Quick answer: Hiring a property management company saves landlords time, reduces vacancy and tenant risk, and keeps you compliant with Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act. A good property manager handles everything from tenant screening and rent collection to 24/7 emergencies and preventative maintenance, so your rental earns income without taking over your life.
Are you finding it difficult to keep up with the demands of being a landlord? Real estate investing can be a great source of passive income, but the day-to-day operations of a rental can take more time than you might be up for. This is where a property management company can step in to save the day.
At Power Properties, we've managed rentals across Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat for over 45 years, and we look after more than 1,000 properties today. Here are the 9 biggest benefits we see for landlords who hire a property manager.
1. Better tenant screening (and fewer problem tenants)
Putting the wrong tenant in your rental can cost you months of lost rent, repair bills and, in the worst case, an eviction. That's why property managers spend real time screening tenants properly before anyone signs a lease.
A good property management company checks:
Employment and income: Verified with paystubs, a recent employment letter, or a call to the applicant's supervisor or HR. TIP: As a guideline, make sure the tenant earns at least 3x the monthly rent, so they can comfortably cover rent and other living expenses.
Landlord references: This one should never be skipped! A previous landlord can tell you whether the applicant paid on time and took care of the home, including cleanliness, lawn care and noise complaints. Here are 6 questions worth asking a previous landlord.
Credit check: A full credit report shows the applicant's accounts, so their income and debts can be assessed together.
2. Staying compliant with Alberta's rental laws
Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) sets strict rules for landlords, and mistakes can be costly. A property manager makes sure the details are handled correctly, including:
Security deposits (no more than one month's rent, held in a trust account)
Move-in and move-out inspection reports
Proper written notice for rent increases, entries and lease endings
Following the right process if a tenancy goes wrong, through the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Service (RTDRS) or the courts
3. Setting the right rent and filling vacancies faster
Every month your rental sits empty is income you don't get back. Property managers know the local market and price rentals to rent, not to sit. They also handle the marketing for you: professional photos, listings on the major rental sites, showings and follow-ups.
4. Reliable rent collection and reporting
Chasing late rent is one of the least fun parts of being a landlord. A property manager collects rent, follows up on late payments, and sends it to you on a set schedule. You also get clear monthly statements through an owner portal, which makes tax time a lot easier.
5. They know what to do in every situation
From move-in to move-out, property management companies are equipped to handle whatever comes up with your tenant or rental. Chances are, they've seen it before! From non-payment of rent to a leaking toilet, they know how to assess and handle it.
6. 24/7 emergency response
Imagine getting a phone call from your tenant at midnight because their furnace stopped working in the middle of an Alberta winter! Not anymore! Most property management companies have a 24/7 emergency line, so you can sleep easy knowing your tenants can always reach someone.
7. Maintenance coordination and trusted vendors
Property managers have established relationships with plumbers, electricians, furnace techs and handymen. That usually means faster repairs and fair pricing, because vendors want to keep a company's steady business. You get the work done without spending your evenings calling around for quotes.
8. Preventative maintenance inspections
Surprisingly, many private landlords skip regular inspections. Most property management companies conduct inspections at least once a year and send you a detailed report on your property's condition. It's a check-up on how your tenants are caring for the home, and a chance to catch small issues early. Preventative maintenance saves you money and helps avoid costly surprise repairs. (Need a head start? Here's our fall maintenance checklist.)
9. Your time back
All of the above adds up. Lease paperwork, showings, rent collection, repairs and tenant calls all come off your plate. For a lot of our owners, that's the biggest benefit of all: getting the income from a rental without it feeling like a second job.
Is hiring a property manager worth the cost?
For most landlords, yes, especially if you own more than one rental, live outside the city, or simply don't want to be on call. Property management fees are usually a percentage of the monthly rent, plus a leasing fee when a new tenant is placed. At Power Properties, we believe in transparency, that’s why we have an all-inclusive property management fee.
When you compare property managers, ask each company:
What's included in the monthly fee, and what costs extra?
How do you screen tenants?
How often do you inspect, and do I get a written report?
Is there a spending limit for repairs before you check with me?
How do you handle late rent and evictions?
How and when do I get paid, and what reports will I see?
Want to see the numbers for your own rental? Try our ROI Calculator.
Why landlords choose Power Properties
Over 45 years managing rental properties in Alberta
1,000 properties under management
Local teams in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat
24/7 emergency line, annual inspections, and an online owner portal
Ready to hand off the day-to-day?
Interested in hiring a property manager in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge or Medicine Hat? Book a free rental evaluation and we'll tell you what your property could rent for and how we'd manage it.
Frequently asked questions
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The main benefits are better tenant screening, staying compliant with Alberta's Residential Tenancies Act, faster leasing at the right rent, reliable rent collection, 24/7 emergency response, trusted maintenance vendors, regular inspections, and getting your time back.
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Often, yes. Even one bad tenant or one long vacancy can cost more than a year of management fees. It's especially worth it if you work full time, live outside the city, or don't want to handle late-night calls.
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Most Alberta property managers charge a percentage (10%-15%) of the monthly rent, plus a leasing fee when they place a new tenant.
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They market the rental, screen tenants, prepare leases, collect rent, coordinate repairs, answer tenant calls (including emergencies), complete inspections, and send owners monthly statements.
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Ask what the fee includes, how they screen tenants, how often they inspect, their repair approval limit, how they handle late rent and evictions, and how and when you get paid.
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Yes. Power Properties manages rentals in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat.
