[[{“value”:”
**Getting the Most Out of Multifamily Shared Printers**
When people think of multifamily amenities, flashy features like resort-style pools, rooftop lounges, yoga studios, and trendy coffee bars often come to mind. Often overlooked, however, is a more practical convenience that quietly adds value to residents’ lives — the on-site printer.
While it may not be the most visually engaging amenity, a shared printer located in a property’s lobby or business center can play a significant role in enhancing resident satisfaction. According to Ben Meth, Senior Director of Sales at WithMe Inc., “A pool might be used a handful of times in a season. Access to a reliable printer supports needs that come up week after week.”
### The Problem with Traditional Printing Solutions
Printers have long been a standard offering in multifamily settings, but their usage and management often leave much to be desired. In many communities, the leasing team is tasked with printing documents on behalf of residents. This not only adds to their already busy workload but also poses potential privacy risks.
Meth notes, “It can expose residents to privacy issues, because personally identifiable information (PII) could be retained instead of properly deleted. This could lead to data breach vulnerabilities or misuse.”
Alternatively, some apartment complexes provide a designated business center with computers and printers. But the technology tends to be outdated, requiring residents to use flash drives or download drivers manually—an inconvenient and insecure process. These setups are often plagued by equipment malfunctions, hidden costs, and overall frustration for both residents and staff.
### Why Not Just Own a Printer?
For residents, owning a personal printer might seem like a straightforward solution. While entry-level printers can range from $80 to $400, Meth points out that the real costs go far beyond the purchase price.
“Ink is notoriously overpriced, paper always runs out at the worst time, breakdowns require time-intensive troubleshooting, and most residents don’t want to sacrifice valuable apartment space for a machine they only use occasionally,” he explains.
There are also hidden privacy concerns. Some home inkjet printers store user data and, in some cases, even sell it. This raises red flags for residents who might need to print sensitive items, such as financial documents or identification cards.
### Creating the Ideal Shared Printing Setup
To truly maximize the benefit of a shared printer, it’s not just about having the equipment — it’s about implementing the right structure and support. According to Meth, the ideal setup hinges on three key principles:
**1. Reliability**
A shared printer should be reliable and available when needed, without routine breakdowns. Working with a printing service like PrintWithMe, which offers cloud-based platforms and support, ensures that equipment stays functional and maintenance is streamlined.
**2. Simplicity**
Ease-of-use is essential for today’s tech-savvy renters. The process should be intuitive—users should be able to send a document digitally and print it with minimal steps. “Today’s renters are used to digital-first conveniences, and they bring these expectations to every amenity, including printers,” says Meth.
**3. Security**
Data security matters. A modern shared printer should have built-in safeguards to ensure users’ personal information is not retained or misused. End-to-end encryption and automatic deletion of printed files should be standard. While the multifamily industry isn’t regulated by compliance policies like HIPAA or FINRA, resident expectations for digital privacy continue to rise.
### Value Beyond Convenience
Meth emphasizes that investing in practical, everyday-use amenities like secure shared printers can offer a strong return on investment for property owners and managers.
“As multifamily communities grapple with high turnover and rising costs, owners and operators are realizing that the amenities residents truly depend on — the ones that make everyday life easier — quietly deliver the strongest ROI,” he says.
Moreover, cloud-managed printers can reduce administrative burdens. With automated supply shipping, live support, and a network-ready platform, they eliminate the need for staff to deal with time-consuming troubleshooting or manual inventory tracking.
A streamlined, secure, and resident-friendly printing solution can enhance tenant satisfaction, reduce staff workload, and even become a selling point for new prospects.
—
This article was originally published on ApartmentBuildings.com.
—
**Industry Insight: Connect Apartments 2025**
Meet the nation’s top owners, investors, developers, brokers, and lenders—all key decision-makers shaping the multifamily market. Whether you’re looking for capital partners, strategic suppliers, or industry insiders, the Connect Apartments 2025 conference in Los Angeles on September 11 is your opportunity. Network strategically, share insights, and forge relationships that lead to real deals. This isn’t just another conference—it’s where the dealmakers go.
“}]]
