Self-Managing vs Hiring a Property Manager

Key takeawaysSelf managing saves the fee, but costs you time, and puts the legal risk on you.A property manager handles three hard parts: the tenant, the compliance, and the money.WA…

Key takeaways

Self managing saves the fee, but costs you time, and puts the legal risk on you.
A property manager handles three hard parts: the tenant, the compliance, and the money.
WA landlord law is specific, and getting it wrong is expensive. Compliance is the real value.
The honest test is whether the fee is worth the time, the risk and the expertise it removes.

Some landlords manage their own property, and some hand it over. Both are legitimate. The choice is not really about the fee, it is about time, risk and expertise. Here is an honest comparison, from a manager who will still tell you when self managing is fine.

What self managing saves, and costs

Self managing has one clear benefit and several hidden costs.

It saves the management fee. That is the appeal, and it is real.
It costs your time. Advertising, screening, inspections, maintenance calls and rent follow up all land on you.
It puts the risk on you. If you get the law wrong, the cost is yours to wear.

If you have one property, live nearby, have the time, and know the law, self managing can work well. Be honest about all four.

What a property manager actually does

A manager earns the fee on three hard jobs.

1. The tenant

Finding and keeping a good tenant is the whole game. A manager markets the property, screens applicants against income, employment and rental history, and acts fast on arrears. A good tenant found early is worth far more than a saved fee.

2. The compliance

This is where self managing bites. WA landlord duties are specific. You must provide two RCDs, hardwired smoke alarms under ten years old, blind cord safety and pool barriers. Rent can rise no more than once every 12 months, with 60 days written notice. The bond is four weeks rent plus a $350 pet bond where a pet is approved. Get any of this wrong and it is costly. Getting it right is the real value a manager adds.

3. The money and the records

A manager collects the rent, disburses it, pays outgoings, keeps the records, and handles the routine inspections that protect your asset. See how we inspect on our rental inspections page.

A leased board in Parmelia. The manager’s job is a good tenant and a compliant tenancy.

The honest test

Ask yourself three questions.

Is my time worth more than the fee I would save?
Am I confident I can meet every WA landlord obligation, every time?
Do I want the tenant calls, or would I rather they went to someone else?

Good to know. There is no shame in either answer. Plenty of landlords self manage well. Plenty decide the fee buys back their weekends and their peace of mind.

If you would rather hand it over

See what full management includes, and the fees we do and do not charge, on our property management page. If you are switching from another agency, we handle the move for you.

Want to know what your property would rent for, and what we would handle? Ask us for a plain answer.

Get My Rental Appraisal Enquire Now

Linda Healey

Head of Property Management

A happy home is more than a roof over your head; it’s a foundation under your feet.

I have always felt a strong connection to those words. For me, matching the right tenant with the right property is just as important as the property itself is to its owner—whether it’s a much-loved family home or an important investment.

My career in real estate began in New Zealand, where I worked my way up to Assistant Manager at Christchurch’s largest property management company, overseeing more than 600 properties. When I moved to Perth in 2008, I continued my professional growth, completing my REIWA License in Property Management, Certificate IV in Property Services, and several other qualifications. I’m also close to completing my Diploma in Property Services.

With over 20 years of experience across both commercial and residential management, I’ve had the privilege of leading award-winning departments, being nominated for Property Manager of the Year, and contributing to a professional property management chapter in Western Australia. As a personal investor in both residential and commercial property, I understand the importance of protecting investments while ensuring tenants feel at home.

I pride myself on being approachable, professional, and thorough. Communication is central to the way I work—I make sure that both owners and tenants are always kept in the loop and feel supported. I often describe my role as part counsellor, part negotiator, part advisor, and sometimes even teacher or handyman. Property management is about balancing people’s emotional and financial commitments to their homes, and when everything comes together, I find it incredibly rewarding.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband, our two young daughters (aged 5 and 7), and our energetic cavoodle. I’m also an active member of the P&C at Aubin Grove Primary School, which gives me the chance to stay involved in the school community and support my children’s education. And whenever I can, I love cheering on the mighty boys in black—the All Blacks.