Last Updated: February 2024
Rental real estate investments require proper management to maximize profit potential. While some self-manage these assets, others outsource to professional third party companies. Regardless of method, all property management involves overseeing a wide scope of tasks such as rent collection and handling unexpected maintenance repairs. Since management companies charge anywhere between 6-12% of rent revenues, it is best to understand what is required for successful rental property management beforehand.
Property Management by Property Type
Property Management Services
Property management services are the duties executed by property managers to successfully operate a rental property. These services can include overseeing a property’s entire operations with everything from rent collection to maintenance repairs.
Rental Property Rent Payment Collection
Collecting rent for a rental property is a simple, yet essential task that is vital to determining the success of an investment property. A well-structured strategy, often bolstered by technology, can streamline this process while minimizing delays and disputes.
Security Deposits
Rental property security deposits are tenant-provided funds that provide a safety net against tenant damages or unpaid charges. Implementing clear guidelines on the collection, holding, and return of security deposits fosters a transparent landlord-tenant relationship and can mitigate potential disputes.
Tenant Screening
Proper tenant screening is the force behind every successful rental property. When done correctly, tenant screening ensures that the landlord is getting the most qualified tenant. The screening process is usually done through third-party tenant screening softwares that provide reports such as credit checks and criminal history.
Property Maintenance
All rental real estate properties require property maintenance and repairs. This component of rental property management entails preventive measures, timely responses to repair requests, and strategic upgrades, all of which preserve and potentially enhance a property’s appeal.
Property Management Fees
How much property management companies charge and how they structure their fees, is one of the first questions that prospective property owners want to know. Understanding how property management fees work and the rationale behind them is a powerful concept that landlords should understand to help plan, budget, and decide on services.
Rental Property Utility Management
Some rental property utilities are covered by the tenant, while others can be covered by the landlord. This ongoing expense can influence rental rates, lease terms, and marketability of the property. Effectively handling utility management is a key component to maintaining operational efficiency and maximizing returns in the rental business.
The #1 Rental Property Newsletter
Once a month, we send out an exclusive Rental Property Market Update with top stories, current mortgage rates, building products, and more. No spam and unsubscribe anytime.
Property Management Software & Tools
Property Management Software
Property management software helps property managers and tenants handle various aspects of administration such as rent payment, scheduling property maintenance, and owner reporting.
New Tenant Screening Software
Tenant screening software allows landlords and property managers to verify personal and financial information provided by applicants on their commercial and residential rental applications.
Property Management Documents
From leases to maintenance requests, rental property documents form the foundation of all rental interactions and transactions, in addition to providing legal protection and transparency.
Rental Property Listing Platforms
Filling vacant units through marketing and rental property leasing is an important role of property management. Online real estate listings platforms help renters easily find available properties.
Property Management News
- Blackstone Acquiring Multifamily Owner AIR Communities for $10 Billion
- Property Meld and Lula Launch ‘Vendor Nexus’ Program
- Realtor.com and Zillow Ink New Multifamily Rental Listings Syndication Agreement
Search Rental Real Estate
Try searching out site for hundreds of rental property topics ranging from property management, investor tool reviews, investment research, and more.
Rental Property Management FAQ
What is Property Management?
Property management (also known as rental management) – is the comprehensive oversight of rental real estate which includes tasks such as maintenance, operations, and marketing. This can be done by a property owner, property manager, or property management company.
What is a Property Manager (PM)?
A Property Manager (PM) is a person whose job is to manage the daily routines of rental properties and preserve the value of the properties while generating income. Generally, property managers oversee management activities such as rent payments, repairs and maintenance, security, and general property upkeep.
Self-Manage or Hire a Property Manager?
The decision to self-manage or hire a property manager depends on many different variables – Your industry knowledge, available free time and the type of rental property (e.g. a single family rental home vs a self storage property) will all help determine which is the best choice.
How to Choose a Property Management Company?
Choosing the right property management company can directly impact the success of your investments. The decision should be made by thoroughly assessing many factors such as the company’s reputation, experience with your property type, fees, contract terms, range of services offered, and responsiveness,
Full Service vs Partial Service Property Management
There are several different structures of service agreements offered by property management companies. The 3 most common types are: Full Service Management, Partial Service Management, and A La Carte. Each has its own sets of pros and cons, so it is best to choose the one which best aligns with your goals as a rental property owner.
How to Start a Property Management Company?
Starting a property management company requires strategic planning of aspects like market research, business licensing, and client development. A robust operational structure, incorporating cutting-edge technology, and forming reliable vendor relationships, can significantly enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
What are Rental Property Management Jobs?
For those interested in a stable and rewarding career in real estate, consider a job in property management. Property management is a diverse field that provides exposure to many other fields such as real estate leasing, rental property financial management, personnel management, maintenance, construction, and more.
About the Author
Ryan Nelson
I’m an investor, real estate developer, and property manager with hands-on experience in all types of real estate from single family homes up to hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial real estate. RentalRealEstate is my mission to create the ultimate real estate investor platform for expert resources, reviews and tools. Learn more about my story.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal and/or financial advice. As such, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Please review our Editorial Standards for more info.