Have you ever thought about having a property management career? Or have you wondered what goes into property manager employment?

To become a property manager in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, there are a few steps you’ll need to follow. Here’s a guide on how to become a qualified property manager:

1. Meet the Basic Eligibility Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a visa that allows you to work in Australia.
• Have a good character and no criminal record.

2. Complete the Required Training

To work as a property manager in NSW, you need to complete specific qualifications and training:

• Certificate IV in Property Services (Real Estate): This is the primary qualification you need to become a licensed property manager. The full course is required to meet the educational standards for property managers in NSW. You will learn about property law, leasing and management, property marketing, and managing finances.
• Units of Competency: Make sure the course you choose covers the required units for property management, such as leasing, managing tenancies, and property maintenance.

You can enrol in this course through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), either in-person or online.

3. Apply for a Real Estate Licence

After completing the required training, you will need to apply for a real estate licence from NSW Fair Trading. This is the official body that oversees licensing for real estate agents and property managers in the state.

• Apply online via the NSW Fair Trading website.
• You will need to provide evidence of completing the relevant qualifications (e.g., Certificate IV).
• Pay the licensing fee (fees can vary, so check the official site for the latest cost).

4. Gain Practical Experience

• It’s recommended (though not always a requirement) to work as a real estate assistant or in another entry-level position before becoming a property manager. This will help you gain hands-on experience in the property management industry.
• During your time as an assistant, you’ll work alongside experienced property managers and learn more about managing properties, dealing with tenants, and handling the day-to-day responsibilities.

5. Work as a Property Manager

Once you have your real estate licence, you can officially work as a property manager. You may work for a real estate agency, property management company, or even start your own property management business.

6. Continual Professional Development

To keep your licence current, you may need to complete ongoing professional development (CPD) and training as required by NSW Fair Trading.

Key Skills for Property Managers:

• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of NSW property laws, leasing agreements, and tenant rights.
• Organisational skills to manage multiple properties effectively.
• Ability to handle disputes and resolve issues between tenants and property owners.

Summary:

• Complete a Certificate IV in Property Services (Real Estate).
• Apply for a real estate licence through NSW Fair Trading.
• Gain practical experience (optional but recommended).
• Start working as a property manager.

Daily Tasks of a Property Manager in NSW:

• Respond to inquiries from tenants or prospects regarding property issues or vacancies.
• Handle tenant issues and complaints, including noise, repairs, or disputes.
• Manage lease renewals and negotiations with tenants.
• Maintain relationships and communicate clearly with tenants.
• Conduct regular and mid-lease property inspections.
• Prepare and update entry and exit condition reports.
• Manage and coordinate maintenance requests and contractor work.
• Ensure quality and compliance of maintenance work.
• Organise routine maintenance like cleaning, pest control, or landscaping.
• Process tenant applications and perform background/reference checks.
• Draft and finalise lease agreements, ensuring legal compliance.
• Assist new tenants with onboarding, keys, and property walk-throughs.
• Collect rent, issue receipts, and follow up on arrears.
• Manage late payments, set up payment plans, or escalate to legal proceedings if necessary.
• Prepare financial and budget reports for property owners.
• Stay updated with NSW tenancy laws, building codes, and health/safety rules.
• Handle eviction processes legally and ethically when needed.
• Advertise vacancies and conduct property inspections for potential tenants.
• Negotiate lease promotions or rental incentives to reduce vacancy rates.
• Pay property-related expenses including maintenance and utilities.
• Prepare owner reports including financial and maintenance summaries.
• Ensure trust account compliance and manage rent funds properly.
• Conduct thorough move-in and move-out inspections with full documentation.
• Assess and manage damages and bond return negotiations.
• Respond to emergencies like water leaks, electrical failures, or security issues.
• Handle crisis situations such as break-ins, natural disasters, or major repairs.
• Stay informed about legislation changes and property trends.
• Attend training, seminars, and industry events to improve skills.
• Meet regularly with owners to review performance and plans for their properties.
• Encourage tenant retention through strong service and communication.

At Tink Recruitment we focus on real estate recruitment in Sydney. Property jobs and property positions are one of our main job roles we hire for in our job recruitment agency. If you are looking for your next career step in real estate, give us a call or email. We can provide you some further guidance on your career aspirations.