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This article is written for rental property owners considering professional property management. If you’re a rental property owner exploring professional property management, you’ve probably asked the most common question first: “How much does property management actually cost?” It’s a fair question—and one that doesn’t always get a clear answer. Many property management companies are vague about pricing or require a phone call just to get basic information. We believe owners deserve transparency. In this post, we’ll explain how property management fees typically work, what to expect in the Spokane market, and exactly how Deese Property Management structures our pricing—without hidden fees or fine print. Typical Property Management Costs (Industry-Wide) Most residential property management companies charge a monthly management fee between 8% and 12% of collected rent . Beyond that, fees often vary based on: Leasing and tenant placement Lease renewals Maintenance coordination Emergency response Administrative or “miscellaneous” charges What matters most isn’t just the percentage—it’s what’s included and how clearly it’s explained. How Pricing Works at Deese Property Management After years of working with Spokane-area rental owners, we’ve built a pricing structure that’s straightforward, fair, and easy to understand. Here’s exactly how it works. 1. Monthly Management Fee: 10% of Collected Rent Our ongoing management fee is 10% of monthly collected rent . This covers: Rent collection and accounting Tenant communication Maintenance coordination Owner reporting Compliance with local and state rental regulations One dedicated point of contact for all questions If rent isn’t collected, we don’t get paid. Our incentives are aligned with yours. 2. Tenant Placement Fee: 50% of the First Month’s Rent When we place a brand-new tenant , we charge half of the first month’s rent . This includes: Marketing the property Showings Tenant screening Lease preparation and execution Move-in coordination We focus heavily on placing the right tenant, because good placement reduces turnover, maintenance issues, and long-term headaches. 3. Lease Renewal Fee (City of Spokane): $250 Within the City of Spokane , we charge a $250 lease renewal fee when a tenant chooses to extend their lease. Why? Spokane requires six months’ notice for rent increases of 3% or more , which adds meaningful administrative and compliance work to the renewal process. This fee helps cover: Rent analysis Legal notice preparation Lease updates Coordination and documentation This fee is only charged when a renewal occurs. Maintenance: Transparent, In-House, and Accountable Maintenance is one of the most important—and misunderstood—parts of property management. Standard Maintenance $65 per hour Billed only for actual labor time We own our own construction company, which creates two major benefits for owners: Accountability – We’re responsible for the quality of the work Cost Control – No inflated third-party markups This structure helps keep costs reasonable while ensuring work is done correctly. Emergency Maintenance $125 per hour 1-hour minimum Emergency rates reflect after-hours availability and urgency, and are only applied when true emergencies occur. No Hidden Fees. No Nickel-and-Diming. We don’t believe in: Surprise administrative fees Markups without explanation Charging owners for every phone call or email Passing along vague “processing” charges Our pricing is designed to be: Predictable Transparent Easy to understand Owners and tenants both benefit when expectations are clear. Why Transparent Pricing Matters Choosing a property manager based on the lowest advertised fee often leads to frustration later. Lower fees can mean: Slower response times Less proactive management Higher tenant turnover Unexpected add-on charges Good property management isn’t about being the cheapest—it’s about protecting your investment, your time, and your peace of mind. Is Professional Property Management Worth It? For some owners, self-managing makes sense. But for owners who: Value their time Want professional systems Need help navigating local regulations Prefer one point of contact for everything Professional management often pays for itself through fewer mistakes, better tenants, and reduced stress.  Final Thoughts Property management costs shouldn’t be a mystery. At Deese Property Management, we believe transparency builds better relationships—with owners and tenants alike. If you’re comparing management companies, we encourage you to ask detailed questions and choose the one that aligns with your values, not just your budget. If you’d like to learn more about how we work or whether we’re a good fit for your property, we’re always happy to have a straightforward conversation.