Property Manager: Definition & Responsibilities

Property managers are employed to run, maintain, and administrate rental properties for owners. However, these professionals are responsible for marketing rentals, locating tenants, collecting rent, and complying with rental legislation. In this article, we will talk about what a property manager’s job description is like, and the software that can be useful to them.

Property Manager

When the owner is either unable or unwilling to handle the day-to-day operations of the property, a professional property manager or estate management agency is hired to do those duties on their behalf. Residential, office, retail, or industrial uses may be registered for the property, which may be held under an individual title, sectional title, or share block corporate ownership. In exchange for a fee, a property manager can also arrange for a wide range of services to be provided to the property’s owner.

The landlord is the manager’s principal client, while the agency is the manager’s secondary client. Because both parties to the lease will seek and expect certain rights and benefits, the property manager’s connection with the landlord and the renter is critical.

A property manager is a person or organization that is hired by a property owner to monitor and manage the day-to-day operations of the property or properties.

In order to protect the property’s value while generating money, a property manager operates on behalf of the owner.

Property Management as a Career

Not all property managers need to have any kind of schooling or credentials. When it comes to providing advice on rent levels and attracting and retaining tenants, having a firm grasp of the local real estate market is really essential! If they live in the building they are managing, residential property managers are generally paid a salary or an hourly wage. Both fee-based and percentage-based property management organizations exist.

Types of Property Managers

1. Commercial property managers. They specialize in real estate that is used for business. These managers may have a lot of experience with industrial buildings or places like this. 

2. Multi-family property managers. They are also used to managing places like apartment complexes. These people need to be good at customer service and be able to de-escalate situations. They also need to be able to do the typical work of a property manager. 

3. Single-family home property managers. They work for real estate investors who keep their investments and rent them out for extra money. It’s thus common for these types of investors to buy houses in places that have a lot of people moving in and out of them, like a military town where people tend not to buy homes.

Hire a property manager to make sure that all of the things that need to be done with the property are done, and that the value of the property stays the same while it is being used.

How Does Property Management Work?

However, it’s their job to take care of everything that happens in a rental property every day. It’s also important for them to know about the kind of real estate the rental business deals with, like industrial property or housing.

#1. Setting rent

Setting the rent is a basic job for any landlord. Because of this, it is one of the most common jobs that a landlord gives to a home manager. The manager of the property thus sets rent prices that are low enough to entice people to live there. Usually, this is done by taking a look at other properties in the area. This should be done at least once a year to stay appealing to tenants.

#2. Collecting the rent

The property manager also comes up with a way to get rent from tenants. They set a collection date to make sure that the property’s monthly expenses can be paid, and they make sure that late fees are very strict.

#3. Screening Tenants.

Another main job of a property manager is to screen and manage tenants. Thus, the property manager may find and screen new tenants, handle daily complaints and maintenance issues, and deal with tenant move-outs and evictions.

#4. Management of property

The manager of the property must therefore keep the place safe and comfortable for people to live in and enjoy. Property managers are in charge of taking care of the physical aspects of the property, such as regular maintenance and emergency repairs. It is thus important to check the work done by contractors and other repairmen to make sure it meets standards and that they are finishing their work on time.

#5. Managing Budget

It is also possible for property managers to be in charge of the budget for the building and of keeping all of the important records. There is a set budget for the building, and the manager has to stay within it.

Property Manager Software

Real estate firms use property management software to track leases and inhabitants, collect rent, and handle finances in an effort to minimize expenses while streamlining operations. Depending on the size of the property portfolio, property management software can also accommodate a wide range of residential and commercial property types.

Features to look out for in a Property Management Software

1. Accounting

Accounts payable, rent payments, and the general ledger must all be taken care of. Bank reconciliation and financial reporting are also common features in most systems.

2. Tracking of tenants and leases

Rent and utility payment collections are handled by the leasing coordinator, who also assists with tenant screening, move-in, and move-out management.

3. Budgeting and forecasting

Calculate and account for changes in the CPI, inflation, and market rates in the development of appropriate operating budgets and reports.

4. Upkeep of the structure

Assign maintenance workers duties based on work orders submitted by employees or tenants.

5. Access point for tenants

Tenants are able to pay their rent and fees, submit maintenance requests, and communicate with the staff through this feature.

However, we will be looking into the six best Property management software below.

#1. Entrata

Entrata, a property management software company founded in 2003, is the only one with a single login and open access. The Entrata® platform today serves more than 20,000 apartment complexes across the country with a comprehensive range of online solutions, including websites, mobile apps, payments, lease signing, accounting, and resident management. Allowing management firms to select the technology or software that best meets their demands is one of Entrata’s primary advantages. www.entrata.com is the website to visit for further information.

#2. Innago

With Innago, you may save time and money by using free, easy-to-use property management software. For landlords of any size, our goal is thus to make renting easy, accessible, and affordable. A “solution” becomes an “issue” when there are too many options that are both pricey and overwhelming. As a landlord, you can also use Innago to do everything from collecting rent and screening tenants to putting properties on the market and managing repair orders.

#3. Condo Control

Automate property administration with our web-based software, which is also easy to use and feature-rich. Service Requests/Work Orders, Violation Tracking, and Accounting Integration are just a few of the features available. Our web-based program is thus developed for HOAs, condominiums, and other types of real estate. ” This is yet a simple method for property managers, board members, and residents to streamline maintenance and operations.

