Property management costs are fully tax-deductible and they can vary considerably among agencies. Most rental management fees can be categorised in two broad categories:
- letting fees
- management fees.
Letting fees are the costs associated with finding tenants for your property. These fees typically range from 1 to 2 weeks of your weekly rent amount. Property managers who charge at the higher end should have more comprehensive screening processes to help you find higher quality tenants.
Management fees are the ongoing costs of managing your property. For example:
- collecting rent
- arranging inspections
- communicating with you and your tenants (including difficult tenants)
- organising necessary and authorised repairs to be done by licensed, high-quality tradies, and
- ensuring your legal compliance with ever-changing rental property legislation.
Management fees typically range from 5-7% of your weekly rent amount. Again, property managers at the higher end of the scale should provide a more comprehensive service.
It’s wise to remember the old saying that ‘you get what you pay for’. Price shouldn’t be the deciding factor in your choice of a property manager.
Ultimately it should come down to the quality of the service the property manager provides. It’s crucial to get value for money from your property manager.
It’s also crucial to value your own time as a landlord or rental provider. The more that your property manager does for you, the less you have to do to manage your investment property yourself.
If you choose a property manager that provides a higher quality service, it will save you time, hassle and money in the long run. For example, by finding you higher quality tenants who will look after your property and pay their rent on time.
Other rental property costs
Of course, there are other ongoing tax-deductible costs that you need to factor in when you own an investment property, including:
- council rates
- insurance
- owners’ corporation fees (if you buy into an apartment or townhouse complex)
- land tax (if you exceed Victorian land tax thresholds)
- repairs and maintenance (and it’s important to be proactive with these activities to minimise your overall costs)
- accountancy fees if you want to maximise all your eligible tax deductions.