This article is written for rental property owners deciding whether to self-manage or hire professional property management.

If you own a rental property, you’ll eventually face this question:

Should I manage this myself, or should I hire a property manager?

Some owners self-manage successfully for years. Others reach a point where it no longer makes sense. The key is understanding what each option actually involves—not just financially, but in time, stress, and risk.

Let’s walk through both sides honestly.

What Self-Managing Really Looks Like

Self-managing means you are the property manager. There’s no buffer between you and the tenant.

Pros of Self-Managing

• You save the management fee
• You maintain full control
• You have direct communication with tenants
• You make every decision yourself

For owners with:

• One nearby property
• Flexible schedules
• Comfort with conflict
• Strong understanding of landlord-tenant laws

Self-management can absolutely work.

The Hidden Costs of Self-Managing

Where self-managing gets difficult is in the things owners don’t always plan for.

Self-managing means you are responsible for:

• Tenant screening and fair housing compliance
• Late-night and emergency maintenance calls
• Rent collection and enforcement
• Lease compliance
• Rent increases and legal notice requirements
• Handling disputes and difficult conversations
• Staying current on changing laws

Many owners don’t leave self-management because of cost—they leave because of time, stress, or one bad situation.

What Hiring a Property Manager Actually Does

A professional property manager acts as a buffer, system, and safeguard between you and the tenant.

What a Good Property Manager Handles

• Marketing and tenant placement
• Screening and compliance
• Rent collection and accounting
• Maintenance coordination
• Legal notices and lease enforcement
• Tenant communication
• Owner reporting and documentation

In short, they turn your rental into a system, not a side job.

The Cost Side (And Why It’s Not Just About Fees)

Hiring a property manager typically costs a percentage of collected rent, plus leasing and maintenance-related fees.

But cost alone isn’t the full picture.

A good property manager can help:

• Reduce vacancy time
• Avoid costly legal mistakes
• Catch maintenance issues early
• Improve tenant retention
• Protect the long-term condition of the property

Many owners find the fee is offset by fewer problems and better outcomes, not just convenience.

When Self-Managing Makes Sense

Self-managing may be the right choice if:

• You enjoy being hands-on
• You have the time to respond quickly
• You’re comfortable enforcing leases
• You’re confident in your understanding of regulations
• Your property is close by

There’s nothing wrong with self-managing when it fits your lifestyle.

When Hiring a Property Manager Makes Sense

Hiring professional management often makes sense when:

• You own multiple properties
• Your time is limited
• You live out of the area
• You want consistent systems and documentation
• You prefer not to be the “bad guy”
• You value predictability and reduced stress

For many owners, management isn’t about avoiding work—it’s about avoiding preventable problems.

A Middle Ground Many Owners Miss

Some owners start by self-managing and later hire a property manager when:

• The portfolio grows
• Life gets busier
• Laws become more complex
• One difficult tenant changes the equation

That transition is normal—and often healthy.

Final Thoughts

Self-managing and hiring a property manager are both valid paths. The right choice depends on your time, temperament, goals, and risk tolerance.

The most important thing is making a deliberate decision, not defaulting into one option without understanding the tradeoffs.

If you’re unsure which path makes sense for your property, having an honest conversation—without pressure—is often the best first step. Click HERE for more info on pricing.