TIP OF THE MONTH - October 2012
Character Traits of a Good Property Manager
Source: New York Landlord’s Law Book
By Attorney Mary Ann Hallenborg
Honest and Responsible
This is especially important if the Manager will be entitled to receive legal documents and papers on your behalf.
Patient
Predictably, dealing with Tenants, repair people and guests will
have its share of hassels. A person with a short fuse is a
definite liability.
Financially responsible
This should be demonstrated by a good credit history.
Mechanically inclined
Operating an apartment building takes mechanical know-how,
whether you expect the worker to do it or to oversee the work of
outside contractors.
Personable yet professional
Good comunication skills are a must, both with you and your
currant and prospective Tenants and any other workers the Manager may supervise. ( for example, a cleaning crew, etc.)
Fastidious about keeping the building(s) and common areas neat, clean and secure.
Meticulous about maintaining records.
This is particularly important if collecting rent as part of the job description.
Fair and free of biases
This is a must if the Manager will be showing apartments, taking rental applications or selection of Tenants.
Unafraid of minor confrontations with Tenants. (or anyone in the- scope of management duties)
This is particularly important if the Manager will be collecting
overdue rents, delivering eviction notices including but not limited to
handling disputes between Tenants, Vendors, service persons, etc.
(Example: complaints about noise, missing products, services)