What does an Assistant Property Manager do?

An assistant property manager performs many of the administrative duties involved in operating a residential property. He or she is usually responsible for collecting rent, paying bills and property taxes, and negotiating leases with tenants. Assistants frequently communicate with residents, property owners, and senior managers to ensure that all parties are content with present situations. Most people in this position work on-site at apartment buildings or housing complexes, dealing directly with tenants and organizing maintenance, landscaping, and security crews.

Many property owners have difficulty managing everyday business duties themselves. To help them handle the administrative work and make sure that things run smoothly at specific buildings, they hire senior and assistant property managers. The assistant typically works in an office building, meeting with current and prospective tenants. He or she might collect rent, write community newsletters, pay bills, and keeping careful financial records. Assistant and senior property managers meet regularly with building owners to discuss the successes and shortcomings of a facility.

Under the guidance of a senior manager, an assistant often shows apartments to potential new tenants and goes over lease agreements. He or she might be responsible for running credit and background checks, confirming details with previous landlords, and making final decisions regarding applicants. In addition, an assistant property manager may be in charge of creating advertisements for vacancies and move-in deals.

The work of an assistant manager at a large building or complex can be very hectic. In addition to helping current and future residents, an on- site manager is often responsible for directing a number of other workers. He or she might inform a building superintendent, landscaper, or maintenance crew of work that needs to be done, or ask security guards to check on a suspicious tenant or situation.

The requirements to find work as an assistant property manager vary between different countries, states, and employers. In some settings, assistants must obtain college degrees and regional certification. A bachelor's degree or higher in property management, business administration, real estate, or accounting can prepare an assistant property manager for the various administrative duties associated with the job. Depending on the state or country where an assistant wants to work, he or she may be required to pass a written licensing exam covering real estate laws, ethics, and the fundamentals of property management. Many professionals who possess degrees and gain several years of experience are successful in obtaining senior positions.