5 Property Management Tips For Landlords

Owning an investment property can be incredibly rewarding but it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities. That’s where property management comes in.

Understanding what the purpose of property management is, and how the right property management company can support you, makes all the difference for landlords at every stage of their journey.

In this article, we’ll cover what property managers actually do, why it matters, and practical property management tips for landlords.

The Downside of DIY Property Management

While some landlords choose to self-manage their rental, it can quickly become overwhelming because managing your own rental often means:

• Chasing late rent payments
• Staying up to date with, and managing complex tenancy laws
• Handling maintenance calls at all hours
• Juggling more stress than reward

Without the right knowledge, systems and experience, landlords can fall behind on compliance requirements (which means incurring fines!), miss opportunities to maximise rental returns and end up embroiled in costly tenant disputes.

That’s why many investors engage professional property managers –  to save time, reduce risk, and protect both their income and their investment.

What Is Property Management?

At its core, property management is the professional oversight of rental properties on behalf of the owner. Instead of juggling everything yourself, a property manager takes care of the day-to-day tasks that keep your investment running smoothly.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What does property management do?” or “What do property managers actually handle?” – the answer is: quite a lot!

What Do Property Managers Do?

A property management company takes the stress out of being a landlord.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Finding and screening tenants – marketing your property, conducting viewings, and securing the right tenant.
• Managing rent – ensuring rent is collected on time and handling any arrears.
• Organising maintenance and repairs – coordinating trades, keeping your property in top condition, and protecting its value.
• Handling tenant communication – from everyday queries to after-hours emergencies.
• Compliance and paperwork – making sure leases, inspections, and legal requirements are all in order

In short: property management allows you to enjoy the benefits of being a landlord, without the stress of day-to-day hassles.

5 Property Management Tips For Landlords

Even with a property manager by your side, there are a few smart steps you can take to maximise your investment:

1. Choose the Right Property Management Company

Not all property managers are created equal. Look for a team with strong local knowledge, transparent communication, and a reputation for delivering results (like Ray White Keevers Group).

So how do you know if a company is the right fit?

• Check Reviews: Online reviews on Google or real estate platforms can give you a good sense of how they treat both landlords and tenants.
• Ask Around: Word of mouth is powerful – ask other investors, family, or friends about their experiences with their own investment properties.
• Look at Experience: A proven track record in your local area means they’ll know the market, the tenant pool, and what works best.
• Test Communication: How quickly and clearly do they respond when you first make contact? That often reflects how they’ll handle issues with tenants and your property.
• Reputation in the Community: A company that’s active and respected in the local community is more likely to deliver a professional and consistent service.

By doing a little research up front, you’ll feel confident you’re choosing a property management company that can safeguard your investment and maximise returns.

2. Keep Up With Maintenance

Well-maintained properties don’t just look good, they attract quality tenants and protect your investment’s long-term value.

The rule of thumb? Don’t delay repairs. A dripping tap or a small leak might seem minor now, but left unchecked, it could turn into a costly headache down the track.

The reality is, life gets busy. It’s easy for landlords who are self-managing to put off little jobs or miss early warning signs. That’s where having a property manager makes all the difference.

Property management makes your life easier by helping you:

• Organise trusted trades quickly to nip issues in the bud.
• Carry out regular inspections to spot problems before they become expensive
• Keep on top of communication with tenants so you know when something’s not quite right.

By handling maintenance promptly and professionally, property management takes the stress off your shoulders and ensures your investment keeps its value while keeping tenants happy and more likely to stay long-term.

3. Know Your Market

Understanding your local property market is key to making the most of your investment. Staying informed on things like rental trends, vacancy rates, and pricing helps you position your property competitively and avoid long vacancies.

For example, setting your rent too high might mean your property sits empty for weeks, while pricing too low means you could miss out on valuable income. Knowing what similar homes are leasing for in your suburb, how quickly they’re being rented, and what tenants are looking for (like renovated kitchens, outdoor spaces, or air conditioning) makes all the difference.

This is where a property management company can be a game-changer. A property manager well-versed in your area and the current market, will take these things into consideration when preparing your home to rent.

By having expert knowledge at your fingertips, you can make confident decisions that protect your income and reduce the stress of guesswork.

Recently Leased in Hillarys by one of our fabulous property managers –Yolanda Rheeder

4. Build Good Relationships With Tenants

Happy tenants are more likely to stay longer, look after the property, and treat it as their own. And the secret to keeping tenants happy? Clear, open, and consistent communication. Simple gestures like replying quickly to maintenance requests or checking in when needed can make tenants feel respected and valued, which goes a long way in building long-lasting partnerships.

At Ray White Keevers Group, we make communication a priority. Our team is approachable and proactive, plus, we use the Ailo app to makes everything feel easy and transparent.

With Ailo, tenants can:

• Log maintenance requests directly in the app
• Stay up to date on progress in real time
• Chat directly with their property manager when they need to

This simple, streamlined approach makes communication stress-free for tenants as well as for landlords, it means fewer problems escalating because issues are handled promptly. It’s all about creating a positive tenant experience that encourages people to stay long-term, reducing turnover and protecting your investment.

5. Stay Compliant

From rental agreements to safety regulations, compliance is critical. If you’re self-managing, it’s your responsibility to stay across all the rules and regulations that apply to rental properties in WA, and missing something can be costly.

Examples of key compliance areas landlords need to be mindful of include:

• Lease Agreements: making sure tenancy agreements meet legal standards, are correctly signed, and updated with any legislative changes.
• Bond Lodgements: bonds must be lodged correctly and within the required timeframe with the Bond Administrator.
• Rent Increases: strict rules apply to how often and by how much rent can be increased.
• Routine Inspections: there are limits on how frequently you can inspect the property, and tenants must be given the right notice.
• Repairs and Maintenance: landlords are legally responsible for urgent repairs (like no hot water, gas leaks, or electrical faults) within set timeframes.
• Safety Standards: properties must comply with regulations such as smoke alarms, pool/spa fencing, RCDs (residual current devices), and other health and safety requirements.
• Notice Periods: when ending a tenancy, strict notice periods apply depending on the situation.

For many landlords, it’s hard to keep up with constant legislative updates and avoid mistakes that could lead to fines or disputes. That’s why having a property management company in your corner will make life easier.

Why Choose Ray White Keevers Group?

At Ray White Keevers Group, we pride ourselves on delivering more than just property management – we offer peace of mind. With hands-on Director support, a team that genuinely cares, and one of the most extensive tenant databases in the northern coastal suburbs, we go above and beyond to protect your investment and grow its potential.

Ready To Get Started?

Thinking about renting out your property, or wanting to know if you’re getting the most from your current investment?

Complete our rental appraisal form below, and we’ll be in touch to show you how we can give your rental a new lease on life.