If you’re asking yourself, “Should I hire a property management company?”—you’re not alone. Many landlords, especially those who own multi-family units or small apartment buildings, eventually face this crossroads.
Whether you're managing two duplexes or a portfolio of 20 units, the decision to bring in a professional property management team can feel like a big leap. However, with growing responsibilities, expanding portfolios, and higher tenant expectations, it might just be the move that protects your time, investment, and peace of mind.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the key considerations, benefits, and drawbacks of hiring a property manager and how to determine if it’s the right move for you.
A property management company handles the day-to-day operations of rental properties. For small apartment buildings and multi-family units, this often includes:
Some full-service property management companies also offer extras like real-time owner dashboards, 24/7 maintenance support, and strategic advice for improving ROI.
The decision isn’t one-size-fits-all. You might not need a manager for a single rental down the street, but you may quickly hit a tipping point as you scale. Below are some questions to help you evaluate your situation.
If you have several units (or they’re spread out geographically), the time and logistics of managing them yourself can quickly spiral. Each new door adds to your workload. A property manager helps you scale without sacrificing service quality or efficiency.
Long-distance landlords face unique challenges. Whether you're in another part of Michigan or living out of state, coordinating maintenance, showings, and emergencies remotely can be stressful and ineffective. A local property management company becomes your boots on the ground.
Landlords who also work full-time jobs or run other businesses often struggle to give their properties the attention they need. Missed maintenance, poor tenant screening, and delayed responses can quickly cost more than a management fee.
Some landlords enjoy the hands-on side of the business. Others don’t—or simply don’t have the expertise. If you’re not confident handling lease enforcement, local regulations, or tenant conflicts, a manager brings structure and legal knowledge to the table.
If your long-term plan includes acquiring more properties, you’ll eventually need systems and people to support that growth. Hiring a management company now can free up your time to focus on acquisitions, renovations, and strategic planning.
Like any business decision, hiring a property manager comes with trade-offs. Understanding both the advantages and potential drawbacks can help you make an informed, confident choice.
Some of the benefits include:
For many landlords, these benefits alone make property management worth the cost, especially as their portfolio grows.
That said, there are some potential drawbacks to be aware of before you hand over the keys.
By weighing these cons against the potential benefits, you can decide whether hiring a property manager aligns with your goals, resources, and investment strategy.
If you're still unsure, here are some typical landlord scenarios where hiring a property management company is worth strong consideration.
Multi-family properties bring more tenants, more maintenance, and more complexity. If you’ve taken the leap from single-family to a 6- or 8-unit building, the demands likely just doubled. Many investors at this stage hire a manager to stay organized and compliant.
Even an hour’s drive can make managing rentals feel like a chore. If you’ve relocated or plan to, having someone local to oversee daily operations is crucial.
Struggling with nonpayment, difficult tenants, or lease enforcement? Property managers are trained to handle difficult situations by the book, reducing risk and conflict.
Deferred maintenance is one of the fastest ways to lose good tenants and devalue your asset. A manager ensures work gets done on time and to standard.
If you decide to move forward, take time to find a company that fits your needs. Here’s what to look for:
Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. How do they handle vacancies? Who responds to tenant calls? What’s the eviction process? A trustworthy manager will walk you through everything before you sign.
Answer the following questions:
If you answered “no” to more than one of these, it might be time to explore professional help.
Hiring a property management company isn’t just about offloading tasks—it’s about making a strategic decision for your business and lifestyle. The right partner can help you stabilize your rentals, scale with confidence, and reduce stress along the way.
At JMZ Management, we help landlords throughout Southeast Michigan evaluate their unique needs and decide whether property management is a good option for them.
Are you still not sure if it’s the right move? Let’s talk.
Schedule a free consultation today and let’s explore whether hiring a property manager is the next best step for your real estate journey.