Is Your Property Manager Costing You More Than They’re Making You?

When you think about property management, you probably expect peace of mind, consistent rent, and reliable tenants, not hidden costs that eat away at your returns.

But here’s the hard truth: a poor property manager could be costing you far more than you realise.

From extended vacancies to missed red flags during tenant selection, the wrong manager can quietly undo all the hard work you've put into building your investment portfolio.

So how can you tell if you’re getting the value you’re paying for, or if it’s time to make a change?

1. Poor Communication = Missed Opportunities

If you’re constantly chasing updates, unclear on the state of your property, or unsure whether issues are being actioned. That’s a problem.

Poor communication can lead to:

• Maintenance being delayed (and costs blowing out)

• Tenants feeling neglected and moving on

• You being left in the dark at critical moments

A responsive, proactive manager doesn’t just keep you informed, they help you make better, faster decisions.

2. Vacancy Periods That Drag On

Every day your property sits vacant is a day your money isn’t working for you.

Underperforming managers may:

• List your property with poor photos or copy

• Fail to follow up enquiries or schedule viewings efficiently

• Overprice your rental without understanding the market

The result? Weeks (or months) of lost rental income that could’ve been avoided with a more strategic approach.

3. Subpar Tenant Selection

One of the most expensive mistakes a property manager can make is rushing the tenant screening process.

If they’re only checking the basics, like income and a single reference,  they could be missing key red flags like:

• Late rent payment patterns
• Previous disputes or evictions
• A history of short-term leases or property damage

Bad tenants = stress, tribunal costs, repairs, and lost income. A good manager digs deeper and selects for long-term reliability.

4. Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

Not sure if your property manager is adding value — or draining it? Here’s what to watch for:

? Reports are inconsistent or unclear
? They can’t answer questions confidently
? You don’t feel prioritised,  just part of a rent roll

5. The Difference a Great Property Manager Makes

Great property managers:

• Communicate clearly and consistently
• Attract and retain quality tenants
• Reduce vacancy and minimise risk
• Offer strategic advice to help grow your investment
• Treat your property like it’s their own

They don’t cost you money, they help you make it.

If your property manager isn’t giving you clear communication, great tenants, and consistent returns, it might be time to ask the question:

Are they truly protecting your investment… or holding it back?

Want a second opinion? We’d love to chat, no obligation, just honest advice.