Ivy League Realty: What Is a Property Management Fee and What Does It Cover?

One of the first questions landlords often ask when considering professional property management is:
How much does property management cost?

The answer can vary depending on the property, services provided, management agreement, and company.

Ivy League Realty believes landlords should understand what they are paying for and what services are included before choosing a property management company.

What Is a Property Management Fee?

A property management fee is a charge for professional services provided to manage a rental property.

The structure can vary from one company to another.

Some companies may charge a percentage of collected rent, while other arrangements may involve flat fees or separate charges for specific services.

What Services Can Be Included?

Depending on the management agreement, services may include:

• Rental marketing
• Tenant screening
• Lease administration
• Rent collection
• Maintenance coordination
• Tenant communication
• Property inspections
• Move-in coordination
• Move-out coordination
• Vacancy management

Landlords should always review the specific services included in their agreement.

Are There Additional Fees?

Some property management arrangements may include separate fees for certain services.

Before signing an agreement, ask about potential charges associated with leasing, tenant placement, maintenance coordination, inspections, or other services.

Understanding the complete fee structure can help you accurately evaluate the overall cost.

Should Landlords Choose the Cheapest Option?

Price is one consideration, but it should not be the only one.

A landlord should also compare:

• Services
• Communication
• Experience
• Maintenance processes
• Tenant screening
• Contract terms
• Reporting
• Responsiveness

The value of a property management company depends on the services and support it provides.

Why Professional Management Can Be Valuable

A landlord's time also has value.

Managing calls, showings, maintenance requests, rent collection, vacancies, and tenant communication can require significant time.

Professional property management can allow an owner to take a more hands-off approach.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Property Manager

Before signing an agreement, ask:

1. What services are included?
2. What fees are charged?
3. Are there additional leasing or maintenance charges?
4. How are tenants screened?
5. How is rent collected?
6. How are maintenance requests handled?
7. How often will I receive owner updates?
8. What are the contract and termination terms?

Ivy League Realty Property Management

Ivy League Realty helps Georgia landlords understand their property management options and provides professional support for rental property owners and investors.

Our goal is to make rental ownership more organized and less time-consuming.

Have Questions About Property Management Costs?

Contact Ivy League Realty today to discuss your Georgia rental property and learn more about available property-management services.