Safety and security concerns are placing increasing pressure on frontline property management professionals, according to a new bilingual survey from Portland State University's Center for Real Estate.
The survey, conducted after industry partners raised concerns about changing workplace conditions, found that 58% of respondents had avoided interacting with a tenant because of concerns about their personal safety. Meanwhile, 75% said they had requested assistance from security personnel or law enforcement while interacting with tenants, visitors, or others on the job.
The challenges are also affecting employee well-being. Seventy percent of respondents reported that safety concerns increased their stress levels, while 62% said those concerns negatively affected their mental well-being. Despite these pressures, most respondents said safety concerns had not affected their willingness to enforce property policies, their management decisions, or their intentions to leave their jobs.
Regulatory limitations emerged as another challenge. Nearly 68% of respondents said existing laws or regulations limited their ability to address individuals who posed safety or security risks.
For multifamily owners, operators, and property managers, the findings underscore the operational challenges that can extend beyond traditional housing responsibilities. The survey points to growing demand for responsive public-safety resources, behavioral-health services, and community partnerships that can help property management teams maintain safe and stable residential communities.
Source: Portland State University
