Guides
What a property manager handles
A good property manager handles the daily work that keeps a rental running: leasing, rent collection, maintenance, records, and communication. OwnerLedger is a free matching service that helps owners compare licensed, insured managers near them.
The day-to-day work a property manager usually handles
Most owners hire a property manager to take care of the repeated work that affects occupancy, cash flow, and tenant experience. That often includes marketing the home, answering inquiries, showing the unit, processing applications, lease setup, rent collection, maintenance coordination, inspections, and owner reporting.
A manager also becomes the main point of contact for routine tenant questions and problems. That can matter a lot if you live far away, have limited time, or are new to local rental rules and vendor networks.
OwnerLedger does not manage property. We are a free matching service that helps rental-property owners connect with licensed, insured property management companies, so you can compare options and decide who to hire.
Leasing and tenant screening
Leasing usually starts with preparing the property for the market, setting a rental price based on the local market, creating a listing, coordinating showings, and answering applicant questions. Once applications come in, managers often help with screening, lease paperwork, move-in steps, and collecting the security deposit and first rent if required by local practice.
Screening should be lawful, fair, consistent, and documented. The same written criteria should be applied to every applicant. That helps reduce risk for the owner and helps protect applicants from unfair treatment. For more on this part of the job, see tenant screening.
Exact screening rules, notices, and handling requirements vary by state and city. This page is general information only, not legal advice, and owners should confirm local requirements with a licensed property manager and, when needed, a licensed attorney.
Tenant screening, done fairly
How a property manager screens applicants consistently and within fair-housing law — credit, income, rental history, background — what it costs, and how to find a manager who does it right.
Open →Rent collection and owner payouts
How a property manager collects rent on time, handles late payments and notices, and pays you with a clear owner statement — what it involves, what it costs, and how to find a manager for it.
Open →Maintenance coordination and repairs
How a property manager handles maintenance requests, vets vendors, sets approval limits, and keeps records — what to watch for on markups, and how to find a manager who protects your asset.
Open →Leasing, marketing and filling vacancies
How a property manager prices, markets, and shows your unit, screens applicants, and signs the lease to fill vacancies faster — what the leasing fee covers and how to find a manager for it.
Open →Accounting and owner statements
How a property manager handles trust accounting, monthly owner statements, year-end summaries, and reserves so your numbers are clear — what to expect and how to find a manager who reports well.
Open →Inspections, compliance and protecting the asset
How a property manager handles move-in/move-out and routine inspections, habitability and local compliance, and documentation that protects you — what it covers and how to find a manager for it.
Open →Want a licensed property manager handling your rental?
Tell us about your property and we'll connect you, free, with licensed managers near you. You compare proposals and choose who to hire — and confirm every fee in writing first.