Is it necessary for out of towners who own rental property in Phoenix to have a property manager? (tenants)

[danikts]

Hello,

I own just a couple, small units in central Phoenix. I bought and managed them while I lived there. It's been a year since I've been away and I've been handling everything myself. I have long term tenants in place and all of the property managers just seem to want to nickel and dime. I understand that's how they make their money, but the properties don't need a lot of maintenance or time and I'm willing and would rather handle any issues that may arise myself. Like my parents said, "Nobody cares more about your business than you do." And it's true, I don't want to hire a disinterested third party that would sour my long term relationship with my tenants and charge me money to do it.

Any advice or pointers would be greatly appreciated!!

I LOVE Arizona and one day I'll be back!!

[Potential_Landlord]

Originally Posted by danikts

Hello,

I own just a couple, small units in central Phoenix. I bought and managed them while I lived there. It's been a year since I've been away and I've been handling everything myself. I have long term tenants in place and all of the property managers just seem to want to nickel and dime. I understand that's how they make their money, but the properties don't need a lot of maintenance or time and I'm willing and would rather handle any issues that may arise myself. Like my parents said, "Nobody cares more about your business than you do." And it's true, I don't want to hire a disinterested third party that would sour my long term relationship with my tenants and charge me money to do it.

Any advice or pointers would be greatly appreciated!!

I LOVE Arizona and one day I'll be back!!

I say it all depends on your tenants. If you have a trusted relationship and know they take care of your property well then it's fine. Overall, I think that's more of an exception though. When we rented here in Phoenix, our landlord was out of state and if there were problems I would tell them, give them an estimate of a contractor or the materials bill. If they were ok (always) I would reduce rent for what I paid out of pocket. I knew reputable handymen / contractors. Worked like that for years. Never saw them in person.