Many landlords only discover too late how much a bad property manager can cost them, not just financially, but in time, stress, and long-term property performance. If you’re an experienced investor or managing multiple properties, you already know that reliable management is essential. But what happens when the wrong person is in charge?
If you’ve ever searched “bad property manager Sydney” out of frustration, this one’s for you.
The Real Cost of Poor Property Management
It starts small. A vacant property sits a bit longer than usual, maintenance requests drag out, or a tenant becomes uncontactable. But the real cost builds fast:
- Extended vacancies mean you’re losing rent each week the property sits empty.
- Missed rent reviews allow rents to lag behind market value.
- Emergency repairs from neglected maintenance become far more expensive.
- Legal disputes from non-compliance with NSW tenancy laws.
- Frequent tenant turnover from poor communication or unresolved issues.
As Cate Bakos from Empower Wealth Group puts it, “The selection of the property manager should be as crucial as the asset selection itself, because ultimately this person is managing your most valuable asset”.
Common Warning Signs
You don’t need to wait for major damage or legal action to realise you’ve made the wrong hire. Look for these red flags early:
- Poor communication or slow response times. Unanswered emails or phone tag are never a good sign.
- Vague or irregular financial reports. Unclear breakdowns of income and expenses indicate sloppy management.
- Inadequate inspections, or worse, no inspections at all. You should expect a detailed written report with photos at least annually.
- Tenant complaints or disputes. A revolving door of issues often points to mismanagement.
- Lack of local market knowledge, especially when pricing rent or assessing tenant demand.
One common trap is managers who pass on every tenant request without filtering. As Bakos noted: “These property managers forget who they are working for… Rubbish requests that waste my time are not relevant to the tenant’s comfort”.
The Cost of Staying with the Wrong Manager
Little slip-ups can really add up. Think about it: an empty unit for weeks, forgetting to raise the rent, or hiring cheap contractors without checking their references. All these things can eat away at your profits. And it’s not just about the money; it’s a huge time-sink too.
If you’re always chasing updates, handling disputes, or repeating yourself, you’re basically managing your manager instead of getting your own stuff done.
How to Spot a Better Property Manager
Here’s what to look for if you’re ready to upgrade:
- Transparent financial reporting. Clear, regular breakdowns of income, expenses, and upcoming lease changes.
- Routine, proactive inspections, with detailed photos and notes.
- Hands-on leadership. At Mclaws Property, the business owners are directly involved in your property’s care.
- Deep local knowledge, especially across Hurstville, Carlton, Penshurst and surrounding suburbs.
- Rigorous tenant selection. Not just finding tenants fast, but the right tenants for your property.
Choose Confidence Over Chaos
Landlords who stay with a bad property manager in Sydney often pay for it long after the lease ends. Lost income, neglected maintenance, and stressful tenant situations are all avoidable with the right team.
At Mclaws Property, we manage your investment with precision, care, and local expertise. And we’re always just a phone call away.
Ready for less stress and better returns?
Contact us at Mclaws Property today and see how your property could perform under expert care.