How much do Property Managers Charge?

How much do Property Managers Charge?

Multifamily property managers typically charge a percentage of the monthly rent collected from the property. This percentage can vary based on several factors such as the location of the property, the size of the property, the range of services provided, and the management company's policies. Here is a general overview of the costs associated with multifamily property management:

  1. Management Fee: The most common fee structure is a percentage of the monthly rent. This can range from 4% to 12%, with an average around 6% to 10%. For larger properties, the percentage might be lower due to economies of scale.
  2. Leasing Fee: Property managers often charge a fee for leasing units. This is typically a flat fee or a percentage of the first month's rent. Common rates are 25% to 100% of one month’s rent.
  3. Setup Fee: Some management companies charge an initial setup fee to start managing the property. This fee can range from $250 to $500 or more, depending on the complexity of the property.
  4. Maintenance Fees: Property managers may charge additional fees for maintenance and repairs. This can either be a markup on the cost of repairs or a separate hourly rate for their time in coordinating and overseeing maintenance work.
  5. Vacancy Fee: In some cases, property managers charge a fee when units are vacant. This can be a reduced management fee or a flat fee to cover the costs of maintaining the property during vacancy periods.
  6. Additional Fees: There might be other fees for specific services such as eviction processing, lease renewal, marketing, and advertising. These are usually specified in the management contract.
  7. Incentive Fees: Some property management companies offer incentive fees where they receive a bonus if they exceed certain performance metrics, such as maintaining high occupancy rates or reducing expenses.

Property Management Fees Example

  • Monthly Rent: $10,000 (total for all units)
  • Management Fee: 8% = $800
  • Leasing Fee: 50% of one month’s rent for new leases = $500 (per new lease)
  • Setup Fee: $300 (one-time)
  • Maintenance Fee: 10% markup on repair costs or $50/hour for coordination

These are just general guidelines though - multifamily property management costs can vary significantly based on the property and the management company's policies.