Is Property Management Worth It for Philadelphia Landlords?

Is hiring a property manager worth it?

What Property Managers Do That DIY Landlords Often Overlook

Most first-time landlords underestimate the work involved in managing a rental property — especially in a fast-moving market like Philadelphia. A good property manager takes on every part of the rental lifecycle, not just rent collection.

Here’s what a full-service property manager handles:

1. Finding and Screening Qualified Tenants

A property manager markets your property, screens applicants, verifies employment, checks criminal and eviction histories, and verifies tenants who are financially stable and responsible.

 Why it matters: The wrong tenant can cost you thousands in damages, legal fees, or unpaid rent.

2. Creating Legally Compliant Leases

Philadelphia rental laws are strict and continuously evolving — especially around security deposits, lead paint compliance, rental licensing, and tenant protections.

 Why it matters: A lease downloaded online will NOT meet Philadelphia’s specific legal requirements.

3. Handling Maintenance and Emergency Repairs

Plumbing issues, HVAC failures, and appliance breakdowns happen. Property managers coordinate repairs with vetted vendors to resolve problems quickly.

 Why it matters: Fast response prevents larger (and more expensive) issues and keeps tenants satisfied.

4. Rent Collection and Enforcement

Missed payments, bounced checks, and payment plans can be emotionally and financially uncomfortable for DIY landlords.

 Why it matters: A professional manager ensures consistent, timely rental payments — and follows legal procedures for non-payment when needed.

5. Property Inspections

Routine inspections protect your investment by catching damage early.

 Why it matters: Many landlords discover problems only after a tenant moves out — when it’s too late.

6. Tenant Communication and Conflict Resolution

Late-night emergencies, disputes between neighbors, parking issues, noise complaints, and more — a property manager handles all communication on your behalf.



 Why it matters: Having a third party oversee and help with issues will be key to resolving them without involving lawyers.

The Hidden Costs of Managing a Rental Yourself

Many landlords initially choose DIY management to “save money,” but often find the opposite happens. Here’s what DIY landlords often underestimate:

Time Costs

Showing the property, responding to tenant messages, coordinating repairs, and collecting rent — these tasks add up quickly. Even a single property can require 5–10 hours per month, and more during turnovers.

Vacancy Costs

Longer vacancies are one of the biggest expenses in real estate.

Here is a great list of what professional property managers bring to the table:

• Market the property more effectively
  
  
• Use better listing systems
  
  
• Handle showings quickly
  
  
• Bring leads in faster
  
  

For many Philly landlords, just reducing vacancy by 1–2 months per year pays for property management fees entirely.

Legal Costs

Philadelphia's rental laws are complicated. A mistake with:

• Rental licensing
  
  
• Lead certification
  
  
• Tenant screening
  
  
• Eviction procedure
  
  
• Security deposit handling
  
  

…can result in fines or lawsuits. Property managers know the law — and help you avoid costly errors.

Maintenance Costs

Good property management companies negotiate better rates with licensed vendors. DIY landlords often pay retail prices and wait longer for service.

Calculating the ROI of Professional Property Management

To understand whether property management is “worth it,” think in terms of return on investment, not just cost.

Here’s how property managers can increase the return on your investment:

Higher Quality Tenants

Better tenants = fewer repairs, fewer evictions, and more consistent income.

Reduced Vacancy Time

Even one extra month of rent per year can outweigh the cost of hiring a manager.

Accurate Market-Rate Pricing

Many landlords UNDERPRICE their rental. Property managers analyze:



• Comparable units
  
  
• Neighborhood trends
  
  
• Demand fluctuations
  
  
• Seasonality
  
  

This ensures your rent is optimized.

Better Property Preservation

Routine inspections and timely repairs protect your long-term asset value.

Tax Advantages

Property management fees are tax-deductible — saving you even more.

Time Savings

Freeing up 100+ hours per year is worth more than most landlords realize.

When Property Management Is the Right Choice for Philadelphia Landlords

Hiring a property manager is almost always worth it if:



• You own multiple rental properties or plan to expand your portfolio
  
  
• You live outside Philadelphia
  
  
• You don’t have the time to manage tenants and maintenance
  
  
• You dislike confrontation or legal paperwork
  
  
• Your property requires frequent repairs or oversight
  
  
• You want to grow long-term rental income without extra workload
  
  

Most experienced landlords eventually transition to professional management because the benefits far outweigh the recurring monthly fee.

When Property Management Might Not Be Necessary

There are a few cases where DIY management may work:



• The property is in excellent condition
  
  
• It’s rented to family or friends
  
  
• You live in the same building and can respond quickly
  
  
• You enjoy hands-on management
  
  
• You have experience with contracting and tenant law
  
  

But for most investors, especially beginners, professional property management reduces stress, risk, and unexpected costs.

How PhillyLiving Management Adds Value for Local Landlords

At PhillyLiving Management Group, we work exclusively within Philadelphia — which means we understand the neighborhoods, the regulations, and what local tenants expect.

When you work with us, you get:

Fast leasing and high-quality tenants

Our marketing and screening systems place reliable renters quickly.

Full legal compliance

We keep you aligned with Philadelphia rental codes, lead laws, and licensing.

Efficient maintenance coordination

Your property stays protected with vetted vendors and timely service.

Transparent communication & reporting

Owners receive real-time updates, statements, and maintenance notes through our online portal.

Peace of mind

You focus on building your portfolio — we handle everything else.

So, Is Property Management Worth It?

For most Philadelphia landlords, the answer is yes.

Property management is not just a service — it's an investment in:

• Better tenant experiences
  
  
• Higher long-term profits
  
  
• Fewer legal risks
  
  
• Reduced personal stress
  
  
• Stronger portfolio growth
  
  

If you want a more passive and profitable experience as a landlord, property management is absolutely worth considering.

Ready to Learn Whether Property Management Is Right for You?

Whether you’re an investor, an independent landlord, or someone exploring rental opportunities for the first time, PhillyLiving Management can help you make the right decision.

Schedule a free consultation today.

Learn how much your property could rent for
See how our team can increase your ROI

Visit: https://www.phillylivingmanagement.com/
Or contact us directly through our Owner Inquiry Form.