Owning rental property can be rewarding—but it also comes with challenges. From tenant relations and maintenance to compliance with local laws, self-managing a property requires time, knowledge, and constant attention. For many owners, the question becomes: should I hire a property manager for my rental?
The answer depends on your goals, property type, and how hands-on you want to be. Below, we’ll explore what property managers do, the benefits of hiring a property management company, and the key pros and cons of professional management versus self-management.
What Does a Property Manager Do?
A professional property manager or property management company acts as the middleman between you and your tenants. Their role is to maximize your property’s value, streamline operations, and protect your investment.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Resident Management: Marketing vacancies, screening applicants, drafting leases, and collecting rent.
- Risk Management: Handling insurance claims, security issues, and legal disputes.
- Property Inspections: Ensuring compliance with safety and habitability standards.
- Maintenance: Coordinating routine and emergency repairs through trusted vendors.
- Financial Oversight: Preparing detailed reports, budgets, and cash flow tracking.
- Lease Management: Overseeing renewals, negotiating terms, and managing evictions if needed.
- Legal Compliance: Keeping up with local, state, and federal housing laws.
In short, property managers provide full-service oversight so owners can enjoy peace of mind.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Hiring a Property Manager?
Pros of Hiring a Property Manager
- Expertise and Experience – Property managers understand market trends, fair housing laws, and best practices—helping owners avoid costly mistakes and maximize rental income.
Example: In Los Angeles, a property manager adjusted rents for a multifamily property 8% higher than the owner originally planned, reducing vacancy and increasing annual cash flow by $24,000.
- Time and Convenience – Delegating tenant screening, rent collection, and maintenance frees owners to focus on careers, family, or other investments.
- Marketing and Tenant Management – From professional listings to thorough background checks, property managers lease properties faster and to more reliable tenants
- Property Maintenance and Inspections – With established vendor networks, managers often secure better pricing and faster service than owners could independently.
Cons of Hiring a Property Manager
- Cost – Managers typically charge 5%–10% of monthly rental income. For smaller portfolios, this expense may feel significant.
- Reduced Control – You maintain ownership control, but daily decisions are often delegated.
- Trust and Reliability – Not all managers are equal. A poor choice can lead to mismanagement, delays, or tenant dissatisfaction.
- Resident Relationships – Because managers handle tenant communications, owners may feel more distanced from residents.
Property Manager vs Self-Management: Which Is Right for You?
| Aspect | Self-Management (DIY) | Professional Property Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | High—handling rent, repairs, and tenants yourself | Low—delegated to management team |
| Cost | Lower upfront (no management fees) | 5–10% of rent, but offset by reduced vacancies |
| Tenant Screening | Limited tools—may miss red flags | Access to credit, criminal, and eviction databases |
| Legal Compliance | Owner must track housing laws independently | Experts ensure compliance with local/state laws |
| ROI Potential | Can be limited if rents are underpriced | Optimized through professional pricing strategies |
Is Hiring a Property Manager Worth It?
For owners with limited time, multiple properties, or rentals in regulated markets, hiring a property manager is often the smarter choice.
Case Study: A single-family landlord in Orange County hired a property manager after struggling with tenant turnover. Within 6 months, the manager reduced vacancy time by 40% and increased monthly rent by $350, resulting in a net gain even after management fees.
For hands-on owners with local expertise and a single unit, self-management can still be a viable option—especially if cost savings outweigh convenience.
Conclusion: Should You Hire a Property Manager?
Hiring a property manager has clear advantages: expertise, convenience, and improved tenant and property oversight. However, it comes at a cost and requires trust in the company you choose.
At Beach Front Property Management (BFPM), we provide transparent communication, proactive maintenance, and expert oversight that protects and grows your investment. Whether you own a single rental or a large multifamily portfolio, we tailor our services to your goals.
Ready to explore professional property management? Schedule a 15-minute consultation call to speak with property management professional today.
Trevor Henson
Trevor Henson is an experienced entrepreneur (10+ highly-successful start-ups) and property investor with a demonstrated history of building and leading teams in investment property management environments, maximizing returns for property owners, and optimizing properties through construction management and re-positioning. He…Learn more about how we can help. Customized solutions for large portfolios!