The manager oversees all apartment complex operations.
A resident manager of an apartment complex lives on-site in his own apartment and oversees the management of the facility and grounds. His rent is often subsidized as part of his salary. He typically has set office hours in which he is available to tenants, but also has on-call and emergency responsibilities when the need arises.
Rental Agreements
The resident manager shows vacant apartments to prospective tenants, outlines rental terms, writes up rental agreements and takes necessary deposits. He collects the rent each month and performs a check-out inspection for vacating tenants. The manager inspects the interior condition of rental properties prior to new tenants moving in, arranging for carpet cleaning, painting and other necessary routine maintenance.
Property Management
The resident manager is responsible for ensuring the structural integrity of the apartments, including plumbing, heating and cooling systems, and appliances that are part of the rental units. In the event something breaks or needs repair, he handles it himself or arranges for a qualified sub-contractor to fix the problem. The manager also oversees the condition of the complex grounds and facilities, arranging for landscape maintenance and caretaking of swimming pools, sports courts, playground equipment, laundry rooms and picnic areas.
Trouble-Shooting
The resident manager mediates disputes between tenants when they arise. He is responsible for ensuring pets are kept under control and that noise and occupancy levels are within legal limits. If the complex is part of a community association, the manager works in coordination with the governing board to ensure all tenants are in compliance with community rules and regulations. He may issue reminders and assess fines to violators if necessary.
Finances
Some resident property managers handle financial obligations for the property owner, paying mortgages, utilities and property taxes, and cutting checks to subcontractors and maintenance workers. The manager might generate status reports, handle banking activity and keep the property owner up-to-speed about the condition of the property.
Landlord-Tennant Laws
The resident property manager must continually stay up-to-date on landlord-tenant laws as they apply to conducting background checks and following anti-discrimination laws in leasing property. Failure to do so can potentially result in fines or legal action taken against the property owner.
by Lisa McQuerrey
