How much do property managers make in California?
Ever wondered how much do property management companies make from rental property services? They handle tasks like finding tenants, collecting rent, ensuring property upkeep, and addressing issues on behalf of property owners who may not have the time or expertise for these tasks.
Exploring Property Management Companies
Property management companies are like the unsung heroes of rental properties. They handle all the important details so property owners can relax. Their job includes everything from finding tenants to repairing things like leaky faucets. Their goal is to keep properties running well and making money.
Property Management: Definition, Roles, Types, and Duties

Property management is all about taking care of properties on behalf of their owners. Here’s a deeper look into what it involves:
Definition of Property Management Company
Before diving to how much do property management companies make from rental property services, let us first what it. Property management is the process of overseeing and maintaining real estate properties. It includes tasks like renting out properties, collecting rent, and ensuring everything is in good condition.
Different Roles in Property Management
- Property Managers: They oversee the overall management of properties. Their responsibilities include setting rent prices, finding tenants, and handling maintenance issues.
- Leasing Agents: These agents focus on finding new tenants for vacant properties. They show properties to potential renters, process applications, and negotiate lease agreements.
- Maintenance Staff: They are responsible for keeping properties in good shape. This includes handling repairs, conducting inspections, and responding to maintenance requests from tenants.
Types of Properties Managed
Property managers can handle different types of properties:
- Residential Properties: These are homes and apartments rented out to individuals and families.
- Commercial Properties: These include office buildings, retail spaces, and industrial properties rented out to businesses.
Duties of Property Managers
- Rent Collection: Ensuring tenants pay rent on time and handling any overdue payments.
- Tenant Relations: Addressing tenant concerns, handling complaints, and managing lease agreements.
- Property Maintenance: involves regular tasks like repairs, inspections, and ensuring safety standards are met.
Understanding these aspects helps explain how property management operates and the important roles in maintaining both residential and commercial properties.
Property Management Companies Charge

Property management companies charge different fees for their services. These fees can vary based on the type of property and where it’s located. Here are some common charges you might come across:
Management Fees
Property management companies usually charge a management fee. This fee is a percentage of the monthly rent that tenants pay. It covers things like dealing with tenants, collecting rent, and organizing maintenance.
Leasing Fees
When a property management company finds a new tenant, they often charge a leasing fee. This fee is a small part of the first month’s rent. It covers costs like advertising the property and checking if applicants are suitable tenants.
Maintenance Fees
Property management companies might also charge maintenance fees. These fees pay for repairs and keeping the property in good condition. The amount can change depending on how much work is needed.
Extra Charges
Sometimes there are extra charges for things like dealing with legal issues, renewing leases, or overseeing big renovations.
Knowing about these fees helps property owners plan their budget and pick a management company that fits their needs and costs.
How Much Do Property Management Companies Make?
- Management Fees: This is their bread and butter. Property management companies typically charge a percentage of the monthly rent, usually between 8% to 12%. This fee covers everything from rent collection and tenant issues to maintenance requests. Some companies opt for a flat fee per property instead.
- Leasing Fees: When a property management company finds a new tenant, they charge a leasing fee. This fee covers the costs of advertising the property, screening potential tenants, and preparing the lease. It’s usually equivalent to one month’s rent.
- Renewal Fees: If a tenant decides to renew their lease, the company charges a renewal fee. This fee covers the paperwork and negotiations involved in extending the lease term. It’s a nice little boost to their earnings without much additional effort.
- Maintenance and Repairs: Property managers also make money from maintenance and repair services. If something in the property needs fixing, the company arranges and charges for repairs, which adds to their income.
- Additional Services: Some companies offer extra services like advertising the property, screening tenants, or handling legal issues. These services come with fees that further contribute to their earnings.
How much do similar professions get paid in California?
Salary.com has data that can dictate how the average California Property Manager can make, with the median income being $111,871 a year.
On the other hand, there are of course different factors that will affect how much you may pay for a property manager. These include what sort of properties they’re managing, how much experience they have, and where they’re located within the state of California.
It’s crucial to remember that these numbers are inclusive of gross income, not the potential for earning extra money through working overtime or through performance-based incentive bonuses—etc.
The location also matters, as the average salary for this profession differs significantly across the state. For instance, San Jose and Santa Clara offer $125,692 on average whereas San Diego offers just $108,081
