Property management companies play a crucial role in the efficient operations of rental properties, serving as an essential intermediary between landlords and tenants. They cater to various tasks that help save time, resources, and efforts for property owners. So, what exactly do these companies do?
Primarily, a property management company is responsible for rent collection, regular property maintenance, and ensuring the property’s security. Additionally, they handle tenant relations, including sourcing new tenants, addressing their concerns, and dealing with any issues that may arise during the tenancy. By managing these aspects, property management companies allow landlords to focus on other aspects of their businesses.
Besides day-to-day management, property management companies also engage in administrative tasks, such as bookkeeping and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
What Property Management Companies Do
Property management companies are responsible for managing various aspects of real estate for property owners. They play a vital role in maintaining the property and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. This section focuses on the core responsibilities of property management companies, which include maintenance and repairs, leasing and rent collection, property marketing, tenant screening and handling, and legal and regulatory compliance.
Maintenance and Repairs
One of the primary responsibilities of a property management company is to ensure that the property they manage is well-maintained and in good condition. They handle a variety of maintenance tasks such as:
- Lawn care
- Pressure washing
- Preventative maintenance
- Plumbing issues
- Fixing appliances
- Drywall patching
Leasing and Rent Collection
Property management companies are responsible for managing leases and collecting rent from tenants. They help property owners draft, sign, and renew leases while also tracking rent payments and handling late or missed payments. Some activities involved in this process include:
- Setting rent prices according to the market
- Collecting rent on a regular basis
- Issuing late payment notices when necessary
Property Marketing
In order to attract potential tenants, property management companies often take on marketing activities. This includes promoting available units and handling property showings. Some common marketing activities include:
- Advertising properties through online listings, print materials, and signage
- Conducting property showings for prospective tenants
- Providing high-quality photos and detailed property descriptions
Tenant Screening and Handling
A crucial part of a property management company’s role is to screen potential tenants and manage tenant interactions. They handle tasks such as:
- Conducting background and credit checks on potential tenants
- Screening potential tenants for any red flags
- Managing communication with current tenants
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Lastly, property management companies must ensure that the properties they manage comply with local laws and regulations. This includes tasks like:
- Staying up-to-date on local and federal property laws
- Ensuring properties meet safety and health standards
- Handling eviction proceedings in accordance with the law
In summary, property management companies, Mark Brower Properties play a crucial role in managing and maintaining properties on behalf of property owners. They handle various tasks such as maintenance and repairs, leasing and rent collection, property marketing, tenant screening and handling, and legal and regulatory compliance. By doing so, they help property owners maximize the returns on their real estate investments while minimizing their day-to-day responsibilities.
Types of Properties Managed
Property management companies oversee a wide range of real estate assets, including rental properties and various types of properties such as residential, commercial, and industrial. In this section, we will discuss the different types of properties managed and their corresponding responsibilities.
Residential
Residential properties include single-family homes, multi-family homes, apartments, and mobile home parks. Property management companies are responsible for various tasks related to residential properties, such as:
- Tenant screening and selection
- Rent collection and lease management
- Maintenance and repairs
- Handling tenant issues and disputes
- Legal compliance and property inspections
Managing residential rental properties involves working closely with tenants and ensuring their satisfaction, while also maintaining the owner’s investment in the property.
Commercial
Commercial properties comprise of office spaces, retail stores, shopping centers, and other business establishments. Property management companies overseeing commercial properties focus on:
- Attracting and securing reliable commercial tenants
- Negotiating and managing commercial leases
- Ensuring tenant satisfaction and lease compliance
- Coordinating maintenance, repairs, and upgrades
- Handling rent collection, operating expenses, and financial reporting
Commercial property management requires an understanding of the local real estate market, as well as specialized knowledge about the specific needs and regulations governing commercial properties.
Industrial
Industrial properties usually consist of warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and other similar spaces. The role of property management companies in managing industrial properties includes:
- Finding and retaining suitable industrial tenants
- Developing and negotiating industrial leases
- Ensuring lease compliance and adherence to safety regulations
- Overseeing facility maintenance, repairs, and improvements
- Coordinating logistics among multiple tenants, if applicable
Property management companies dealing with industrial properties must be well-versed in the complexities of industrial operations, as well as the specific requirements and regulations that govern these types of properties.
