📅 2026 Update: Changes in Land Descriptions and Property Management

Since the original article was published, there have been several updates in property management fees and regulations that impact land descriptions and surveys in real estate. These changes are significant for both property owners and renters, and they help clarify how land descriptions are used in property management. The earlier article continues further down the page.

🏠 New Property Management Fees

As of April 21, 2026, property management fees in Southern California now range from 6% to 10% of monthly rents. This varies based on location, property type, and the services provided. For property owners, understanding these fees is crucial when budgeting for rental management.

📊 Management Fees in Michigan

For 2026, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has set a maximum management fee of $667 per unit per year for standard management. For premium management, the fee is $102 per unit per year. These caps help standardize costs and protect property owners from excessive charges.

📝 Important Management Agreements

A management agreement is vital for property owners and managers. It outlines duties, fees, and terms. Having a clear agreement helps prevent disputes and ensures that all parties understand their responsibilities.

📅 Timelines for Tenant Placement

Tenant placement typically takes 30 to 60 days based on market demand and property appeal. Owners should factor this time into their plans, especially when seeking new tenants.

📌 Key Updates at a Glance

  • 🏠 Property management fees in Southern California range from 6% to 10%.
  • 📊 In Michigan, MSHDA sets management fees at $667 for standard and $102 for premium management.
  • 📝 A management agreement is essential for clear duties and responsibilities.
  • 📅 Tenant placement usually takes 30 to 60 days.

💡 Tips for Managing Land Descriptions in Real Estate

It's important to review the details of your situation with your attorney.

📝 Understand Your Management Agreement

Before signing a management agreement, read it carefully. Ensure it includes all necessary details about fees and responsibilities to avoid misunderstandings later.

🔍 Know Your Rights

Familiarize yourself with tenant rights and property management laws in your state. Understanding these can protect you from unfair practices or fees.

📅 Plan for Eviction Processes

If you face the need to evict a tenant, be aware that the process can take several weeks to months. Prepare accordingly for potential delays and costs associated with eviction.

🏠 Factor in Maintenance Costs

When budgeting for property management, consider maintenance markups. Managers might add 10% to 20% on contractor invoices, which can impact your overall expenses.

📊 Use Screening Services Wisely

Tenant screening is critical for finding reliable renters. Include background checks and credit reports to ensure you choose the right tenant for your property.

🏆 Property Management Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

The services listed here focus on property management and tenant services, directly connecting to how land descriptions are handled in real estate. These companies have been rated based on Trustpilot data from October 2026. Keep in mind that ratings can fluctuate and unhappy customers may leave more reviews.

🥇 1. Buildium

Buildium has been rated 4.5. It is known for its property management software and cloud-based solutions. Users appreciate the platform's convenience but some report a learning curve for new users.

🥈 2. TenantBase

TenantBase holds an impressive score of 4.9. It specializes in commercial real estate and tenant representation services. While many users praise their experience, some mention limited property options in certain regions.

🥉 3. RentSpree

RentSpree averages 4.5. It offers cloud-based rental management and tenant screening services. Users find it helpful, but occasional technical issues have been noted by some reviewers.

4️⃣ AppFolio

AppFolio has a lower score of 2.1. It provides property management software and online payment solutions. While it has been a go-to for some, users often report challenges with customer service.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Help

Many local housing authorities, along with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), offer free or low-cost assistance for landlords and tenants. These resources can be invaluable for those navigating property management issues.

🔎 Key Comparison Points for Property Management Services

  • 🏠 Look for clear management agreements.
  • 📊 Consider the reputation based on user reviews.
  • 📝 Check for additional fees, like maintenance markups.
  • 📅 Understand tenant placement timelines.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is a management agreement?

A management agreement is a written contract between a property owner and a property manager. It outlines duties, fees, and terms for managing the property.

📅 How long does tenant placement usually take?

Tenant placement typically takes 30 to 60 days. This duration depends on market demand and how appealing the property is to potential renters.

🏠 What are common maintenance response times?

Maintenance response times can vary widely. Some property managers offer priority or emergency services for urgent repairs, while non-urgent requests may take 1 to 3 business days.

🚪 What are eviction processing costs?

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.

📝 Are property management fees tax-deductible?

Yes, property management fees are generally tax-deductible as ordinary business expenses for rental properties. This can be beneficial for property owners managing their finances.

📊 What are on-site management requirements?

Some jurisdictions require on-site managers for buildings with a certain number of units, typically between 9 and 16. This ensures better oversight and management of the property.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Affecting Property Management

Recent court rulings have emphasized the importance of clear agreements and compliance with management laws. These decisions connect to how land descriptions are used in property management practices.

For more recent rulings, feel free to check out more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





The Survey For thousands of years, the land survey has been a crucial element of nearly all real estate law and real estate litigation. Incorporating nearly every element of mathematics, hard science, and property law, surveying is often oversimplified by some as a means of ascertaining the the boundaries of a property. 

Incorporating also soil constitution, building measurement, and constitution of terrain, land surveys are crucial in many forms of legal litigation, not only in property disputes, but also in civil actions and criminal proceedings, and its scope varies in breadth from the studio apartment to the average neighborhood, all the way up to our largest cities. When the result of scrupulous data collection, the land survey forms the basis by which any legal judgment on property is based and determined.


How are Land Descriptions Used in Surveys


Land Descriptions



A land description is an accurate representation of a land parcel or piece of property. This property may be owned publicly or privately, and can be represented in various forms. The process of obtaining an accurate land description is known as Surveying. A survey is conducted by a licensed surveyor on behalf of either the government of the locality, or the private owner of the property.

This survey then takes the form of either a written prose description, or a visual representation known as a plat. Throughout history, surveying has shifted through varying methodologies depending upon the region. Early American surveys derived from the traditional English measurements of Metes and Bounds, but later shifted toward the Public Land Survey System used by the United States Government today.