A Day in the Life of a Property Manager at The Rent Shop: Navigating Challenges and Celebrating Successes
What does a typical day in the life of a Property Manager at The Rent Shop look like? Well, buckle up, because it's a whirlwind of multitasking, communication, problem-solving, and staying cool under pressure! We are the "peace of mind" superheroes.
The day kicks off with a crucial ritual: a large coffee. With caffeine in hand, the Property Manager dives into the email inbox, sifting through the overnight flood of messages to prioritise the urgent ones. Emergencies are dealt with immediately, often involving a frantic round of calls to contractors to check their availability and arrange access. With the colder weather, heating issues and leaks from recent storms are common, making this part of the day particularly busy.
Next up, the Property Manager revisits the inbox to address any outstanding issues from previous days. Tenant-reported problems require booking contractors for quotes, sending these to landlords for approval, and then coordinating the actual work. This process is a delicate dance of chasing up busy landlords, tenants, and contractors, all while keeping everyone informed and reassured.
Collaboration with the Credit Control Team is another key task. If rent payments are late, the Property Manager follows up with calls or emails, keeping the property owners in the loop about any issues. Then it's time to tackle weekly tasks: booking necessary Healthy Homes work, managing upcoming renewals and rent reviews, and processing paperwork for tenants who are moving out. This includes arranging move-out inspections and getting properties ready to be advertised to minimise vacancy days.
After a quick bite to eat, it's time for routine inspections. Each managed property is visited four times a year, with keys and inspection cards ready. These cards are either a "thank you" for tenants taking good care of the property or notes on areas needing attention. Most of the time, it's the former, which is always a good sign! Tenants are encouraged to report maintenance issues directly via a provided email address, ensuring quick and efficient resolutions.
Building strong relationships with tenants is vital, and many prefer to be home during inspections. The Property Manager works hard to foster respect and trust, making tenants feel comfortable with them in their homes. During winter, this also involves educating tenants on ventilation and mould prevention.
Back at the office, inspection reports are finalised with photos and reports sent to landlords. Any necessary actions are communicated to tenants, and contractors are instructed if needed. These reports are meticulously uploaded onto the CRM database for future reference.
The afternoon often involves overseeing renovations, checking in with contractors, and updating landlords on progress. This might also include preparing properties for photos and reviewing higher rental rates. Then it's off to property viewings, an enjoyable part of the job where potential new tenants are met, and the best fit for the properties is sought. We also process applications and check references as part of the critical tenant selection process.
As the day winds down, the Property Manager checks any missed calls for urgent issues, prepares for possible Mediation or Tenancy Tribunal, and handles last-minute tenant reports. Fridays can be especially hectic, as tenants rush to resolve problems before the weekend.
Despite the challenges, there's a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. Property Managers love their jobs and thrive on the dynamic nature of property management. They are true peace-of-mind superheroes, swooping in to save the day for landlords and tenants alike. Armed with coffee, keys, and a killer to-do list, they ensure that everything runs smoothly—even if it means vanquishing a few leaky pipes along the way. And just like that, tomorrow is another day, starting bright and early at 8:30 AM or earlier
To find out more about Our TRS Property Management services we provide, please contact our Business Development Team on 09555-9100
