Fresh Profile: Property Management Jobs

Published on 2008-08-11

If you've ever lived in a high-rent city such as New York; Boston; Washington, D.C.; or San Francisco, you've probably wondered if there's anything you can do - besides move - to lower your living expenses. One option that can ease the cost of rent is property management jobs. Property managers, who may or may not also be landlords, are responsible for the logistics of running a property. Duties can include the following:

-signing leases and collecting rent
-attending to maintenance concerns and supervising renovations
-paying taxes, mortgages, insurance and fulfilling contractual obligations
-responding to tenant complaints
-monitoring occupancy rates and leases
-enforcing policies
-making sure housing laws are met
-advertising vacancies
-other tasks as necessary

It's a big job that, depending on whether the property is a small residential unit, a large commercial business park, or a community of buildings, can be complex. Yet the perks, including reduced or free rent and a stipend, and the potential for additional career opportunities, can be just as great.

While there are no specific educational requirements for property management jobs, college graduates with degrees in business administration, real estate, finance, and accounting are often preferred. Managers are hired by property management companies, community associations, and property owners who need people to fill general manager jobs. In addition to education, previous experience in real estate, property management, or building maintenance jobs can be helpful. Unlike other management jobs, property management in many states requires a real estate broker's license if the manager will be involved in any aspect of rental and lease contracts. This is true of New York management jobs and Arizona management jobs, for example. Public housing managers are also required to have certification if the property is subsidized by the federal government.

Because property managers are required to wear many different hats, good organization, negotiation, and communication skills, as well as flexibility, are essential. If the property manager lives onsite at an apartment complex, for example, he or she may have to respond to tenant requests outside of business hours. During the day, the manager may have to travel to several properties to oversee contract work, give tours of available units, view potential new properties, attend meetings, and so on.

Through the next decade, employment openings for property managers should grow faster than average, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In particular, the number of property management job opportunities at assisted-living and retirement communities will most likely increase. To find the freshest Boulder, Seattle, or Tallahassee management jobs, search Fresho.com. Our collection of property, sales, IT, and project management jobs is designed to help you succeed in management.