How Does a Property Manager Spend a Workday?

Checking and Returning Messages

A property manager starts the workday by checking voicemail for any messages that came in overnight. Tenants may call about needed repairs or payment concerns. Property owners also will call and leave messages. The property manager will return calls and respond to them by, for example, sending out repair people and dealing with other tenant issues.

Customer Service

A property manager tends to any tenants that call during the day or come into the office. They listen to concerns and work to correct them. They have to listen compassionately to tenants who may be upset about neighbors, or slow property repairs, and ensure them that they will do their best to handle the problem. They also will collect rent payments, and note accounts accordingly.

Property Maintenance

A property manager will consult a maintenance schedule, and plan for preventative maintenance on properties such as lawn care, winterizing, heating and cooling, and exterminating. They also make periodic rounds to visit the property in person to ensure that it is not being damaged, and that there are no issues about which they were not informed.

Rening Property

A property manager shows rental units to prospective tenants if a rental agent does not work for the firm. They screen tenants who are interested in renting the units by making phone calls for background checks and employment records. They also try to speak to the person's previous landlord. If they approve the tenant, they will go over the lease with the tenant, and sign it. They do a walk-through of the unit when the tenant is ready to move in. Managers make sure that units are prepared before new tenants move in.

Paperwork

A property manager writes letters and statements for tenants and property owners. For the property owners, they create owner statements detailing work completed on the property, rent collected, and fees assessed. This job is done monthly. They also send letters to tenants whose rent is not paid. If necessary, the property manager will deal with lawyers regarding eviction proceedings.
The property manager will pay work contractors and employees who have done the maintenance work. They also handle payroll accounts on a weekly basis for direct employees including themselves. They pay all bills related to the running of the office if the agency does not employ and accountant.