I have worked in Property Management… In the Pilbara, incase you are not aware, this one of the towns with an average rent of $2000per week for a standard 4×2… I understand the frustrations of owners and tenants trying to find the right property manager. I’d like to tell you MY biggest frustrations when working as a PM:
- poor communications with owners
- owners buying investments with the expectation they will be banking the whole rent “otherwise we(owner) cant pay our mortgage” – stupidity really? what happens when the HWS gives in? a cyclone blows over? or termites set in?
- owners consistently blaming tenants for maintenance which is clearly wear&tear
- owners demanding to speak with you on a weekly basis when you are managing over 200 properties when there are no issues and the property is in tip top order, rent is paid, the tenants are OCD when it comes to cleaning and all reports/monies are sent up to date out them?
- companies renting properties, suddenly there is another kettle of fish, companies(tenants) think they can pay rent when they want, in line with their payment terms – WRONG! Owners – make sure you come to a reasonable outcome with your PM on this one
- owners that dont understand emergency maintenance??
- owners who think you are renovators
- property managers are on average one of the most UNDERpaid workers around…

All in all – you want a stern, level headed property which you can trust. Someone you know will communicate with you the moment there is problem and when issues are beginning to arise and keep in touch enough to maintain a good relationship. As Emily notes, shop around, speak with other investors, shop for quality, not half a percent cheaper – dont be stingy!
Ask how many properties your PM manages and if she has anyone helping her… there really is only so much one person can do and when overloaded, like every PM in the Pilbara due to staff shortages, things go pear shape!

By the way – I will never work in Property Management again and take my hat off to the really good Property Managers out there helping investors make it happen – I sure know my PM does…

not easy finding good PM espicially when just starting out in the rental game, you talk to one nice PM @ first then they give you another when after you sign that confusing Letting-Managing Authority paper…… jee have to be careful to make sure they dont lock you in forever , for instance after lease expires or tenant breeching lease and you go to another company PM then you have to keep paying ongoing Agent Fees with original PM whom has that confusing Letting-Managing Authority paper.

Great Post! This is right that investment in the property is really a very good idea for your investment planning. But firstly find a good property manager who provides you best service.

Hi Emily Sim..
You are absolutely right investing in the property is really very good idea for your investment planning. But without a right property manager we cannot do this. So please share some tips that we should see before consult a property manager.