As a landlord, you have a pair of alternatives for managing your rental property. You can either do it yourself or hire a company to handle it for you.
Hiring a property management company offers numerous benefits, such as maximizing your rental income, minimizing vacancy periods, and controlling maintenance and repairs. But how much does it cost to hire a property manager?
Property Management Fees
First, you need to understand that management fees vary significantly depending on the location and the particular company. However, property management companies typically charge a national average of 5-12% of the monthly rent collected.
While this is a great starting point, it only offers a partial view of the situation. That’s why it’s essential to compare a company’s fees with the services it provides. In other words, it’s important to evaluate what you are actually receiving for your money, rather than solely focusing on the cost.
Property managers often charge fees to cover various expenses. This includes marketing and advertising for new tenants, collecting rent payments, tenant screening and background checks, resolving tenant requests and inquiries, navigating maintenance requests and repairs, performing regular inspections, providing legal paperwork such as leases and notices of violation, and conducting other administrative tasks. But these and other services may or may not be featured for all property management companies, so it’s critical that you thoroughly examine the details and ask many questions before making a hiring decision.
Additional Fees to Consider
When analyzing the cost of a property management company, you have to remember that they might request either a flat fee or a fee according to a percentage of rent collected. Additionally, there may be other costs for certain services. For example:
- Leasing and Tenant Placement Fees: This fee is a single payment, often equivalent to one month’s rent. It encompasses marketing your property, tenant screenings, and lease negotiations.
- Maintenance Fees: Maintenance fees encompass a wide range of expenses, including the repair of leaky faucets or the new installation of the roof. You should ask your management company how they assess maintenance fees and whether there is a cap on the amount they will ask for each repair.
- Tenant Late Payment Fees: Property management companies have the power to implement late payment fees if tenants do not pay their rent in a timely manner. Late fees typically consist of a percentage of the rent and can differ depending on the company.
- Advertising Fees: This charge involves photography for listing, advertising space on online platforms, and print materials. Before signing anything, don’t forget to ask about any extra advertising fees that may be charged in addition to other costs.
The concept of hiring somebody to manage your rental property can make some owners feel anxious. Hiring a professional manager can prove to be an intelligent move, especially if you place a high value on your time. The perks of collaborating with an experienced manager can drastically outweigh the expense, making it a financially sound choice in the course of time. A property management company ensures the preservation of your property’s value and creates a hassle-free rental experience. This is true whether you own one property or dozens.
If you are thinking about finding out more about the rewards of professional property management in Live Oak or the neighboring regions, Real Property Management Lonestar is willing to assist you. Our knowledgeable staff, extensive services, and tried-and-true methods may help you transform your rental property into a profitable investment. Contact us online or call us today!