When searching for a place to live, it is crucial to find not only a suitable living space but also a reliable property manager. A good property manager can make all the difference when it comes to apartment living. They can ensure repairs are made promptly, handle tenant complaints efficiently, and ultimately create a comfortable living experience. Conversely, a bad property manager can cause endless headaches, delays, and stress. In this post, we will discuss 5 Great (and Not So Great) Signs of a Good Property Manager and how to spot warning signs of a bad one.
They’re Responsive
A sign of a good property manager is their willingness to respond quickly to tenant inquiries. Whether you have a maintenance problem or a lease question, a responsive manager will always get back to you promptly. Additionally, a good manager will be friendly and approachable, making it easy to communicate your needs.
Bad property managers, on the other hand, are often unresponsive and hard to get a hold of. They may take days or even weeks to respond to tenant inquiries, leaving you feeling frustrated and unheard. You may find yourself forced to call multiple times before getting an answer or addressing your problem. Additionally, they may not be friendly or approachable when it comes to tenant communication. This makes it difficult to resolve any issues that may come up.
They Communicate Well
As mentioned, communication is essential in any property management-tenant relationship. A good property manager should be able to clearly communicate policies, regulations, and other important information. They should also be able to listen and respond to tenant feedback in a respectful and understanding manner.
A poor manager will often be unresponsive and unfriendly when communicating with tenants. They may not explain policies and regulations clearly, leaving you confused and unsure of how to proceed. Additionally, they may not take feedback seriously or address any concerns in a respectful way. To ensure that you have a good property manager, it is important to look for a good communicator. They should be warm and friendly, explain things clearly, and take tenant feedback seriously.
They’re Organized
A good property manager should be highly organized and detail-oriented. This includes keeping track of leases, handling repairs quickly and effectively, and maintaining general building upkeep. If you notice that your building suffers from recurring issues like broken elevators or clogged plumbing, your property manager may not be doing their job properly.
Other organizational issues that you may notice from a poor manager can include a lack of tenant files, improper handling of rent payments and deposits, inadequate record-keeping of building inspections or maintenance, and failure to provide timely updates on repairs.
A bad property manager may also fail to enforce policies properly and be unresponsive when it comes to resolving disputes. All these signs point to an unorganized and unreliable property manager who may not be able to provide a good tenant experience. Also, read about smart buyer characteristics.
They’re Knowledgeable
A good property manager should have a deep knowledge of the building’s operations, maintenance issues, and local laws. They should be able to handle everything from rent collection to building safety regulations. Additionally, a knowledgeable property manager can help tenants navigate any issues they may have, from a lost key to a potential lease violation.
A poor manager, on the other hand, will often be less knowledgeable about a building’s operations and local laws. They may not have a clear understanding of rent collection procedures or how to handle maintenance issues properly. Additionally, they may struggle to answer tenant inquiries or provide helpful advice for resolving disputes. This can leave tenants confused and uncertain about where to turn for help.
They’re Professional
Perhaps most importantly, a good property manager should always act professionally. This includes dressing professionally, keeping a respectful demeanor, and maintaining confidentiality. If your property manager seems unprofessional in any way, this is a major red flag that suggests their behavior may not be appropriate in other areas of their job.
Unprofessional behavior from a property manager can include speaking to tenants disrespectfully, being unresponsive to tenant inquiries, failing to maintain confidentiality of information, and dressing inappropriately. If you experience any of these behaviors while dealing with your property manager, it is important to take note and consider finding a different one.
Additionally, if the property manager seems overly aggressive or condescending, it is best to look for a different one who will be more understanding and respectful. A good property manager should always act professionally and strive to create an environment of respect between tenant and landlord.
Finding a good property manager can make all the difference in your living experience. By following the guidelines above, you can be better prepared to spot warning signs of a bad property manager and ensure you are renting from someone who is responsive, knowledgeable, organized, and professional. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and voice your concerns—your living environment is too important to leave in the hands of someone who isn’t up to the task.