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

If you’re interested in a career in property management, you may be wondering what the difference is between a resident manager and a property manager. Both positions are responsible for the upkeep of a property, but a resident manager typically lives on-site, while a property manager does not. In this article, we discuss the duties of a resident manager and a property manager, and we explain the key differences between the two positions.

What is a Resident Manager?

Resident Managers are responsible for the daily operations of a residential property, such as an apartment complex or gated community. They oversee maintenance staff, janitorial staff and other employees to ensure that the property is well-kept and running smoothly. They may also be responsible for handling complaints and concerns from residents, as well as enforcing property rules and regulations. Resident Managers typically work on-site at the property they manage and may live on-site as well. Some Resident Managers may also be responsible for marketing and leasing vacant units, collecting rent payments and preparing financial reports.

What is a Property Manager?

Property Managers are responsible for the overall operation and maintenance of a property or properties. This can include residential, commercial or industrial buildings. They develop budgets and track expenses to ensure that the property is run efficiently and within budget. Property Managers also develop and implement marketing plans to fill vacant units or increase occupancy rates. They negotiate leases with tenants and handle any complaints or maintenance requests. Additionally, Property Managers must keep up with local, state and federal laws and regulations to ensure that the property is in compliance.

Resident Manager vs. Property Manager

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

Job Duties

Property managers are responsible for the overall management of a property. They oversee maintenance and repairs, as well as handle any issues that arise among residents. In contrast, resident managers live on site full time to ensure proper resident satisfaction. They communicate with residents daily to address concerns and provide assistance.

The duties of a resident manager may vary depending on the needs of the residents. For example, if several residents complain about loud music coming from one unit, the resident manager may investigate the complaint and contact the resident to resolve the issue. If a property manager receives an email about a leak in the basement, they would forward it to the appropriate staff member to address the concern. Both professionals have the responsibility to respond to complaints in a timely manner.

Job Requirements

Resident managers typically need at least a high school diploma, although some may have an associate’s degree or higher. They must also complete on-the-job training to learn the necessary skills for the position. Property managers usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration, real estate or a related field. They might also need to obtain a state-issued license if they plan to manage certain types of properties, such as those that contain hazardous materials.

Work Environment

Property managers typically work in an office setting, but they may also travel to different properties. They often spend time on construction sites and other locations where their presence is necessary for the smooth operation of a property.

Resident managers usually work in an apartment building or similar living space. They may have regular hours that allow them to interact with residents and provide assistance when needed.

Skills

Both resident managers and property managers are responsible for the overall upkeep and maintenance of their properties. This includes tasks such as coordinating repairs, handling customer complaints and ensuring that the property is clean and safe. As a result, both types of managers need to have strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask.

Resident managers typically work in smaller properties, such as apartment buildings or condos. They may also live on-site, which means they need to be available at all hours in case of an emergency. Because they often work closely with tenants, they need to have excellent customer service skills. They should be able to effectively communicate with tenants, resolve conflict and build positive relationships.

Property managers usually oversee larger properties, such as office complexes or shopping centers. They may not live on-site, but they still need to be available during business hours to handle any issues that may arise. In addition to strong customer service skills, property managers need to have good marketing skills. They are responsible for attracting new tenants and maintaining high occupancy rates. They may also need to negotiate leases and manage budgets.

Salary

The average salary for a resident manager is $48,523 per year, while the average salary for a property manager is $64,618 per year. The salary for both positions may vary depending on the size of the property, the location of the property and the level of experience the manager has.