Skip to main content
Call Us

Greater Washington DC Metropolitan Area Blog

How Much Does Property Management Cost? A Complete Guide for Landlords

How Much Does Property Management Cost? A Complete Guide for Landlords

If you own a rental property and want reliable, stress-free income, hiring a property management company can be one of the smartest investments you make. But one of the first questions every landlord asks is: “How much does property management cost?”
The answer depends on your location, the services included, and the type of property you own. This guide breaks down typical fees, what they cover, and how to know if you’re getting a fair price—so you can confidently choose the right team to protect your investment.

What Is the Average Cost of Property Management?
Most property management companies charge a monthly management fee ranging from 8% to 15% of the monthly rent.
 For example:
Rent: $2,000/month


Management fee at 10%: $200/month


This fee covers the day-to-day operations of managing your rental, including communication with tenants, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and more.

Common Property Management Fees Explained
To understand how much you’ll pay, it helps to know the types of fees companies typically charge.
1. Monthly Management Fee (Core Cost)
This is the main fee and includes:
Rent collection


Tenant communications


Maintenance coordination


Managing repairs


Property inspections (varies by company)


Accounting and reporting


Many companies—including Ivy Property Management—bundle most services into this fee to keep costs predictable and fair.

2. Leasing Fee
Most companies charge a tenant placement fee equal to one month’s rent when they secure a new tenant. This covers:
Marketing your rental


Taking professional-quality photos


Showing the property


Screening applicants


Preparing the lease agreement


Handling the move-in process


This is a one-time fee whenever a new tenant is placed.

3. Lease Renewal Fee
If a tenant renews their lease, companies may charge a smaller renewal fee, typically $100–$300.
 This covers:
Renewal paperwork


Updated lease drafting


Market-rate rent review


Some management companies reduce this fee as a loyalty benefit.

4. Maintenance & Repair Costs
Maintenance is usually billed separately depending on the issue. Costs may include:
Labor charges from contractors


Materials for repairs


Emergency services, if needed


A reputable management company will use licensed and insured contractors and negotiate fair pricing to save owners money.

5. Additional (Less Common) Fees
Not every company charges these, but some landlords may encounter:
Setup/onboarding fee: $150–$600


Eviction fee: if legal action is required


Inspection fee: for detailed or seasonal inspections


Ivy Property Management focuses on transparent pricing to avoid surprise fees and ensure owners know exactly what they’re paying for.

Factors That Affect Property Management Costs
The price you pay depends on several factors:
1. Property Location
High-demand markets may charge higher percentages.
2. Type of Property
Single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and multi-unit buildings all vary in price structure.
3. Level of Service
Full-service management costs more—but saves owners the most time and stress.
4. Property Condition
Older homes may require more maintenance coordination.

Is Property Management Worth the Cost?
Most landlords agree: Yes.
 Here's why hiring a professional pays for itself:
Fewer vacancies


Better tenant screening


Higher-quality renters


Reduced legal risks


Time saved on maintenance and repairs


More consistent monthly income


Protection from costly mistakes


For many owners, the peace of mind alone is worth the investment.

Transparent Pricing With Ivy Property Management
At Ivy Property Management, we provide fair, clear pricing with no hidden fees. Our goal is to help property owners maximize rental income while minimizing stress. From tenant screening to rent collection and 24/7 maintenance coordination, we handle it all—so you don’t have to.

Considering Hiring a Property Manager?
If you’re ready to simplify your rental experience and protect your property, our team is here to help.

back