10 Property Manager Responsibilities

Property manager with house and key

Property management services are salvation for many landlords who wish to make a profit out of their properties without much hassle. Often, landlords don’t know how to start getting benefits out of their properties, so they call a property manager who can help them build a better property and guide them through all the steps. Property management agencies are what makes a rental property keep their place in the market, so any landlord can keep a constant income regarding their properties.

If you’re thinking of hiring a property manager or want to pursue this career and don’t know what to expect, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

Here are 10 property manager responsibilities to take into account

1. Attracting tenants

Rental properties are maintained mostly thanks to tenants, so it is essential you know how to attract them. Property managers know the best way to find the right tenant for your property. They will take care of letting the world know the potential of your property by looking for tenants that are a good fit for the building. Property managers are always prepared to advertise the space effectively and meet with potential tenants, as well as showing them the features of the apartment property.

2. Screening tenants

Not everything’s about attracting tenants right and left, as property managers need to apply a filter to screen all tenants. The process of this activity is varied but often includes running credit checks, references, and proof of employment. Personal background checks are highly important to make sure people renting are responsible and constant in their monthly payment.

3. Rent responsibilities

Rent responsibilities go further than just collecting the rent. A property manager is necessary to set the initial rent level tenants to agree to, and how they do this is the difference between regular landlords and a professional that has a wide understanding of the market where the property is located and the type of clientele the property needs. Collecting the rent goes hand in hand with ensuring optimal cash flow and enforcing late penalties. In addition to this, property managers are responsible for the adjustment of the rent in case it needs to be lowered or increased, so as to keep in line with municipal and state laws.

4. Maintenance and repairs

Any property needs to comply with essential conditions that make any home or commercial property habitable, and this can’t be done by simply sweeping or taking care of the garden. Maintenance, repairs, and the updating of facilities such as the laundry and parking area, are basic responsibilities for a good property manager, who also has to be able to perform landscaping, pest removal, checking for leaks, and trash removal. In case these activities are not being carried out by the property manager, then they would need to hire someone to perform these tasks on a regular basis. Professional property managers ought to have a large network of plumbers, carpenters, electricians, and reliable contractors.

5. Managing the budget and maintaining financial records

Daily supervision is essential, but this can’t be fully achieved if the budget for the building is not being well-managed. Property management companies and its experts should be able to keep detailed records, file taxes for the property and keep an emergency fund. All income, expenses, records of complaints, leases, insurance costs, and more are also part of the functions that need to be taken into account if you’re looking for a property manager.

6. Knowledge of landlord-tenant laws

Getting a career as a property expert also includes a vast knowledge of landlord-tenant laws, as they are often the first in line when having to evict or informing a landlord about a dispute. The general legal situation of a rental property is key to maintaining good service and understanding among tenants. A qualified property manager handles security deposits, safety compliances, and more.

7. Marketing and advertising

Finding a good place to live is not like the old days, where you will look inside the pages of a newspaper and hope that one of the small selections of homes was available. Today, property rental information needs to be distributed all over the place – especially on the internet. But it’s not as simple as it sounds; this is why a great strategy is of utter importance, one that includes impeccable marketing and advertising. Once these processes are mastered, then the possibility of developing a successful real estate business becomes more real, one that can establish a good reputation and boost interest in the community.

8. Setting the right rates

Pitching the property at a competitive price is a top priority for every landlord, as they can never go too high or too low in price because it might compromise their income. A knowledgeable and easily adapted property manager is in charge of setting the right rates by being up to date with the micro-housing market, the local area, and current rental rates.

9. Providing customer service

Dealing directly with tenants is one of the main reasons landlords hire property managers. Not everyone’s a people person, so if you have a specific person to handle all public relations, then it would be much easier. Tenants are always looking for a positive, helpful, and smiley property manager, so they can build up their trust and have the freedom of communicating any doubt, problems or complaints they might have. A skillful property manager is always alert to report any possible issue that may arise in any kind of property.

10. Reducing stress

Basically, the client goes to property management services to solve and work all the details so the property can be in perfect conditions for tenants. Reducing the client’s stress is a  solution to all the client’s overall problems. Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, you can leave all issues to the property management team and focus on enjoying life, or simply do any activity of your interest.