How much does a property manager cost?
Real estate investment can be an incredibly lucrative venture, but it can also be a time-consuming one. Owning rental properties can be a full-time job between collecting rent, handling maintenance requests, and managing tenant relationships. That’s where property managers come in. Property managers handle all the day-to-day tasks associated with owning rental properties, allowing owners to focus on other aspects of their business. But how much does a property manager cost? In this article, we’ll examine the factors that determine property management fees and what you can expect to pay for professional property management services.
Factors That Determine Property Management Fees:
There are several factors that property management companies take into account when determining their fees. These factors can include:
- Location: Property management fees can vary based on the property’s location. Properties in more expensive areas may command higher fees.
- Type of Property: Property type can also impact property management fees. A single-family home may be less expensive to manage than a multi-unit apartment complex.
- Services Provided: The more services a property manager provides, the higher the fees will likely be. For example, a property manager who handles tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance requests, and evictions will likely charge more than a manager who only handles rent collection.
- Property Condition: The property’s condition can also impact the cost of property management. Properties that require more maintenance may require more time and effort from the property manager, resulting in higher fees.
Average Property Management Fees:
The cost of property management can vary widely depending on the factors listed above. However, some industry averages can provide a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay for property management services.
According to a recent survey by RentPrep, the average property management fee is 10% of the monthly rent. If you rent a property for $1,500 per month, you can expect to pay around $150 per month for property management services.
Some property management companies may charge a flat fee for their services rather than a percentage of the rent. Flat fees can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per month, depending on the services provided and the property size.
Additional Costs:
In addition to the base property management fee, additional costs may be associated with hiring a property manager. Some common additional costs include:
- Leasing Fees: If a property manager is responsible for finding and screening tenants, they may charge a leasing fee. This fee can be a flat rate or a percentage of the first month’s rent.
- Maintenance Costs: Property managers may also charge for maintenance and repairs. Some companies have maintenance staff, while others outsource this work to contractors. In either case, you can expect to pay for necessary repairs or maintenance.
- Vacancy Fees: If your property is vacant for an extended period, some property management companies may charge a vacancy fee. This fee can help offset the costs associated with finding a new tenant.
Conclusion:
Property management fees can vary widely depending on several factors, including the property’s location, the type of property, and the services provided. While the average property management fee is 10% of the monthly rent, additional costs may be associated with hiring a property manager, such as leasing, maintenance, and vacancy fees.
When considering hiring a property manager, it’s important to weigh the costs against the benefits of having a professional handle the day-to-day tasks of owning rental properties. Ultimately, hiring a property manager will depend on your circumstances and goals as a real estate investor.
