Property Manager vs. Property Administrator: What Are the Differences?

A property manager is responsible for the overall management of a property, while a property administrator typically handles the administrative tasks associated with running a property. Both roles are important in ensuring the smooth operation of a property, but the duties of each position differ. In this article, we compare the job titles of property manager and property administrator, and we discuss the key responsibilities of each role.

What is a Property Manager?

A Property Manager is responsible for the daily operations of a property, such as an apartment complex, office building or retail store. They oversee maintenance, repair and improvement projects, as well as handle customer service issues. Property Managers also develop marketing plans to fill vacant units or increase foot traffic to the property. They may also be responsible for budgeting and financial reporting, as well as supervising a staff of employees.

What is a Property Administrator?

A Property Administrator is responsible for the administrative tasks associated with running a property. This can include tasks such as processing rent payments, maintaining records, handling customer inquiries, and coordinating maintenance and repair requests. A Property Administrator may also be responsible for marketing the property and showing units to prospective tenants. In some cases, a Property Administrator may also be responsible for managing the finances of the property, such as preparing budgets and tracking expenses.

Property Manager vs. Property Administrator

Here are the main differences between a property manager and a property administrator.

Job Duties

Property managers are responsible for carrying out the day-to-day operations of a property. They’re in charge of finding and hiring tenants, collecting rent, addressing tenant complaints and maintaining the physical structure of the property. Property administrators handle administrative duties related to a property, such as conducting background and credit checks on prospective tenants, creating and enforcing rental agreements and communicating with vendors who provide services to the property.

The main difference is that a property administrator’s job duties are mostly administrative, while a property manager’s job duties are more hands-on. For example, a property administrator might coordinate with a property manager to find a new tenant when one moves out, but they don’t directly interact with the former tenant or find them a new home.

Job Requirements

To become a property manager, you need at least a high school diploma. However, many employers prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. You also need to have experience working in the property management field. Some property managers start their careers as assistant property managers or leasing agents before moving into a property manager role.

There are no formal education requirements to become a property administrator. However, many employers prefer candidates who have an associate’s degree or some college experience. You also need to have experience working in the property management field. Some property administrators start their careers as administrative assistants or office managers before moving into a property administrator role.

Work Environment

Property managers typically work in the field, inspecting properties and meeting with tenants. They may travel to different locations on a regular basis or only visit properties when necessary. Property administrators usually work in an office setting, where they manage property management teams and oversee daily operations. Some property administrators may also travel to meet with clients and inspect properties.

Skills

Both property managers and property administrators use customer service skills when they are interacting with tenants, landlords and other individuals associated with the property. They also both need to be organized in order to keep track of paperwork, maintenance requests and other important information.

Property managers typically have more responsibilities than property administrators, which can require additional skills. For example, property managers may be responsible for marketing the property, negotiating leases and managing finances. This can require skills like sales, multitasking and financial analysis. Property managers may also be responsible for supervising staff, which can require leadership skills.

Salary

Property managers can earn an average salary of $64,618 per year, while property administrators can earn an average salary of $54,588 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.