TAMPA, Fla. — Tampa residents are finding it more difficult to get maintenance needs completed amid a shortage of workers.

From a broken air conditioning in Florida heat, to an out-of-service elevator and a backlog of work orders piling up, Tampa residents are facing increased maintenance needs going unfixed.

“It is very severe overall. Throughout the nation, there is a high shortage of maintenance individuals in the multifamily housing industry,” Rose Nurse said.

Nurse leads the Bay Area Apartment Association, representing more than 250,000 apartment homes in the Tampa Bay area.

She says the shortage is forcing many properties to outsource—even basic repairs. For residents and their families, that can create delays in urgent situations.

“When you have a toilet that’s overflowing at 2:00 in the morning and you’re having to call maintenance, and we do not have a maintenance individual there where then we’re having to call a company,” she said.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics points to retirements and a limited pipeline of skilled workers as key drivers.
Maintenance and repair workers make up about 20 percent of the real estate workforce— with job growth projected at 4% through 2034, and more than 159,000 openings expected each year.

Starting next month, the association is launching a free maintenance training academy aimed at building that workforce.

“Our maintenance instructors are subject matter experts. They’re already from this industry, and they are giving their time to our students to teach them and bring them, teach them the trades that they need to become part of this industry,” she said.

The program is open to anyone, including women and high school graduates not pursuing college. After completion, participants are connected with property management companies looking to hire.

“AI can’t replace maintenance, so we are definitely an essential group of individuals. So that is one thing that we’re thinking as far as that should attract you to this industry. There’s job security, there’s housing that’s always coming,” she said.

Leaders say the field offers long-term growth, with benefits that can include discounted rent and opportunities to earn certifications.

Orientation for the Maintenance Training Academy begins July 9th and free classes begin July 21th.