How to Choose a Good Property Manager in Perth.
Choosing a good property manager is a considered decision.
If you’re onto your second investment property, it might feel easier to remain with your original management. But it’s always wise to keep informed and up to date on local offerings that may deliver a higher quality of service.
Whether you’re searching for your first property manager or in the process of changing management, the first step to any significant financial decision is thorough research. Further to just scoping out who is nearby, it’s essential to determine key differences in what they’re offering.
We’ve outlined just a few key criteria to guide your search.
Finance and Fees
Likely the largest swaying factor in your decision for choosing a good property manager.
Whilst often enticing, low fees can sometimes be associated with poorer management and hidden costs. You might be charged for remedial tasks, and what initially appears cost effective may add up over time. Your safest option is to thoroughly understand what is included in that price. Are the property managers concerned with vacancy time, tenant quality, and frequent communication? Is there a high volume of properties assigned to each property manager, reducing attention to your property?
Oftentimes, a mid-high management fee reflects more considered service, frequent communication, and the backing of a company that has earnt its reputation and charges accordingly.
Expertise and reputation often go hand in hand with a strong understanding of the Perth market, informing accurate and considered rental pricing. If a property manager is not actively staying up to date with local leasing averages on platforms such as Cotality and REIWA, they are unlikely to achieve a fair and well-positioned rental price, something prospective tenants will quickly recognise.
Compliance
The best property management offerings are underpinned by transparency in their knowledge of compliance.
Whether it’s a sound understanding of breach processes, correct bond handling, safety compliance checks or overall compliance within the Residential Tenancies Act, you need to know your investment is legally safeguarded.
Reputable agencies will typically provide clear information outlining how they manage compliance and trust accounts. You can view Abel Property’s approach here.
Responsiveness
Communication is fundamental to a positive experience with your property manager. Will you get a reply within 48 hours? How quickly is emergency maintenance handled? Lower fees can sometimes mean smaller teams, larger portfolios, and slower response times.
The best way to gauge responsiveness is through the company’s attention to such details on their website and their Google reviews.
Tenant Quality and Screening
Property managers wield the responsibility of leasing your property to tenants. It’s essential to understand whether you can trust their screening processes to secure the right tenant for your investment.
A reputable agency should clearly outline the screening procedures, including the verification of employment and rental history, and whether they prioritise speed or quality when approving applications.
The ultimate landlord dream?
A hands-off experience, where you can relax knowing your investment property is being handled with care and consideration by a highly experienced team. You want regular updates, whilst having the confidence of being removed from the day-to-day operational detail.
If you’re looking for reliable property management, get in touch. Our experienced team come prepared.