Property Management Pros and Cons: Is It the Right Choice for You?

Owning a property can be rewarding, but managing it can quickly turn into a full-time job. Between late-night maintenance calls, tracking rent payments and keeping up with legal requirements, it’s easy to see why so many landlords consider hiring a manager. However, before signing a contract, it’s worth understanding the pros and cons of hiring a property management company, and how to find the right fit for your needs.

What Are the Pros of Hiring a Property Management Company?

Managing rental properties can be time-consuming and stressful. Hiring a professional property management company allows you to delegate day-to-day responsibilities while still protecting and growing your investment.

Less Stress, More Time

Managing a property takes time, and lots of it. A good management company handles everything from advertising vacancies to screening tenants to scheduling repairs. That means you can spend less time dealing with day-to-day headaches and more time focusing on your career, family or next investment.

Professional Tenant Screening

A major advantage is that property management companies are skilled at identifying potential red flags during the tenant screening process. They use credit checks, background reports and rental history data to help ensure you’re renting to reliable tenants. This step alone can save you countless hours and thousands of dollars in potential evictions or property damage.

Consistent Rent Collection

Chasing late payments can be stressful. Property managers act as a buffer, enforcing lease terms and ensuring payments are collected on time. They also handle delinquencies professionally, following legal protocols when a tenant fails to make rent payments.

Access to a Trusted Maintenance Network

When something breaks, you want it fixed quickly and correctly. Management companies often have established relationships with contractors and maintenance professionals who offer prompt, reliable service at competitive rates.

Legal and Regulatory Knowledge

Landlord-tenant laws vary from state to state and even city to city. A property management company stays up to date on regulations, helping you avoid costly mistakes related to security deposits, eviction notices or fair housing compliance.

What Are the Cons of Hiring a Property Management Company?

Even with all the benefits, there are still downsides to consider. They don’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t hire one, just that you should hire the right company.

Added Costs

Most management companies charge between 8% and 12% of the monthly rent, plus additional fees for leasing or maintenance coordination. If your margins are tight, this can eat into your profits. Still, many landlords find the trade-off worth it for the peace of mind.

Less Control

When someone else manages your property, you won’t have the full say in every decision. While reputable companies keep you informed, you’ll need to be comfortable trusting their judgment on day-to-day matters.

Variable Quality of Service

Not all property management companies are the same. Some are exceptional, while others may be slow to respond or inattentive to tenant needs. That’s why research and reviews are essential before signing a contract.

The Best Property Management Groups

If you’re exploring options, here are three reputable companies that stand out for their service and professionalism.

1. Harrisburg Property Management Group

Pennsylvania-based Harrisburg Property Management Group is known for its reliable, hands-on service. It manages everything from tenant placement to maintenance requests, keeping property owners informed at every step. Its transparent pricing structure and detailed reporting make it a favorite among first-time landlords and seasoned investors.

Harrisburg Property Management Group takes a personal, community-focused approach. Because it’s locally owned, it has deep roots in the Harrisburg market and understands neighborhood trends and tenant expectations better than most national chains. It also emphasizes proactive communication, sending regular updates and detailed reports so you’re never in the dark about your property’s performance.

For many local landlords weighing the pros and cons of hiring a property management company, Harrisburg Property Management Group offers the perfect balance of professional oversight and a friendly touch.

Key features:

• Full-service property management and tenant placement
• 24/7 maintenance support
• Online rent collection and owner portal access
• In-depth tenant screening
• Market analysis to ensure competitive rental rates

2. Evernest

Evernest operates in multiple states and is praised for its technology-driven approach. It has a strong focus on communication and transparency, providing property owners with detailed monthly reports and access to an online portal for live updates.

Evernest stands out for its scalability and modern management systems. Whether you have a single-family home or an entire portfolio, its combination of automation tools and human support gives you the best of both worlds. Its “100% Happiness Guarantee” also shows confidence in its service delivery.

Key features:

• Nationwide presence with local expertise
• Flat, transparent pricing
• Dedicated property managers for personalized service
• Online tenant applications and maintenance tracking
• Professional photography and listing optimization for faster tenant placement

3. Real Property Management

Real Property Management (RPM) is one of the largest and most recognized property management brands in the United States. It combines national resources with local market expertise, helping property owners maximize their investment returns with minimal stress.

What makes RPM particularly appealing is its consistency. It has hundreds of offices nationwide, and its systems are standardized, meaning you get professional-level service no matter where your property is located. It’s also a great fit for investors managing multiple properties in different states, offering a unified approach to management.

Key features:

• Extensive network and resources
• Rigorous tenant screening process
• Comprehensive maintenance and inspection services
• Detailed financing reporting and owner dashboards
• Bulk vendor discounts through their national network

When Should You Hire a Property Management Company?

Hiring a management company makes the most sense when you own multiple rental properties or units. It’s also beneficial if you live far from your investment property or don’t have time to handle tenant issues or maintenance calls.

You might prefer to have professionals handle legal and financial details. Also, hiring a property management company is helpful if you’re looking to scale your real estate investments.

What to Look for in a Property Management Company?

Before hiring, consider the following:

• Experience: How long has the company been managing properties similar to yours?
• Transparency: Does it clearly explain its fees and responsibilities?
• Communication: How quickly does it respond to owners and tenants?
• Technology: Does it use modern software for rent collection and reporting?
• Reputation: Does it have positive online reviews, references and ratings?

Is Hiring a Property Management Company Right for You?

Understanding the pros and cons of hiring a property management company comes down to your priorities as a property owner. If you want more free time, professional oversight and peace of mind knowing your rental unit is in good hands, hiring a management company can be a smart move. However, if you prefer to stay hands-on and have the time to handle the details yourself, self-management might work best.