📅 2026 Update: Changes in Home Repair and Property Management

Since the original article was published, there have been several important updates regarding home repair and property management practices. These changes may affect how homeowners and landlords navigate repairs, tenant relationships, and property management fees. The earlier article continues further down the page, providing foundational information on home repair and real estate law.

🏠 Property Management Fees

In Southern California, property management fees have changed as of April 21, 2026. These fees now range from 6% to 10% of monthly rents. The specific percentage depends on the location, property type, and services provided.

In Michigan, the maximum management fee set by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority is $667 per unit per year for standard management and $102 for premium management.

📃 Tenant Placement Fees

Tenant placement fees are an important aspect of property management. As of 2026, these fees typically range from 50% to 100% of one month's rent. This fee covers various services, including marketing, showings, tenant screening, and lease preparation.

Understanding these costs can help landlords budget effectively.

🔧 Maintenance and Eviction Costs

For property managers, maintenance markups can add to overall repair costs. Managers may add a markup of 10% to 20% on contractor invoices for repairs and upkeep. Additionally, eviction processing fees vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case and the location, with costs ranging from $150 to $1,200.

📅 Processing Times

When it comes to tenant placement, the timeline has some flexibility. Typically, it takes 30 to 60 days to find and place a tenant, depending on market demand and the appeal of the property. Maintenance requests also have different response times, with some managers offering priority or emergency services for urgent issues.

📌 Key Updates Summary

  • 🏠 Management fees in Southern California are now 6% to 10%.
  • 📃 Tenant placement fees range from 50% to 100% of one month's rent.
  • 🔧 Maintenance markups may be 10% to 20% on contractor invoices.
  • 📅 Tenant placement times usually take 30 to 60 days.

💡 Tips for Home Repair and Property Management

Review the details of your own situation with your attorney to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

🔍 Understand Management Agreements

Before hiring a property manager, read the management agreement carefully. It outlines the duties, fees, and terms of the relationship. Knowing what to expect can prevent misunderstandings later.

🏘️ Know Your Rights as a Tenant

Tenants should be aware of their rights under fair housing laws. Resources from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can provide valuable guidance on these matters.

⚖️ Be Prepared for Eviction Procedures

If eviction becomes necessary, understand the costs involved. Eviction processing fees can range from $150 to $1,200 depending on the situation. Being informed helps in planning for these unexpected expenses.

⏱️ Timeliness of Maintenance Requests

Landlords should prioritize timely responses to maintenance requests. Urgent issues should be reported immediately, while non-urgent matters may take 1 to 3 business days for a response.

📊 Evaluate Management Options

When choosing a property management company, consider performance-based pricing. This approach aligns fees with the manager's success in maintaining occupancy and rent levels.

🏆 Property Management Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

Several property management services are available for homeowners and landlords. These services help manage properties, handle repairs, and interact with tenants. The following rankings are based on Trustpilot data from October 2026.

Ratings can change, and unhappy customers often leave reviews, which can affect scores.

🥇 1. Buildium

Buildium has been rated 4.5. This service is known for its cloud-based property management software, which offers various features for landlords and property managers. However, some users report a learning curve for new users, which may require additional training or support.

🥈 2. TenantBase

TenantBase holds an impressive rating of 4.9. It is recognized for its commercial real estate marketplace and tenant representation services. While many users appreciate its user-friendly interface, some mention limited property options in certain areas, which could impact availability for specific needs.

🥉 3. RentSpree

RentSpree has been rated 4.5. This service specializes in cloud-based rental management and tenant screening. Reviewers find its features helpful, but some have reported occasional technical issues that can disrupt the user experience.

4️⃣ AppFolio

AppFolio has a lower rating of 2.1. It is known for property management software and online payment solutions. While it offers many useful features, some users have expressed concerns about customer service challenges, which may hinder effective communication.

🆓 Free Government or Nonprofit Assistance

Various free resources are available to assist tenants and landlords. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides guidance on fair housing laws and tenant rights.

Additionally, many local housing authorities offer free or low-cost assistance for housing-related issues.

🔎 Choosing a Property Management Service

  • 🏢 Compare management fees based on your property type.
  • 📄 Review tenant placement fees and what they cover.
  • 🔍 Investigate maintenance response times and quality.
  • 📊 Look for performance-based pricing options available.
  • 🕒 Understand the processing times for tenant placement and maintenance requests.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🏠 What are the typical property management fees?

Property management fees generally range from 6% to 10% of monthly rents in Southern California. In Michigan, fees are capped at $667 per unit per year for standard management.

📅 How long does it take to place a tenant?

Tenant placement typically takes 30 to 60 days, depending on market demand and the appeal of the property. This timeline can vary based on various factors.

🔧 What should I expect from maintenance response times?

Maintenance response times can vary widely. Urgent issues should be reported immediately, while non-urgent requests may take 1 to 3 business days for a response.

⚖️ What are eviction processing fees?

Eviction processing fees can range from $150 to $1,200. The cost depends on the complexity of the case and the location of the property.

📄 Do I need a license to manage my own rental property?

Most states allow property owners to manage their own rentals without a license. However, owners must still comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

📞 Where can I find free legal assistance for housing issues?

Legal aid organizations often provide free legal advice and representation for housing-related issues. Additionally, local housing authorities may offer resources and assistance.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Home Repair

Recent court rulings have focused on landlord-tenant relationships and property management practices. These cases illustrate the legal responsibilities of both parties in home repair situations.

Explore more recent rulings in the news section: more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





1. Home Repairs: What your landlord must fix: 

Landlords who have tenants living on their property are required by law to keep the property in a condition fit for human habitation.  On a basic level, all landlords must ensure that the building structure is safe, tenants have access to hot and cold water, fix pest infestation, and ensure that plumbing, electrical, and heat are all up to local codes and ordinances. 

While these are the basic requirements, each state has different laws and rules, so make sure that you consult your local laws to ensure a rental property is in compliance with the law. 

Home Repair

2. What the tenant must fix 

Most minor problems which do not affect the ability of the tenant to live on the property fall under the responsibility of the tenant to fix.  These include minor plumbing issues, minor aesthetic defects, minor dirt and debris, or problems created by the tenant.  While all of these issues may cause some annoyance, the landlord is not responsible. 

Always consult your rental agreement to determine if your landlord is required to fix certain things.  While not required by law, any agreements to fix or clean your rental property must be done by the landlord if in the agreement. 

3. Getting your landlord to make repairs

While landlords are required to make major repairs but not required to make minor ones, getting your landlord to fix problems requires constant communication with the landlord.  Always, the first step is to notify your landlord of the issue.  Often, landlords want to fix problems, as they face financial loss if the property is damaged.  

If your landlord refuses to make repairs, follow these steps:

- Put it your request in writing.  You need to have proof that your landlord was notified of the problem.  Write a letter to your landlord, with a date, specifying the problems with your rental unit. Keep a copy for your own records, in case you need to prove your landlord was on notice of the issue. 


- Seek mediation or a non-legal form of dispute resolution.  There are services that provide advisory consultation and meeting facilitation between landlords and tenants to resolve their disputes.  Contact one of these services before going a more aggressive route.

- Report your landlord to the authorities.  This may require that you file a lawsuit in landlord-tenant court or that you contact the local housing or zoning authority.  Always be cautious when going this route.  You must report only with clean hands.  Do not report or file a lawsuit if the landlord has a claim against you, such as for late payment of rent, damage to the property, or any violation of the rental agreement. 

Liability for damages to rental property can either be on the tenant, if the tenant caused the issue, or on the landlord, if the property needs to be repaired without fault of the tenant.