Multi-Family Owners in Philadelphia: Avoid these Mistakes
Multi-Family Owners in Philadelphia: Avoid these Mistakes

Owning a multi-family property in Philadelphia can be a profitable investment, but it can come with unique challenges. Many landlords unintentionally make costly mistakes that lead to high turnover, property damage, and financial stress. To avoid these pitfalls, consider hiring a property management company to keep your properties running smoothly.
With over 40 years of experience and a trusted reputation, PhillyLiving Management Group has managed properties ranging from 4-unit buildings to 100+ unit communities. Whether your property is in Washington Square, Fitler Square, Old City, Fairmount, or another Center City neighborhood, our team is committed to helping you avoid the most common mistakes owners make.
Tenant Screening Done Wrong
One of the biggest mistakes landlords make is rushing to fill vacancies without proper screening. Choosing tenants without checking credit, income, and rental history often leads to missed rent payments or disruptive behavior. That’s why PLMG relies on strict screening criteria, ensuring that only qualified tenants move in. This helps reduce turnover and protects your property.
At our managed properties, our screening criteria are as follows:
- Credit Score of 650 or above
- Income at least 3x the monthly rent
- No Criminal Record
- No Eviction History
If a co-signer is needed, the screening criteria are as follows:
- Credit Score of 650 or above
- Income at least 6x the monthly rent
- No Criminal Record
- No Eviction History
Quick Communication and Maintenance Repairs
Unanswered calls and delayed repairs are among the top frustrations for tenants. For property owners, this often means higher turnover and negative reviews. At PLMG, we remove that burden by providing a 24/7 emergency maintenance line and a user-friendly online portal where residents can submit requests and track updates in real time. Our trusted contractors respond quickly and professionally, ensuring every issue is handled promptly and efficiently.
But great property management goes beyond fixing repairs. Building strong tenant relationships takes time, consistency, and communication - something that can be overwhelming for owners to manage alone. That’s where we come in. With an experienced full-service team, PLMG handles everything from maintenance coordination to resident communication, keeping your tenants satisfied and loyal while freeing you to focus on your investment without the daily stress.
Pricing Without Market Insight
Many landlords struggle with pricing their units correctly in today’s rental market. Set the rent too high, and vacancies linger; set it too low, and you lose valuable income. At PLMG, our team of licensed real estate professionals leverages deep knowledge of Center City and surrounding Philadelphia neighborhoods to ensure your property ispricedright. Through detailed market analyses and access to real-time data on comparable rentals, we position your units competitively—maximizing occupancy while protecting your bottom line.
Overlooking Compliance and Regulations
Philadelphia has strict rental laws, licensing requirements, and fair housing regulations that many owners may not be aware of. Failing to address these details can result in fines, lawsuits, or even suspension of the rental license. PLMG stays ahead of regulatory changes and keeps you informed of all compliance matters, helping you avoid costly mistakes and stay protected.
Why Choose PhillyLiving Management Group?
At PhillyLiving Management Group, we offer full-service management services to multi-family owners up to 100 units. Our team takes on the daily responsibilities: leasing, advertising, maintenance, accounting, and tenant relations—so owners can focus on the bigger picture. For those who prefer to self-manage, we also provide standalone leasing services to help secure qualified tenants quickly.
This past spring, the owners of a 40+ unit luxury apartment building turned to us after struggling with high vacancy rates. We assigned one of our real estate agents experienced in the Philadelphia rental market to the property. The agent identified that renewal pricing was set too high for the current market. What worked last summer no longer aligned with this year’s demand. By adjusting rates and offering concessions, we helped the owners pivot their strategy. The result? Over 15 new leases have been signed in just a short time.
Sometimes, all it takes is the right guidance, and that’s what we’re here for.
If you are considering learning more about our management services, please complete this form,and we will be in touch!
