Property managers have a complex job. As the intermediary between landlords and tenants, they have a duty of care to consider and protect the rights of both parties. Let’s take a closer look at the relationship between property managers, landlords, and tenants.
The landlord and the property manager
When a landlord searches for a property manager, they are faced with a multitude of options. There is no shortage of property managers here in Brisbane. However, when it comes to choosing the right one, there is one trait that it is most important for a landlord to look for in a property manager: great communication skills.
The property manager needs to be ready and able to communicate with the landlord about everything from rental prices and prospective tenant applications to maintenance issues and scheduled inspections. And not just communicate, but communicate in a way that is calm, considerate, and respectful. They need to strike a fine balance between communicating too much and not communicating enough. Landlords are busy too, and nobody wants to be inundated with information they don’t need—getting a property manager is supposed to make life easier, not more difficult. On the other side of the coin, property managers shouldn’t withhold information from landlords—some information is crucial to their position as landlord. Property managers need to find that balance to be understanding of the landlord’s position and perspective, and in doing this, provide the best outcome for the landlord—a property that is leased long-term, with no hassles, and is well-cared for.
The tenant and the property manager
For tenants, property managers are there from the very beginning—taking them through the property, receiving and approving applications, managing payments, and dealing with maintenance issues that may arise. Then, when a tenant vacates a property, the property manager is there to guide them through that process of organising cleaners and completing the necessary paperwork.
Throughout this relationship, property managers need to treat tenants with respect and understanding, while being responsive to their needs. This ensures that the property is well cared for and rented long term—tenants who are not happy with how they are treated will not continue renting. Property managers must ensure that the tenants are able to live comfortably in the property, and tenants have a responsibility to bring any issues to the attention of property managers.
Bringing it all together
Property managers should want the best for all parties. However, they need to balance the needs of landlords with the needs of tenants, where possible. While things don’t always go smoothly, a property manager who is calm, considerate, and respectful towards both landlords and tenants is the best property manager for the job.