In conclusion, property management companies manage a diverse range of real estate assets, including rental properties in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Each type of property managed has its unique set of responsibilities and requirements that property management companies must be skilled in handling. This comprehensive approach is essential for a property management company to effectively manage and maintain the value of the real estate investments under their care.
Property Management Fees
Management Fee
Property management companies typically charge a management fee, which ranges between 4% and 7% of the rental income. However, smaller properties might cost 10% or more. The size and condition of the property can also be a factor in driving property management costs higher1. The management fee covers the day-to-day operations, such as rent collection, tenant communication, and handling emergencies.
Lease Renewal Fee
Some property management companies charge a lease renewal fee when they help negotiate lease renewals with existing tenants. This fee covers the time and effort required to review market conditions, prepare renewal agreements, and update property records. It is essential to note that lease renewal fees are not standard across all property management companies and can vary depending on the level of service provided.
Maintenance Fee
Maintenance fees may also be charged to cover the cost of services such as garbage, snow, and leaf removal1. In some cases, property management companies also include inspection fees2. The average cost for inspection fees is $106.72 each2. It is crucial for property owners to check and understand the specific maintenance services included in their property management agreement to avoid unexpected costs.
Setup Fee
Property management companies often charge a setup fee, with an average cost of $185.24 per contract2. This fee typically covers the time and resources involved in setting up a new account and can range from $45.00 to $850.002. It is recommended to clarify the setup fee structure with the property management company to ensure transparency and avoid misunderstandings.
For example Mark Brower Properties is completely transparent with our property management fees the Phoenix AZ area of the West Valley and East Valley. You can see our property management pricing and fees here.
Footnotes
Working with the Property Owner
Budgets and Profitability
Working closely with property owners, property management companies aim to maximize the profitability of their clients’ properties. They can do this by:
- Creating and managing budgets for property maintenance, repairs, and upgrades
- Ensuring cost-effective solutions without compromising the quality or safety of the property
- Monitoring rental market trends to determine competitive pricing strategies
Property management companies can help landlords and investors stay within their budget while maintaining the property value and keeping tenants satisfied.
Communication and Reporting
Maintaining open lines of communication between the property owner and the management company is crucial for successful collaboration. Some key aspects of communication and reporting include:
- Providing regular financial statements and reports on property operations
- Giving updates on tenant relations, maintenance issues, and other property-related concerns
- Being accessible and responsive to address any questions or concerns from the property owner
With efficient communication and reporting, property managers can ensure that landlords and investors are well-informed about their property’s status and performance.
Real Estate Market Analysis
To help property owners make informed decisions about their property, management companies often provide real estate market analysis services. This may include:
- Evaluating the local rental market to identify trends and opportunities for property growth
- Analyzing comparable properties to determine the most competitive rental rates
- Monitoring relevant laws and regulations that may impact the property’s value, such as zoning changes or new developments in the area
By staying informed about the real estate market, property management companies can help property owners stay competitive and make strategic decisions to maximize the value of their investment.
Legal and Regulatory Aspects
Landlord-Tenant Laws
Property management companies need to be well-versed in landlord-tenant laws to ensure they are compliant with regulations and protecting both their clients and tenants. Some of the responsibilities encompassed within landlord-tenant laws include:
- Security Deposits: Collected at the beginning of the tenancy and used to ensure the landlord is protected if the tenant breaks any terms of the rental agreement.
- Eviction Procedures: A proper understanding of the eviction process is necessary to navigate legal requirements and timelines when it is required.
- Maintenance and Repairs: Adequate and timely repairs, as well as ongoing maintenance, are crucial to adhere to legal standards and keep properties in good shape.
Licensing Requirements
Property management companies often must obtain a real estate broker’s license in the name of the firm. These requirements vary depending on the state in which they operate. Companies should be knowledgeable about their state’s specific requirements and ensure they maintain appropriate and up-to-date licensing to operate legally.
Real Estate Board and Industry Associations
Real estate boards and industry associations play a vital role in regulating and establishing guidelines for property management companies. These organizations help set best practices and maintain ethical standards within the industry. Property management companies should be well-informed and up-to-date on recommendations and expectations set by these professional associations to ensure compliance.
Laws and regulations concerning property management companies are crucial to ensure the proper operation and protection of landlords, tenants, and properties. By adhering to these legal aspects, property management companies maintain their reputation and provide quality service to their clients.
