Rental properties are a great way to bring in what is referred to as passive income. The term passive income may lead you to believe that rental properties don't require much work. However, this is not necessarily the case. Renting a property takes a lot more effort than you may expect. You will need to maintain the property, find tenants, collect rent, and deal with a variety of other responsibilities. It can become overwhelming, which is why hiring a property manager may be the best option. Here's what you need to know when hiring a property manager.

What They Do

The first thing that you should know is what responsibilities property managers usually take over. When you hire a property management company or property manager, they will handle rent collection, the screening of potential renters, take care of maintenance and repairs, handle any issues that arise with tenants, and make sure that your records are in order and the budget balanced. When you enter into a contract with a property manager or company, make sure that you both agree on what responsibilities they will be taking on. 

How Much It Will Cost

Another thing that you need to consider if you are hiring a property manager is whether or not it is affordable. While a property manager can save you a significant amount of time and effort, you need to make sure that you can pay them and still make a profit on your rental property. The size of your rental, the services required, and the type of property will typically determine the rates. Most property management companies charge a flat rate between 4 and 12 percent of the monthly rent. Some property managers may charge a flat rate per month. 

When It's The Right Choice

If you are thinking about hiring a property manager, you will want to carefully consider whether or not it is the right option for your needs. If you can afford a property manager without sacrificing your profit, then it is something you should consider. Also, if maintaining your rental property and dealing with tenants is too much effort, then hiring a property manager is usually a smart decision. 

When hiring a property manager, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, knowing what responsibilities a property manager has is the first step to determining whether or not hiring one is the right option. The cost of a property manager varies, and some charge flat rates while others take a percentage of rent collected. However, before you make a decision, make sure it fits within your budget. If you can afford a manager and are struggling with the responsibilities of owning a rental, hiring a property management company is likely the best option.