Compare property-management fees by scope, not percentage alone

Normalize every proposal

Put proposals into the same table before comparing them. Separate recurring management, letting or renewal work, inspections, maintenance coordination, legal escalation, advertising and software costs.

• — Charging basis
• — Included buildings and units
• — Vacancy treatment
• — Letting and renewal fees
• — Maintenance mark-ups
• — Notice and exit terms

Define the service evidence

A useful agreement says what the manager reports and how often: collections, arrears, occupancy, maintenance, reconciliations and owner statements. If performance cannot be inspected, the cheapest quote may become the most expensive relationship.

Separate management from pass-through costs

Repairs, statutory charges, advertising and professional services may sit outside the management fee. Ask who approves spend, whether quotes are required, who receives supplier discounts and how invoices are retained.

Price the owner’s retained workload

One proposal may be cheaper because the owner still handles tenant screening, arrears, contractors or accounts. Count that time and risk before deciding that two percentages describe the same service.