📅 2026 Update: Changes in Property Management Practices

Since the original article was written, the landscape of property management has seen several notable changes. These updates affect how rental properties are managed, the fees associated with them, and the legal requirements for landlords and property managers. The details of the earlier article continue further down this page.

💰 Management Fees

Management fees for property management have shifted. In Southern California, they now range from 6% to 10% of monthly rents, depending on various factors such as location and property type. In Michigan, the maximum management fee for 2026 is set at $667 per unit per year for standard management and $102 per unit per year for premium management.

📝 Tenant Placement Fees

Tenant placement fees have also been updated. These fees now typically range from 50% to 100% of one month's rent. This includes costs for marketing, showings, screening, and preparing leases.

🔧 Maintenance Costs

Property managers often add a markup of 10% to 20% on contractor invoices for repairs and maintenance. This markup covers the costs associated with managing repairs and upkeep of rental properties, which can be significant over time.

⚖️ Eviction Fees

Eviction processing fees can now range from $150 to $1,200, influenced by the complexity of the case and the location of the property. This cost is an essential consideration for landlords managing rental properties.

📌 Key Points to Remember

  • Management fees in Southern California range from 6% to 10%.
  • In Michigan, management fees are capped at $667 per unit per year.
  • Tenant placement fees are 50% to 100% of one month's rent.
  • Maintenance markups can be between 10% to 20%.
  • Eviction fees may range from $150 to $1,200.

💡 Tips for Managing Rental Properties

Review your specific situation with your attorney to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.

🏠 Understand Local Laws

It's crucial to stay informed about local laws governing property management. Regulations can vary widely by state and municipality, affecting everything from management fees to eviction processes.

📄 Use a Management Agreement

A written management agreement is essential. This contract should clearly outline the duties, fees, and terms agreed upon by both the property owner and property manager.

🔍 Screen Tenants Carefully

Proper tenant screening is vital. This process typically includes background checks and credit reports to ensure you select reliable tenants for your rental properties.

📅 Keep Up with Maintenance Requests

Responding to maintenance requests promptly is important for tenant satisfaction. Urgent issues should be reported immediately, while non-urgent requests generally have a response time of 1 to 3 business days.

🕒 Know Your Deadlines

Be aware of deadlines for rent collection and eviction notices. Rent is usually due on the first day of each month, with a grace period of 3 to 5 days before late fees apply.

🏆 Property Management Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

The services mentioned below are key in the property management sector, focusing on rental management and tenant screening. Rankings are based on Trustpilot data checked in October 2026, reflecting user feedback and experiences. Ratings can change over time, and star ratings are just one aspect as unhappy customers tend to leave more reviews.

🥇 1. RentSpree

RentSpree has earned a Trustpilot score of **4.5. This service is known for its cloud-based rental management and tenant screening capabilities. However, some users have reported occasional technical issues, which can impact the overall user experience.

🥈 2. Buildium

Buildium holds a Trustpilot score of **4.5. It is well-known for its property management software and cloud-based solutions that cater to landlords and property managers. Some users have mentioned a learning curve for new users, which is important to consider when starting with the platform.

🥉 3. AppFolio

AppFolio has a Trustpilot score of **2.1. This service offers property management software and online payment solutions. However, some reviewers have raised concerns about customer service challenges, which could affect users needing support.

4️⃣ TenantBase

TenantBase boasts a Trustpilot score of **4.9. It is recognized for its commercial real estate marketplace and tenant representation services. Some users note that property options can be limited in certain areas, impacting its overall effectiveness in some markets.

🆓 Free Government or Nonprofit Help

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

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

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing Property Management Services

  • 📊 Trustpilot scores and reviews
  • 💼 Types of services offered
  • 💰 Fee structures and management costs
  • 🔍 Tenant screening processes
  • 📞 Customer support availability

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What are the typical property management fees?

Property management fees usually range from 6% to 10% of monthly rents in Southern California, while in Michigan, fees can be up to $667 per unit per year for standard management.

📅 How long does tenant placement take?

Tenant placement generally takes between 30 to 60 days. This timeframe can vary based on market demand and the appeal of the property.

🔧 What should I include in a management agreement?

A management agreement should outline the duties, fees, and terms agreed upon by both the property owner and the property manager. Clarity in these details is crucial.

📄 Are maintenance fees tax-deductible?

Yes, property management fees are generally tax-deductible as ordinary business expenses for rental properties, making them an important factor for landlords.

⚖️ What are eviction processing fees?

Eviction processing fees can vary widely, ranging from $150 to $1,200, depending on the complexity of the case and the location of the property.

📋 Can I manage my own rental property without a license?

Yes, in most states, property owners can manage their own rentals without a license. However, they must still comply with all applicable laws.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Property Management

Recent court rulings have addressed various aspects of property management, including eviction processes and tenant rights. These rulings are essential for understanding evolving legal standards in this area.

Explore more recent rulings in the news section for updates on property management legal matters. more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





Metes and Bounds is derived from the original system of land description employed by the English government in the pre-colonial era. The system traveled to the continental United States by way of the original colonies, and was the basis of the earliest land survey conducted stateside. 


 

What are Metes and Bounds?

The foundation of the system lies in the geography and topography of the locality being surveyed. Much like the PLSS used in the United States today, the surveying process has a point of origin where the land description begins and ends. The surveyor begins at the point of origin and conducts straight runs to the boundaries of the property, forming a running description of the property based on the natural boundaries and monuments.  

Common natural boundaries include rivers, cliffs, rock formations, etc. In addition to these boundaries, surveyors would take note of natural "monuments" in the area, which would help denote the boundary line between the surveyed property and the adjacent land. In the event that no such natural monuments were observed, man-made structures such as posts and flags were used to demarcate boundary lines. Such is the origin of the term "metes and bounds". Metes refers to the measure and direction of the straight runs taken from the point of origin. Likewise Bounds refers to the natural topography of the region which borders and sections the property. Its unlikely that would one own land on both sides of a river or at the top and bottom of a steep cliff.


 


The system of Metes and Bounds was widely used in England and in the colonies for many centuries, but was eventually relinquished by the United States government in favor of the Rectangular survey, which does not face the same restrictions of natural obstacles. Besides those restrictions, other weaknesses of the Metes and Bounds survey system were consistency and maintenance. In early times, unpaved roads and trails (both of which were used as man made monuments for demarcation) often changed location and direction without public registry. 

This was especially true on large parcels of private land. A change in the description of a boundary threw off the entire survey description. This was because Metes and Bounds surveys were summarized in prose, taking an "as-you-go" approach to the land description. One out-of-place boundary could create drastic irregularities when it came time to create a plat or visual representation of the land.


 


Petty disputes between neighbors also arose from the placement of man-made monuments on boundary lines. Many neighbors in Elizabeth I's court accused one another of moving the markers to alter the size of the property, or to claim more favorable topography. As the surveys were written with directions centered around the monuments, this made it very difficult to settle these disputes in court or provide a verdict. 

The weaknesses of this system led the United States government to pass the Land Ordinance of 1785, which began conducting new surveys and revising older ones under the guidelines of the rectangular system of land descriptions.