What Smart Property Managers Are Doing in December to Win in 2026

December isn’t just the season of giving—it’s also the season of planning. While many property managers are coasting into the holidays, the smart ones are already setting themselves up for a stronger, more profitable year ahead.

If you want to win in 2026, now’s the time to take a strategic look at your operations, your resident experience, and the systems that support both.

Here’s what top-performing property managers are doing right now to gain a competitive edge.

🎯 1. Building an In-House Resident Benefits Package

Smart operators know that residents want more than four walls—they want value, convenience, and transparency. That’s why forward-thinking property managers are creating their own in-house resident benefits packages instead of paying for expensive third-party bundles.

A DIY resident benefits package lets you hand-pick what matters most to your residents—like air filter delivery, renters insurance, or preventative maintenance perks—while keeping full control of pricing and quality.

👉 Check out our blog to explore the pros and cons of a DIY vs. a turnkey resident benefits package for inspiration.

📘 Want a deeper dive? Download our free resource: The Property Manager’s Guide to Building a DIY Resident Benefits Package.

⚙️ 2. Investing in AI and Automation to Create Efficiencies

December is the perfect month to audit your workflows and identify repetitive tasks that can be automated. From maintenance coordination to resident communication, AI-powered tools can help property managers save time, reduce costs, and prevent burnout.

Imagine automatically scheduling routine maintenance, predicting HVAC failures, or sending personalized rent reminders without lifting a finger. That’s not futuristic—it’s happening right now across the industry.

Start small: automate one process, measure the results, and scale from there.

🌬️ 3. Leveraging Air Filter Delivery Subscriptions

Replacing air filters on time is one of the simplest ways to lower maintenance costs, improve resident satisfaction, and extend HVAC lifespan—but it’s also one of the most overlooked.

That’s why smart property managers are integrating air filter delivery subscriptions directly into their workflows (and even their resident benefits packages).

With FilterTime’s automated program, residents receive the correct size filters on a schedule that fits your property’s needs—no tracking, no guesswork, and no unnecessary service calls.

The result?
✅ Cleaner air and happier residents
✅ 40% fewer HVAC-related maintenance requests
✅ Up to 15% savings on heating and cooling costs
✅ Extra time back for your team

📅 4. Reviewing 2025 Performance and Setting Measurable 2026 Goals

Don’t wait until January to assess performance. Use December to review key metrics—maintenance response times, resident satisfaction scores, retention rates, and operational costs.

Set clear, measurable goals for 2026:

• Reduce emergency maintenance requests by X%
• Increase resident renewal rates by X%
• Launch your DIY resident benefits package by Q2

Having goals in place before the year starts ensures you begin 2026 with momentum, not catch-up mode.

🏆 5. Doubling Down on Resident Retention

It costs far more to attract a new resident than to keep an existing one. The best property managers use December to nurture relationships, express appreciation, and find new ways to add value.

Simple gestures—like a holiday message, maintenance reminders, or proactive check-ins—can build loyalty and set your community apart. When paired with real benefits like filter delivery or preventative maintenance programs, you create an experience residents don’t want to leave.

Ready to Win in 2026?

Start the new year strong by investing in programs that make life easier for both residents and your team.

📅 Book a quick meeting to learn how offering an air filter subscription to your residents can improve the resident experience, protect owner assets, and generate ancillary revenue for your property management company when added to your DIY resident benefits package.