If you’re a landlord considering using a property management company, understanding what they do and what you can expect from their service is essential. Property management duties and responsibilities cover far more than simply collecting rent – they handle the day-to-day running of your rental property, so you don’t have to.
Related: Renters’ Rights Act: Key changes for self-managing landlords from 27 December 2025
What does a property manager do?
When you choose property management services, you’re bringing in a team of professionals to handle the operational side of letting. Property manager duties vary depending on the level of service you choose, but managing agents take on the responsibilities that would otherwise fall to you as a landlord, freeing you to focus on other priorities.
Tenant finding and vetting
One of the key duties of a property management company is finding reliable tenants for your property. The managing agent conducts thorough background checks, verifies employment details, and reviews rental history to identify trustworthy tenants. This screening process reduces the risk of late payments, disputes, or property damage.
Marketing your property effectively is also part of this responsibility. Property managers know where to advertise to attract quality tenants and how to price your property competitively, helping you secure tenants quickly without undervaluing your rental.
Related: Tenant Reference Checks: A Practical Guide for Landlords
Rent collection and financial management
Rental property management responsibilities include handling all financial aspects of your tenancy. Collecting rent on time is crucial for maintaining steady cash flow, and property managers have systems in place to ensure prompt payment each month.
When rent is late or missed, the managing agent handles follow-up and recovery, saving you the time and stress of chasing payments yourself. They also provide regular financial statements showing your income and any expenses, making it easier to track your property’s performance and manage your accounts at tax time.
Related: What the 2025 budget really means for homes, landlords and local property markets
Property maintenance and repairs
Duties of a property manager for residential properties include arranging all maintenance and repairs. When tenants report issues, the managing agent coordinates qualified contractors to carry out the work, ensuring problems are resolved promptly and properly.
Property managers typically have established relationships with reliable tradespeople, which means they can often negotiate better rates than individual landlords. For emergency repairs such as heating failures or leaks- they can respond quickly without needing your approval first, minimising damage and keeping tenants satisfied.
Looking for lettings support? Discover our comprehensive property management services
Regular inspections
Routine inspections are among the essential property management duties and responsibilities. Managing agents conduct periodic property checks to ensure everything is in good condition and that tenants are maintaining the property appropriately.
This proactive approach helps identify minor issues before they develop into larger, more expensive problems. After each inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report with photographs, giving you peace of mind that your investment is being properly looked after.
Related: A landlord’s guide to commercial property management
Legal compliance
The duties of a managing agent include ensuring your property meets all legal requirements. Staying current with rental legislation can be challenging for landlords, but property managers make this their business.
They handle compliance with tenant laws, ensure proper deposit protection, arrange necessary safety certificates, and keep up with regulatory changes that affect rental properties. This expertise helps you avoid costly mistakes and potential legal issues that can arise from non-compliance.
Related: Block management explained: how it works and why it matters
Tenant communication and dispute resolution
Resident manager duties and responsibilities include acting as the main point of contact for your tenants. The managing agent handles enquiries, addresses concerns, and resolves issues as they arise.
This professional buffer can be particularly valuable when tenant relationships become difficult. Disputes over maintenance, noise complaints, or other tenancy matters are handled by experienced professionals who know how to mediate effectively and keep situations from escalating.
Dealing with tenant turnover
When a tenancy ends, the duties of a property management company include managing the move-out process. This involves conducting checkout inspections, comparing the property’s condition against the original inventory, and handling any necessary deposit deductions.
The managing agent can then immediately begin marketing to new tenants, arrange any required cleaning or repairs, and screen applicants. This minimises void periods – the time your property sits empty, which protects your rental income.
What to expect from property management service
A professional property management service should provide clear, consistent communication. You should receive regular updates on your property’s status, financial statements, and prompt notification of any significant issues or required decisions.
Transparency matters. All costs should be clearly outlined in your management agreement before you sign, with no hidden charges for standard services. You should understand exactly what’s included in the management fee and what might incur additional costs.
Response times are important too. Your managing agent should deal with tenant matters efficiently and keep you informed of anything urgent. Many companies now offer online portals where you can access documents, statements, and reports whenever convenient.
Related: Handling maintenance requests remotely: Strategies for success and peace of mind
Full management vs let-only services
Property management duties and responsibilities differ depending on the service level you choose. A full management service covers everything outlined above, from tenant finding through to day-to-day management and turnover.
A let-only service typically just finds and references tenants, with you taking over all management responsibilities once they move in. Some landlords prefer a middle ground, choosing tenant-find services with the option to add specific management tasks as their needs change.
Understanding what’s included in each service level helps you make the right choice for your circumstances, available time, and comfort level with managing rental properties yourself.
Is property management right for you?
Self-management might work if you have the time, local knowledge, and desire to handle all aspects yourself. However, it often requires considerable effort and can become burdensome in the long run, particularly if you own multiple properties or live far from your rental.
Professional property management frees you from the day-to-day responsibilities, allowing you to focus on growing your portfolio or other investments. The expertise and convenience provided often outweigh the management fees, especially when you consider the time saved and potential costs of mistakes.
For tailored advice on the best option for your situation, contact your local Parkers branch today.
