What’s the ONE Thing You Wish Your Property Manager Did Better?

Question

Landlords & real estate investors — what is ONE thing you wish your property manager did better?

Not necessarily something that would make you fire them—just that one thing that consistently frustrates you or makes you think, “Why can't they just get this right?”

Communication? Repairs? Tenant screening? Inspections? Accounting? Turnovers? Something completely different?

I'm curious to hear the answers from the owner's side.

Marc Winter · Answer

It's all about timely communications. With that, usually all else falls into place. I prefer emails, (for record-keeping) however an actual phone call from time to time is a great way to build a solid relationship.

After a phone call, I'd always follow up with a brief description of the conversation emailed to the client. Works wonders.

Shelley Clements · Answer

I agree communication is key. Some of my team members hate giving "bad news" but owners can handle it and it is much appreciated sooner than later.

Leo Stein · Answer

Proactive status beats polish for me. When a work order sits more than a couple days, I want a short note on why, who owns the next step, and when to expect an update — before I have to chase it. Same with renewals and vendor quotes over a set dollar amount. Owners usually fire over silence, not one slow repair.

Ming Yi · Answer

I self-manage my 5 SFHs, so I get to be the PM I always wanted. The one thing: proactive communication with numbers attached. Not "we're handling the leak," but "leak under the kitchen sink, plumber quoted $380, approved, scheduled Thursday, I'll confirm when it's done." That one message kills four follow-up calls.

What I'd add beyond what others said: send the bad news fast. A PM who tells me about a $2,000 problem on day one keeps my trust. A PM who tells me on day fourteen after it became a $5,000 problem loses it, even if the repair itself was fine. Owners can handle bad news. What we can't handle is finding out late.

If I ever hire a PM again, the interview question is simple: "Walk me through the last time something went wrong and how you told the owner."

Shelley Clements · Answer

I appreciate your perspective on this. Yes, communication is key!

Shelley Clements · Answer

Yes, communication is key. I like the idea of the follow up email after a phone call. That is a great idea.

Richard (Ryszard) Cieplechowicz · Answer

Follow-through. If a manager says they'll check on a repair or a payment question, the owner shouldn't have to call back to find out what happened. A short update, even when there's no answer yet, beats silence.

Shelley Clements · Answer

Communication has been the resounding response. I am going to think on this and make sure that my team and myself are doing all that we can in this regard.

Shelley Clements · Answer

Again, communication....I feel that we do a great job with communication but it seems that even more would be better. I am going to think more on this and make sure we are communicating as much as I think we are and if there are any ways to improve.

Divin Kanyama · Answer

@Shelley Clements One area many property managers could improve is proactive communication. From the practical experience of owning rental properties, the issue is rarely that problems arise—repairs, late payments, and turnover delays are part of the business. The frustration comes when owners have to repeatedly ask for updates or learn about an issue after it has become more costly.

A practical standard would be simple: identify the issue, explain the recommended solution and expected cost, provide a realistic timeline, and confirm when the matter is resolved. That level of communication helps owners make timely decisions, manage cash flow, and avoid unnecessary surprises.

What’s the ONE Thing You Wish Your Property Manager Did Better?

What’s the ONE Thing You Wish Your Property Manager Did Better?

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