your market is just not covered...

Did someone say specialized temp agency?? After years as a property manager never having a professional solution to leasing staffing issues; I did start my own specialized temp leasing company; Apartment Leasing Solutions. We offer only experienced/trained leasing temporary agents!! We service just the St. Louis, MO area but are entering into our 6th successful year! We also offer a 0 placement fee after 90 days. Managers (and the agents) love getting a true feel for the property, style of management, etc. before accepting a permanent position!! That results in less turnover and no surprises for either side 60 days into the job. Oh!! We also offer secret shops, fantastic training, lease ups & more!

You can call and speak with Ed at Career Strategies at: 323-556-5500 if you have a need.


www.csi4jobs.com/