Property management is an essential part of the real estate industry in Australia. It is the process of managing a property to ensure it is maintained and utilised effectively. In fact, property management involves a wide range of tasks, including leasing, rent collection, maintenance, and accounting.
This article aims to provide an ultimate guide to property management in Australia.
Laws and Regulations
Specific laws and regulations govern property management in Australia. Therefore, property managers must comply with the laws and regulations to ensure they operate legally. The essential laws and regulations that govern property management in Australia include the following:
Moreover, property managers must also comply with other laws and regulations, including privacy laws, building and safety laws, and taxation laws.

Leasing
Leasing is a critical aspect of property management. Property managers are responsible for finding suitable tenants, negotiating leases, and ensuring tenants comply with the lease terms.
This is why property managers must also ensure that the lease is legally binding and enforceable. When leasing a property, property managers must consider the following:
- The rental market in the area
- The rental value of the property
- The condition of the property
- The type of tenant that the property would attract
- The length of the lease
- The terms and conditions of the lease

Rent Collection
Property managers are responsible for collecting tenant rent and ensuring the rent is paid on time. They must also keep accurate records of all rent payments and ensure tenants know their obligations.
If tenants fail to pay rent on time, appropriate action must be taken, including issuing notices and taking legal action if necessary.

Maintenance
Ensuring that the property is well-maintained and in good condition is crucial. Any maintenance issues that arise must be addressed promptly and efficiently. When managing maintenance, it is essential to:
- Conduct regular inspections of the property
- Respond promptly to maintenance requests from tenants
- Organise repairs and maintenance work
- Keep accurate records of all maintenance work

Accounting
Property managers must keep accurate records of all income and expenses related to the property. They should also provide regular reports to property owners, including income statements and balance sheets.
Aside from this, property managers must also ensure that the property complies with taxation laws and that all taxes are paid on time.
Do You Need a Property Manager?
Whether or not you need a property manager depends on several factors, including the property’s location, the type of property, and your circumstances. Here are some reasons why you may need a property manager:

1. Time Constraints
Suppose you don’t have the time or the desire to manage your property. In that case, a property manager can take care of all aspects of property management, including leasing, rent collection, maintenance, and accounting.
2. Distance
If you do not live near your property, a property manager can be a great asset as they can be responsible for regular inspections and maintenance.
3. Legal Compliance
Property managers have in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations governing property management. They can ensure that your property complies with all relevant laws and regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues.
4. Tenant Screening
A property manager can help you find the right tenants for your property by conducting thorough background checks, verifying employment, and verifying references.
5. Expertise
Property managers have extensive knowledge of the rental market and can help you set the right rental price for your property. In summary, if you have time constraints, live far away from your property, need help with legal compliance, want help with tenant screening, or need a property manager’s expertise, then you may need a property manager.

How to Choose a Property Manager
Choosing the right property manager is crucial for ensuring your property is well-maintained and profitable. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a property manager in Australia:
1. Experience
Look for property managers with extensive experience in managing properties in the desired area, as they will better understand the local rental market and the unique challenges of managing properties there.
2. Qualifications
Check if the property manager is qualified and licensed to operate in the desired state or territory. This ensures that the property manager operates legally and has the necessary knowledge to manage the property effectively.
3. Reputation
Look for property managers who have a good reputation in the industry. Check online reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get an idea of their level of service and professionalism. At Grow&Co, we have a 4.9-star review on Google, for example.
4. Services
Consider the services that the property manager offers. Some property managers offer a full suite of services, while others may only provide specific services. Choose a property manager who offers the services that you require.
5. Communication
Effective communication is essential for a successful property management relationship. Look for property managers who are responsive and communicate clearly and regularly.

How Much Are Property Management Fees?
Property management fees vary depending on several factors, including the property’s location, the type of property, and the services the property management company provides. Property management fees typically range from 5% to 12% of the monthly rental income in Australia.
However, some property management companies may charge a flat fee or a combination of a fixed fee and a percentage of the rental income. It’s important to note that property management fees do not include additional charges such as advertising fees, maintenance costs, and leasing fees.
Discussing all fees with the property management company before entering into a contract is essential.

Key Takeaways
Property management is an integral part of the real estate industry in Australia, wherein it involves managing a property to ensure its effective maintenance and utilisation. When managing a property, property managers must consider the rental market, rental value, property condition, tenant type, lease length, and terms and conditions. Property managers must also ensure that the property is well-maintained, rent is collected on time, and accurate records are kept of all income and expenses related to the property. If you want to ensure your Gold Coast property is well-maintained and profitable, trust Grow&Co Property Agents for all your property management needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help you with leasing, rent collection, maintenance, and accounting. We can manage your property to the highest standard with our expertise and Gold Coast property management knowledge.