Property management and property maintenance aren’t considered the same thing by some companies. Depending on the property management agency you choose, maintenance may or may not be included in their fee structure.
How can you know if your property manager will be responsible for maintenance, and what is the cost difference between management and maintenance? Here’s what you need to know when searching for a property management company in Northern Virginia.
Management vs. Maintenance
Some property management companies consider day-to-day maintenance to be their primary role. These include tasks such as:
Collecting rent
Handling property showings
Inspections
Filling vacant properties
Leasing and evictions
Marketing your units
Screening tenants
Taxes and reports
Property maintenance, on the other hand, typically includes tasks such as:
Appliance installation and maintenance
Hiring contractors for specialized work
Dealing with emergency requests
Lawn care and exterior maintenance
Repairs or maintenance work
Snow and ice removal
Trash and recycling pickup
Which One Should You Choose?
Understanding the difference between maintenance and management is essential because you don’t want to hire a property maintenance company to do property management, and vice versa. On the other hand, you also don’t want to assume the company handles both responsibilities.
Some landlords may also prefer to handle maintenance or management tasks themselves while outsourcing the other to an experienced company. For example, local property maintenance professionals typically have a network of contractors they can call on to service your unit for a more affordable price, especially in an emergency.
If you want a company that handles both maintenance and management for your rental property, look for a full-service property management firm and ask what their maintenance services include and their fee structure.
Price Difference Between Maintenance and Management Fees
If your property management agency includes maintenance in their services, they may charge a separate fee for maintenance, which will be determined based on the size of your property and the extent of the services you need.
However, if you’re working with a full-service company that offers both property maintenance and management, they may already have the maintenance costs worked into their fee structure. Property management firms typically charge a flat fee every month or a percentage of the monthly rent to cover the services they provide.
When searching for property managers in Northern Virginia, it’s essential to ask what services they offer and how they structure their fees. Having one agency handle both your maintenance and management needs can be simpler and more affordable than hiring two different companies.
Looking for a Property Management Agency?
When you’re a landlord in Northern Virginia, you need a property management company you can trust to handle all your property maintenance and management tasks. Circle Property Management is a full-service agency providing affordable solutions so you can keep your income property running smoothly for a lower cost. Contact us today to find out more at (703) 349-0144.
About The Author
Patrick H. Page - Principal Broker | Licensed in Virginia and the District of Columbia
