A few weeks ago on a Tuesday night, I walked out of my house to see what part of it was on fire. The smell of smoke was so strong that I was sure fire had to be that close. I was pleasantly surprised when it was not my home. I also noticed that my neighbors were looking at their homes trying to figure out how there could be that much smoke. We all looked at the grey sky above us and saw the reality of living in Los Angeles. I am proud to say that my father who was an Assemblyman for the 41st district, David Negri, helped to pass the first clean air bill 40 years ago; however, the issue then was more about “smog days.”

If you live in Los Angeles, you’ve probably seen those NotifyLA alerts pop up on your mobile phone warning of “unhealthy air quality.” For most residents, it’s a reminder to stay indoors or avoid strenuous activity. But for property managers, it’s something bigger: it’s a call to action. Wildfire smoke isn’t just a seasonal nuisance anymore. It’s a recurring challenge that directly affects how we care for our tenants and our buildings.

We who are property managers are uniquely positioned to try and protect residents during air quality emergencies. Our responsibilities extend far beyond routine maintenance, and when smoke rolls in, tenants look to us not just for fixes, but for leadership. Consider the following:

• HVAC Systems: Think of your building as a living, breathing system. Just like we protect our own lungs, we need to protect the “lungs” of our properties, the HVAC systems. Possibly upgrade filters or make sure they are clean or replaced if needed. Sealing ducts isn’t just a technical fix; it’s a safeguard for keeping a clean and environmentally friendly system. When smoke rolls in, those systems could be the frontline defense.
• Emergency Protocols: Have a plan before the panic. Tenants look to management for reassurance when the skies turn gray. A clear protocol, whether it’s instructions on reminders about keeping doors and windows shut, distributing information on purchasing portable purifiers, or explaining how to find up to date information regarding where current fires are burning, can turn fear into confidence. A well-communicated plan shows leadership and builds trust.
• Legal Compliance: Remember that compliance is care. California’s habitability laws require safe living conditions, and indoor air quality is part of that standard. Addressing a possible identified area of smoke infiltration isn’t just about avoiding liability; it’s about doing right by the people who call your property home.
• Communication: Please don’t underestimate communication. Sharing as much information that is relative, like the location of where to find Air Quality Index (AQI) updates and other practical tips, fosters community. Tenants who feel informed and supported are more likely to stay, even through tough times. In moments when the air outside is hazardous, and fires are burning all around everyone can feel the anxiety of where the next one will be and who among us will be affected.

Of course, tenants are part of the equation. By following AQI (air quality information) alerts, limiting outdoor activity (obviously if the pool is covered in ashes – don’t use it), and reporting issues promptly, they help management respond effectively. Portable purifiers, sealed windows, and reduced exertion during advisories are simple steps that tenants can do that complement what we provide as managers. It’s a partnership – managers set the stage, and tenants play their part.

Wildfire smoke doesn’t respect city boundaries. Even neighborhoods miles from the flames, West Hills and Chatsworth during the Sandy Fire, can experience visible haze and unhealthy air. That means every property manager in Los Angeles, whether downtown or in the Valley, is part of the frontline defense against smoke. Treating air quality as a predictable hazard rather than a rare emergency is how resilience is built.

By Kari Negri, Chief Executive Officer, SKY Properties

“Ask Kari” is a monthly feature by Kari Negri. She has three decades of property management experience and is a featured speaker at many housing industry trade shows, such as AAGLA’s annual Income Property Management Expo, and is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of SKY Properties, Inc. in Los Angeles. If you have questions that you would like “Ask Kari” to address in a future article, please submit your question today: Kari@SKYprop.LA.