Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord, you’ve probably heard the term property manager tossed around. But what exactly do they do? If you’re renting a home or apartment, understanding the role of a property manager can help you know what to expect—and how to communicate with them if issues arise.
In short, property managers are the go-between for landlords and tenants, handling the day-to-day operations of rental properties. Here’s a closer look at their responsibilities.
🏢 Marketing and Tenant Screening
One of the first things property managers do is market the property to potential tenants. They’re responsible for:
- Creating advertisements
- Taking photos
- Listing the property on rental sites
Once they attract applicants, property managers also screen potential tenants. This typically involves:
- Checking credit scores
- Verifying employment and income
- Contacting past landlords for references
Their goal is to find responsible tenants who will pay rent on time and take care of the property.
📝 Leasing and Rent Collection
Once a tenant is selected, property managers handle the lease agreement. They’ll ensure that the lease is legally sound and covers everything—from rent due dates to pet policies. They may also manage:
- Lease renewals and amendments
- Rent collection each month
- Ensuring that any late fees are assessed
Their job is to ensure the lease terms are followed by both parties.
🛠️ Maintenance Coordination
Things break. It’s just part of life. When issues arise, property managers are the ones who:
- Coordinate repairs and maintenance
- Handle emergency situations (like a plumbing leak)
- Schedule routine inspections to ensure the property stays in good condition
If you’re a tenant and something goes wrong, the property manager is often your first point of contact for repairs.
🔍 Property Inspections
Regular property inspections are part of a property manager’s job. These inspections help ensure the tenant is maintaining the property according to the lease agreement. They also give the property manager a chance to spot any potential problems before they become major issues. Inspections typically happen:
- At move-in
- At regular intervals during the lease
- At move-out, to check for damage
⚖️ Legal Compliance
Property managers ensure that the property is compliant with local, state, and federal laws. This can include things like:
- Ensuring that the property meets habitability standards
- Complying with fair housing laws
- Navigating rent control regulations (if applicable)
They also keep track of lease renewals, rent increases, and security deposit returns to make sure everything stays within legal boundaries.
🚪 Eviction Process
In the unfortunate event that a tenant doesn’t pay rent or violates the lease terms, property managers may be responsible for handling the eviction process. This involves:
- Sending notices to the tenant
- Filing paperwork in court
- Coordinating with law enforcement to remove the tenant if necessary
While eviction is a last resort, a property manager’s job is to ensure that the process is done legally and ethically.
Final Thoughts
Property managers are your go-to professionals for almost everything related to rental properties. Whether you’re a landlord looking for someone to manage your property or a tenant with a maintenance issue, a property manager is there to ensure everything runs smoothly.