What Does a Property Manager Do?
A property manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of residential, commercial, or industrial properties. They manage leasing activities, supervise maintenance and repairs, and ensure properties are well-maintained to protect their value. Property managers also track budgets, handle rent collection, and coordinate vendor services to keep operations running smoothly.
In addition to operations, a property manager serves as the primary point of contact for tenants, addressing concerns and ensuring compliance with lease agreements. They enforce property policies, resolve disputes, and ensure adherence to local housing regulations. Their work balances customer service, financial management, and property upkeep, making them critical to successful real estate operations.
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Property Manager Core Responsibilities
- Manage leasing activities including tenant screening, lease agreements, and renewals
- Collect rent and track financial records for assigned properties
- Oversee property maintenance, repairs, and vendor services
- Conduct property inspections to ensure compliance with codes and standards
- Handle tenant inquiries, complaints, and conflict resolution
- Prepare financial and operational reports for property owners or executives
- Develop and enforce property policies and procedures
- Ensure compliance with housing regulations and safety requirements
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Knowledge of property management systems and financial software
- Familiarity with leasing practices, contracts, and housing regulations
- Ability to manage budgets and generate financial reports
Soft skills
- Strong communication and customer service abilities
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving skills
- Organizational and multitasking capabilities
- Leadership and decision-making skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, or related field required
Certifications
- Certified Property Manager (CPM) recommended
- Real Property Administrator (RPA) certification recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience in property or facilities management
- Experience with both residential and commercial properties
- Real estate license may be required depending on state regulations
National Average Salary
Property manager salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Property Manager is:
$55,484
Sample Job Description Templates for Property Managers
Assistant Property Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking an assistant property manager to support daily property operations and provide excellent service to tenants and property owners. This entry-level management role is ideal for individuals with administrative or leasing experience who want to grow into property management leadership.
Responsibilities
- Assist with tenant relations, including responding to inquiries and concerns
- Support leasing activities such as preparing agreements and processing renewals
- Help track rent collections and prepare financial reports
- Coordinate routine maintenance requests and vendor services
- Conduct property walkthroughs and inspections with the property manager
- Maintain accurate records of leases, budgets, and property documentation
Requirements
Hard skills
- Basic knowledge of property management systems and office software
- Familiarity with leasing processes and tenant communications
- Understanding of maintenance coordination and vendor management
Soft skills
- Strong customer service and communication abilities
- Good organizational and multitasking skills
- Attention to detail and reliability
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business, real estate, or related field recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years of experience in leasing, facilities, or administrative support
- State real estate license (if required)
Property Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a property manager to oversee the operations of residential, commercial, or mixed-use properties. This role requires responsibility for leasing, tenant relations, property upkeep, and financial performance.
Responsibilities
- Manage leasing activities including tenant screening, contracts, and renewals
- Collect rent and ensure timely financial reporting to owners
- Oversee maintenance, repairs, and vendor contracts
- Conduct inspections to maintain property standards and compliance
- Handle tenant communications, complaints, and conflict resolution
- Prepare operational budgets and manage expenses
- Ensure adherence to housing codes and safety regulations
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with property management and accounting software
- Knowledge of leases, contracts, and real estate regulations
- Budget management and reporting skills
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and decision-making abilities
- Customer service orientation and conflict resolution skills
- Effective time management and multitasking
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, real estate, or related field required
Preferred Qualifications
- 3–5 years of experience in property or facilities management
- CPM or RPA certification recommended
Senior Property Manager
Position Overview
We are seeking a senior property manager to oversee complex property portfolios, supervise junior managers, and ensure high-quality service delivery. This role requires advanced property management experience and strong leadership abilities.
Responsibilities
- Manage multiple properties, portfolios, or large-scale facilities
- Supervise assistant property managers and provide mentorship
- Oversee financial reporting, budgets, and forecasting
- Lead tenant negotiations, renewals, and high-level conflict resolution
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and safety standards
- Develop policies and procedures to improve efficiency and tenant satisfaction
- Report portfolio performance to owners or senior executives
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in property management systems and financial oversight
- Strong knowledge of real estate laws, leases, and compliance standards
- Proficiency in managing large budgets and vendor contracts
Soft skills
- Leadership and team mentoring capabilities
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- Strong strategic and analytical thinking
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in business or real estate preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 7–10 years of progressive property management experience
- CPM certification strongly recommended
Regional Property Manager
Position Overview
We are hiring a regional property manager to oversee property operations across multiple locations within a defined territory. This role requires multi-site leadership experience, strategic planning, and financial accountability.
Responsibilities
- Supervise property managers across several sites in a region
- Oversee leasing, financial performance, and occupancy rates
- Ensure properties comply with organizational policies and local regulations
- Monitor budgets and prepare regional performance reports for executives
- Standardize operational practices across all properties
- Support hiring, training, and performance management of staff
- Collaborate with senior leadership on expansion and investment strategies
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in regional property operations and portfolio management
- Strong financial analysis and budgeting skills
- Knowledge of compliance frameworks and real estate regulations
Soft skills
- Leadership and multi-site management skills
- Excellent organizational and communication abilities
- Strategic problem-solving and decision-making skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree in business or real estate preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years of property management experience, including multi-site leadership
- CPM, RPA, or equivalent certification
Director of Property Management
Position Overview
We are seeking a director of property management to lead enterprise-level property operations, oversee strategic initiatives, and manage a large property portfolio. This executive role requires vision, leadership, and accountability for operational and financial success.
Responsibilities
- Set organizational strategy for property management operations
- Lead and develop regional and senior property managers
- Oversee large-scale property portfolios and budgets
- Ensure consistent policies, procedures, and compliance across all sites
- Report portfolio performance to executives, investors, or boards
- Drive process improvements and efficiency initiatives organization-wide
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders, tenants, and community partners
- Mentor leadership pipelines within the property management team
Requirements
Hard skills
- Mastery of property management, real estate law, and compliance standards
- Strong expertise in financial strategy, forecasting, and reporting
- Proficiency with enterprise-level property management systems
Soft skills
- Executive leadership and decision-making skills
- Excellent communication and presentation abilities
- Visionary leadership with ability to drive organizational change
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or master’s degree in real estate, finance, or business strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 12–15 years of property management experience with at least 5 in senior leadership
- CPM or RPA certification is highly desirable
- State real estate broker license may be required