Apr 26, 2025
As a landlord your investment deserves more than “set and forget” service. The right property manager can protect your rental, maximise your income, and reduce your stress. But if your current property manager is dropping the ball, it might be costing you more than you think. Here are 7 signs it’s time to switch to a property manager who truly understands the local rental market, and your goals as an investor.
1. They Don’t Communicate Proactively
You should never be left wondering what’s happening with your rental property. A great property manager will keep you informed on inspections, tenant updates, maintenance, and rent reviews - before you have to ask. If your manager is slow to respond or always “busy,” it’s a sign of poor systems or lack of care.
2. They Don’t Understand Property Investment
You’re not just a landlord - you’re an investor. That means you need a manager who understands yield, cashflow, long-term growth, and how small changes can drive better returns. At i-Rentals, we’re investors too. That gives us an edge when it comes to helping landlords make smart, profitable decisions.
3. They’re Not Keeping Your Rent Competitive
Rental prices in Whangārei have shifted a lot over the last few years. If your rent hasn’t been reviewed recently - or if you're unsure what similar homes are renting for, your property might be underperforming. A good manager will track the local market and suggest rent increases when appropriate, without risking tenant loss.
4. They Place Tenants Without Thorough Screening
Finding a tenant quickly shouldn’t come at the expense of quality. Your property manager should follow a rigorous screening process: checking rental history, income, references, and even credit reports. One bad tenant can cause months of stress and thousands in damages - don’t risk it.
5. They Delay Maintenance Requests
Fast action on maintenance isn’t just about keeping tenants happy. It protects your property from further damage and shows that your rental is professionally managed. If you’re hearing complaints from tenants or seeing neglected issues at inspection time, your manager isn’t doing their job properly.
6. They Don’t Provide Clear, Transparent Reports
You should know exactly how your rental is performing - down to the last dollar. If you’re getting vague reports or can’t access inspection notes, financial summaries, or maintenance invoices easily, your manager is lacking transparency. At i-Rentals, we use simple, up-to-date systems to keep our landlords in the loop.
7. They’re Not Protecting You Legally
New Zealand tenancy laws change frequently, especially around Healthy Homes compliance, bond processes, and notice periods. A good property manager will ensure your property is legally compliant and keep you updated on law changes that affect your rights and responsibilities.
Why Switch to i-Rentals Whangārei?
We’re not just property managers—we’re landlords and investors, just like you. That means we manage your property like it’s our own, with proactive communication, strategic rent reviews, and top-tier tenant selection. We also offer flexible pricing and personal service tailored to the Whangārei and Northland region.
📞 Ready to Make the Switch?Get a free rental property health check and see how i-Rentals can help you maximise returns with less stress.👉 021 438 232 to book a free appraisal.
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