DIY Landlord vs. Hiring a Property Manager in Philadelphia

Whether you’re new to real estate or have owned investment properties for years, one major decision you’ll face is whether to act as a DIY (do it yourself) landlord or to hire a professional property manager. Both options have pros and cons, but knowing which one is best for you can make all the difference for your peace of mind, tenant satisfaction, and profitability.

At PhillyLiving Management Group, we’ve helped countless property owners in Center City and the surrounding neighborhoods navigate this choice. Here's a breakdown of what to consider, and how the right support can help your rental business thrive.

1. Time Commitment: How Much Are You Willing to Invest?

Being a Landlord is a Full-Time Job

Managing a rental property involves far more than just collecting rent. You’ll be handling tenant screening, maintenance calls at all hours, lease enforcement, and legal compliance.

If you’re managing more than one unit or don’t live near your property, the time burden multiplies quickly. Plus, if you aren’t local to Philly, you may not be familiar with trusted vendors for maintenance repairs.

A Property Manager Handles It All

A professional property manager like PhillyLiving Management Group takes on the day-to-day workload so you don’t have to. From tenant communication to emergency repairs, your investment is protected—and your time is freed up.

2. Legal Knowledge and Risk Management

DIY Landlords Must Stay Legally Compliant

Philadelphia has its own set of landlord-tenant laws. DIY landlords are expected to know and follow local rental regulations, licensing requirements, and eviction procedures. Landlords who fail to comply can come across costly fines or lawsuits.

Check out our Guide to Philadelphia Rental Law to see how complex local regulations can be.

Property Managers Stay Up-to-Date on Local Laws

A licensed property manager has extensive knowledge of Philadelphia rental laws and ensures your property stays compliant. That means fewer legal headaches and more confidence in your rental business.

3. Tenant Screening and Retention

DIY Approach: You’re on Your Own

Finding a qualified tenant takes time and skill. Background checks, credit history, references, and employment verification all require due diligence—and even then, there’s a risk of selecting a problematic renter.

Property Managers Use Proven Screening Processes

At PLMG, our advanced tenant screening software helps to reduce turnover, minimize late payments, and protect your property. Our local market expertise enables us to implement a consistent, compliant screening process that supports stable tenancies and positive rental experiences.

Have questions about the rental process? Our Renters Resource Guide can show you how we communicate clearly with residents, something DIY landlords often struggle with.

4. Maintenance and Emergency Repairs

Can You Handle 2 AM Plumbing Calls?

One of the most stressful parts of being a landlord is handling emergency maintenance. If your tenant’s heat goes out in January or the toilet floods at midnight, you need to be ready to act. You are almost never off the clock. Maybe you are someone who loves DIY projects, but will you love them at 2 a.m. on a Sunday before the Birds game? I think not.

Property Managers Have Reliable Maintenance Teams

PhillyLiving Management works with a vetted network of licensed and dependable contractors who provide high-quality service. We take care of scheduling and oversight so you don’t have to worry about managing repairs or chasing down vendors.

Looking for a smooth move-in process for you and your residents? Read our Stress-Free Move-In Guide to see how we handle every detail from day one.

5. Property Performance and Peace of Mind

DIY Landlords Often Miss Optimization Opportunities

You could be underpricing your property, overspending on repairs, or missing renewal opportunities simply because you’re stretched too thin. When you handle pricing on your own, it’s easy to overlook shifting market trends, and this can cost you.

Property Managers Maximize ROI

Our expert team provides strategic rental pricing, detailed property inspections, and fast leasing to reduce vacancy rates. Backed by a network of experienced agents who know the Philadelphia market inside and out, we analyze neighborhood comps and market trends to ensure your property is priced competitively and positioned for success. Most importantly, we’re invested in your success.

Don't just take our word for it—read our reviews on Google and see how other Philadelphia property owners feel about working with us.

Final Thoughts: Should You Go DIY or Hire a Property Manager in Philadelphia?

If you're looking to save time, reduce stress, avoid legal trouble, and boost your rental income, hiring a professional property manager in Philadelphia is the smart choice. At PhillyLiving Management Group, we provide full-service property management with a local touch—and our growing list of happy clients speaks for itself.

Ready to stop being a DIY landlord and start maximizing your investment?Contact us today or explore our client testimonials on Google Reviews.