#4. Yardi Breeze

With Yardi Breeze, you can also manage your property’s marketing, leasing, accounting, and operations. Manage your entire portfolio with a single, refreshingly simple solution that serves the home, commercial property, affordable housing, public housing authority, manufactured housing, condo/associations, and self-storage markets.

Breeze also helps you save money and time by automating marketing, leasing, rent collecting, maintenance, and financial reporting. It is now easier than ever to collect and track payments online thanks to web portals for applicants, renters, and owners.

#5. Knock CRM

When it comes to improving occupancy rates and driving renewals in the residential property management industry, Knock provides best-in-class automation, integration, and data transparency options. Many of the largest property management organizations in the United States and Canada rely on Knock’s proven technology.

#6. Console Cloud

Your entire agency can use Console Cloud’s Residential and Commercial property management software. You may also save time and money by providing your property management staff, owners, and tenants with a suite of portals and apps that include efficient trust accounting, business intelligence, and other tools. You have a strong, productive, and decisive role to play in shaping the future, and we’re here to help you get there. Console Cloud has a well-defined and well-articulated plan for future development. Upgrade your workplace from report-driven tasks to exception-based task management with these new workflows (through compliant automation), Live chat and email help are also available. Your entire agency can utilize a single platform. – There’s always something new to look forward to because we’re open about what we’re working on. – You know you’re on a platform that’s invested in your success since new features are continually being added.

What Does A Property Manager Do?

There are many different types of property managers, including those that work with commercial and residential rental properties. Most property managers, however, work for a business or an individual that owns the property. Property managers are often tasked with overseeing a number of properties at the same time. Among the duties of this position are:

• Coordinating the advertising and screening of potential renters
• Property and ad questions are answered here.
• Potential renters are shown the property.
• Proper documentation, including lease details, contracts, and other legal documentation
• Receipt of rent and security deposits
• Move-in/move-out inspections and deposit returns as needed
• For the property, coordinating repair work.
• Pre-screening and hiring of repair and maintenance personnel
• representing the interests of both the tenants and the property owner
• Assisting in the removal process
• Accounts payable and receivable
• Attending to the correspondence of both the tenant and the property owner

Residential, retail, and commercial properties all employ property managers, although most of them specialize in only one of those types of properties. Real estate experience is preferred, however, it is not always necessary for them to hold a license in the field.

Property Manager Job Description

Knowing a property manager’s job description is vital information for those who desire to be property managers. Below are the necessary things you need to know when you want to become a property manager.

How to Become a Property Manager

A well-organized property manager helps the owner of a piece of real estate maintain and profit from their investment. You’ll need excellent communication, management, and organizational abilities to succeed in this position. In order to become a property manager, take these steps:

#1. Obtain a degree in real estate or business administration.

Working in property management necessitates at least a high school diploma. In contrast, a bachelor’s degree is required for higher-paying positions. If you want to stand out from the crowd, consider taking additional classes in real estate and business. Property management classes are also required in some states.

A bachelor’s degree in business administration or finance is often advantageous. Getting a real estate license is a requirement in several states.

#2. Follow state requirements to become a property manager

In most states, you need a real estate license or a property management license before you can work as a property manager. It is possible to learn about the state-specific regulations for working as a property manager through the National Property Management Association.

The Institute of Real Estate Management has a certification program. Ten courses must be completed, multiple examinations must be passed, and documentation of relevant experience must be provided in order to complete this process. In an IREM review procedure, up to seven of the course, requirements might be waived by earning certain educational or experience credentials. Letters of recommendation and IREM membership dues are also required as part of the application process.

#3. Pass the real estate licensing exam, if required in your state

A real estate licensing test may be required by some states for property managers. This is due to the fact that many of the responsibilities of a property manager fall under the purview of real estate law, such as conducting tenant screenings and drafting lease agreements.

States have different requirements for obtaining a real estate license. While passing your state’s real estate licensing exam is required to become a property manager, you may also be required to complete a classroom component of the licensing procedure.

#4. Complete the speciality certification process.

Getting certified in areas that overlap with property management is one way to set yourself apart from competitors. An important consideration should be the type of property management that you want to get certified in. These are only a few examples:

• Property Managers Association of America
• Accredited Apartment Manager
• Achieved the title of Certified Community Association Manager
• Licensed Real Estate Agent
• Professional in Residency Management
• Licensed Real Estate Agent

#5. Obtain your first position as a property manager.

To stand out as a top candidate for a property management career, it’s a good idea to personalize your resume to the specific job description. Take a look at the job description to see what skills and duties are necessary, and explain how your experience matches those requirements. Focus on your education, qualifications, and training, as well as any relevant experience you have.

If you haven’t heard anything after a few days, reapply for the position. A position as an assistant property manager may also be available, allowing you to get experience in the field while simultaneously earning a salary.

#6. Stay updated on best practices in property management

If you become a property manager after earning your certification, you may need to continue your education to keep it current. It doesn’t matter if you don’t need a certification or classes to stay up-to-speed on property management best practices.

You can stay up to date on the latest developments in property management and best practices by joining the Property Management Association. If you want to learn more about property management, blogs are a great resource.

Property Manager FAQs