A property manager acts as the landlord’s professional representative in managing a tenanted investment property. For time-poor investors — particularly professionals who own properties remotely or hold multiple assets — property management is generally essential rather than optional.
Core services provided by a property manager:
Tenant selection. Advertising the property, screening tenants (including rental history checks, employment verification, and reference checks), and selecting the most suitable applicant.
Lease management. Preparing and executing lease agreements, managing lease renewals, and handling rental increases in line with state legislation.
Rent collection. Collecting rent, disbursing to the landlord monthly, and managing arrears through formal notice procedures.
Maintenance coordination. Managing routine and emergency repairs using their network of trusted tradespeople, within pre-approved spending thresholds. Property managers coordinate repairs without the landlord needing to be directly involved.
Inspections. Conducting routine tenancy inspections (typically every 3–6 months) and preparing condition reports at the start and end of each tenancy.
Compliance. Ensuring the property meets state-specific rental laws, including smoke alarm requirements, minimum habitability standards, and bond lodgement obligations.
Fee. Property management fees are typically 7–10% of weekly rent plus a letting fee. The fee is fully tax-deductible as a property management expense.
