Property management when you're new to the US

A licensed property management company helps you rent your home the practical way: they market the unit, screen applicants, handle the lease and rent collection, coordinate repairs, and provide owner statements.

OwnerLedger is a FREE matching service that connects you with licensed, insured property managers near you. We do not manage property, and we are not a real-estate broker or attorney.

Management duties can vary by contract, but a common “full service” scope includes leasing, maintenance coordination, tenant communications, accounting support, and periodic inspections. Before you hire anyone, ask for the exact services in writing.

For an overview of how owners should think about choosing a manager, see [owner help](%2Fowners%2F).

Property management fees can be charged in different ways, depending on the market and the services you choose. Rates vary by city, property type, unit count, and how much work the manager expects to do.

Here are honest typical ranges you may see:

• Monthly management fee: often about 8%–12% of the monthly rent, but it can be higher or lower.
• Leasing fee (for finding the first tenant): often 50%–100% of one month’s rent.
• Renewal fee (to re-sign a tenant): sometimes 0%–15% of one month’s rent.
• Setup/initial costs: sometimes a flat “start-up” fee (for onboarding, inspections, and paperwork). Amount varies widely.
• Maintenance costs: some managers charge a small markup for coordinating repairs; others pass through costs at actual vendor price. Ask whether there’s any markup and how it’s approved.

Important: fee ranges are not quotes. The only accurate number comes from a manager’s written proposal and agreement for your specific property.

If you want a deeper look at what’s normal and what’s negotiable, visit property management fees.

Before choosing a manager, get clear on your monthly “reality”: expected rent minus expected expenses. Even with good management, tenants can leave, repairs happen, and vacancies occur.

Ask managers how they handle these everyday business items:

1. Occupancy and leasing process: how they price the rent, show the unit, and keep lead times low.
2. Rent collection: what happens if rent is late, and whether they enforce the lease consistently.
3. Maintenance: how they get approval from you, how emergency repairs are handled, and whether you see invoices.
4. Owner statements: how often you receive a statement and what reports are included.

Also ask how they protect your money. Many managers use “trust accounting” practices to separate owner funds from company funds. You should receive clear owner statement reporting and predictable processes.

If you’re still comparing options, get matched to request proposals from nearby, licensed managers.

You don’t need to be a property expert to spot risky behavior. If something feels unclear or rushed, slow down and ask for written answers.

Here are common red flags:

• Vague pricing or “hidden” fees. If a cost isn’t clearly listed in writing, assume it could be charged.
• No written management agreement. You should review terms—scope, fees, timing, and responsibilities—before you sign.
• Undisclosed maintenance markup or unclear repair authorization rules.
• No proof of license/insurance (or they won’t provide details you can verify).
• No references or limited operating history.
• Pressure to sign immediately, especially before you review the agreement.
• Promises of guaranteed occupancy or guaranteed rent. Legitimate managers can’t control the market.

Where possible, get everything in writing: scope of work, fee schedule, maintenance rules, and reporting frequency.

Because rules vary by state and city, consider confirming details with a licensed property manager and, where needed, a licensed professional.

Fair housing rules apply to owners and managers in almost every part of renting, including advertising and tenant screening. The goal is to treat applicants consistently and lawfully.

In a fair process, screening criteria should be the same for every applicant (for example: verified income and a rental-history standard, when used appropriately). Decisions should be based on objective, documented criteria tied to the lease risk—not on personal characteristics.

If you’re working with a manager, ask:

• What criteria do you use to screen applicants?
• How do you apply the criteria consistently?
• Do you document decisions and keep records?
• How do you handle reasonable accommodations for disabilities?

If a manager’s process feels inconsistent or suggests “we choose certain kinds of tenants,” that’s a serious warning sign.

A related guide is available under guides—including topics like lawful screening and what to expect during leasing.

When you use OwnerLedger to get matched, we collect only the basics needed to connect you with options: your contact details and your property intent (property type, number of units, city, ZIP, and preferred language).

Next steps that protect you:

• Request proposals from multiple licensed, insured managers.
• Compare fee ranges and the exact services included.
• Ask for the written management agreement and read it carefully.
• Verify the license and insurance details (and ask for references).
• Confirm how maintenance approvals work, including emergency situations.

After you choose, stay involved. The owner stays in control: you can review statements, ask questions, and make sure the services match what the agreement says.

Start here with get matched and then review options alongside your own monthly budget.