Property Management During The Recession
Part 1: Rents Drop, Demands on Property Managers Rise
Part 2: Property Managers Can Reduce Costs By Cutting Saturday Hours
Property Managers Can Reduce Costs By Cutting Saturday Hours
By Greg Zimmerman, Executive Editor - July 2009
Very few landlords these days are swimming in capital, so property managers are examining ways to cut costs with operational changes. One of the more effective operational cost-cutting methods is simply reducing a building’s hours of operations. Many commercial leases stipulate at least a few Saturday hours — usually 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. But if no one is actually using the building during those hours, there is no reason to condition the space or keep the lights on.
Property managers are working with tenants to develop some sort of standardized system whereby a tenant can notify the property manager if it knows it’ll need its Saturday hours. If not, the building won’t be operated.
“We’ll tell tenants that we’ll only turn on HVAC services on Saturday if they need it,” says Marc Fischer, senior vice president, property management for Transwestern. “Just let us know on Friday and we’re happy to accommodate you.”
Most tenants are willing to collaborate — provided the idea is presented more as an option, instead of a mandate. Good communication is critical so that tenants don’t feel like they’re being forced to reduce their hours. 