Marketing and Advertising Strategies
Multiple Listing Service
Property management companies utilize multiple listing services (MLS) to advertise vacant units and attract prospective tenants. These services help increase the visibility of available properties on top channels, such as Zillow, Apartments.com, and Trulia. By using MLS, property managers can ensure that their listings reach a wide audience, increasing the chances of finding suitable tenants.
Social Media
Another essential marketing strategy for property management companies is the use of social media platforms. By creating and maintaining a strong presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, companies can engage with potential tenants and showcase their properties effectively. Through targeted ads, informative posts, and engaging content, property managers can not only promote their available units but also build a positive brand image.
Rent Pricing and Analysis
Performing rent pricing and analysis is crucial for property management companies. This process involves researching market trends and comparing similar properties to determine competitive and accurate rent prices for their units. By keeping an eye on changing market conditions and adjusting rental rates accordingly, property managers can attract more prospective tenants and maintain a high occupancy rate in their managed properties.
In summary, property management companies employ various marketing and advertising strategies to promote available units, attract potential tenants, and build a strong brand. By utilizing multiple listing services, leveraging social media platforms, and conducting rent pricing analysis, these companies can effectively market their properties and achieve greater success in the industry.
Tenant Management
Tenant Screening Methods
Property management companies utilize various tenant screening methods to ensure they are selecting reliable and responsible tenants. One common approach is to conduct a credit check to assess a potential tenant’s financial stability. This can provide valuable insight into their ability to pay rent consistently and on-time.
Another frequently used method is a background check, which can reveal any criminal history, previous evictions, or other red flags. A thorough screening process can reduce the chances of subsequent issues, such as late or missed rent payments.
- Credit checks assess financial stability
- Background checks reveal criminal history or previous evictions
Eviction Process
Handling the eviction process is another essential property management responsibility. If a tenant fails to pay rent or breaches the lease agreement, property managers must abide by federal and state housing laws to properly carry out the eviction. This process often includes sending late rent notices, filing legal paperwork, and coordinating with local authorities.
By having a property management company handle evictions, it reduces stress for the landlord and ensures compliance with all applicable laws.
- Late rent notices
- Filing legal paperwork
- Coordinating with local authorities
Security and Safety
Ensuring a safe and secure environment for tenants is a crucial aspect of property management. Property managers are responsible for addressing maintenance issues, such as fixing appliances, performing routine inspections, and addressing plumbing issues, as outlined by FortuneBuilders.
In addition, property managers are in charge of identifying potential security threats and taking necessary precautions, like installing security systems or coordinating with local law enforcement when needed.
- Handling maintenance issues
- Performing routine inspections
- Addressing security threats
By effectively managing tenant screening, eviction processes, and security measures, property management companies play a vital role in maintaining a healthy and safe living environment for tenants while protecting the interests of the landlord.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Maintenance Requests Handling
Property management companies are responsible for handling maintenance requests from tenants. This includes addressing routine repairs such as plumbing issues, fixing appliances, and patching drywall. When a tenant reports a maintenance issue, the property manager will assess the situation, determine the appropriate course of action, and coordinate the necessary repairs. This ensures that the property is well-maintained and that tenants’ needs are addressed in a timely manner.
Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
In addition to addressing maintenance requests, property management companies also oversee the landscaping and grounds maintenance of a property. This may involve lawn care, pressure washing, and other preventative maintenance tasks to keep the property looking its best. Regular upkeep of the property’s exterior helps maintain its curb appeal and ensures a safe and inviting environment for tenants.
Vendor Management
Property managers also play a crucial role in vendor management. They are responsible for selecting and managing vendors to perform maintenance and repair services. This may involve vetting vendors like landscapers or plumbers based on their expertise, experience, and pricing, as well as monitoring their performance to ensure that services are delivered according to agreed-upon terms. By managing relationships with vendors, property managers can help ensure that maintenance and repair tasks are completed efficiently and meet the quality standards set for the property.
In summary, property management companies like Mark Brower Properties, MarkRent.com handle various aspects of maintenance and upkeep, including addressing maintenance requests, overseeing landscaping and grounds maintenance, and managing vendor relationships. Their efforts contribute to maintaining the property’s aesthetic appeal and ensuring a comfortable living environment for tenants.
