More Than Collecting Rent: What Is the Roll of a Property Manager
Property Manager Seattle: What Is the Roll of a Property Manager
When searching for a good property manager, Seattle property owners must be wise. Discover here what is the roll of a property manager.
31.5% of the United States occupied homes are rentals. As the demand for rentals increases, so does the need for property management.
If a pipe bursts, the A/C stops running in the middle of a hot summer month, or there’s a leak in the kitchen, renters must have someone to call.
Even though technology allows for things like paying rent or requesting maintenance to be virtual, there’s always still a need for face to face interaction. Plus, there are so many other aspects of a property manager’s job.
For property manager in Seattle role requirements, look no further. Seattle property managers must be proactive and knowledgeable about their roles.
Keep scrolling to discover everything a property manager does.
What Is a Property Manager?
When a landlord needs help taking care of daily responsibilities at their rental property, all they have to do is hire a property manager.
When a community needs someone to take care of specific responsibilities for all their tenants and renters, a property manager is who they’ll hire for the job.
A property manager is someone who takes care of business for a property or group of properties. Their duties can range considerably. It all depends on what they’re hired for.
Even though property managers have desks, a lot of the time they’ll be out and about, checking on the maintenance staff, meeting with tenants, or showing apartments.
Who Needs a Property Manager?
Many property owners wonder if they should manage their own rental. An individual can hire a property manager, especially if they are busy or don’t live near the property they own.
The community board of a gated community hires property managers to manage the facilities, the grounds, and any tenant issues.
A big business, like a bank or a grocery chain, will hire a property manager to handle all situations that arise. Larger companies will often have local property managers, regional property managers, and even national property managers.
What Does a Property Manager Do?
The property manager job description varies from job to job. But here are some of the most common property management responsibilities.
They Manage Rent
One primary responsibility of any landlord is to collect rent. Thus, if that landlord opts to hire a property manager, that person will take over the role of collecting rent.
A property manager might set the rent to the right level to attract new tenants. They will often look at the market where a particular property or community is located to determine appropriate rent.
They’ll collect rent and establish a system for doing so. They’ll also adjust rent via a yearly increase according to state law, or decrease it if necessary.
They Keep the Property Habitable
One very crucial role of property management is to keep the properties they manage safe and habitable.
They’re responsible for scheduling necessary maintenance for both prevention and individual issues that arise. They’re also responsible for scheduling and maintaining extermination, landscaping, trash removal, and snow plowing or shoveling.
They Schedule Maintenance and Repairs
Property managers must establish a system for addressing repairs, including emergency ones.
They are responsible for all physical management of the property.
This includes preventative maintenance as well, like extermination and checking for leaks, as we mentioned above.
When it comes to repairs, property managers have a network of reliable electricians, carpenters, plumbers, and other contractors. An excellent property manager will have a backup for each of those jobs, in case their go-to isn’t available.
They Manage the Budget
A property manager has to operate within the set budget for the property they manage. In emergencies, they have to use their best judgment to order repairs, without concern for that budget.
They must keep thorough records regarding all things pertaining to the property. This might include things like:
- Income and expenses
- List of all inspections
- Signed leases
- Maintenance requests
- Complains
- Records and costs of repairs
- Record of rent collection
- Record of insurance costs
The better they balance the budget and the more records they keep, the better their reputation will be.
Their Main Job Is Managing People
Property managers will also manage any other staff who work on-premise. They’ll often set salaries, and hire and fire maintenance employees.
Tenants are often their primary concern. Property managers are responsible for both attracting new tenants and screening them.
Excellent property managers have in-depth knowledge of national and statewide laws regarding the proper ways in which to:
- Handle security deposits
- Screen a tenant
- Terminate a lease
- Comply with property safety standards
- Evict a tenant
In addition to finding and screening tenants, they’ll handle leases, complaints, emergencies, move-outs, and deal with evictions.
When those tenants move out, the property manager will check out the property, determine what needs to be fixed or addressed before a new tenant moves in, and get it ready for the next occupant.
Are You Looking for Property Manager in Seattle?
If you’re wondering what a property manager in Seattle does, it’s more than just collecting the rent.
Property managers often have multiple jobs and tasks to complete every day. Not only are they responsible for actively maintaining those properties, but they are responsible for ensuring those tenants are living in a safe and habitable space.
They maintain a list of contractors on file in the event of emergencies and essential maintenance.
In certain communities and facilities, they must also attract and interact with potential tenants. They set the rent, establish leases, and ensure that rent and other fees are paid on time.
If you’re looking for the perfect professional property manager for your home or community, look no further! Contact us today for any questions you have or if you’re ready for a professional team to start handling your property.
