This blog post is part of our ongoing series on "The Essential Guide to Hiring Onsite Property Managers."

Follow the links below to explore other parts in the series:

• Part 2: Top Responsibilities of an Onsite Manager
• Part 3: How to Hire the Perfect Onsite Property Manager
• Part 4: How to Compensate Your Onsite Manager
• Part 5: Common Pitfalls When Hiring an Onsite Manager
• Part 6: Should You Hire a Property Management Company?

When managing a multifamily real estate investment, overseeing daily operations and tenant relations can feel overwhelming. Some property owners like to manage everything themselves or hire a property management company. However, there is often a need for an onsite property manager. This is especially true if your building meets certain legal requirements.

What does an onsite manager do? How can they improve your property management strategy?

We will look at the role of the onsite property manager. We will discuss their main duties and why hiring one is important for your real estate success.

What Is an Onsite Property Manager?

An onsite property manager, also called a resident manager, lives at the property they manage. They are in charge of the daily operations of the building. This person is important for keeping good relations with tenants. They make sure the property stays in good shape and handle any concerns that come up.

One of the primary advantages of having an onsite manager is their availability. Since they live on the property, they can quickly respond to tenant needs. They can handle emergencies and keep the property well-maintained at all times.

An onsite manager is very helpful for large properties. Managing all parts of the building can take too much time. This is especially true for an offsite property owner or a property management company.

Legal Requirements for Onsite Managers

In many places, having an onsite manager is not just a luxury—it’s a legal requirement. In California, the law says that properties with 16 or more rental units must have a manager. This manager must live on the property. The California Code of Regulations specifies:

“A manager, janitor, housekeeper, or other responsible person shall reside upon the premises and shall have charge of every apartment house in which there are 16 or more apartments.”

This requirement makes sure someone is always on-site. They handle daily operations, like addressing tenant concerns and overseeing property maintenance. This law applies to California, but other states may have similar rules. It’s important to research the regulations for your specific real estate investment.

Key Benefits of Having an Onsite Property Manager

Hiring an onsite property manager can offer several distinct advantages, particularly for owners of large multifamily properties:

1. Immediate Response to Tenant Issues

One major benefit of having an onsite manager is the ability to handle tenant concerns right away. Tenants can easily reach someone who can help with maintenance requests, noise complaints, or emergencies. This quick response can lead to higher tenant satisfaction and lower turnover rates, saving you time and money.

2. Property Maintenance

An onsite property manager is responsible for the overall upkeep of the building. This includes cleaning common areas, overseeing landscaping, handling minor repairs, and ensuring that the property remains in good condition. By having someone regularly monitoring the building, you can identify and address maintenance issues before they become major problems.

3. Tenant Screening and Leasing

When you have an onsite manager, leasing and managing vacancies become more efficient. The manager can show available units to prospective tenants, process applications, and coordinate move-ins. They also help screen tenants and give feedback to property owners or management companies. This ensures you rent to qualified people who are likely to care for your property.

4. Compliance with Local Laws

In places where a manager is legally needed, hiring someone for this job helps you follow local rules. Not following these laws could lead to fines or legal issues. This can greatly affect your real estate investment.

Why You Should Consider Hiring an Onsite Manager

If your multifamily property is large enough to need a manager, consider hiring one. If you find it hard to handle daily tasks, an onsite manager can help. This role provides practical benefits for keeping the property and managing tenant relations. It also makes sure your property follows local rules.

Onsite managers can save you time and lower the stress of managing many tenants. They also help keep your property in great shape. Having a manager on-site can boost tenant satisfaction. It can also lower vacancy rates and improve property performance.

In this first part of our blog series, we will look at the role of an onsite property manager. We will also discuss why having one is important for managing large real estate investments. From maintaining the property to ensuring compliance with local regulations, the benefits are numerous. In the next part of the series, we will explore the duties of an onsite manager. We will see how they help keep your property running well.

Stay tuned for the next blog post in the series, and make sure to check out the other parts below!

• Part 2: Top Responsibilities of an Onsite Manager
• Part 3: How to Hire the Perfect Onsite Property Manager
• Part 4: How to Compensate Your Onsite Manager
• Part 5: Common Pitfalls When Hiring an Onsite Manager
• Part 6: Should You Hire a Property Management Company?