Log InSign Up
Article

What does a Property Manager do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A property manager is a person who is responsible for the management of real estate. They are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the property, including the maintenance and repair of the property, the collection of rent, and the eviction of tenants.

Property Manager job duties include:

  • Rent collection
  • Maintenance and repair coordination
  • Inspection of property
  • Lease negotiation
  • Rent roll management
  • Budget preparation
  • Property marketing
  • Tenant screening
  • Move-in/move-out coordination

Property Manager Job Requirements

Most property managers have at least a high school diploma, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and many property management companies prefer to hire candidates with a bachelor’s degree. In addition, most states require property managers to be licensed as real estate brokers. Some states also have certification programs for property managers. Although not required, certification can demonstrate professional competence and may give candidates an advantage in the job market. Property managers typically need several years of experience working in the real estate industry before they can be promoted to a management position.

Property Manager Skills

  • Communication
  • Organization
  • Customer service
  • Marketing
  • Sales
  • Negotiation
  • Financial management
  • Human resources
  • Maintenance and repair
  • Contract management
  • Risk management

Related: Top Property Manager Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Property Manager

A property manager is someone who is responsible for the daily operations of a real estate property. They oversee all aspects of the property, from rent collection to maintenance and repairs. A property manager must be organized and detail-oriented, as well as have good customer service skills.

If you are interested in becoming a property manager, here are a few steps you can take:

1. Get a degree in business or real estate. While not required, having a formal education in either of these fields will give you a leg up when applying for jobs.

2. Start working in the industry. Many property management companies require at least two years of experience working in the field before they will consider you for a managerial position. You can start out as an assistant property manager or leasing agent and work your way up.

3. Get certified. The Institute of Real Estate Management offers a Certified Property Manager (CPM) designation that can make you more attractive to potential employers. To earn your CPM, you must have at least five years of experience as a property manager and pass an exam.

4. Join professional organizations. Being involved in professional organizations such as the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) shows that you are serious about your career and committed to staying up-to-date on industry trends.

Related: Property Manager Resume Example

Related: Property Manager Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

Similar articles