Property Manager

A property manager supervises the operation of a commercial or a residential property, or a portfolio of properties usually close to one another. The property manager can be in charge of a variety of employees or departments such as the accounting department, sales department, maintenance department and grounds-keeping department.

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They are responsible for the day-to-day management of the property or complex, and need to carry out periodic inspections of the various parts of the grounds to make sure that everything is in working order. Additionally, work that needs to be done should be followed up to ensure swift completion. This job requires a lot of multitasking.  The property manager will usually be in charge of training new employees. Often, the property manager will aid the marketing and customer service departments in coming up with strategies to increase sales and customer satisfaction.

The responsibilities of the property manager may include some of the following: 

• getting involved in the buying and selling, or renting process by marketing and advertising vacancies
• valuation of the property
• setting the correct rent level to attract tenants, understanding the market where the property is located and comparing to similar properties.
• finding tenants, screening them by running credit checks and criminal background checks
• liaising with tenants, handling the leases and the security deposit, collecting rent, dealing with maintenance requests, noise complaints and emergency situations
• handling move-outs – determining the amount of the security deposit to be retained, cleaning the unit, repairing damages and finding a new tenant
• dealing with evictions
• supervising on-site staff and coordinating repairs and  maintenance, interviewing and hiring contractors, managing the budget to keep costs low and keeping records
• maintaining waiting lists
• ensuring compliance with regulations, including health and safety
• development and planning

When customers have complaints or suggestions, they will often wish to speak to the property manager, so it is important to have strong customer service skills, the desire to be able to problem-solve, and the ability to use available resources to come to a positive outcome.

Due to the increasing costs of buying a home, many people prefer to rent.  As the number of renters increases and home ownership rates become lower, the availability of vacant properties decreases.  A busy rental market translates into a higher demand for property managers.

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Personal Requirements

Some satisfying aspects of this career include:

• meeting many different kinds of people
• finding suitable homes for individuals or families 

Some demanding aspects of this career include:

• dealing with difficult clients
• working irregular hours
• can be stressful at times 

Recommended Interests and Skills

• negotiating skills to conduct contract negotiations with contractors and potential tenants
• strong leadership and communication skills
• being able to work well with other employees and with clients, and as part of a team
• time-management skills
• ability to motivate
• problem-solving abilities
• computer skills for carrying our electronic communication, tracking expenses and budgets and creating financial reports
• organisational skills to manage the affairs of tenants, pay bills and monitor property activities

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How to Enter

Level of Schooling & School Subjects

National Senior Certificate meeting requirements for a degree course
National Senior Certificate meeting requirements for a diploma course

Each institution has its own entry requirements.

Compulsory Subject: Mathematics

Recommended Subject: Information Technology

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What to Study

Degree Studies:
BSc Property Studies – WITS & UCT
BSc Construction Studies – UCT
BSc Real Estate – UP
BSc Construction Management UP
BSc Real Estate – UP
Also BCom or related Bachelor’s degree in business and finance.

Diploma Studies:
NDip Real Estate – CPUT

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Employment

• commercial properties
• residential properties

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Further Information

National Association of Managing Agents (NAMA)
191 Vinko Street
Sinoville
Pretoria
Tel: (012) 543-0693
http://www.nama.org.za

South African Property Owners’ Association (SAPOA)
Paddock View, Hunt's End Office Park
36 Wierda Road West
Wierda Valley
Sandton 2146
Tel: (011) 883-0679
http://www.sapoa.org.za

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