What’s up guys, Cody from Southeast Softwash here! Today, we’re tackling an apartment complex cleaning job—a mix of ranch-style and multi-story buildings. Apartment jobs can be highly profitable, but they also come with hidden challenges that can eat into your time and profits if you’re not prepared.
In this post, I’ll break down the five biggest gremlins you need to watch out for when tackling apartment complex jobs. These are the things that can turn what should be an easy payday into a disaster. Let’s get into it!
1. Electrical Issues – Beware of the Power Gremlins
One of the biggest dangers when cleaning apartment complexes is electrical hazards. Many of these properties aren’t well-maintained, and you’ll often find:
✅ Exposed wiring
✅ Poorly sealed electrical boxes
✅ Loose conduit and low-voltage cables
If you’re not careful, getting water or bleach near these exposed electrical components can lead to:
⚠️ Short circuits
⚠️ Power outages
⚠️ Even electrical fires
👉 Pro Tip: Always inspect the property before you start, especially around meter boxes and breaker panels. If you see questionable electrical work, notify the property manager and adjust your cleaning strategy accordingly.
2. Water Supply Problems – Can You Get Enough Water?
Before you start cleaning, verify the water source. Many apartment complexes have restrictions in place to prevent tenants from washing their cars or wasting water, meaning you might run into:
🚫 Locked spigots
🚫 No active water supply
🚫 Low water pressure
To avoid getting stuck with an incomplete job, always:
✅ Check all available water sources before you quote the job
✅ Bring an adjustable wrench for spigots that don’t have a standard handle
✅ Use a buffer tank (like the one on my Gen 2 skid) so you don’t have to rely 100% on the property’s water pressure
Nothing’s worse than showing up for a job and realizing you can’t even get water—so always confirm before you commit!
3. Tenant Clutter – The Stuff Problem
Most tenants don’t care that you’re coming to clean—and that means their patios and breezeways might be cluttered with junk like:
🪑 Patio furniture
🌱 Potted plants
🎡 Kids’ toys
🚲 Bicycles
If they don’t move their stuff before you arrive, it can slow you down and increase your liability.
👉 Pro Tip: In your service agreement, require tenants to move their items ahead of time. If they don’t, skip their unit and keep moving. One or two cluttered patios? Fine, work around it. But if half the property is packed with junk, it can cost you a ton of time.
4. Breezeway and Entryway Challenges
Breezeways are a common headache in apartment cleaning jobs. Some key issues include:
🚪 Poor weather stripping on doors – Water can easily get inside units
🔳 Weak or dry-rotted screens – They’ll rip apart with even a low-pressure wash
🔄 Difficult rinsing angles – You don’t want to flood entryways
If water gets into a tenant’s unit, they’re not going to be happy—and you could end up with a liability claim.
👉 Pro Tip: Ask the property manager to tell tenants to place towels at their doors to prevent water intrusion. Also, adjust your rinse technique to avoid flooding doorways.
5. Vehicles and Traffic – Moving Targets Everywhere
Unlike a single-family house, an apartment complex means dealing with:
🚗 Dozens of parked cars
🚶 People walking through your work area
🎾 Kids playing outside
Your biggest risks?
⚠️ Overspray landing on cars (especially black ones—bad news!)
⚠️ Tenants running over your hoses
⚠️ People walking under areas you’re actively cleaning
👉 Pro Tip: Work as quickly as possible on each building to minimize your exposure to these risks. The faster you finish, the less chance of something going wrong.
Bonus: The Right Equipment Makes All the Difference
For a job like this, having the right setup is crucial. I use a Gen 2 skid, which lets me:
🔹 Use an 8 GPM pressure washer for fast, efficient cleaning
🔹 Switch to softwash mode when needed for delicate surfaces
🔹 Work untethered with a buffer tank, so I’m not 100% reliant on the property’s water pressure
If you want to learn how to use high-performance rigs like this to build a six-figure business, check out our training options at Southeast Softwash:
✅ In-person training at our headquarters
✅ Video courses you can watch from home
Hit the links below to learn more!
If you’re serious about making real money in softwashing, I highly recommend checking out the Serious Starter Softwash Boot Camp with Aaron Parker on March 21-22, 2025.
This event is perfect for:
🔥 New business owners looking to fast-track their success
🔥 Experienced washers who want to scale up
🔥 Anyone who wants to make more money in less time
Spots are limited, and the last event sold out! Don’t miss your chance—grab your seat now!
👉 Register here: [Insert Registration Link]
Final Thoughts – Make It a Payday, Not a Mayday!
Apartment complexes can be goldmines if you know what you’re doing. But if you’re not careful, they can also turn into expensive headaches. Remember:
✅ Watch for electrical hazards
✅ Confirm water sources ahead of time
✅ Make sure tenants clear their junk
✅ Be cautious around doors and breezeways
✅ Work quickly to avoid car overspray and traffic issues
Handle these five gremlins, and you’ll turn your next apartment job into a big payday instead of a major headache.
That’s it for today—go out there and make some money! 💰💦
🚀 For more pro tips and training, check out Southeast Softwash and the Serious Starter Boot Camp! 🚀
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