Managing Repairs @ Rental Property

Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 2 votes

My rental property is managed by property manager. I am considering taking over the management of the property. Inevitably, there will need to be repairs done to the property. Any recommendations on how I can go about finding someone who can respond to any service calls that are made? Is there a group that specifically services rental properties?

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Drew SygitBusiness Member

Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 13k+ posts · 9k+ votes

How much do you know about property maintenance?

If not a lot, how will you avoid getting ripped off?

Have seen owners make so many mistakes with maintenance and contractors, then hire us to fix their mess.

You can try to use sites like Angi (formerly Angi's List), TaskRabbit, etc., but you will still need to watch everything for work quality, timing and cost control.

Good luck!

[email protected]248-209-6824

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Robert Masucci
Real Estate Consultant · Remote · Member since 2025 · 48 posts · 21 votes
1y
Hey Benson, wondering why you're getting rid of your PM? Are they not doing a good job, or you're looking to save money?
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Benson Davis
OP
Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 2 votes
1y
@Robert Masucci The current lease ends in a couple of months and I more time on my hands so I was thinking about taking it on.
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- Robert Masucci
  Real Estate Consultant · Remote · Member since 2025 · 48 posts · 21 votes
  1y
  Quote from @Benson Davis:
  
  @Robert Masucci The current lease ends in a couple of months and I more time on my hands so I was thinking about taking it on.
  
  Understood. That's up to you, but PM can be a very demanding job. If you're looking to dive more into that for experience then good idea. If not, and you'd rather spend your time working on other things, it might be best to have a professional fill that role. You'll have to decide that based on your long-term goals. As for your question, I would start networking with handymen now to get a few in your contacts in case you need immediate repairs (assuming you're not doing those yourself). I'm sure you can find some networking here and on Facebook, etc. If you ever need to dive deeper into this, feel free to connect!
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David PeschioBusiness Member
Richmond, VA · Member since 2019 · 358 posts · 181 votes
1y
That is fine but make sure you consider the other responsibilities before taking over. Property management involves a range of services beyond just maintenance and repairs to ensure rental property operations run smoothly.
These responsibilities typically include coordinating maintenance and repairs with trusted contractors, as well as comprehensive tenant management and leasing. Tenant management covers marketing, screening, lease agreements, and move-in/move-out inspections.
Furthermore, property managers handle financial aspects such as rent collection, budgeting, financial reporting, and tax preparation assistance. They also ensure legal compliance with landlord-tenant and fair housing laws, manage eviction processes, and oversee safety regulations.
Effective tenant relations and communication are also key, encompassing handling inquiries and complaints, providing regular updates, and resolving conflicts.
Considering these comprehensive responsibilities is important when deciding between self-management and hiring a property management service.

[email protected]804-909-1929
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Peter MckernanBusiness Member
Residential Real Estate Agent · Irvine, CA · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
1y
There are third party softwares you can use, property meld that is build into PM software. This is only scheduling, and then you have to verify what the problem is, what needs to be done, is it a certain type of trade and all.. Most of these days even with advances in technology there are still a lot things to weed through to make sure you can get the job done for the repair/items that need to be fixed. Manage the project and all. I would really make sure you are a pretty close second call with ease of handling these issues as they arise even with a company you hire to be put in place for repair requests and all.
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Drew SygitBusiness Member
Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 13k+ posts · 9k+ votes
1y
How much do you know about property maintenance?
If not a lot, how will you avoid getting ripped off?
Have seen owners make so many mistakes with maintenance and contractors, then hire us to fix their mess.
You can try to use sites like Angi (formerly Angi's List), TaskRabbit, etc., but you will still need to watch everything for work quality, timing and cost control.
Good luck!
[email protected]248-209-6824
Logical Property Management4.9465 Reviews
Website View Page
1 Reply
Colleen F.Pro Member
Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
1y
@Benson Davis you need to have a list of trusted vendors if you do this with 1-2 per trade (electric, plumber, HVAC, handyman) and you call them or in some cases let the tenant call them (heat outages). I recommend a heat maintenance contract unless you already have someone who is good without a contract. If you have one property and more longer term tenants the bigger risk is falling behind on market rent and also poor screening where you get a bad tenant. Oh and they are going to call you when you are on vacation in the islands or another time zone because invariable that is when things go wrong. I am not recommending against it just saying do some prep. Also consider when it is vacant how will you handle filling.
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Andrew Street
Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 292 votes
1y
Taking over management yourself is a big step, but it can be totally worth it if you have the right systems in place. One of the biggest challenges is making sure you have reliable service providers who can respond quickly to maintenance issues—because trust me, tenants will always find something that needs fixing.

A few ways to set this up:

Build a go-to list of vendors – Plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, a solid handyman. You’ll want people who can respond fast and do quality work.

Use platforms like Thumbtack and TaskRabbit – These are great for finding professionals in your area. You can compare pricing, read reviews, and hire based on your exact needs.

Network with other landlords – Real estate forums and local investment groups are goldmines for recommendations.

Consider a property maintenance service – Some companies specialize in rental property upkeep and offer subscription-based services for repairs.

If you’re transitioning from a property manager to handling things yourself, the key is having a system in place. Keep detailed records of maintenance, set expectations with tenants about reporting issues, and establish relationships with reliable contractors before emergencies pop up.

What’s your biggest concern about making the switch? Happy to share more insights!
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Ezekiel Trevino
Realtor · McAllen, TX · Member since 2025 · 141 posts · 58 votes
1y
Google search handyman near the area the property is located. Read reviews, call them and ask how long it will take them to respound to any repairs that need to be made. Or start making friends with handymen.
Long story short, If you are considering taking over the management of the property build up a list of handymen, just in case if one of them is swamped with work orders or currently repairing something and you need the repairs done asap, you can call anohter one.
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Rick Albert
Real Estate Agent · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
1y
More time on your hands is an interesting answer. I say this because time is your most valuable asset. Is there something you can be doing that is a higher income producing activity? Analyzing new properties, working at a higher dollar per hour, etc.? You will be surprised how much time sucking PM really is. Especially in LA when you need to keep up with all the changing laws.
With that said, I've heard good things about VenderRoo. I haven't used them.
The problem though is you still likely need to manage, so you can't really get out of it.
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Rene G.
Real Estate Coach · LandlordSkool.com · Member since 2017 · 113 posts · 90 votes
1y
Look man, you can totally do this!

Don't listen to middlemen property managers trying to make their job seem harder then it is; they want your business. lol

IMO the property management industry is about to be disrupted, think printing press, Model-T, the internet, ai...

I've been self-managing my rentals from Iraq for over a decade. If I can do it from the other side of the world, backwards timezone, crappy internet, no cellphone service working 12 hrs shifts six days a week, etc, you can too, especially if you're local.

Ask me anything, I'll share exactly how I do it (for free) because I root for the underdog mom and pop landlords and I hate middlemen undercutting small landlords. If you want to retire early and get real freedom then figure out how to self-manage with handsoff systems like I do. Oh, it's a fact, the fastest way to increase cashflow is to fire your PM! Hahah

Property managers think I'm a jerk, but it's the truth. Property managers are best if you have 50+ units...not to mention the best large landlords run their own property management business. Ask yourself why? Middlemen PMs are just doing a job, This is your livelihood... if I was your own brother I'd tell you what I'm about to say now, "Do it yourself better, self-manage bro!"

If you are serious and are really committed hit me up.

"Forever All In!"

—

4Δ 𝓡𝓮𝓷𝓮 💪

The Forever Landlord
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Benson Davis
OP
Member since 2025 · 8 posts · 2 votes
1y
Thanks to all for the input.
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